Classes, Programs and Events
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens hosts seasonal programs and annual events to get people excited about enhancing and preserving natural resources and the environment.
While many of the programs and events are free, some do have a small participation fee. Advance registration and RSVPs are encouraged, where noted.
Annual Events
The Friends of the Arboretum hosts five annual events to bring new and repeat visitors, young and old, to the 300-acre facility. Four of the events have admission fees; the money is used for new projects and/or to make improvements at the Arboretum.
Additionally, every spring, the Friends group hosts a Photo Contest. Winning photos are used for promotion of the Arboretum, and for fundraising, publicity and advertising.
Seasonal Events
Programs/Classes
Outdoor Classroom
Let your little scientist learn about nature in a fun and exciting way...
Students will learn about the world of plants and animals through observation, hikes, games, stories and more at the Arboretum. Cost is $5 per student:
Meet Mr. Tree - A Living Creature (year-round)
Become a botanist for the day and explore the fascinating world of trees in their natural surroundings. Through short hikes, stories and hands-on activities, students will learn the parts of a tree, how they grow, and how big they'll get.
Crazy for Critters (year-round)
Take a walk on the wild side and explore the Arboretum grounds looking for the different places animals make their homes and raise their young. Students will use their imaginations as they roll-play with puppets looking for food and a place to live.
Green Thumb Gardeners (spring)
Roll-up your sleeves and dig in as students explore the world of plants and how they grow. Little gardeners will learn how to make a garden, plant seeds, have a scavenger hunt, and go hunting for bugs.
Fantastic Flowers (spring)
Explore the secrets of the season as we visit the Arboretum's colorful and fragrant gardens. Why do flowers have different shapes, sizes, colors and smells? Why do bees, butterflies and hummingbirds visit these flowers? Join us and find out.
Spring session: March 16-May 27
Age
| Time
| Class Size
|
| 3-year-olds |
9:30-10:30 a.m. or 1-2 p.m. |
10 to 12 per class |
| Pre-K (ages 4 to 6) |
9:30-11 a.m. or 12:45-2:15 p.m. |
12 to 24 per class |
| Kindergarten to 2nd grade |
9:30-11 a.m. or 12:45-2:15 p.m. |
20 to 24 per class |
*Individual registration is available the second Tuesday of the month (4-year-olds) and the second Friday of the month (3-year-olds).
For more information, contact the instructor, Carolyn Dewey, at 913-897-2991. Dewey is a former preschool teacher and director with 32 years of experience.