With nature as the touchstone for each workshop, the Conservatory’s camp programs allow children to gain hands-on experiences exploring the natural world through the lens of science and the arts. Each workshop is planned around a theme and includes age appropriate and enriching activities. Popular half-day camps for preschool and kindergarten students are again available in the morning and afternoon. Full-day camps are available for 1st–6th grade students.
During each camp, kids will learn about eco-hero Wangai Matthai, founder of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya and 2004 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and will participate in choosing a tree to plant in Wangai's honor. Campers and their families are encouraged to attend a tree planting party at the end of the summer. Please consider making a donation to help cover costs of the tree and memorial plaque when enrolling in summer camp.
June 10–14, 9am–12pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list
June 10–14, 1pm–4pm
Favorite stories come to life in this entertaining camp where imagination is cultivated! Interactive storytelling will lead to hands on adventures! Each day we learn a new story and new skills to make crafts.
$95 Members; $105 Non-members
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June 10–14, 9am–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list
Explore the garden and exercise your green thumb! Campers will learn about all things green, perform mad botanist experiments, create garden art and learn what makes a garden grow.
Member $200, Non-member $210
June 17–21, 9am–4pm
Explore the many habitats in Franklin Park to learn which insects, birds and other animals make their home here in our own backyard! Investigate soil, seeds and sprouts to learn how plants grow. Campers will make and use gadgets to explore the wonders of animals, plants and the natural world.
Member $200, Non-member $210
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June 24–28, 9am–12pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list.
June 24–28, 1pm–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list.
Put on your eye patch and prepare to search for treasure! Each day a map will guide us on our adventures through the many habitats in Franklin Park. We will use pirate maps and binoculars to find clues around the park, while discovering what creatures live here and how they use plants to make their homes.
$95 Members; $105 Non-members
June 24–28, 9am–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list.
Read it and eat it! We will be reading some classic food themed books and cooking and baking fun recipes from the story! Some of the culinary classics we will read include: Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!, Monsieur Saguette and his Baguette, Stone Soup and Thunder Cake!
Member $200, Non-member $210
July 8–12, 9am–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list.
Argh! Do you want to search for ancient artifacts? Be a thief of the sea? A dinosaur hunter? This camp explores the art of map-making, using the Conservatory and botanical gardens as our starting point and ending wherever our imaginations lead us!
Member $200, Non-member $210
July 15–19, 9am–12pm
August 5–9, 9am–12pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list
Young artists will develop a wonder and love of nature as they create and express themselves through art. Chihuly glass and the tropical rainforest will be our inspiration as we draw, paint, create collages and 3D artworks in this brand new camp!
$100 Members; $110 Non-members
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July 15–19, 9am–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list
Learn to cook your way around the world! We will sample new and familiar foods from different cultures as we harvest fruits and vegetables from the garden to create new culinary masterpieces using healthy, garden fresh recipes!
Member $200, Non-member $210
July 22–26, 9am–12pm
July 22–26, 1pm–4pm
What do bugs, bats and butterflies have to do with plants? Learn how insects and bats help plants grow, how bees make honey and why ladybugs are a gardener’s friend. Campers will explore the bug world, plant seeds and explore in the garden as they learn.
$95 Members; $105 Non-members
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July 22–26, 9am–4pm
Explore the gardens and grounds of Franklin Park to discover what is living in our ponds, trees and under the soil! Campers will learn about water and the natural world through hands on experiences and experiments.
Member $200, Non-member $210
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July 29–August 2, 9am–12pm
July 29–August 2, 1pm–4pm
Walk, talk and act like a pirate in this fun filled camp. We will discover how to navigate our way through the Conservatory using maps. Campers will enjoy learning outdoors.
$95 Members; $105 Non-members.
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July 29–August 2, 9am–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list
Travel around the world without leaving our kitchen and gardens! We will learn about faraway places as we cook and bake fresh and healthy international recipes!
Member $200, Non-member $210
August 5–9, 9am–4pm Sold Out, Call 614.715.8038 for wait list.
Explore different art movements with projects inspired by the Conservatory and botanical gardens. Projects to include: Impressionist painting, Art Deco Architecture, Victorian-era puppet making, Modern sculpture and more!
Member $200, Non-member $210
August 12–16, 9am–4pm
In collaboration with the CATCO is Kids, join us for an adventure into the world of acting. Kids will create their own original production including creative movement, character development and script writing.
Member $200, Non-member $210
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