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Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 		Get tickets
Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha's Botanical Center
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Family Programs and Workshops
Program Calendar
Click above to see our full schedule of educational opportunities by month on a shoppable calendar. The orange color bars denote youth and family programs!
Browse by Program Category
Prefer to see classes by category? Click above to see our categorized schedule of programs for children and families.
Program & Events Guide | June through September 2025
Click the link above to explore our digital program and events guide, highlighting the vibrant activities and special events happening at your public garden!
NEW Registration Platform
Program registration has migrated from Altru to a NEW platform called XtruLink. Garden members must create a membership account and log in to receive access to discounts on classes, workshops, and camps. Click on the link above for set-up instructions or contact the garden at (402) 346-4002, ext. 201 for assistance. Please note that your previous Altru login will not work on this platform.

Saturday, September 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Fall Rag Wreaths
Gather the family to make beautiful fall wreaths for your home. For this month’s workshop, we will share our favorite things about fall, take a scenic stroll through the Victorian garden, and make cozy, fall-themed “rag wreaths”. Select from bountiful fall-colored strips of cloth to tie together three beautiful eight inch wreaths per family registration. Each registration is good for up to five participants, as long as one adult is participating. $40, $30 for garden members.

Thursday, September 18 at 10:30 a.m.		   
Out and About Storytime with the Omaha Public Library: Insect Adventures
In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join Omaha Public Library in the garden for stories that celebrate plants, insects, gardens and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Programs are geared towards preschool aged children, but all ages are welcome. This is a FREE program and no registration is required. Drop in and join us!

Wednesday, October 1 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Thursday, October 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Bird Migration
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. You’re never too young to start bird watching! Find out what birds are native to Nebraska, where to look, and decorate a bird house to take home. We’ll take a walk through the Arboretum and Oberman Bird Sanctuary to see which birds make their home there. Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, October 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Bird Migration
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. You’re never too young to start bird watching! Find out what birds are native to Nebraska, where to look, and decorate a bird house to take home. We’ll take a walk through the Arboretum and Oberman Bird Sanctuary to see which birds make their home there. Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the current exhibit, La Catrina Calavera. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Thursday, October 8 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, October 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Glass Painting
Try something new this October! Using acrylic paint and paint pens, create a layered fall-themed painting on glass, then back it with colored paper for a cozy autumn look. While projects dry, enjoy a guided tour of the vibrant Garden in the Glen. Each registration includes one 5” x 7” glass piece and frame per family member over age 5. All materials provided. Each registration is good for up to five participants, as long as one adult is participating. $30, $20 for garden members.

Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the current exhibit, La Catrina Calavera. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, October 15 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Thursday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m.		   
Out and About Storytime with the Omaha Public Library: The Wonders of Autumn
In order for curious minds to bloom, it is essential to plant a love of reading at a young age. Join Omaha Public Library in the garden for stories that celebrate plants, insects, gardens and more, and discover the joys of nature, movement, music, and literature. Programs are geared towards preschool aged children, but all ages are welcome. This is a FREE program and no registration is required. Drop in and join us!

Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the current exhibit, La Catrina Calavera. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, October 22 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the current exhibit, La Catrina Calavera. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, October 29 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, November 1 and Sunday, November 2 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the current exhibit, La Catrina Calavera. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, November 5 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Thursday, November 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Changing Seasons
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. November's class highlights the harvest while exploring how nature transforms throughout the year. As you explore and compare the warm, colorful Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the peaceful woodland trail, you’ll experience as many seasons as nature has to offer. Along the way, discover how we enjoy and celebrate each one — from blooming spring to sunny summer, colorful fall to snowy winter! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, November 6 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Changing Seasons
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. November's class highlights the harvest while exploring how nature transforms throughout the year. As you explore and compare the warm, colorful Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory and the peaceful woodland trail, you’ll experience as many seasons as nature has to offer. Along the way, discover how we enjoy and celebrate each one — from blooming spring to sunny summer, colorful fall to snowy winter! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Saturday, November 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Mosaic Coasters
Seasonal family gatherings are just around the corner! Join us to create a set of four custom mosaic coasters to share with your family and special holiday guests. You'll start by designing and gluing colorful tiles to a frame, then mix your own grout to complete these one-of-a-kind keepsakes. As part of the fun, enjoy a special tour of the newly re-opened Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory, filled with seasonal beauty and inspiration! All materials provided. Each registration is good for up to five participants, as long as one adult is participating. $40, $30 for garden members.

Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the current exhibit, La Catrina Calavera. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, November 12 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the garden's current exhibit. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, November 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, November 22 and Sunday, November 23 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the garden's current exhibit. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, November 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the garden's current exhibit. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Wednesday, December 3 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Thursday, December 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Winter Food for Animals
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. When winter comes, animals have some cool tricks (adaptations) to stay warm and find food! In this winter themed session, we’ll explore how different animals survive the cold and keep their bellies full. You’ll even get to make your very own animal feeder to take home and help critters in your backyard! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Thursday, December 4 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Lil' Sprouts: Winter Food for Animals
In Lil’ Sprouts, little learners and their grown-ups explore the wonders of nature through sensory play, stories, crafts, and garden adventures. Together, you’ll explore foundational concepts like shapes, colors, letters, and numbers, using nature as a rich and inspiring learning environment. When winter comes, animals have some cool tricks (adaptations) to stay warm and find food! In this winter themed session, we’ll explore how different animals survive the cold and keep their bellies full. You’ll even get to make your very own animal feeder to take home and help critters in your backyard! Pre-registration is required. Each registration is good for one child (ages 3-5) and one accompanying adult. $20, $10 for members.

Saturday, December 6 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Gingerbread Houses
Enjoy an afternoon of classic holiday fun at Lauritzen Gardens and decorate your own gingerbread house to take home. Celebrate the season and create memories with this festive family project! $45, $35 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, December 10 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the garden's current exhibit. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Saturday, December 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Gingerbread Houses
Enjoy an afternoon of classic holiday fun at Lauritzen Gardens and decorate your own gingerbread house to take home. Celebrate the season and create memories with this festive family project! $45, $35 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the garden's current exhibit. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden

Wednesday, December 17 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
NEW! Dew Drops
Join us in the crafting nook each Wednesday morning for Dew Drops, a playful program designed for young nature lovers! Enjoy stories, music, games, or crafts—each week featuring a unique, seasonal nature theme that sparks curiosity and creativity. This program is included with garden admission and free for members. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, Dew Drops will move indoors to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden (near the family restrooms).

Saturday, December 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Gingerbread Houses
Enjoy an afternoon of classic holiday fun at Lauritzen Gardens and decorate your own gingerbread house to take home. Celebrate the season and create memories with this festive family project! $45, $35 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 from 10 to 11 a.m.		   
Curious By Nature: Rooted In Reading
This folklore-themed storytime includes stories, songs, and activities. Programming will take place in the Dan Torson Children’s Amphitheater, weather permitting. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required.

Saturday, December 20 and Sunday, December 21 from 2 to 3 p.m.		   
NEW! Curious By Nature: The Budding Artist
Weekly crafts will center around both common and lesser-known folklore spanning the globe, including themes to accompany the garden's current exhibit. This program is included with admission and free for garden members. No registration is required. In the case of inclement weather, the program will move to the classroom in Sofia's Play Garden.

Saturday, January 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: Painting Mini Canvases on Magnets

Saturday, February 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Family Workshop: LEGO® Spring Flowers
Family Workshop: Animal Lamp Painting
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