Young Explorers

Join us in the Gardens to learn more about the natural world around us. Each session will engage a young naturalist in hands-on learning as we closely study a topic while enjoying the Gardens and Grounds of Reynolda.

At each session, Reynolda Young Explorers earn a new “badge” and take home a field guide. 

Fall 2026 Dates and Themes
For ages 2 – 5 and their caregivers. All workshops are held 10 – 11 a.m.

Please note that some sessions may be sold out. When you click to register, you will see a notification of whether or not a date is already sold out.

Wednesday, August 5: Sunflowers at Reynolda | Register Now
Get ready for for a sunny adventure in the gardens as we explore the amazing world of sunflowers! Young Explorers will step inside Reynolda’s beautiful sunflower house and discover the many varieties of sunflowers growing throughout the gardens while learning about the parts of a flower and how these cheerful blooms grow.

Wednesday, August 12: Turtles at Reynolda | Register Now
Learn more about the natural world around us. Through interactive experiences, learn about the turtles that call Reynolda home.

Wednesday, August 26: Ponds at Reynolda | Register Now
Children will explore Reynolda’s ponds while learning more about this body of water. Children will also have an opportunity to “build” a pond.

Wednesday, September 2: Snakes at Reynolda | Register Now
Learn more about the snakes that slither around Reynolda. Young explorers will use artifacts and engage with a variety of pretend play opportunities to learn more about the snakes that call Reynolda home.

Wednesday, September 9: The Palm House at Reynolda | Register Now
Children will step into the Brown Family Conservatory at Reynolda Gardens to explore the variety of palms growing in this warm, tropical-like oasis.

Wednesday, September 16: Birds at Reynolda | Register Now
Children will use binoculars to explore Reynolda’s North Carolina Birding Trail and practice making bird calls. They will also have the opportunity to construct their own bird’s nest

Wednesday, September 23: Signs of Beavers at Reynolda | Register Now
Join us to learn more about the natural world around us. Explore the Signs of the Beaver at Reynolda and build a beaver dam to test its water flow.

Wednesday, September 30: Natural Seeds at Reynolda | Register Now
Children will explore the many types of seeds found throughout Reynolda, discovering how they travel, grow, and help new plants take root. Through hands-on investigation and outdoor observation, Young Explorers will learn what makes each seed unique. The program will finish with a joyful seed-confetti toss to celebrate the wonder of plant growth.

Wednesday, October 7: Mums | Register Now
Celebrate the beauty of fall at Reynolda as we explore chrysanthemums—Reynolda’s favorite fall flower. Young Explorers will learn about these colorful blooms, discover their special place in Reynolda’s history, and enjoy hands-on activities like examining flower parts, learning how mums grow, and creating floral-inspired art. Surrounded by vibrant blossoms, children will engage all their senses in this joyful seasonal tradition.

Wednesday, October 21: Pumpkins & Gourds | Register Now
Join us in the Meadow Classroom to celebrate the colors and textures of fall! Young Explorers will observe the shapes, sizes, and patterns of pumpkins and gourds. Through touch, sight, and guided exploration, they’ll compare the outsides and insides of these unique plants—looking at colors, shapes, seeds, and more.

Wednesday, November 4: Tea | Register Now
Sip, smell, and explore! In this introduction to the world of tea, young children will learn about the plants grown at Reynolda that can be used to make tea. We’ll discover how herbs grow in the garden, explore the scents and textures of tea leaves, and then enjoy a special tasting of tea curated just for Reynolda by the local tea company Tea and Toast.

Wednesday, November 18: Poinsettias | Register Now
Step into the warmth of the Brown Family Conservatory and celebrate the season surrounded by the vibrant reds, pinks, and whites of Reynolda’s holiday poinsettia display. Young Explorers will learn about this festive plant—where it comes from, how it grows, and why it’s become a holiday favorite. Through hands-on activities and close observation, children will explore the colors and shapes of poinsettias and create a holiday-inspired craft to take home.

Wednesday, November 18: Poinsettias | Register Now
Step into the warmth of the Brown Family Conservatory and celebrate the season surrounded by the vibrant reds, pinks, and whites of Reynolda’s holiday poinsettia display. Young Explorers will learn about this festive plant—where it comes from, how it grows, and why it’s become a holiday favorite. Through hands-on activities and close observation, children will explore the colors and shapes of poinsettias and create a holiday-inspired craft to take home.

Registration is required; participants will receive an email prior to the program with the location for each. Programs are weather permitting.

Reynolda may take photos for archival and promotional reasons during the program.

If you do not want your child photographed, please email the program leader, Janie Bass, at janie@reynolda.org in advance of the program.

For children ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult.