The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) offers a captivating scavenger hunt experience that invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery through its diverse and enchanting themed gardens. From the fragrant Fragrance Garden to the vibrant Cranford Rose Garden, this scavenger hunt promises an engaging and educational adventure for both children and adults.
Themed Gardens for Exploration
Fragrance Garden
Designed with the visually impaired in mind, the Fragrance Garden is a sensory delight. Visitors are encouraged to touch and smell the plants, which are labeled in braille, allowing them to experience the garden’s distinct scents.
Cranford Rose Garden
With over 5,000 varieties of roses, the Cranford Rose Garden is a must-visit for rose enthusiasts. Participants in the scavenger hunt can explore the diverse array of rose species and learn about their unique characteristics.
Native Garden
The Native Garden showcases plants that are native to the region, providing an opportunity for visitors to learn about the local ecosystem. This garden is a potential location for a hidden treasure, according to some enthusiasts.
Plant Adaptations in the Steinhardt Conservatory
Seed Dispersal
The scavenger hunt invites participants to observe and record the various ways in which plants have adapted to disperse their seeds, including through wind, water, animals, and human activities.
Seasonal Strategies
Plants have developed strategies to cope with the changing seasons, such as altering their leaf colors in the fall. Visitors can explore these adaptations during the scavenger hunt and learn about the remarkable ways plants survive the winter.
Activities and Worksheets
Garden Quest
The Garden Quest program offers a combination of short videos, garden exploration, and at-home activities to help children aged 4 and up learn about plant science. Worksheets are provided for activities such as identifying fruits and vegetables, observing leaf colors, and understanding seed dispersal.
Scavenger Hunts
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers a variety of scavenger hunts, including ones focused on seasonal changes and plant adaptations. These interactive activities encourage visitors to explore the garden and discover its hidden wonders.
Children’s Garden Classes
The Children’s Garden Classes provide hands-on learning experiences, such as planting, harvesting, and nature art projects. Participants can take home fresh vegetables and learn about the diverse garden creatures.
Cost and Timings
The cost and timings for the various activities at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden vary. The Garden Quest program and scavenger hunts may have different pricing and schedules, while the Children’s Garden Classes typically run on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the summer, with a cost ranging from $425 for non-members to $400 for members, plus a 4.5% registration fee.
Directory and Hours
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located at 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225. The garden’s hours of operation vary by season, but generally, it is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the summer.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden Scavenger Hunt offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. By exploring the themed gardens, observing plant adaptations, and participating in educational activities, participants can develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the wonders of plant science.
References:
– Teachers Network. (n.d.). Brooklyn Botanical Garden Scavenger Hunt. Retrieved from http://teachersnetwork.org/IMSL/ps1/flowerpower/gardenhunt.htm
– Reddit. (2020). Is there a hidden treasure in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden? Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/12keys/comments/hrlvzn/is_there_a_hidden_treasure_in_the_brooklyn/
– Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Children’s Garden Classes. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/childrens_garden_classes
– Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Garden Quest. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/learn/garden_quest
– Brooklyn Botanic Garden. (n.d.). Children’s Garden. Retrieved from https://www.bbg.org/collections/gardens/childrens_garden