Children in the Dell at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood
Crestwood’s Yew Dell Botanical Gardens has a wonderful children’s program during the Spring and Summer months.
Children in the Dell is a program geared toward children ages 5-10. Beginning in May and ending in August, this Saturday morning program is free for children with admission. Admission to Yew Dell is free for children 5 and under and $5 for children 6-17.
For the 2019 season, Yew Dell has changed the program to an informal format. Pre-registration is no longer required. Per their website, “Just bring the kiddos any time during the designated hours and our talented educators will enlighten you and your children with the wonders of nature. Each session will offer some new nuggets of knowledge that kiddos can expand upon in a self-guided way in the garden.”
The instructors are passionate and energetic. Even though there will be an educator, adults are asked to stay with the children and participate too. Children in the Dell is a great way for children to tour the grounds in a fun, engaging manner. There is usually something the kids are looking for or gathering to go along with the theme. During one of our visits last year, we made a bird’s nest, so the children walked the grounds searching for small items birds would use to make a nest. The children then took the items back to a workspace to make the bird’s nest craft.
We spent about 30 minutes walking around Yew Dell. We met several other staff and volunteer members and got to learn about hidden areas and little treasures around Yew Dell. This is how we discovered the Fairy Garden – definitely something everyone should stop in to see!
The program is scheduled until noon and guests are welcome to continue visiting and touring the Gardens. Several of the families had picnics or a short hike planned for after Children in the Dell. Children in the Dell is a great way to learn more about nature, plants, vegetables and what it entails to keep up the Gardens.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is located at 6220 Old LaGrange Road in Crestwood. Children in the Dell runs every Saturday through August 17, 2019.