Learning programs
Visiting | Programs | Bookings | Holiday activities | Risk management | Teacher resources
Courses for preschoolers and schoolchildren range from free do-it-yourself explorer activities, one hour botanical expeditions run by experienced botanical guides, to half and full day lessons in the Gardens' classroom run by our educators.
A small fee is charged per student for the botanical expeditions or Gardens' classroom activities.
Short sessions of between 1 and 1.5 hours in length:
- Botanical expeditions - led by botanical guides
- DIY explorers - led by your teacher
- Twilight forest adventure - in the evening with our garden guides
Longer sessions from the Gardens' classroom program:
- Half day for preschoolers - led by our education officers
- Full day for Kindergarten to Year 12 - led by our education officers
The material covered in all educational programs aligns with the Essential Learning Achievements (ELA's) for the ACT, and fits in with curricula from other states. Local teachers can arrange to visit our educators for an information session about our programs or as part of a professional development day. Alternatively, we can visit local schools to explain the programs.
For interstate schools and to fit in with your busy schedule here in Canberra, we suggest the shorter Botanical expeditions program or maybe the evening Twilight forest adventure. The Around Oz in an hour Botanical expedition is recommended, as it highlights the diversity of plants and ecosystems from around Australia, and the students will get the opportunity to discover plants from their local area.
Birrigai Outdoor School
The Birrigai Outdoor School holds fun and educational events in the Gardens for school classes. The Teddy Bears picnic is for Kindergarden and Year 1 classes and the Teddy Bears Trail for the older Year 2 children. Teachers are asked to book directly with Birrigai Outdoor School. The classes run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
School Holiday Activities
Explore our school holiday activities here.