Upcoming Events

February 2026

Family Gardening Club

Family Gardening Club

When: Sunday, February 15, 2026 - Sunday, June 14, 2026, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden
Cost: $35/session

Calling all young gardeners! This monthly program series will take place on Sunday afternoons from January to June.

March 2026

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

Bird Walk with Dr. Pepper Trail

Bird Walk with Dr. Pepper Trail

When: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Early risers: join our avian speaker for a bird-watching walk!

Audubon Pop-Up Gallery

Audubon Pop-Up Gallery

When: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Object Study Room

Check out the Palmer Museum’s collection of Audubon prints!

Fighting Crime with Feathers: The Casebook of a Forensic Ornithologist

Fighting Crime with Feathers: The Casebook of a Forensic Ornithologist

When: Thursday, March 19, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Events Space, Museum Wing

Birds intersect with true crime during this year’s avian lecture!

Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition

Arboretum Explorers Family Hike: Beginner Birders Edition

When: Friday, March 20, 2026, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Explore the Arboretum’s back country during this hike for kids and their grown-ups!

Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl

Bird Sketching: Eastern Screech Owl

When: Friday, March 20, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)
Cost: $0.00

Learn how to draw an Eastern Screech Owl!

What Did That Owl Eat? Owl Pellet Dissection

What Did That Owl Eat? Owl Pellet Dissection

When: Friday, March 20, 2026, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)
Cost: $0.00

Dissect the ecological message in owl pellets!

Botanical Watercolors

Botanical Watercolors

When: Sunday, March 22, 2026, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)
Cost: $15–$20

Engage with nature during this creative watercolor class for beginners and beyond!

Hartley Wood Walk with Ethan Tapper

Hartley Wood Walk with Ethan Tapper

When: Monday, March 23, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Join Ethan during his forest walk at The Arboretum at Penn State as he talks about forest ecology, natural history, and anything else that comes up!

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

When: Thursday, March 26, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Drop in to the Arboretum for a guided bird-watching walk, led by avian expert Joe Gyekis.

Explore! Nature and Pastel (3-class series)

Explore! Nature and Pastel (3-class series)

When: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)
Cost: $125–$150

Explore nature with pastels in this 3-class series!

Family Gardening Club: Kale & Dinosaurs

Family Gardening Club: Kale & Dinosaurs

When: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden
Cost: $35/child

This six-session program will take place on Sunday afternoons during the late-winter and spring months. Participants will receive all the supplies necessary to grow seasonally appropriate plant varieties from seed to harvest, including the seeds, soil, and full-size containers suitable for small outdoor spaces.

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

April 2026

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

When: Thursday, April 2, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Join us for a bird walk during the peak of spring migration!

Arboretum Explorers Family Hike

Arboretum Explorers Family Hike

When: Friday, April 3, 2026, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Explore the Arboretum’s back country during this hike for kids and their grown-ups!

Star Party

Star Party

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026, 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm
Where: Event Lawn

Join us for a night of stargazing!

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Join us for a bird walk during the peak of spring migration!

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

When: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Join us for a bird walk during the peak of spring migration!

Plants in Classical Mythology

Plants in Classical Mythology

When: Friday, April 17, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Explore the connections between plants and ancient myths during this guided walk!

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

When: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Join us for a bird walk during the peak of spring migration!

Family Gardening Club: Green Beans & Garden Gnomes

Family Gardening Club: Green Beans & Garden Gnomes

When: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden
Cost: $35/child

This six-session program will take place on Sunday afternoons during the late-winter and spring months. Participants will receive all the supplies necessary to grow seasonally appropriate plant varieties from seed to harvest, including the seeds, soil, and full-size containers suitable for small outdoor spaces.

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Engage with nature during this creative class for artists of all experience levels!

Bird Walk

Bird Walk

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 8:00 am - 9:30 am
Where: Overlook Pavilion

Join us for a bird walk during the peak of spring migration!

Garden and Gallery Book Club

Garden and Gallery Book Club

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Events Space, Museum Wing

It’s not your garden variety book club!

May 2026

Star Party

Star Party

When: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Where: Event Lawn

Join us for an evening of stargazing!

Botanical Watercolors

Botanical Watercolors

When: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)
Cost: $15–$20

Let your creativity flow during this class suitable for all experience levels.

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Sketch your art out during this free drop-in class for adults!

Yoga in the Gardens

Yoga in the Gardens

When: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $12–$15 per session

Join us for a serene yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of the botanic gardens.

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Sketch your art out during this free drop-in class for adults!

Yoga in the Gardens

Yoga in the Gardens

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $12–$15 per session

Join us for a serene yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of the botanic gardens.

Family Gardening Club: Herb Gardens & Paper Windmills

Family Gardening Club: Herb Gardens & Paper Windmills

When: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden
Cost: $35/child

This six-session program will take place on Sunday afternoons during the late-winter and spring months. Participants will receive all the supplies necessary to grow seasonally appropriate plant varieties from seed to harvest, including the seeds, soil, and full-size containers suitable for small outdoor spaces.

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Sketch your art out during this free drop-in class for adults!

Yoga in the Gardens

Yoga in the Gardens

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $12–$15 per session

Join us for a serene yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of the botanic gardens.

Arboretum Explorers Family Hike

Arboretum Explorers Family Hike

When: Friday, May 22, 2026, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Explore the Arboretum’s back country during this hike for kids and their grown-ups!

Nature Sketching

Nature Sketching

When: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Palmer Museum Studio Classroom, Admin and Education Wing (124 Palmer Museum of Art)

Sketch your art out during this free drop-in class for adults!

Yoga in the Gardens

Yoga in the Gardens

When: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $12–$15 per session

Join us for a serene yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of the botanic gardens.

Spring Plant Walk

Spring Plant Walk

When: Friday, May 29, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Come celebrate spring with us by exploring the flowers blooming in our gardens!

June 2026

Yoga in the Gardens

Yoga in the Gardens

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $12–$15 per session

Join us for a serene yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of the botanic gardens.

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Monday, June 8, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Story Circle

Story Circle

When: Monday, June 8, 2026, 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Start the week with story time in the children’s garden!

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Tuesday, June 9, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Yoga in the Gardens

Yoga in the Gardens

When: Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $12–$15 per session

Join us for a serene yoga experience surrounded by the beauty of the botanic gardens.

Bats Are Good Guys

Bats Are Good Guys

When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Discover bat facts with educators from Lincoln Caverns!

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Nature Sketching for Young Artists

Nature Sketching for Young Artists

When: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Explore nature through art during this program for kids!

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Harvest Tasting

Harvest Tasting

When: Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Try a fresh taste from the children’s garden!

Native Edible Plants Walk

Native Edible Plants Walk

When: Friday, June 12, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Overlook Pavilion
Cost: $0.00

Discover native edible plants!

Discovery Drop-In: Weekend Edition

Discovery Drop-In: Weekend Edition

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Join us for the weekend edition of our popular drop-in program for kids!

Family Gardening Club: Marigolds & Pollinators

Family Gardening Club: Marigolds & Pollinators

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden
Cost: $35/child

This six-session program will take place on Sunday afternoons during the late-winter and spring months. Participants will receive all the supplies necessary to grow seasonally appropriate plant varieties from seed to harvest, including the seeds, soil, and full-size containers suitable for small outdoor spaces.

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Monday, June 15, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Story Circle

Story Circle

When: Monday, June 15, 2026, 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Start the week with story time in the children’s garden!

Discovery Drop-In

Discovery Drop-In

When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Drop in and discover!

Growing Natives

Growing Natives

When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Childhood’s Gate Children’s Garden

Grow native with help from Master Gardeners!

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