Stay Close, Feel Far away.
Punxsutawney Phil predicted a long cold winter for the Midwest this year. If you’re looking to get away while staying close by, consider a staycation that includes a local tropical destination: the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. It’s often a balmy 70° inside the dome and we have everything from banana plants to pineapples to other exotics to enjoy.
Staycation Perks
Beyond the beauty of the botanical collection, we have so much else that makes an escape even more relaxing including fun events, unique shopping, great food, and even live music. Here are some of the choices you have from March 14 through March 23:
Family Fun forAll
Story Sprouts | Friday Mar 14 and Mar 21 | 10:30-11 am Fun, interactive story time that explores nature and plants. During each program, participants enjoy stories and a fun activity based on the week’s theme. Story Sprouts is geared toward children ages 2-5. Included with general admission.
Activity Tables & Scavenger Hunt | Tue, Mar 18-Friday, Mar 21 from 10 am-5 pm | Sat, Mar 22 from 9 am-4 pm Explore the indoor gardens and participate in interactive activity tables to learn about all the different plant parts and their functions. Included with general admission.
Air Plant Homes Drop-In | Tue, Mar 18-Fri, Mar 21 from 11 am-3 pm | Fri, March 21 during Dome After Dark from 6:30-9:30 pm | Sat, Mar 22 from 10 am-2 pm Learn more about these unique plants that do not require soil to grow, then decorate a glass orb with natural materials to house your very own air plant. This is a self-guided activity that allows guests to work at their own pace. Walk-up registration only. Available while supplies last.
Spring Break Day Camp
Tue Mar 18 & Wed Mar 19 from 9 am-4 pm
OR
Thur, Mar 20 & Friday, Mar 21 from 9 am-4 pm
Guardians of the Garden Want to give the child in your life a special spring break experience? Treat them to a two-day camp at the Botanical Garden during spring break.Team up with the best gardeners in the galaxy as we dig up secrets about the awesome power of plants from all corners of the globe. From medicine and food to engineering and building materials, plants might just be the heroes this world needs. Sign up here!
Light Up Your Nights
Dome After Dark | Friday AND Saturday Mar 14 & 15 and Mar 21 & 22 | 6-10 pm Both Friday and Saturday nights Spring Break Dome After Dark delivers weather that’s always warm and a vibe that’s chill.
Best Sunday Around
Flora | Sunday Brunch Mar 16 and Mar 23 | 10 am to 2pm Check out the menu.
Botanical Blues | Sunday Mar 16 and Mar 23 | Concerts start at 1 pm and 3 pm Your favorite Sunday blues in Des Moines keeps away your winter blues. On the 16th enjoy Ducharme Jones and on the 23 check out “The Blue Two” Bob Dorr & Jeff Petersen
Support the Arts
Hot Glass Exhibit | thru March 30 Enjoy the beauty of this unique glass sculpture exhibit for a limited time at the Botanical Garden. Please consider purchasing one to donate to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Your gift is tax deductible. Hot Glass is a recognized 501(c)3 organization. Proceeds from sales provide tuition-free classes for at-risk youth and Veterans.
