Mobile Botanical Gardens

Preschool Storytime: Tales and Trails in the Gardens
2025-02-06 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-09 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-16 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-30 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Chicago) | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Tales and Trails in the Gardens Preschool Storytime Returns!
Tales and Trails preschool storytime returns to Mobile Botanical Gardens thanks to the generous support of the Lilian S. Woolford Charitable Trust.
Join us on Thursday mornings beginning at 10:30 am in various locations throughout MBG’s 106 acres to enjoy preschool storytime together. MBG Docents will read aloud specially selected stories and lead nature-based activities perfect for preschoolers. Parents and children alike will learn and have fun in our gorgeous garden setting.
Tales and Trails in the Gardens Fall 2025 dates:
September 25 – Trees ‘If I Were a Tree’ by Dar Hosta
October 2 – Full Moon – ‘Hello, Harvest Moon’ by Ralph Fletcher
October 9 – Apples – ‘The Apple Pie Tree’ by Zoe Hall
October 16 – Seeds – ‘Planting the Wild Garden’ by Kathryn Galbraith
October 23 – Pumpkins – ‘Pumpkin Jack’ by Will Hubbell
October 30 – Halloween – ‘The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything’ by Linda Williams
Tales and Trails in the Gardens is FREE for MBG members (Membership Benefits) (Join MBG Now) or with regular admission. But registration is required; register for Tales and Trails here.

Sprouts Preschool Gardening Class
2025-03-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Sprouts Preschool Gardening Program
Enroll now; space is limited!
Mobile Botanical Gardens is thrilled to introduce Sprouts, a unique and engaging preschool gardening program designed specifically for children ages 3-5. This 6 week program is carefully crafted to foster a deep connection between young children and the natural world, while teaching valuable skills and promoting overall well-being.
The Benefits of Kids Gardening
Gardening has long been recognized as a powerful tool for promoting physical, cognitive, and emotional development in children. By participating in hands-on gardening activities, children can:
– Develop responsibility and patience through caring for plants.
– Enhance their understanding of the natural world and the interconnections of living things.
– Improve their physical health through outdoor activity and exploration.
– Boost their cognitive development through experiential learning and discovery.
– Cultivate emotional well-being through connection with nature and creative expression.
Class Structure and Activities
Each week, certified teacher Sara Habel will guide children and their accompanying adults through an engaging and interactive exploration of the wonders of gardening. Sessions will include:
– Hands-on gardening activities, such as planting seeds, watering plants, and time caring for the garden we plant
– Interactive songs, stories, and games to reinforce learning and promote creativity
– Crafts and art projects designed to extend learning and encourage self-expression
– Opportunities for children to observe, explore, and learn about the different parts of a plant and their functions
Class Schedule and Topics
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the world of gardening!
Our 6-week preschool gardening program will cover the following topics:
– March 18th: Introduction to Gardening – Parts of a Plant and Plant Needs/ Planting our Garden
– March 25th: Roots – What do roots do?
– April 1st: Stems – What do stems do?
– April 8th: Leaves – What do leaves do?
– April 15th: Flowers and Pollinators – Why are flowers important? What do pollinators do?
– April 29th: Fruits and Seeds – Why are fruits important? What are seeds used for?
Prepare to have fun and get a little dirty with your child!
Don’t miss this opportunity to nurture your child’s curiosity, creativity, and love for nature. Join us for Sprouts and watch your child thrive in a supportive, interactive, and fun environment!
$85 for MBG Members/ $90 for not-yet members
Register and pay here. We look forward to helping your child grow and bloom!

Spring Break Camp: Art in Bloom Nature and Art
2025-04-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-22 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-23 09:00 - 16:00
“Art takes Nature as its model.” -Aristotle
Are you looking for a unique and engaging way to keep your child entertained and educated during Spring Break? Look no further! Our new Spring Break Camp, Art in Bloom, is an exciting creative collaboration with the Mobile Museum of Art that will inspire your child’s artistic side while exploring the wonders of nature!
When: Monday, April 21st through Wednesday, April 23rd, 9am – 4pm. (Mornings at Mobile Botanical Gardens, afternoons at Mobile Museum of Art).
3rd, 4th and 5th graders are invited to explore the intersection of Nature and Art together. Students will enjoy hands-on Science activities focused on plant life-cycles and pollinators in the mornings here at MBG with Education Director and certified teacher, Sara Habel. Together with Mrs. Habel, students will enjoy lunch (bring your own) and a walk to MOMA in the afternoons to enjoy Art activities and discussions about drawing inspiration from the natural environment.
It’s sure to be a Spring Break Camp that students remember fondly forever. Spaces are limited- don’t miss out on your child’s chance to join in on this fun and educational opportunity!
MBG Members receive a $50 discount and many more benefits, too; join MBG now if you haven’t already!
Art in Bloom: more info and registration link here.

Azalea City Bonsai Show
2025-04-30 09:00 - 2025-05-03 17:00
Experience the ancient practice of capturing nature in a miniature setting.
Visit the Mobile Botanical Gardens April 29 – May 3rd to see an incredible display of one of a kind bonsai!Tickets to the Azalea City Bonsai Show & Gardens are regular admission tickets (Adults – $10, Youth (Ages 5-17) – $6, Children (4 and under) – FREE, Military/Student/Senior(Ages 65+) – $8
Tickets can be purchased in our giftshop or online at: https://mbgrebloomshop.com/products/schedule-a-visit-admission
Open: 9 AM – 5 PM

Herb Education Day with the GCHS
2025-05-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Come enjoy the Sybil Burnett Herb Garden and celebrate the beauty and utility of herbs through two seminars presented by herbal expert Debbie Boutelier*.
First 50 Attendees Receive FREE Admission!
Later attendees will be charged a reduced admission rate of $5 per person
Please RSVP by emailing Sara here

9:00 a.m.

Welcome! Sign in and enjoy Herb Cookies and Coffee as you stroll the Herb Garden and chat with fellow herb enthusiasts.

10:00 a.m.

Herb Seminars begin, with Debbie Boutelier*
Growing and Using Popular Herbs
Break
Culinary Delights with Herbs

Debbie Boutelier, a resident of Autauga County, Alabama, has been growing and studying herbal plants and their uses for many years. She teaches workshops on numerous aspects of herbs, including organic herb gardening, the culinary uses of herbs, and other historical and practical uses in daily life. Debbie has pursued her interests in gardening and herbs on both a national and local level. Nationally, Debbie is a past President of the Herb Society of America (“HSA”), and is presently chair of HSA’s Green Bridges Program, a project to encourage gardeners nationwide to plant locally native herb plants in order to facilitate healthy ecosystems for pollinators and the plants they depend on. In Alabama, Debbie worked as an Autauga County Extension Agent for eight years, and is a certified Advanced Alabama Master Gardener. She has recently been elected for a two-year term as President of the Alabama Master Gardeners Association.

1st Saturday for Families
2025-11-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
First Saturday for Families • November 1, 10am-12pm
Bring the whole family to the Gardens from 10am-12pm. There will be a LEGO building station in the gift shop, a nature-based fall craft and a new scavenger hunt to take with you while you wander through the Gardens.
Free with general admission and for members.

Mini NatureBLAST! 2026 Summer Day Camp
2026-06-08 09:00 - 2026-06-11 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
NEW!
Mini NatureBLAST! Summer Day Camp
June 8 – 11, 9:00-12:00
Groups of Ages 4 – 5 & Ages 6 – 8
Get ready for summer fun in the Gardens!
A half-day version of our big kid camp, just for our youngest garden explorers! Campers can expect lots of nature play, outdoor exploration, animal encounters, science and art activities and more!
NatureBLAST, our four-day immersive summer camp, invites campers to explore the diverse habitat of the Mobile Botanical Gardens and develop foundational knowledge of the natural world through hands-on learning! Each day camps will explore part of our garden habitat from backyard birds, insects and pollinators to plants and wildlife.
Campers will explore the Garden through hands-on nature activities, interactive animal encounters, guided garden walks, real-life science projects, art activities and more!
Registration opens Monday, February 9!
Click Here for More Info & for Registration!
REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU UPON PURCHASE.
PLEASE CONTACT OUR EDUCATION COORDINATOR, JESSICA CROFT, AT JCROFT@MBGARDENS.ORG IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REGISTRATION FORMS.

Have children or grandchildren ages 9 – 12? Check out NatureBLAST Here!
More About NatureBLAST:

NatureBLAST is led by qualified, background-checked garden educators & volunteers.
NatureBLAST scholarships are available. To apply for financial assistance, fill out this form here. Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded by May 1.
NatureBLAST campers must bring their own water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and packed lunch (for full-day camp).

NatureBLAST! 2026 Summer Day Camp
2026-06-15 09:00 - 2026-06-18 15:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
NatureBLAST! Summer Day Camp
June 15-18, 9:00-3:00
Ages 9-12
Get ready for summer fun in the Gardens!
NatureBLAST, our four-day immersive summer camp, invites campers ages 4-12 to explore the diverse habitat of the Mobile Botanical Gardens and develop foundational knowledge of the natural world through hands-on learning! Each day camps will explore part of our garden habitat from backyard birds, insects and pollinators to plants and wildlife.
Campers will explore the Garden through hands-on nature activities, interactive animal encounters, guided garden walks, real-life science projects, art activities and more!
Registration opens Monday, February 9!
Click Here for More Info & for Registration!
REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU UPON PURCHASE.
PLEASE CONTACT OUR EDUCATION COORDINATOR, JESSICA CROFT, AT JCROFT@MBGARDENS.ORG IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REGISTRATION FORMS.

Have children or grandchildren ages 4 – 8? Check out our Mini NatureBLAST Here!
More About NatureBLAST:

NatureBLAST is led by qualified, background-checked garden educators & volunteers.
NatureBLAST scholarships are available. To apply for financial assistance, fill out this form here. Scholarships will be reviewed and awarded by May 1.
NatureBLAST campers must bring their own water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks and packed lunch (for full-day camp).
