Families with young children are invited to discover nature through exploration, creativity and hands-on learning at the Annual Family Garden Party at Lasdon Public Gardens on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The Family Garden Party combines outdoor recreation with environmental education that encourages children to observe, ask questions and discover the wonders of nature. Using a specially designed adventure map, young participants will follow clues, solve puzzles and complete challenges as they journey through Lasdon’s gardens. Along the way, children will visit activity stations focused on pollinators, seeds and plants, collecting stickers and clues needed to solve a Garden Word Puzzle. Explorers who complete the adventure will receive a special prize, while supplies last.
Westchester County Parks Acting Commissioner William Bland said: “Lasdon Public Gardens is one of Westchester’s great treasures, and the Family Garden Party is a wonderful opportunity for children and their families to experience the beauty of nature in a fun, interactive manner. Events like this encourage curiosity, creativity and a lifelong appreciation for our parks and the environment while creating lasting family memories.”
Throughout the gardens, families can enjoy a full day of activities that include:
- Interactive discovery stations exploring pollinators, seeds and plants
- A garden-wide scavenger hunt
- Hands-on crafts, including fragrant lavender sachets and personalized pollinator ornaments
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with the Butterfly Fairy
- Music throughout the gardens
- A family photo booth (additional fee)
- Mystery Bags, each containing a surprise prize (additional fee)
The day will also feature a special appearance by Dr. Dale Atkins, a renowned psychologist, former Today show expert and author of children’s books. During story time presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Dr. Atkins will read from The Turquoise Butterfly and Dear Deer. These engaging stories celebrate kindness, imagination and the natural world, offering families another memorable way to connect with nature.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore Lasdon’s beautiful gardens while enjoying food from George’s Wood Fired Pizza, Jimmy’s Ice Cream, and Lasdon’s own cookies and lemonade stand.
Admission: $5 per participating child when bought online in advance (recommended); $8 at the event. Adults are free; parking is free.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit LasdonPublicGardens.org.
