Pea Pods for Preschoolers Autumn Series 2025 (Ages 3-5 with Adult)

Child enjoying PeaPods, photo by Kaajal Kavathekar

Photo by Kaajal Kavathekar

Date

8-session series
Tuesdays, Sept 10-Oct 29, 9-11 a.m.

Fee

$140 member/$170 non-member, includes all 8 sessions, Arboretum admission for one child and one adult, and all project and planting supplies. PeaPods is designed for children ages 3-5 years old together with an adult.

Registration coming soon!

Program location: Learning Center

Instructor: Melinda Hooker, long-time Arboretum youth program instructor.

Age 3-5, together with an adult.  Explore nature in fall with your preschooler. Together you will follow the season as fall flowers bloom, leaves turn golden, and apples and pumpkins ripen. Each weekly theme helps spark your child’s appreciation for nature’s beauty through planting, art, sensory and science, discovery zones, action and music, story time, Green Play Yard adventures, children’s garden and greenhouse exploration. Come and play with us! Watch a short video to see a program in action.

  • Sept. 10  Apple Farmer Annie
  • Sept. 17  Wet Feet Wonders
  • Sept. 24  Backyard Harvest
  • Oct. 1     Mushrooms, Mushrooms, Everywhere
  • Oct. 8    Art in the Forest
  • Oct. 15  "Fowl" Weather Friends
  • Oct. 22  Spooky Spiders
  • Oct. 29  Pumpkin Patch Party 

Helpful information:

  • Adults should plan to attend with their child.
  • Non-participating siblings may attend at no charge if they are not a distraction to the group.
  • Siblings who participate (planting projects, making crafts) should also be registered at the regular fee.
  • For those registering after the series has begun, remaining class sessions may be available for purchase at a prorated price by calling 612-301-1210.
Maximum participants
Limited to 60 children + adult pairs
Arboretum entry instructions

In your registration confirmation (and again in your reminder a few days before the first session), you will receive a special class admission pass that will allow you admission to the Arboretum on each listed day of your class. You may print the pass or have it ready to show on your mobile device. At the Gatehouse, present this pass to the attendant. They will check it and waive you through at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions about PeaPods

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Can I drop my child off and let them participate in the program alone?

No, Adults should plan to attend with their child.

Can I bring 2 children with me, as just one adult?

Recommended ratio of adult to child is 1:1. One adult may attend with 2 children, but both children must stay with the adult at all times. 

Can I bring a sibling with us?

  • Siblings who participate should also be registered at the regular fee.
  • Non-participating siblings who will not use any of the supplies nor participate in any of the activities may attend without registering as long as they are not a distraction to the group. Non-registered, non-participating siblings do need a gate ticket to enter the Arboretum).

What should I expect?

All sessions will be held primarily outdoors. Please plan ahead for sun, bugs, or light rain. Indoor space will be available in case of inclement weather or very cold temperatures. Watch a short video to see a program in action.

Will food & drink be part of the program?

Snacks are not provided as a regular part of the program. You are welcome to bring your own snacks as desired. There is a water fountain in the building. The Arboretum Eatery, located in the Visitor Center, will have food and drink available for purchase before or after the program.

I want to register, but the series has already started and I've missed a few sessions.

For late registrants, if any sessions still have open availability, remaining class sessions may be available for purchase at a prorated price by calling 612-301-1210. Based on availability.

PeaPods for Preschoolers child and adult together
PeaPods for Preschoolers children playing in the Green Play Yard
PeaPods for Preschoolers children and adults together
PeaPods for Preschoolers child and adult together
PeaPods for Preschoolers child and adult together
PeaPods for Preschoolers child and adult together

 

Helpful information - Education

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Cancellations & Exchanges for educational programs

Cancellation policy

Review the cancellation policies prior to purchasing a class.

Waitlist

Waitlist form

The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the "waitlist" button or link next to the class and complete the form. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional sessions may be added.

Member purchasing policy

Can Members register accompanying Non-member participants for Educational programs at the discounted member rate?

Yes. Arboretum Education policy is that Members may purchase a class or camp on behalf of an accompanying Non-member at the discounted Member price as long as they are registering and paying for at least one spot for themselves. Members must Sign in, enter the total number of Member-price tickets for all participants they are purchasing for, and then complete each participant’s name and prompted information at the checkout screen. The transaction must be completed at the same time as the Member's registration(s). This policy applies only to Arboretum Education programs and classes, and is not applicable to other Arboretum purchases like Events or Admission Tickets.

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