enjoy your visit — for families

PHOTO: girls at family program

Little Diggers Basics

Programs give 2- and 3-year-olds the opportunity to explore nature with caregivers. Each class begins with an interactive group period, followed by time for children to try a variety of hands-on activities. Classes include potting plants and a walk outdoors or in the Greenhouses (weather permitting). These seven-class series run from September through March on the first consecutive Wednesdays or Thursdays, from 9 – 10 a.m. or 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Age Limits
Programs are accessible at multiple levels for children ages 2 and 3. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be 2 by September 1, 2008.

Attire
Please come dressed for the weather. Many classes include time spent outside. Wear clothes that are comfortable for outdoor and indoor activities, and hands-on (sometimes messy) fun.

Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your registration up to one week before the series begins for a $10 administrative handling fee per child. You may transfer your registration into another Little Diggers day or time slot one time only at no additional cost. To cancel or transfer, please call (847) 835-6801. We are not able to give refunds for cancellations with less than one week’s notice. If you are unable to attend due to medical reasons, you may receive a refund (minus a $10 handling fee) by providing a doctor’s note. Programs cancelled by the Garden due to low enrollment will automatically be fully refunded or you may opt to reschedule to another day or time, if space is available.

Class Location
All classes will be held at the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden Learning Center.

Confirmation Letters
A confirmation letter, which serves as your receipt, will be mailed approximately two business days after your registration is received. Please bring it with you the day of your program. To receive free parking, please present the letter upon arrival at the Gatehouse.

Enrollment Limits
Each program has space for a maximum of 12 children accompanied by one adult each. Classes will be cancelled unless the minimum enrollment of five children is met (see Cancellation Policy for more information). Limit of one child per adult.

Registration
Registration and prepayment are required for all programs. Registrations are taken by mail, fax or online only (sorry, no phone registration). Registration and payment must be received no later than one week prior to the start of the session.

Mail registrations to Chicago Botanic Garden, Family Programs Registrar, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022. Checks or credit cards are accepted as payment. Click here to download a printable registration form.

Fax registrations to (847) 242-6330. Credit card payment is required for faxed registration.

Online registration Credit card payment is required for online registration. The acknowledgement you receive via email immediately after registering online does not guarantee a reservation. You will receive a confirmation/receipt letter via mail (see Confirmation Letters above).

Snacks
You are welcome to bring a small snack for your child. Though there will be no designated snack time, there will be opportunities to take a short individual break if a snack is needed. Please refrain from bringing any snacks with peanuts or tree nuts.

Questions
For registration questions or to confirm program availability, call (847) 835-6801. For questions regarding program content, call (847) 835-8363.