Cultivation Cruiser Programs
Cultivation Cruiser brings the Gardens to your classroom with plants, fun and unique activities, and planting projects. Our programs will engage your students’ natural curiosity to excite them about the world of plants – all within the confines of your classroom. Age ranges below are suggestions; we can adapt most programs to meet the needs of a variety of learners.
- Programs are 1 hour long and cost $120 per session; programs are limited to 30 students per session. Start times available during the school day based on your schedule.
- Schools must be within the SCFD to book in-person cruiser programs. If you are outside of the SCFD please book a virtual outreach program.
- A bilingual Spanish-speaking instructor may be available upon request.
Submit a 2024-2025 School Group Request Form
Sensory Adventures (Grades PreK–1)
Bring the world of plants to life using your five senses to explore their different colors, textures, shapes and smells. Learn about the many ways we use plants every day and plant seeds to grow at school or at home.
Ecological Explorations (Grades 2–4)
From individual species to interconnected food webs, discover the important roles of plants, animals and decomposers within a prairie ecosystem. Plant native prairie seeds to grow at school or at home.
Jungle Journey (Grades PreK–5)
Experience the diversity of the rainforest ecosystem and explore the unique adaptations of its plants and animals. Learn about rainforest products we use in our everyday lives and plant a tropical treasure to grow at school or at home.
Día de los Muertos Outreach (Grades 1–5)
Join us in a heartfelt and culturally rich outreach art program dedicated to Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. In this immersive experience, participants will have the opportunity to create "nichos," personalized shrines, to honor and celebrate the memories of their departed loved ones. Offered on select weekdays in September and October.
Flower Power (Grades 1–5)
Discover all the parts of a flower and learn about the vital roles each one plays in the process of pollination. Dissect a flower and plant seeds to grow at school or at home.
Prairie Ecology (Grades 5–12)
Learn about the unique adaptations that help plants and animals survive on the prairie, discover how climate shapes the landscape and explore important uses of native plants through ethnobotany.
Cheyenne on the Plains (Grades K–12)
Discover how the Cheyenne and other plains Native American tribes stewarded the prairie and thrived in this landscape, utilizing important resources from bison to yucca. Younger grades will focus on games that helped Cheyenne youth prepare for their roles later in life, while older grades will explore ethnobotany and important uses of native flora in medicine, art, and more.
Specialty Outreach Programs
Planting Project (Grades PreK-12)
Give your students the hands-on experience of planting and nurturing their own plant. Each group of 20-30 students will have the chance to spend about 20 minutes exploring a variety of plants using their five senses and potting seeds to grow at school or home.
Cost: minimum cost of $200 for up to 100 students, additional students $2 each
Family Science Night
Denver Botanic Gardens' staff will bring some plant magic to your school event. Prepare for a hands-on planting activity that will sprout smiles on students, parents and teachers alike. Get those green thumbs ready!
Cost: $300 for up to 2 hours
A limited amount of scholarship money is available to support schools with 50 percent or more participation in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.