LEARN AT
DOW GARDENS
Educators, we invite you to explore Dow Gardens with your classes and school groups! Teachers may choose to focus on the rich diversity of horticulture, dive into entomology, or take a spin at history. Discover a range of educational opportunities available throughout all four seasons, foster a meaningful connection with the natural world, and immerse yourself in the joy of learning!
For questions about school group tours, email mitchell@dowgardens.org.
BUTTERFLIES IN BLOOM
SCHOOL TOURS
Butterflies in Bloom is an interactive exhibit featuring brilliantly-colored butterflies from around the world emerging from their chrysalis and taking flight inside our Conservatory. This one hour tour includes an educational lesson on the butterfly life cycle and time to interact with the butterflies inside the conservatory.
Request a date: We offer school tours of the exhibit at Dow Gardens. To request a date, complete the Educational Institution Request Form.
Questions: Email our Wedding, Rental & Tour Coordinator at dmitchell@dowgardens.org.
Dinosaurs Around the World
Bring your students for an adventure through time! Dinosaurs Around the World (May 19 – August 23, 2026) features nine dinosaurs that connect earth science, life science, botany, and history in one field trip.
To extend learning, the Dinosaurs Around the World Educator Guide includes essential questions, ready-to-use lessons, and hands-on activities with in-class and at-venue options plus adaptations for different grade levels.
Request a date: We offer school tours of the exhibit at Dow Gardens. To request a date, complete the Educational Institution Request Form.
Questions: Email our Wedding, Rental & Tour Coordinator at dmitchell@dowgardens.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RESOURCES
Looking at Leaves Journal
Have you ever wondered why plant leaves come in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, and textures? This Looking at Leaves Journal answers this question and introduces learners to leaf adaptations. Learners will observe leaves up close, search for leaf adaptations, and use what they learn to create their own new leaves.
This journal is designed to be used in multiple seasons.
Pollination Journal
Have you ever wondered where plants come from? Plants produce their young through pollination of flowers and cones. This Pollination Journal explains the process of cross-pollination with pollinators and wind pollination. Journal pages invite learners to look for pollination clues around them and document their discoveries.
This journal is best used outdoors in spring to early fall when pollinators are active.
Communication Boards
Dow Gardens offers Core Word Communication Boards, created in partnership with Midland County ESA, to support visitors who use pictures and symbols to communicate. The boards include everyday words and garden-specific terms so guests can point to what they want to say. Anyone is welcome to use them, helping make conversations at the garden more accessible and inclusive.
Plant Heroes® creates innovative resources to help public garden professionals, educators, and parents educate young learners (K-5th grade) about the importance of plants and forest ecosystems. We hope to spark curiosity and empower young learners to become agents of positive environmental change. To increase access, educational materials are available in three languages: English, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. These printable materials can be downloaded for free at the Plant Heroes website.
Dow Gardens Educational Institution Request Form
FAQ
TOURS AT
DOW GARDENS
Enhance your Dow Gardens experience with our range of tours! Choose from guided walks, cart rides, or audio tours, plus seasonal options.
CONTACT US
For questions about school group tours, email mitchell@dowgardens.org.