Tree Detectives ️

Tree Detectives

Join us at the gardens for a fun-filled outdoor workshop for kids ages 4–10! Young nature explorers will become Tree Detectives through a variety of hands-on activities. We’ll kick off with storytime before diving into detective training—observing the unique features of trees, leaves, and bark. Next, kids will embark on a Tree Treasure Hunt using clue cards to find matching trees throughout the gardens. During craft time, we’ll use crayons and paper to trace bark textures and make nature art. The day will wrap up with a special sharing circle, where everyone can talk about what they discovered, felt, and loved about the trees. This engaging workshop is designed to spark curiosity, encourage observation, and deepen children’s connection to the natural world—all while having fun! (Tickets purchased are for each child, parents/guardians in attendance get free admission.)

Info: (12:00pm - 12:10pm) The event will start off with a warm welcome and storytime! The book we will be reading is: The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming. (Squirrel loves counting the leaves on his tree―red leaves, gold leaves, orange, and more. But hold on! One of his leaves is missing! On a quest to find the missing leaf, Squirrel teams up with his good friend Bird to discover who the leaf thief could be among their forest friends.


With vibrant art and captivating characters, the magic of autumn is captured beautifully on each page as readers tag along Squirrel's forest adventure. Is there truly a leaf thief afoot, or is something else going on in Squirrel's forest? A perfect exploration of change―both seasonal, and the anxiety that change sometimes causes.)

Info: (12:10pm-12:25pm) Tree Detective Training! We will hand out clipboards with "Tree Detective Clue Cards" and walk around nearby trees and explore by: looking at leaf shapes (what shapes and colors do you see?), touching the bark (is it rough, smooth, bumpy?), smelling the bark or crushed leaves (especially pines! what does it smell like?), searching for fruit or cones, scouting for animals (is that a squirrel I see?!). We will write down or check off everything we see, touch, and smell throughout the walk.

Info: (12:25pm-12:40pm) Tree Treasure Hunt! Kids will be given clue cards (pictures of a leaf, fruit, or bark up close), and they have to hunt to find the matching trees!

Info: (12:40pm-12:50pm) Leaf or bark rubbing craft! Let the kids choose their favorite tree from the day and make a rubbing of the leaf or bark with crayons and paper.

Info: (12:50pm-1:00pm) Time to wrap up with a sharing circle! We'll share what we got to see, touch, and smell throughout our time in the gardens. What was your favorite? Once sharing time is over each child will be presented with a "Tree Detective" badge to show off!

Also check out other Kids events & activities in Canton, Workshops in Canton, Arts events in Canton.