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Natural
Science Days
Let our experts do the teaching in our living laboratory
Join Us for 2025 Natural Science Days!
May 2, 9, 16*, 23 and 30
School groups and homeschool families are invited to Natural Science Days at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Explore the park as Gilroy Gardens docents lead groups of students through presentation, investigation and experimentation models in life and earth sciences.
This interactive educational experience is designed for students in grades K-5 and meets Next Generation Science Standards for California Schools (2015) as well as California Common Core State Standards in ELA/Literacy and Mathematics and the Visual and Performing Arts: Visual Arts Content Standards.
Natural Science Days are offered on Fridays in May from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up using the online form below to reserve your spot!
Don’t see a date that fits your schedule? Check out our Gilroy Gardens Explorer Program for more flexible options!
Cost:
- $30 per student
- $20 per adult chaperone
- One teacher FREE with every 25 registered students
- Includes hot lunch
Educational Program pricing is for students and chaperones only. No babies, toddlers, or strollers, please.
Where Fun and Learning Grow on Trees 
Natural Science Days provide a unique chance for kids (and grownups) to learn more about trees, plants and the environment while having fun in our beautiful “living laboratory”!
Our Docent-led program includes:
- 3 hours of directed education
- 6 grade-appropriate learning stations
- Workbooks for each student provided upon arrival
- Hot Lunch: Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, Hot Dogs, Fresh Fruit, Potato Chips, Milk & Water
- Nature Detective Certificates for each student with a discount coupon to return on another public operating day
- Pre and post-visit classroom activities
Registration Form
Natural Science Days are a popular event! Please note that Friday, May 16 is already SOLD OUT. We encourage you to select an alternate date—and make reservations well in advance to ensure your class gets to participate.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Education Team at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.
408-840-7100
Learning Stations
Through hands-on learning experiences, K-5 students will learn about the anatomy of a flower, how to identify different rocks and minerals, meet the animals in the food chain, and find the food they eat. At Natural Science Days, learning is fun!
Plants with Funny Shapes
(Grades K-5) - Investigation
Visit a conifer garden to learn the difference between natural adaptations and man’s ability to shape nature.
The Food We Grow and Eat
(Grades K-5) - Investigation
Learn about the many different foods that grow in a tropical environment and find living examples of the food we eat.
You Rock!
(Grades K-5) - Experimentation
Sort and compare various types of rocks, and then record your observations at this experimentation station.
Plant Parts
(Grades K-2, 3-5) - Interactive
Learn the parts of a plant by actively examining living plants, trees and flowers at this interactive station.
Who Looks Like Who?
(Grades K-2) - Presentation
Learn about California native birds and animals—and which characteristics are inherited or environmental.
Create a Food Chain
(Grades 3-5) - Presentation
Learn about the food chain, native California animals, and how they interact within our local ecosystem.
Support Our
Educational Mission
Gilroy Gardens, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational institution whose mission is to educate and inspire families, especially children, to appreciate horticulture and the importance of trees in our lives by providing fun and memories in a beautiful garden setting.
Donations are always welcome. Find out more about ways you can help support our educational mission!
Testimonials
“The Gilroy Unified School District has a long-standing partnership with the Gilroy Gardens. One of the highlights of our joint activities together were the Natural Science Day Field trips, which included a visit to the Green Barn Learning Center. Students learned about the flora and fauna at the Gardens while staff taught them the science standards of their grade level. Students and staff loved these field trips, which brought science to life.”
– Dr. Deborah Flores, Retired Superintendent, Gilroy Unified School District“The hands-on experience and knowledge gained from your team will undoubtedly benefit our students in their future studies and careers. Thank you for your commitment to education and for making a difference in the lives of our students.”
– Salinas City Elementary School District