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A Place for Discovery
Located near the Panoramic Wheel, the Green Barn is a one-of-a-kind learning space. Here, the natural world provides inspiration for artistic creativity as well as scientific discovery and exploration. It’s also the perfect place to take a quiet break during a busy day at the park! The Green Barn is generally open during regular park hours and is included with park admission.
Nature Exchange
Think of the Nature Exchange as a natural trading center or swap shop. Bring in whatever natural treasures you find at home or out in nature, such as interesting leaves, acorns, seashells, pine cones, or rocks. Bring them in to learn more and look at them with a cool high-powered microscope.
Once you set up your Nature Exchange account, you get points for all the items you bring in—and can trade the points you’ve earned for something new to add to your collection. Choose from a dazzling array of natural wonders, from colorful polished rocks and crystals to seashells, fossils, and insects.
Art Studio
The Green Barn also includes a bright and airy Art Studio, where there are plenty of supplies on hand for kids to get creative and be inspired by nature. There are kid-size tables and chairs with boxes of crayons along with leaves, sticks and seeds to make rubbings or collages.
There are also easels and chalkboards, fun coloring sheets featuring park mascots Gil and Roy, and big magnetic walls with colorful frames so kids can display their masterpieces.
The Reading Nook
Gilroy Gardens is a big park, and there are so many fun things to do that sometimes it can get a little overwhelming for the littlest ones—and their grownups! The Green Barn’s cozy Reading Nook is a wonderful place to take a quiet break from all the action.
Families can snuggle up on big chunky pillows or gather for story time on the grassy rug. The shelves are stocked with plenty of familiar classics and fact-filled field guides on everything from insects and wildflowers to mushrooms and animal tracks.
Weekly Activities at Green Barn
Bring the whole family and join us at Green Barn for fun, hands-on activities all month long! Each week, children and parents can create paper butterflies, design nature bookmarks, paint their own masterpieces, and even make slime.
All activities are free with general admission, although some—like slime-making—may require a small additional fee.
Story Time at the Green Barn
Join us for interactive story times with librarian Cameron Larsoh from the Gilroy Library! Kids will enjoy fun stories paired with movement and activities that bring tales to life.
Check back for future times!
