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The 
Green Barn
Explore science, nature, and art in a unique learning space
The Green Barn will remain closed for the rest of the year, but don’t worry — crafts and reading will be back in March 2026!
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.
"Rocko" the Dinosaur
Artist: John Cody
Year: 1988
Medium: Serpentine Marble
Rocko was originally sculpted out of a 20-ton bolder for Knott’s Berry Farm’s Knott’s Kingdom of Dinosaurs attraction before being moved to Camp Snoopy section of the park. It was carved between January and February 1988 (Reference). Rocko was donated to Gilroy Gardens and is now proudly located along the Park’s midway just in front of The Green Barn, where guests can explore science and nature in a unique learning space.
About John Cody: John Cody (1948 – 2025) was a self-taught California sculptor known for working in stone, particularly serpentine, a metamorphic rock native to the state. His works often depict animals, dinosaurs, and natural forms — stylized but solid and earthy, with a focus on organic curves and textures.
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!
