Educational resouces
Citizen Science at BGO
Borrowed Backpack Program
BGO offers a Borrowed Backpack Program designed to help young guests explore, discover, and connect with nature in a hands-on way.
We have four themed backpacks available at no cost during your visit: Bird, Flower, Bug, and an Explorer pack created especially for teens. Each backpack is filled with engaging tools and activities that highlight features of the Garden and spark curiosity about the natural world.
Our goal is to deepen children’s connection to nature and grow their interest in ecological and botanical topics through guided discovery and play. Sensory-Friendly backpacks are also available to ensure an inclusive experience for all guests.
To borrow a backpack or learn more stop by the Admissions Office when you arrive.
Bird & Butterfly Scavenger Hunts
Looking for a fun way to explore the Garden? Try our Bird & Butterfly Scavenger Hunts!
These self-guided activities feature the birds and butterflies you’ll find right here in our Garden. As you explore, see how many of these critters you can spot along the way. It’s a fun and interactive way for kids and adults alike to connect with nature.
View the scavenger hunts digitally before or during your visit:
Prefer a printed copy? Pick one up at the Admissions Office when you arrive. Then head out and start your adventure!
Sensory Friendly Materials
Borrow a free Sensory Friendly Bag to take with you as you walk through the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks!
Our Sensory Friendly Bags have been created in order to provide an inclusive environment for all of our visitors at the garden. Provided in each sensory bag is a pair of ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget rings, binoculars, a sensory friendly map, a magnifying glass, a kaleidoscope, and plant identification pamphlets.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is an active, outdoor environment with festivals, field trips, tours, daily admissions, and small and large events. Between lawn mowers, leaf blowers, bands for festivals, groups of students, and many colorful flowers that are tempting to pick, our Sensory Friendly Bags are designed to be supportive for all individuals prone to overstimulation.
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is dedicated to implementing and supporting an inclusive and engaging outdoor learning experience for Northwest Arkansas. Check out our free Sensory Friendly Bags
Little Sprouts
Camps
Field Trips
