Plan a Visit
School Programs
School Tour/Activity Package | School Programs | School Tours | Self-Guided Discoveries
ABCs of Life on a Farm
Work on letter sounds while collecting alphabet cards hidden around the farm. Then try your luck at farm chores from the 1930s as you match the chore to the flashcard action word.
Kindergarten, first grade
Then and Now: Down on the Farm
Compare past and present by participating in 1930s-era farm chores, discussing present day alternatives, making real butter and playing old-fashioned games.
Preschool, kindergarten
Farm Math: Making Things Count
Practice counting at a produce stand using colorful fruits and vegetables and play coins and currency; use a clock to time farm chores like gathering eggs, hanging laundry, pumping water and painting the fence or barn; and play a giant board game filled with farm math word problems. Math on the farm can be so much fun!
Early elementary
Making a Splash
The waterfalls in the Sculpture Park provide the perfect spot for activities focused on water. Learn which animals and insects live in water and examine water samples, explore the water cycle through hands-on experiments, and find out why water is such a valuable resource.
Early elementary
Can You Dig It?
Learn fun facts about rocks with a variety of activities such as using microscopes to look closely at what rocks are made of, experimenting with the power of glaciers, and digging for the three types of rocks. Learn why rocks rock!
Elementary
Simple Machines: Doing Work on the Farm
Move large rocks using levers, lift heavy weights with pulley systems and carve into wood using wedges. Then go on a scavenger hunt to find many other farm implements made up of simple machines. This is a wonderful program for making sense out of science.
Elementary
Michigan Tree Expedition
Learn about the importance of trees by pretending to become a lumberjack, and find out why Grand Rapids became “furniture city.” Then unlock the secret to tree identification using a special identification “key.” Discover the many ways Native Americans, settlers and wildlife all used white pines—our state tree.
Elementary
Wild About Wetlands
Imagine you’re a scientist as you explore our wetlands, record observations, sketch wildlife and perform simple experiments. Discover the amazing variety of plants and animals that make the wetlands home, and the important work that wetlands do from filtering our water to reducing flooding. A wetlands journal and bingo game are included.
Upper elementary, middle school
Fitness Fun in the Sculpture Park
Stretch, lunge, squat, jump, lift and dance your way to fitness using world-renowned sculpture as a springboard. Walk the mile-long Sculpture Park path stopping at various pieces to participate in fitness activities inspired by each. A truly unique combination of art education and exercise.
Upper elementary, middle school
You're Hired: Careers at Meijer Gardens
Investigate several careers and participate in real staff tasks. Identify trees from a landscape designer’s blueprint; learn about professional hand tools; and design an exhibition using a tabletop model of the Sculpture Galleries. Then select color for the gallery walls, decide on a font for wall text, design billboards to advertise the show and find a corporate sponsor. At the end of the program, work in teams to create a work of art.
Middle school, high school
