Is this event adults-only?

Yes—this program is for adults only; check the venue’s booking page for specific age policies.

Are materials provided for the collage session?

Yes, basic collage materials are provided, though you can bring personal photos or small papers to customize your piece.

What happens if it rains?

Events run rain-or-shine with indoor options available in the conservatory; confirm details on the booking link for specific dates.

Is the event accessible for people with mobility aids?

Main paths are generally accessible, but some garden surfaces are natural; contact the venue ahead of time for detailed accessibility information.

Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?

Policies vary; bring a small snack if discreet, but confirm rules about outside food and beverages with the venue.

How do I reserve a spot?

Reserve through the venue’s booking link; spaces can fill quickly for themed nights, so book early.

Grown-Ups Gone Mild: Evening Crafts and Strolls at Reiman Gardens, Ames

Grown-Ups Gone Mild at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, turns the greenhouse and display beds into an adults-only evening of low-key craftmaking, strolling, and subtle socializing. Held Thursdays in June from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., this two-hour program invites visitors to move at a human pace: wander formal perennial beds, pause at pollinator plantings, and step into the conservatory to warm up or cool down depending on the Midwestern night. The program ends with a small-group collage crafting session—materials provided—so you can leave with a keepsake and an excuse to stay a little longer. This offering stands out because it blends place-based calm with an explicitly adult-only atmosphere: no childcare chatter, no rushed strollers—just grownups experimenting with paper, glue, and conversation against the backdrop of cultivated landscapes. Key features include winding paths, themed display gardens, seasonal plantings that highlight native prairie species, and the greenhouse conservatory that brings a different microclimate and plant palette into the evening. In late spring, expect strong pollinator activity and a chorus of insects that provide an honest summer soundtrack. The experience is ideal for solo travelers seeking easy social contact, friend groups looking for a low-pressure night out, or couples who prefer an outdoor twist on a date night. Wear comfortable shoes for gravel and garden paths, and bring a light layer against river-breeze evenings; a folding seat is handy if you prefer to craft outside. Staff provide materials for the collage session, but a small notebook and favorite photo can help personalize your project. Practical notes: the event is two hours long and runs rain-or-shine with indoor options in the conservatory for wet weather; check the booking link for exact dates and availability. Accessibility is generally good along main paths, though some garden surfaces are natural. Parking and facility details should be confirmed through the venue. Why this is a special part of the local recreation scene: Reiman Gardens flips the expectation of a botanical visit by offering programming that foregrounds adults’ need for slow, creative social spaces. It’s a quiet counterpart to the high-energy outdoor options around Ames—an invitation to practice attentiveness among cultivated beds and native plant displays. If you want a low-key, plant-rich evening that mixes conversation with craft, this is a summer event built for slow curiosity and good company—reserve early, arrive with open hands, and leave with a small handmade memory. Groups are encouraged to book in advance; spaces can fill quickly for themed nights. Expect relaxed conversation rather than structured instruction; instructors circulate to assist with craft techniques. Dogs, alcohol, and children are typically not permitted during the adults-only hours—confirm house rules before you go. Bring a camera and small tote for your finished work and snacks.

About Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa offers year-round horticultural displays, seasonal events, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities that engage families, students, and garden enthusiasts. The facility hosts a variety of public experiences including speaker series, guided and self-guided tours, hands-on youth day camps, and specialized workshops such as dried floral wreath making and floral design. Signature experiences include the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing — open daily and featuring up to 800 live butterflies from around 80 species — plus seasonal highlights like Butterfly Blizzard and Nature at NIGHT.

Reiman Gardens programs combine accessible outdoor activities with instructional series and community-focused nights. Regular offerings include Nature with Nathan, a six-part entomology speaker series; Rovers at Reiman dog-friendly evenings; Garden Flow six-week gentle stretching sessions; Nature Journaling workshops; and members-only Wednesday walking club access. Community events range from Autumn Equinox Gothic Soiree (ages 18+) to Trivia Nights, Maker Nights, and seasonal forest bathing walks. Volunteer roles support Spirits in the Gardens (October 10–12), Pumpkin Prep, Butterfly Wing docent training, seasonal gardening and displays, and group volunteer opportunities. Reiman Gardens also offers admissions options, guided tours for youth and adults, and special previews like RG Express and Bonsai Show Member Preview. All program descriptions, schedules, and registration details are published by Reiman Gardens; visitors should consult official listings for dates, age requirements, and availability.

Members' Wednesday Walking Club meets Wednesday mornings and provides access to the Butterfly Wing and Conservatory beginning at 9:00 AM, offering a quieter visit and the chance to see horticulturalists at work.