Are food and snacks provided?

Parents should send snacks and lunch, as food is not provided unless specified by the camp.

What is the age range for campers?

The camps are designed for children ages 6 to 12.

Is there a dress code or specific clothing required?

Casual, comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities are recommended.

What safety measures are in place?

Staff closely supervise all activities, and the gardens follow safety protocols for children.

Can I visit without participating in the camp?

Reiman Gardens is open to the public, but these youth camps require registration for participation.

How do I register for a camp session?

Registration can be completed online through the Reiman Gardens website or by contacting their office.

Outdoor Education & Youth Camps at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens, located in Ames, Iowa, offers an engaging outdoor experience for young adventurers through its renowned youth day camps. Celebrating over three decades of outdoor education, these camps transform the botanical setting into a lively classroom where creativity and discovery thrive. Perfect for families seeking active, educational outings, Reiman Gardens’ youth camps combine hands-on activities with natural exploration, making it a standout destination in the region.

Kids will immerse themselves in themed adventures, from uncovering fascinating plant facts to participating in creative challenges. Special events like Fall Funtivities and LEGO activities infuse extra excitement, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving amid the vibrant garden landscapes. The gardens feature a mix of lush floral displays, whimsical sculptures, and quiet pathways that serve as the perfect backdrop for engaging outdoor learning.

What makes Reiman Gardens an exceptional destination is its seamless blend of outdoor beauty and educational purpose. The staff prioritizes safe, interactive experiences that foster curiosity about nature, making it a memorable place for children to connect with the environment. Whether exploring the Butterfly Wing, wandering through the Japanese Garden, or joining themed camp days, young explorers will find plenty to spark their interest and inspire a lifelong love of the outdoors.

Parents can relax knowing their kids are engaging with nature safely, while kids return home with new knowledge and stories from a truly unique outdoor classroom experience. Reiman Gardens’ youth camps continue to be a vital part of Iowa’s outdoor recreation scene, offering accessible, fun-filled days that cultivate curiosity and respect for the natural world.

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.