Are outdoor activities weather-dependent?

Yes, activities are planned based on weather conditions; they will be adjusted or moved indoors if necessary.

Is prior outdoor experience needed?

No, the activities are designed for all skill levels and are suitable for beginners.

Will there be indoor options available?

Yes, some arts and STEM activities can be moved indoors if weather conditions are severe.

What should children bring?

Warm clothing, water bottles, and any personal outdoor gear.

Snacks will be available, but parents can also send personal snacks.

Registration can be completed on the Reiman Gardens website or through their provided contact channels.

Winter Wilderness & Outdoor Fun at Reiman Gardens

Reiman Gardens, located in the heart of central Iowa, offers a captivating winter outdoor experience that stands out as a must-visit destination during the cold months. While the gardens are renowned for their lush plant displays in warmer seasons, winter transforms this space into a robust setting for family-friendly outdoor activities. The camp, held on December 22 and 23, invites children in grades 1-5 to ignite their curiosity with themed activities like 'Ice, Ice, Baby' and 'Grinch Day,' blending playful learning with the crisp winter air.

The outdoor component emphasizes cold-weather resilience, engaging young adventurers in nature-based activities that include snow play, outdoor science experiments, and creative arts, all designed to foster an appreciation for nature’s winter beauty. The gardens' expansive grounds, with their impressive sculptures and distinctive plant displays, offer unique vantage points for winter photography and discovery. This period reveals a different side of Reiman Gardens—frost-coated branches, shimmering ice formations, and the first snow provide picturesque backgrounds perfect for capturing seasonal memories.

The camp emphasizes safe outdoor engagement, making it a great way for kids to disconnect from screens and reconnect with nature. The outdoor activities are designed to be age-appropriate yet stimulating, encouraging teamwork, exploration, and a sense of wonder amid the winter landscape. Reiman Gardens has cultivated its reputation by offering engaging, thematic camps that blend education with entertainment, making it a favorite among local families and visitors from surrounding areas.

Whether your family is local or visiting, this winter camp elevates outdoor fun by highlighting Iowa’s winter charm while providing meaningful, safe outdoor experiences during the holiday season. It’s more than just a camp; it’s a mini winter adventure that balances fun, learning, and outdoor appreciation in a beautiful, accessible setting.

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.