Adventure Brief
Discover a unique winter adventure at Reiman Gardens with themed outdoor activities for kids. Perfect for families seeking outdoor fun and learning during the holiday break.
2 days
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Discover a unique winter adventure at Reiman Gardens with themed outdoor activities for kids. Perfect for families seeking outdoor fun and learning during the holiday break.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
All children should be able to walk and participate in outdoor activities comfortably
Wildlife
History
Reiman Gardens was established in 1995 and has become a community hub for botanical education year-round, even in winter.
Conservation
Reiman Gardens promotes sustainable gardening practices and actively manages invasive species while preserving native flora.
Reiman Gardens
Discover a unique winter adventure at Reiman Gardens with themed outdoor activities for kids. Perfect for families seeking outdoor fun and learning during the holiday break.
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.
Location
Ames, Iowa
Central Iowa botanical destination
Butterfly Wing
Up to 800 butterflies
Around 80 species on display
Volunteer Roles
Multiple seasonal roles
Docent and event support available
Events & Camps
Year-round programming
Speaker series, camps, workshops
Find upcoming events, buy tickets, or sign up to volunteer and experience the Butterfly Wing, camps, workshops, and garden tours.
Dress in layers
Warm clothing, waterproof boots, and hats are essential for outdoor winter activities.
Stay hydrated
Even in cold weather, remember to drink water to stay energized.
Protect outdoor gear
Ensure gear is in good condition to keep warm and dry during activities.
Plan for shorter daylight
Start activities early to make the most of daylight hours.
Winter coat
Keeps kids warm during outdoor activities.
winter
Waterproof boots
Protects feet and keeps them dry in snow and ice.
winter
Gloves and hats
Prevent heat loss and keep extremities warm.
winter
Sunscreen
Protect skin from UV rays reflected by snow.
winter