Nature Discovery Kits
Pick up Anytime
Grab a Nature Discovery Kit and explore the gardens in a new way! You can now check out our nature discovery kits with activities and books to help you learn a little more about Airlie Gardens and all of the beautiful plants and animals that live here! Just ask to check one out at the front desk by leaving your ID or keys with our ticket agent. Included with garden admission. Special thanks to The International Paper Foundation for funding this program.
NATURE KIT OPTIONS
Bird Walks
2nd Wednesday each month & other select dates
Pre-registration Required
Fly over to Airlie Gardens to participate in a guided Bird Hike, co-hosted with our partner, Wild Bird and Garden. Recognized on the North Carolina Birding Trail as a Coastal Region site, Airlie offers some of the best birding in New Hanover County. To see what has been spotted, check out Airlie’s HotSpot on eBird.com, a free, easy-to-use, citizen science observation database. Included in Garden Membership, advance reservation is required.
AIRLIE'S eBIRD HOTSPOT VIEW EVENT
Accessible Bird Outing
Select dates
Pre-registration Required
Birding is fun for everyone! Join Educators and Jill from Wild Bird & Garden for a guided tram ride around the gardens to some of our bird hotspots. Ideal for birders of any experience level who may not have the mobility to walk for extended periods of time, who can board and exit our tram. Included in Garden Membership, advance reservation is required.
VIEW EVENT
Guided History Tour
Select dates each month
Pre-registration Required
Dive into the rich history, horticulture, and ecology of Airlie Gardens on a walking tour of the grounds. Included in Garden Membership, advance reservation is required.
VIEW EVENT
Tree Walk
Select dates each season
Pre-registration Required
Join Educators on a walk through the grounds to learn about the various tree species throughout the garden! Highlights will include both native and introduced species and the history of the grounds and its plantings. Included in Garden Membership, advance reservation is required.
VIEW EVENT
Homeschool Day
Select days each month
Pre-registration Required
Hands-on, standard based programs to get your homeschool students excited about the outdoors! Designed for students ages 4-13 years old, parent or guardian participation required. This program is not included in Garden Membership, advance reservation is required.
VIEW EVENT
Butterfly Release
Tuesdays at 10 am | June 4th – September 3rd 2024
Pre-registration Required
An Educator will be in our Butterfly House discussing the life cycle of a butterfly and the different types of butterflies you can see in the House that week. Butterflies will then be released into the Butterfly House. All ages welcome! Children under the age of 14 must be supervised by an adult. Included in Garden Membership, advance reservation is required.
VIEW EVENT
Airlie at Home
Our Environmental Educators have been hard at work bringing you new content; such as, educational videos and family friendly activities that you can do right in your own backyard. Check out the Environmental Education YouTube channel to begin exploring your garden at home!
WATCH NOW
Garden Bingo
Play a round of BINGO while you explore the grounds! A fun garden activity for the whole family. Learn about your surroundings by connecting a row OR challenge yourself by finding them all!
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