ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (May 16, 2024) — Celebrate a new chapter of the Children's Garden as we open Storybook Landscapes this Friday, May 17, 2:30PM.
After a private ribbon-cutting, the public is invited to explore the new garden. The Rock Island Public Library will be bringing their Mobile Library and reading stories.
The exhibit opening kicks off our 1,000 book giveaway! Books were donated by the Rock Island Rotary Club and the Quad Cities Community Foundation — Young Family Endowment for the Quad City Botanical Center.
The Children's Garden mini-Mississippi River is not yet open. Stay tuned to our social media for the opening announcement.
About Storybook Landscapes
Storybook Landscapes is carefully thought out to elicit memories of storybooks from adult’s childhoods while creating new ones for today’s youth. Complete with a shaded picnic area, a QCBC story-themed photo opportunity, flower talk tubes, a millhouse, wishing well, costume hut and acting area, spider net arbor, a bedtime story plaza, a group reading structure and storyteller’s chair, there is something for both the young and the young at heart. Its location will be right off the garden’s mini-Mississippi River for quick access and is designed to be accessible within ADA standards, leaving no barriers to experiencing the garden.
The opening of this garden kicks off the 1,000 book giveaway. Visit the Little Free Library wheelbarrow in the lobby for a free book. Books vary in interest and reading level, with a variety of titles available in Spanish. Books were donated by Rock Island Rotary Club and the Quad Cities Community Foundation — Young Family Endowment for the Quad City Botanical Center.
As one of the biggest single investments to date in the organization’s history, the Storybook Landscapes exhibit is made possible by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Museum Capital Grant Program.
Coming Soon: The Return of the River
Our horticulture team is putting the finishing touches on preparing our mini-Mississippi River for a summer full of fun and exploration. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know when the water is officially on for the season.
Surrounded by greenery, flowering perennials and native prairie plants, the intrigue of water play allows children to be carried away by their imaginations. We offer many activities throughout the garden to keep kids engaged in interactive play and even have spots for the adults to relax while kiddos splash around and explore.
Become a member! Family memberships start at $70 and get you free general admission to the gardens all year long in addition to other perks. |
Gardens in Bloom
The outdoor gardens have been full of new blooms since our last update, with many more popping up each week. Visit to enjoy the variety of shapes and colors, to gain inspiration for your home gardens, or simply to spend some time connecting with nature.
Pick up one of our new self-guided tours at Guest Services to learn more about spices, Mesozoic plants, mindfulness, and grounding, or to go on a garden safari!
Limited Eco Camp Spots Left
Our popular, week-long summer camps offer hands-on, nature-based learning activities and outdoor exploration in the gardens. Come join us for fun in the dirt, water, and sun as we explore the outdoor gardens each day. Each day will be a new adventure with their camp friends.
ECO KIDS CAMP
6.17.24 - 6.21.24
MONDAY-FRIDAY
9AM-12PM
Eco kids ages 5-9 will explore the intriguing outdoor gardens each day, search for animals and plants, the habitats they live in and learn about protecting the nature around us.
SIX SPOTS LEFT
ECO ART CAMP
7.22.24-7.26.24
MONDAY-FRIDAY
9AM-12PM
Young artists ages five to nine will create artwork from nature on topics including plant art, soil art, and water art. We’ll have fun in the sun and explore different types of art mediums as we interact with nature in our gardens.
NINE SPOTS LEFT
