Education
In a world dominated by screens, children need places where they can run, explore, and connect with nature. Studies show that time spent outdoors improves physical, emotional, and cognitive health – and lays the foundation for future environmental stewardship. At McKee, learning is embedded in every leaf, ripple, and bloom. Adults, and children alike benefit from a garden that is as educational as it is enchanting.
Classes At McKee
Details
Join fellow readers and nature lovers for our Botanical Book Club, where literature and the natural world meet. Gather with us in the inspiring setting of the Garden to share lively discussions, new perspectives, and the joy of reading together. Whether you’re a casual reader or a serious book enthusiast, our club offers a welcoming community that nurtures both minds and roots.
Where: Volunteer Center
Time: 11:00am
Dates: Thursdays: January 8, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 23
Cost: $20.00 Per Person for the Series/ Online Registration is required
- 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10
- Times Vary Based on Type of Class
Multiple Class Dates & Times Available. Click for more information.
Details
Join Michelle for the mindful movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong focusing on decreasing tension, improving flexibility, better balance/body awareness, and calming the nervous system. Michelle is a certified Tai Chi and Qi Gong instructor. She incorporates her passion for Tai Chi and Qi Gong with her 25 years of experience as a licensed Physical Therapist, and her teaching background ensures her classes are fun, progressive, and easy to follow with modifications given for all levels. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle. Exercise mat not required.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong The Basics
Tuesdays, January 20th, 27th, February 3rd, 10th
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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Intermediate Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Tuesdays, January 20th, 27th, February 3, 10th
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
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Advanced Tai Chi & Qi Gong
Tuesdays, January 20th, 27th, February 3rd, 10th
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
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with Reiko Nishioka
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Reiko Nishioka, has worked with master origami artist Michael LeFosse whose work is represented in FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN. Reiko was born in Japan and is a museum educator. She respects many Japanese traditional arts and crafts including the art of Origami. Fascinated by this art, Reiko has been teaching Origami to children and adults for more than 30 years. In her class at McKee, participants will be invited to slow down, focus, and connect with the ancient traditions of Japanese origami. As you learn to fold nature-inspired designs, you’ll cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and a sense of inner calm. All materials are provided, and no prior experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore this meditative art form in the peaceful beauty of the garden. Advanced registration is required.
$35.00 per person
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Details
Interactive Class with McKee’s Aquatics Expert, Nikki Wojtowicz
ver wonder how McKee creates and maintains its beautiful, award-winning water gardens? Join McKee’s own waterlily expert, Nikki Wojtowicz, for an engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of repotting waterlilies and the essentials of water garden care. Nikki will guide you through a step-by-step demonstration on how to create a home water garden, sharing professional tips and insider techniques along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, this class offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your appreciation for these stunning aquatic plants and bring a touch of McKee’s magic to your own home garden.
Members $15.00/ Non-Members $20.00
Online Registration Required
Register Here
Camp McKee
McKee's Experts
Education Programs for Educators
Eco Internship
The School District of Indian River County has launched a promising new partnership with McKee bringing real-world science learning to advanced and gifted sixth-graders at Gifford Middle School, a Title I School. Beginning last January and continuing through April, 88 students participate in a newly created Eco Internship that brings science standards to life through authentic, hands-on study. The program combines weekly classroom instruction with monthly immersive visits to the Garden, exploring botany, garden ecosystems, plant and animal adaptations, and broader environmental science topics. District leaders anticipate a meaningful and lasting impact on students. McKee’s Director of Education, Diane Robaina, presented the concept to the SDIRC and is leading the weekly classroom and hands-on instruction.
Seed Detective
McKee has introduced generations of students to its historic jungle and one of Florida’s original native hammocks, often a child’s first experience of a true jungle.
This year, McKee expanded its Seed Detectives program so entire schools can visit on the same day, rotating through guided education stations that explore how plants disperse their seeds through wind, water, animals, hitch-hiking, and explosion. The program supports Florida first-grade science standards while immersing students in hands-on learning beneath a living jungle canopy.
McKee’s goal is to reach every first grader in Indian River County. This ambitious initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Benedict Foundation, with funding covering transportation, admission, lunch, and the educational materials required for each Discovery Station.
Sensory Inclusive Experience through FAU Partnership
In partnership with Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) to expand sensory-inclusive experiences for children and adults with autism and sensory sensitivities. Beginning in April, visitors may check out complimentary sensory backpacks equipped with polarized sunglasses, noise canceling headphones, and calming fidgets to support a more comfortable Garden visit. Families can prepare in advance using social stories available on McKee’s website, while sensory maps will identify quiet, restorative spaces through the Garden. Built to ADA standards, McKee’s Children’s Garden and this new CARD initiative reflect the Garden’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and welcoming all visitors.
Explorer Backpacks
Make your visit to McKee Botanical Garden even more engaging with our Explorer Backpacks designed to turn a walk through the Garden into an interactive adventure!
Guests can choose from five themed backpacks:
- Survival
- Things with Wings
- Bugs
- Plants
- Garden Explorer
Each backpack is filled with tools and materials to help you explore, observe, and discover the wonders of the Garden in a hands-on way. Follow the included step-by-step activity plans for a guided learning experience or create your own adventure as you and your group explore the Garden and record your discoveries along the way.
Perfect for families, school groups, and curious minds of all ages, Explorer Backpacks encourage visitors to slow down, look closely, and connect with nature in a fun and meaningful way.
Guided Group Tours
Guided tours are available for groups, offering a deeper look into the Garden’s rich history and remarkable plant collections. Led by knowledgeable guides, each tour shares fascinating stories about McKee’s origins, restoration, and unique design features, while highlighting interesting facts about our incredible collection of tropical plants from around the world.
Our guided tours provide an engaging and educational experience for school groups that brings the beauty and history of McKee Botanical Garden to life.