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
- Wednesday, May 13th
- 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Registration is required. Member price is $15.00 and Non-member price is $20.00
Details
Oasis in a Pot: Building a Florida Native Aquatic Rest Stop
This workshop focuses on creating a Florida Native Aquatic Container Garden, specifically designed as a functional “rest stop” for native insects and local wildlife. You will learn to build a miniature wetland that provides water, nectar, and habitat for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and dragonflies.
Class Overview
Florida’s insects are in decline, and urban “habitat highways” are more important than ever. In this course, we transform simple pots into thriving aquatic ecosystems. You’ll learn how to use Florida-native wetland plants to create a permanent water source that supports everything from migrating Monarchs to mosquito-eating dragonflies.
Who This Class is For
- Apartment & Condo Dwellers: Learn how a single pot on a balcony can become a vital wildlife corridor.
- Nature Lovers: Anyone looking to attract dragonflies—the ultimate natural pest control—to their patio.
- Sustainable Gardeners: Homeowners looking for low-maintenance, high-impact Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ solutions.
Why Take This Class?
By the end of this session, you won’t just have a pretty pot; you’ll have a functional piece of the Florida Everglades. These “mini-wetlands” act as biological filters, provide oxygen to your micro-habitat, and offer a safe landing for exhausted pollinators. Native aquatic plants used in the demonstration will be available for purchase at the conclusion of the class.
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.