UCR Botanic Gardens
About
40-Acre Hilly Botanical Garden on UCR Campus
The UC Riverside Botanic Gardens cover 40 hilly acres in the foothills of the Box Springs Mountains on the east side of the UCR campus. The collection holds more than 3,500 plant species across butterfly, rose, and aromatic-herb gardens.
Family Programs & Camp Highlander
Year-round programming for families includes storytime and craft sessions, plus a UCR-affiliated youth camp. Programs include:
- Storytime in the Gardens (1st Sunday monthly, 10am, Jan-Oct)
- Origami classes (Mondays 9am-12pm, 1st Sunday 11am-1pm)
- Camp Highlander (UCR youth camp with botany element)
- School field trips
- Family weekend visits (1st and 3rd Sundays, 8am-2pm)
What's Included
- Suggested $5/adult donation
- Storytime and origami program materials
- Garden access during open hours
Experience
Genuine botanical research garden with 3,500+ species in a uniquely hilly setting. Storytime and origami fit younger kids; older kids interested in plant science get full garden access. Camp contact: [email protected].