Desert Botanical Garden-Cactus Clubhouse

 

Desert Botanical Garden’s Cactus Clubhouse is an indoor and outdoor nature playspace, designed for children 12 and younger. In the setting of the stunning Sonoran Desert, it provides opportunities for
unstructured and structured play, hands-on activities and crafts, and areas for kids and caretakers to
climb, build and explore in nature.

The dedicated staff and volunteers host experiments, crafts and activities centered around the desert and nature education. Free-play activity stations include a nature library and reading nook, puzzles, coloring and crafting zones, live insect displays, veggie and herb gardens, a large dig pit, water play stations, climbing zones, musical and dramatic play areas, and a fairy garden. Popular programs hosted in the space include Storytimes, Summer Camps, early childhood classes, and more.

Throughout the season, the Clubhouse welcomes over 20,000 visitors and continues to grow and develop. Feedback from visitors highlight that the Cactus Clubhouse “fills a hole missing in the valley for that nature preschool feeling” and the environment is “warm and welcoming – it is clear such care was put in to developing and presenting program elements”, and “fun for the whole family”.

This year, the Cactus Clubhouse added a Sensory Aid station to help kids enjoy the space – whether it be headphones or fidget items, guests can check out materials that help make their experiences inside better. Future developments include adding new activity stations, creating new programs and
opportunities to utilize the playspace and preparing for the future Children & Family Garden addition to Desert Botanical Garden.

 

Learn more about this classroom on their certification page!