The SLO Botanical Garden offered a free Family Day on the day after Thanksgiving. Joy, Rocko, and I showed up when it opened and stayed hours until nap time. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful experience.
Rocko was handed a pencil and sheet with a scavenger hunt - looking for bees, lizards, plants with fuzzy leaves, and more. He took the task very seriously and we explored the garden until we found everything listed.
After completing the scavenger hunt, we visited the children's garden, which had delight after delight for the kids. They played house for 45 minutes. Snacked in the willow hut. Chilled in the teepee. Then they ended the day with another 45 minutes playing in the sandbox.
While they explored and played, I got to bird watch, people watch, and relax in nature. I'm considering the family membership for next year.
They had the opportunity to write a wish to hang in the wishing tree. Rocko's was: "I wish I could see a real fairy in real life in a garden." Joy's was: "Apple."
Are you looking for adventures nearby? Check out this list!