At A Grade Ahead we provide superior academic enrichment for our students. Time spent in our classrooms is vital to academic growth. While classroom time is important, time spent outside the classroom can also be a great learning opportunity. A Grade Ahead knows that learning happens everywhere. Our headquarters in Central Ohio is surrounded by endless opportunities for educational field trips. Join us for this article as we explore the excitement and wonder of The Franklin Park Conservatory.
The Franklin Park Conservatory
For families who enjoy the beauty of nature and art, The Franklin Park Conservatory is a gorgeous urban oasis. Located two miles east of downtown Columbus, the conservatory offers year-round experiences indoors and outdoors. Visitors can explore various botanical biomes, gardens, horticultural exhibits, art displays, and much more. At A Grade Ahead we love places like the Franklin Park Conservatory because we love learning so many things all in one place!
Did you know A Grade Ahead offers year-round academic enrichment in math, English, and science? Click here to get a curriculum sample, or take a free assessment to get started!
Blooms and Butterflies
A favorite topic among students in elementary school science classes is the butterfly. Kids are fascinated by the life cycle of these beautiful creatures. The Blooms and Butterflies exhibit at the conservatory is the perfect place for kids to learn about these morphing insects. Located in the Pacific Island Water Garden, guests can explore the biome filled with tropical flowers and colorful butterflies. If you are lucky, you might even get a butterfly to land on your finger! Before entering the garden, be sure to stop by the metamorphosis lab to observe chrysalises at various stages. This is a super fun and up-close way to engage kids in life science and biology. This year the blooms and butterflies exhibit will run from February 22nd through July 6th. If possible, make your visit in April as it’s the peak month to see an abundance of butterflies in full flutter.
If your child is interested in science, take a peek at my past blog post about another popular central Ohio outing: A Grade Ahead Educational Adventures: COSI
Biomes
On the opposite side of the conservatory building, visitors can explore three other beautiful biomes: The Himalayan Mountains, The Tropical Rainforest, and The Desert. These areas offer a great opportunity for guests to learn about environmental science. See below for a description of each biome taken from the conservatory website:
Himalayan Mountains
The plants featured in the Himalayan Biome include a variety of conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs, flowering plants and vines that have adapted to the harsh conditions of their habitat. Visit the Himalayan Biome throughout the year to experience a delightful change in the seasons, from the fragrance of the Star Jasmine each June to the wonderful colors of deciduous trees in fall.
Rainforest Biome
The plants in this biome represent just a portion of the tremendous biodiversity found in rainforests around the world. Explore the plant life in this habitat at ground level and from above as you walk along the upper canopy bridge. Find epiphytes that climb or cling to large trees like the Mahogany and see if the cacao tree has any pods. Always warm and humid, the tropical rainforest is a popular escape during the winter months.
Desert Biome
Get an up-close look at an environment very different from central Ohio’s. Cacti and succulents of all sizes fill this hot and arid multi-leveled biome. Spring and summer bring pops of color from unusual cacti blooms.
Is your student interested in biomes? Call or visit an A Grade Ahead Academy near you and see if they are offering Eco-Explorers or one of our other enrichment camps in your area! Learn more in my past blog post: Plan on Enrichment and Fun with A Grade Ahead Summer Camps!
Chihuly Art Display and Glass Blowing Workshops
While strolling through the different environments, guests can enjoy the artwork of Dale Chihuly. Scattered throughout the biomes, Chihuly’s breathtaking glasswork is on permanent display at the conservatory. As the largest private Chihuly collection in a botanical garden, these beautiful glass pieces are a must see. In addition, guests can visit the conservatory Hot Shop, open from April to December, to observe glass making in action. Included in the price of admission, local artists demonstrate glassblowing Monday-Friday 11am-2pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-3pm. If you want to experience this artform hands-on, check out the studio group classes or personal glassblowing sessions.
The Children’s Garden
With spring time just around the corner, families with young children will be eager to explore the outdoor Children’s Garden. This 2-acre garden features plants, flowers, rocks, grassy lawns, wetland paths, canopy walks, natural play areas and more. Active kiddos can release energy by climbing up the Boulder Scramble, while creative children can play make-believe in the natural Playhouse. The Sunrise Lawn features lawn games that families can enjoy together. For those interested in edible gardening, the “Let’s Garden” area offers opportunities to explore fruits and veggies in raised garden beds. This garden also has a compost area where visitors can learn about organic waste and healthy soil. After all the fun and learning, guests may relax in the calming Whisper Gardens.
Currently closed for refurbishment, The Children’s Garden will reopen in April. That’s the perfect time to see the butterflies at their peak and then head outside to play!
Summer Camps
If you love what the conservatory has to offer, you will be interested in their summer camps for kids ages 3-8-years. With half and full day options, campers will have a great time exploring nature and science. To learn more, check out the website here.
At A Grade Ahead, we are ready for spring and summertime fun and learning! Has your family ever visited the Franklin Park Conservatory? Will you make a trip this year to see the butterflies? Let us know in the comments below!
Author: Amanda Hutson, Curriculum Assistant at A Grade Ahead
