Explore Descanso Gardens from the ground up with your children ages 2 to 5. On the first Saturday of the month, Little Explorers will encourage kids to use their senses to discover the natural world through hands-on activities.

Free with admission. No registration required.

Please note that this class is sold out.

Join Urban Forager author Elisa Callow and featured chef Mario Rodriguez as they demonstrate the remarkable variety of salsas using the traditional comal pan and incorporating fresh and dried chiles.

$40 members, $50 nonmembers. Advance reservation required.

Please note that this program is non-refundable.

Celebrate Japanese art and culture at this annual celebration set in our Japanese Garden. Activities included in the price of regular admission.

Ikebana Display | 9am – 5pm
View examples of ikebana, the art of flower arranging, from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

Taiko Drummers | 11:30am & 1:30pm
Kishin Daiko drummers perform heart-pounding feats of percussion.

Crafting | 10am – 1pm
Create your own work of art inspired by the Japanese Garden.

Photo © Martha Benedict

Celebrate Japanese art and culture at this annual celebration set in our Japanese Garden. Activities included in the price of regular admission.

Ikebana Display | 9am – 5pm
View examples of ikebana, the art of flower arranging, from the Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

Taiko Drummers | 11:30am & 1:30pm
Kishin Daiko drummers perform heart-pounding feats of percussion.

Crafting | 10am – 1pm
Create your own work of art inspired by the Japanese Garden.

Photo © Martha Benedict

Please note that Garden Sprouts is full.

Join us on four Fridays from October 25–November 15. Meets in the Harvest Garden.

Garden Sprouts is a grownup and child (ages 2–4) class where the seeds of love for nature are planted and nurtured. Children and adults participate in story time, songs, hands-on nature, science, art, and gardening activities, as well as prepare a healthy snack together. All activities are designed specifically for children’s fine and gross motor skills and social development.   

$40 members; $48 non-members. Registration required.

Explore Descanso Gardens from the ground up with your children ages 2 to 5. On the first Saturday of the month, Little Explorers will encourage kids to use their senses to discover the natural world through hands-on activities.

Free with admission. No registration required.

Join Urban Forager author Elisa Callow for a refreshing look at the myriad forms of salad – fresh, marinated and pickled – designed to bring out the best of hardy winter greens, such as cabbage, kale and lettuce.

$40 members, $50 nonmembers. Advance reservation required, register here.

Please note that this program is non-refundable.

Please note: Enchanted Forest of Light is sold out. There are no more tickets available.

Experience the wonder of Enchanted Forest of Light from November 17 to January 5. New this year is contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin’s magical “stained glass” creation which will grace Descanso’s Mulberry Pond. Popular favorites returning include the Ancient Forest, Flower Power, and “Celestial Shadows” by HYBYCOZO.

Enchanted is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry and must be purchased in advance. See our FAQs about Enchanted here.

The Boddy House will be seasonally decorated from November 23 to January 6. Enjoy festive displays that celebrate the textures, scents and colors of beautiful winter botanicals. You just might be inspired to switch up your own seasonal décor!

The Boddy House is open 10am – 4pm daily.