Can you dig it? Our top gardening classes for kids across metro Detroit

This spring, try something new and let your kids get their hands a little dirty. Gardening classes offer a fun way to spend time outdoors while teaching kids about sustainability, responsibility and where their food comes from. It’s also a chance to see who might have a natural green thumb. Here are some kid-focused gardening classes across metro Detroit to get you and your family started.

Key Takeaways

• The bigger picture: Metro Detroit offers a variety of kid-focused gardening experiences that mix outdoor learning, hands-on plant care and playful exploration.
• Why this matters: Programs help children understand where food comes from, build responsibility and develop environmental awareness through guided and at-home activities.
• Zoom in: Activities range from garden plots and summer camps to interactive events like Digger Day, giving kids both structured and creative experiences.
• Take the fun home: Families can access affordable and flexible options, including seasonal seed pickups, workshops and mentorship from local gardening organizations.

• When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026; 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2026
• Where: 19400 Bentler St., Detroit
• Price: $33.85/person

If your child is curious about growing their own plants, Gardening 101 at Griffin Gardens offers a hands-on introduction to the basics. This two-hour class covers everything from soil and plant selection to watering, spacing and seasonal care, with plenty of time for questions along the way. Kids will get to practice transplanting, take home seeds and explore the garden in a guided tour. It’s a relaxed, beginner-friendly way to build confidence and get started. Register now to reserve your spot.

• When: 6-7:30 p.m. select Tuesdays, May-August
• Where: 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn
• Price: $50/person
• Contact: [email protected]

The Children’s Garden Program at UM-Dearborn invites kids ages 6-9 to grow and care for their own garden plot alongside a parent or guardian. Meeting on select Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, families work together to plant, water and harvest while learning about soil, composting and pollination. The program blends hands-on gardening with outdoor exploration in a structured setting. It’s a great way for kids to build responsibility and spend time outside. Email [email protected] for registration information.

Digger Day at Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens

• When: 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, June 23, 2026
• Where: 1066 Bogue St., East Lansing
• Price: $5/child
• Contact: (517) 353-0452

Digger Day brings a different kind of garden experience, giving kids the chance to explore construction equipment used in large-scale outdoor projects. Held at the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens, this event features hands-on access to diggers, dump trucks and other machines, along with crafts and activities. It’s a fun, interactive way to connect kids to how spaces are built and maintained. Expect a mix of play, learning and getting your hands a little bit dirty. 

• When: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; June 15-Aug. 28, 2026
• Where: 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
• Price: $400/week
• Contact: [email protected]

Summer Farm Camp at Tollgate Farm offers weeklong sessions where kids can explore gardening, animals and outdoor science through hands-on activities. Campers spend their days planting, harvesting, working with livestock and creating projects tied to each week’s theme. With options for different age groups, including half-day camps for younger kids, the program is designed to grow with them. It’s a full outdoor experience that mixes learning, creativity and summer camp fun. 

• When: Anytime! Seed and transplant pickups occur seasonally: Cold Weather (April), Hot Weather (May), Sweet Potato Slips (June), Fall Weather (July), Garlic (October)
• Where: Visit KGD Farm at 3100 Orleans St., Detroit, to pick up your seeds and transplants
• Price: $15 for an at-home Family Garden

The Garden Resource Program from Keep Growing Detroit offers families an affordable way to start or expand a home garden while connecting with a larger community. Membership includes access to seeds, transplants, workshops and ongoing support throughout the growing season. Families can learn at their own pace with guides, virtual orientations and hands-on opportunities across the city. It’s a flexible, community-driven option for kids to learn about growing food and caring for their environment.