Cottonwood Tales at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Cottonwood Tales invites young children to explore stories and nature together at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Led by O.P. the Bookworm, Miss Laurel, and friends, each session features interactive storytelling with a nature focus, fingerplays, and music designed to spark curiosity while building early literacy and math skills. Depending on the weather, your group will gather indoors at the Education Center or venture outside to enjoy the beautiful grounds. This monthly program runs on the first Saturday of each month (skip July) and requires that a caregiver stay and participate. Registration is necessary, and the program costs $5 per child participant. Siblings and caregivers attending pay only the standard Arboretum admission: free for children 5 and under, $3 for ages 6–17, and $7 for adults. It's a wonderful way to combine learning, storytelling, and outdoor time for the whole family.