Plants, Big & Small
Atlanta is the City in the Forest, but we’re also surrounded by all sorts of other cool plants. Come on out to these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 7-21, to immerse yourself in a lush world of all things green!
Science Escape Room Trail at Mason Mill Park | March 7-20 Dusk to Dawn
Presented by: DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Affairs
Solve nature challenges along the Mason Mill boardwalk in this escape room-style nature adventure! This outdoors “Escape Room Trail” is an opportunity to take a 1.5 mile walk and learn about nature while solving a series of riddles.
No, you won’t be locked in a room, but you will be within the confines of the boardwalk while you solve each challenge. Read the clues, pay attention to your surroundings, and be creative. Complete all 11 Stations and you’ll solve the Escape Room Trail.
This self-guided hunt will be available each day of the Festival from dawn to dusk. Check the full Festival schedule for dates.
Learn more here
Fernbank Goes Wild | March 7 10:30am
Presented by: Fernbank Science Center, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Georgia Herpetological Association and Rescue (GHAR), Foundation Farms, The Amphibian Foundation, DeKalb County School District
Embark on a Wild Science Safari at Fernbank Science Center! Explore the Science Center like never before—uncovering fascinating creatures, carnivorous plants, and vibrant gardens. Dive into interactive experiences, take on hands-on science challenges, create cool life science projects, and get up close with real animals! Perfect for curious minds and adventurous families, this is more than just a visit—it’s a wild science adventure you won’t want to miss!
Learn more here
Wildflower Walk | March 8 and March 14 9:00am and 2:00pm
Presented by: Fernbank Museum
Join Fernbank rangers for a small, group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest. You’ll learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta.
Learn more here
Painting Pollinators | March 8 1:00pm
Presented by: Museum of Design Atlanta
Buzz on over to Sunday Funday and celebrate our native pollinators! Join Painting Pollinators to create a vibrant, collaborative artwork that honors bees, butterflies, and the plants that keep them thriving. Fun for all ages, come make your mark on nature!
Learn more here
Pigments, Pollinators, and Plant Potions! | March 13 11:00am
Presented by: Georgia State University – Newton, Jewels Morgans
Step into the colorful, fragrant world of plants! Discover how sunlight fuels life through photosynthesis, how flowers use scent to invite pollinators, and create your very own artwork using natural plant pigments. You’ll even take home a little vial of hydrosol you helped make, a fragrant reminder of your journey into plant chemistry.
Through friendly, hands-on activities, small-group explorations, and playful demonstrations, you’ll:
• Watch steam distillation in action and learn how essential oils and hydrosols are made
• Paint with plant pigments inspired by nature’s palette
• Take home your artwork and fragrant hydrosol to enjoy at home
Perfect for curious minds of all ages (3+), this session blends science, art, and nature in a fun, unforgettable experience. Come explore, create, and connect with the magic of plants!
Learn more here
Nature Navigators Arabia Mountain | March 14 10:00am
Presented by: Science ATL
It’s a special edition Nature Navigators – for ASF! We’re headed out to one of Atlanta’s most unique habitats: Arabia Mountain. A perfect place to explore the rich history and ecology that Atlanta has to offer; from the history of the quarry to the unique specimen that call the mountain home, like the iconic red elf orpine! Expect a slow saunter through the woods with stops for observation and exploration.
Learn more here
Nature Journaling for a Lifetime | March 14 10:15am
Presented by: Reynolds Nature Preserve, Clayton State Univeristy
Do you want to learn how to create and use a nature journal to improve your journaling skills? Come join us at Reynolds Nature Preserve for this all-ages event, where you’ll get to make a simple nature journal and use it during an all-ages nature hike. Identify and draw plants, animals, and fungi. Stay afterwards and challenge yourself with the introductory botanical illustration workshop, taking place from 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., or enjoy a kid-friendly hike in the woods. Join us at this event where science and art collide!
Learn more here
Botanical Illustration 101 | March 14 11:30am
Presented by: Reynolds Nature Preserve, Clayton State Univeristy
Interested in learning how to perfectly draw the veins of leaves? Or maybe you love orchids and want to learn how to capture their vibrant hues? Join us at Reynolds Nature Preserve for an introductory botanical illustration workshop where you’ll learn about plant morphology and what to focus on when drawing plants! Experience the event where science and art collide!
Learn more here
Trees Atlanta Tree Trekking Challenge | March 14 1:00pm
Presented by: Trees Atlanta
Atlanta’s urban forest is the foundation for life in our city! Join Trees Atlanta as we explore the Beltline’s Westside trail and nearby parks to learn about some especially fascinating native tree species. Using the iNaturalist app, you’ll embark on a family-friendly scavenger hunt to locate our highlighted mystery 10 trees and earn prizes along the way. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the Kendeda TreeHouse!
Learn more here
Georgia Native Bats & Plants (& Brews) Saturday Sunset Stroll | March 14 7:00pm
Presented by: Trees Atlanta Georgia Bat Working Group
What’s that – a bat! Join Trees Atlanta, Georgia Bat Working Group, and Atlanta Science Festival on a sunset stroll through Trees Atlanta’s campus and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Southwest Trail. We’ll see some of the native plants that have been incorporated Georgia native bats & check out some of the native plants and practices we can incorporate into our yards or neighborhood green spaces to help these sometimes misunderstood, mosquito-eating, sky puppies continue to survive & thrive in the City in the Forest. The Georgia Bat Working Group will have an acoustic bat detector to see if bats decide to join us. At the end of the tour, feel free to continue to stroll down the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail and enjoy one of Lee & Whites’ local breweries or restaurants.
Learn more here
Habitat Exploration At Blue Heron Nature Preserve! | March 15 10:00am
Presented by: Blue Heron Nature Preserve
Discover the incredible animals that call Blue Heron Nature Preserve home as we explore its 30-acre landscape on a guided nature hike. Along the way, you’ll get a hands-on look at unique animal coverings including shells, fur, scales, and feathers, from species that live in the area! Come join us for an adventure filled with exploration, learning, and a closer look at the wildlife around us!
Learn more here
Sprouting Scientists | March 17 10:00am
Presented by: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Little ones can be scientists too! Bring your toddler to discover the fabulous world of plants and animals at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Come and run among the spring blooms, listen to bird songs and have fun at hands-on learning stations!
Learn more here
Outdoor Odyssey | March 18 10:00am and 1:00pm
Presented by: West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)
Come explore science amongst familiar, yet new terrains! Join the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) and some of our partners for our outdoor and trail-tastic fair. Take a hike at our urban nature preserve on Bush Mountain to learn about forest biodiversity, plant/animal/insect identification, soil, art and crafts, and music of the outdoors.
Learn more here
Exploration Expo | March 21 10:00am
Presented by: Science ATL
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
Learn more here
