Saturday, May 3rd, 2025
10:00am – 1:00pm
Four campus destinations to explore
Celebrate spring at this free, annual event! April showers bring May flowers—and this opportunity to explore campus gardens, greenhouses, and research facilities.
- Visit the DC Smith Greenhouse, Allen Centennial Garden, Steenbock Library, and the Wisconsin Energy Institute.
- Explore hands-on activities with seeds, plants and soil.
- Meet UW scientists.
- Take home plants and seeds for your own garden (while supplies last).
Kids age 12 and under – visit all four locations to earn a free houseplant to take home!
There is something for everybody at this fun-for-the-whole-family event!
How to Get Around Campus
Ride a Bike!
- There are bike racks near all four destinations.
– Use promo code SCIENCEISCOOL for $10 off monthly pass
Free Campus Bus Routes – Hop on and off, these busses are free for all!
- 80, 81 & 82
Parking:
- Recommended Parking for Family Gardening Day:
- Lot 41: 1820 University Ave – adjacent to the Wisconsin Energy Institute (free, surface lot)
- Lot 36: 1645 Observatory Dr – adjacent to Steenbock Library (free gated ramp – pull a ticket and it will zero out upon exit)
- Lot 40: 1655 Linden Dr – across the street from DC Smith Greenhouse (free, surface lot)
- Other free lots on Family Gardening Day:
- Lot 20: 1390 University Ave (free gated ramp)
- Lot 34: 1480 Tripp Circle
- Lot 17: 1550 Engineering Dr
Click here for an interactive campus map.
Click here for additional visitor parking information.
Find more updates on our UW Family Gardening Day Facebook Page
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible.
Additional resources can be found on the interactive campus map, including accessible building entrances, accessible pedestrian routes, and gender-inclusive bathroom locations. The Office of Childcare and Family Resources provides a lactation room map.