Dow Gardens showcases roses, dinosaurs and full slate of summer events

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From blooming roses and prehistoric creatures to concerts, guided tours and family programs, Dow Gardens is offering a full schedule of events throughout July and August.

More than 350 varieties of roses are currently in bloom across the 110-acre property, while more than 1,000 tropical plants have been added to the gardens this season. Visitors can also explore Dinosaurs Around the World, an exhibit featuring 10 life-size animatronic dinosaurs located throughout Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens through Sept. 8.

Guests now enter through the Welcome Center at 1809 Eastman Ave., which includes a gift shop and views of the gardens. A new café overlooking the grounds is expected to open later this month.

Dinosaurs Around the World

The dinosaur exhibit continues through Sept. 8 and features 10 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, including a Tyrannosaurus rex, Spinosaurus and Triceratops. Interpretive displays provide information about each species, the era it lived in and the plants that existed alongside it. Families can also stop at passport stations throughout the exhibit.

Sensory-Friendly Dinos

Sensory-friendly evenings are scheduled for July 28 and Aug. 25 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. During these events, dinosaur movement and sounds are turned off to provide a quieter experience. Admission is included with regular garden admission.

Dinos After Dark

On July 11 from 8 to 11 p.m., guests can experience the dinosaur exhibit after sunset during Dinos After Dark. The event includes illuminated dinosaur displays, music by Twilight Tunes Dueling Pianos, specialty beverages from Nord Social and desserts from the Dow Gardens Café. Registration is required for guests 16 and older.

Summer Tea

Summer Tea at The Pines will be held July 7 with seatings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. The three-course tea is served on the porch of the historic Pines Estate Home and includes a presentation on the home’s designation as a National Historic Landmark, followed by a tour of the residence. The event is open to guests 16 and older. $45 per person. Parties booking separately who wish to be seated together should note this at registration.

Golf Cart Tours

Golf cart tours are available through September, offering guided rides through Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest. Each tour accommodates up to five guests and must be reserved in advance.

Library Card Nights

Guests with a valid Michigan public library card will receive free admission on July 15 and Aug. 12 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Children ages 3 and younger are admitted free year-round.

Herbert Dow’s Garden Tours

A guided historical tour of the estate gardens is scheduled for July 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Participants will learn about the original Dow family property through archival photographs, letters and journals while walking approximately 1.5 miles through the estate.

$5 for adults. Children (0–17) and students with valid ID $3 . Capacity is limited, and reservations are required. Participants are asked to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to allow for the .25-mile walk back to the home. This is an outdoor program and subject to cancellation due to the weather.

Jurassic Bugs

Entomologist Elly Maxwell will present Jurassic Bugs on July 30 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The program explores how insects survived long after dinosaurs disappeared and examines prehistoric insect species and their evolution. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students with a valid ID. Space is limited. Registration is required. Tickets include daily garden admission.

Tree Climbing

Tree climbing experiences return in August using ropes, harnesses and instructor guidance.

Kids Tree Climbing, for ages 8-14, will be offered Aug. 13 with three sessions throughout the day. Adult and teen sessions for ages 15 and older will take place Aug. 14 during evening time slots.

$22 per person. Space is extremely limited, and reservations are required. Must be 15 or older at the time of participation. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. A signed waiver is required. This is an outdoor event, which is subject to cancellation. Registration is required for both programs.

Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and picnics. Chairs are also provided on a first-come-first-served basis. — Photo courtesy of Dow Gardens

Lunchtime Concerts

Free lunchtime concerts continue Wednesdays through Aug. 26 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Whiting Forest Amphitheater. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.

July performers include:

July 8 — Hatchwing Rider
July 15 — Blake Hinson
July 22 — Jim and Allie
July 29 — Donny Brown & Friends

Storytime

Storytime for children ages 3-7 continues Fridays through Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Garden. Each session features garden-themed books and activities.

July themes include:

July 10: Big Bugs & Itty Bitty Insects
July 17: Ponds and Rivers
July 24: Birds
July 31: Senses in the Gardens

Garden Explorations

Garden Explorations are offered Thursdays through Aug. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. These drop-in experiences highlight a different gardening topic each week.

July topics include:

July 9: Herb Garden Tasting Tour
July 16: Tools of the Trade
July 23: The Children’s Garden
July 30: Prehistoric Plants