Citizen Spring at the Jardin botanique Espace pour la vie is offering, in cooperation with external organizations, four weekends of free activities at the Jardin botanique’s Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, an inviting, dynamic and lively space for meetings and exchanges. In April, reconnect with nature and take the opportunity to explore, create or exchange with others, while gearing up to take concrete action towards the socio-ecological transition and the protection of biodiversity. April 4 | Nature's Good for Me - Day 1 Nature can bring peace of mind and help us recharge our batteries. Seize this day to deepen your relationship with the earth through a wide range of activities that will help you to engage in a relationship where collaboration with ecosystems and respect for nature are key. Program The Jardin botanique team offers books, games, and creative activities for everyone on an ongoing basis. 10 am to noon - Au Naturel! Story Time for the Whole Family Courtesy of Pouce Carré Enjoy a fun and relaxing moment as you discover books that celebrate trees and nature! Join the Pouce carré facilitators, who will read entertaining children’s stories and present fascinating documentaries that will help you better understand and appreciate the environment! New for 2026: a table packed with reading suggestions for all ages General public and families In French only 10:30 am to noon - Guided Tour: The Arboretum in Spring Courtesy of the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden The Arboretum’s tree collection allows visitors to admire the awakening of nature in spring. Come (re)discover this space through the eyes and stories of our passionate volunteer guides! This activity is offered by the Friends of the Montréal Botanical Garden. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult. General public and families Up to 15 people In French only 11 am to noon - Gumboots Dance Courtesy of Sadio Sissokho Led by Sadio Sissokho, this introductory workshop introduces children aged 2 to 6 and their accompanying adults to Gumboots, a South African percussive dance. Through fun games and rhythmic movements, toddlers develop their coordination, motor skills and self-confidence in a joyful and supportive cultural atmosphere. Activity organized in partnership with Petits bonheurs. General public and families (2 years and older) Up to 30 people In French only 11:30 am to noon; 1 pm to 1:30 pm; 2:30 pm to 3 pm - Family Activity: Secrets of the Forests Courtesy of Audiotopie Discover an enchanted forest with intriguing echoes! Children will have fun listening to, recognizing, and reproducing sounds with their bodies, letting their imagination loose to create their own story inspired by this magical soundscape. A getaway filled with creative games awaits you! Children and families (ages 2 to 6) Up to 12 children In French only 12:30 to 1:30 pm - Mindfulness: Nature at the Heart of your Health Courtesy of the EPIC Center at the Montreal Heart Institute: Cardiovascular Prevention Center Come discover the proven benefits of nature on our overall health. This workshop has both an informative and a practical section that will allow you to experience the benefits of nature firsthand using mindfulness practices in a natural setting. General public and families (12 years and older). In French only 1 to 2:30 pm - Botanical Watercolour Workshop Courtesy of RiverJune Spring is on our doorstep, making it the perfect time to reconnect with creativity and let the spring colours emerge. Come discover or learn more about watercolour techniques during a relaxed workshop in a botanical setting. Explore the theme of spring plants and leave with the artworks you created with your own hands. General public and families (5 years and older) Up to 20 people at a time In French only 2 to 3:30 pm - Introductory Bonsai Workshop Courtesy of the Société de Bonsai et de Penjing de Montréal This introductory adult workshop on the art of bonsai will teach you the basics of growing and shaping a miniature tree while ensuring its long-term health. As a bonus, you will leave with your own little bonsai tree. Adults (18 years and older) Up to 12 people In French only 3 to 4:30 pm - Forest Bathing for the Whole Family Courtesy of Geneviève Labrie-Desbiens Forest bathing for families offers a series of activities that connect participants with nature in a fun, game-based way. Created for parents and children alike, this activity aims to promote well-being, calm the nervous system, and connect participants with nature, but also with themselves and others. This activity also strengthens the parent-child bond through nature. General public and families (5 years and older) Up to 12 people In French only 3:30 to 4:30 pm - Screen Printing Workshop using Inks Made from Flowers and Food Waste Courtesy of Virginie Fillion-Fecteau Learn how to make printing inks from plants, flowers, and food waste! You will get a chance to test inks used in screen printing, try a stencil-based printing process, and get to take your print home with you! General public and families (7 years and older) Up to 15 people In French only