Budding Explorers: Fun with Fungi

• Saturday, September 27, 2025 – 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Calling all explorers! Join us for an exciting, hands-on program where we will dive into the world of mycology to learn about the fascinating roles fungi play, both in the garden and in the kitchen!

Youth participants, accompanied by an adult, will discover how fungi grow and reproduce, learn about how yeast makes bread rise, and then mix up their very own single-serving pizza dough to take home and bake! We 'll also head out into the garden to search for mushrooms, lichen, and other fungi in their natural habitats.

You'll also get an introduction to ecoEXPLORE, an incentive-based community science program developed by The North Carolina Arboretum. By making real-world observations and completing fun challenges, youth participants can earn badges and prizes throughout the year.

There is no need to have an ecoEXPLORE account prior to this program in order to participate. Program begins at the Visitor Center. Come dressed for the weather as this program will be held partly outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, activities will be moved inside.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to equip your budding explorers with the knowledge and tools to continue (or begin!) their science journey!

Please note: Part of this program will include making pizza dough, which contains gluten. If you or your child have a gluten allergy, please let us know before the program so we can make accommodations.

Age

Suggested for 8 to 10 years old.

Cost

$8.00 per participant. No cost for accompanying adult.

Registration

Advance registration is required. Register through our online registration store.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation

Program cancellations can be made up to 72 hours before the program. A 15% cancellation fee applies.

Location

Meet at the Visitor Center and then move to the McSwain Education Building as a group. JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.

Questions

Contact the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.