In the hands-on Gingerbread Adventures program at The New York Botanical Garden, children can learn about the different plant parts used in creating the favorite holiday snack, gingerbread. From November 23, 2008, through January 11, 2009, in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, youngsters will be amazed to discover that cinnamon comes from the bark of a tree, ginger is derived from an underground stem, and more. They’ll have an opportunity to grind and examine gingerbread ingredients under a microscope and develop a field notebook about their visit.
New this season, children will be able to decorate pots with faces and plant wheat seeds that will quickly grow into a miniature head of wheat hair at home and be a fun, living reminder that flour, a key ingredient in gingerbread, is derived from a plant.
Gingerbread Adventures aficionados are in for a treat in addition to their personally decorated gingersnap cookie. Gone are the topiary bunnies that were a hallmark of the program in years past. Vibrant vignettes of a gingerbread town will deck the halls of the Discovery Center where Gingerbread Adventures takes place. A gingerbread jazz band, ice skaters, and farmer are among the colorful characters that will be displayed having adventures of their own.
While in the Adventure Garden, families will also enjoy viewing the display of gingerbread houses.
The New York Botanical Garden is a museum of plants located at Bronx River Parkway (Exit 7W) and Fordham Road.
