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. Ask questions of Master Gardeners. 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 scoop of Babcock ice cream!

Wisconsin Energy Institute Open House: Saturday, May 4th, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Hands-on Exploration Stations: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Meet over a dozen scientists while exploring a variety of topics from ecology to engineering! Conduct an experiment to make gas from grass, explore amazing underground ecosystems, learn how you too can be a scientist with the Journey North project from the UW–Madison Arboretum, take home milkweed plants, and much more! 

Building Tours: 10:30 and 11:30

Step behind the scenes and peek into the state-of-the-art laboratories where UW Energy Experts make their discoveries during a tour of the Wisconsin Energy Institute! Learn about the current research projects and how we’re working to advance the transition to new, clean energy systems for all. Meet by the Eastern entrance doors at 10:30 or 11:30 for this drop-in tour.

WEI is just one of four Family Gardening Day destinations. Check the UW Family Gardening Day website for more information about the event and preview the ice cream passport!

People gather around tables to engage with hands-on science during UW Family Gardening Day.

Children gather around a table to build a solar powered circuit at Family Gardening Day 2023..

A scientist smiles as he shows visitors some of the equipment he uses.

Visitors look through a microscope.

Two children look at the pollinator hotel with a scientist in a red shirt.

Visitors stand next to tall posters showing drawings of different plants. They match lengths of roots to the plant.

Check out these photos from previous UW Family Gardening Days!

Getting to the Wisconsin Energy Institute:

By Bike: The WEI building is accessible by bike paths and city bike lanes and features ample bike racks. For more information on biking to campus, see here. 

• Use promo code SCIENCEISCOOL for a 1/2 off monthly BCycle pass

By Bus: The University and Breese Bus stop is located next to the WEI building and is serviced by routes 02, 28, and 48. The Energy Institute is close to several other stops that service many other bus lines. For more information, see here. 

By Car: Lot 41, which is immediately adjacent to the WEI building is free and open to the public all day Saturday and Sunday. The WEI building is also close to the Engineering Drive Ramp (Lot 17), which often has open spaces. Please refer to this campus parking map for more information. 

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Check the UW Family Gardening Day website for more information additional activities being held throughout the day.