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 and 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 houseplant to take home!

Wisconsin Energy Institute Open House: Saturday, May 3th, 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! Learn how plants play a key role in much of the Energy Institute's research. Conduct an experiment to make gas from grass, explore amazing underground ecosystems, find out how you 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 houseplant passport!

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

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

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

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

A child looks through a microscope to see plant roots up close.

Check out these photos from previous UW Family Gardening Days!

Chelsea Mamott

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.

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The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible. 

We'll have a room available for anyone who may benefit from a sensory break during the event.

Additional resources can be found on the interactive campus map, including accessible building entrances, accessible pedestrian routes, and gender-inclusive bathroom locations. The Office of Childcare and Family Resources provides a lactation room map.