Enjoying Duke Gardens in the Winter

Duke Gardens, at 420 Anderson Street in Durham, is considered one of the 10 top public gardens in the United States and is free to visit. It’s open every day, 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to dusk. It features a rose garden, sundial and butterfly garden, terraces and fish pool, and much more.

In addition to the free admission every day (please note that there’s a small charge for parking) the gardens offer many events and some of them are free.

Scroll down to see a list of some of the upcoming free events.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens in the Winter

There’s no wrong time of year to visit Duke Gardens. In the winter, Duke Gardens provide an especially peaceful experience. There are plants in bloom every season, and in the winter you can enjoy them without any crowds.

There are endless paths to explore, and plenty of benches along the way to rest and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Visiting Duke Gardens in the winter gives you a chance to notice the plants and landscaping that might get overshadowed by the wealth of flowers in the spring and summer.

Free events at Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Make sure to follow the links for all the details.

Here is some of what’s coming up:

Mallarmé Chamber Players: Family Concert (all ages)
Sunday, January 20th, 2019
1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Doris Duke Center, Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Free

Mallarmé performs a free, interactive chamber music concert. It’s a fun and informative concert for those age five and older.

Science of the Season: Exploring Winter (all ages)
Saturday, January 26th, 2019
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Doris Duke Center, Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Free

Explore the many ways plants, people and other animals live during winter at this afternoon of discovery, fun activities, and performances presented by Duke Gardens and other local groups. This exploration for participants of all ages will be in and around the Doris Duke Center.

This is a free drop-in event, though parking fees apply. Adult chaperone required for children.

Family Garden Walks (all ages)
First Saturday of month, February to June, 2019
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Gothic Gate, Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Free

Bring the whole family to explore the garden every first Saturday from February to June. Discovery new places in the Gardens as you learn about the many things that live here, with a different seasonal theme each month. Walks will meet at the Gothic Gate and end inside the Gardens to allow your family to continue exploring on your own.

Nature Storytime (recommended for ages 3-5)
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. March 14th through June 6th, 2019
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 am.
Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden, Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Free

Enjoy the outdoors together with a story read aloud in the Gardens. Nature-themed stories are followed by a related activity or garden walk.

Discovery Drop-in (age 3+)
Tuesday, March 12th, 2019
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden, Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Free

Explore the hands-on outdoor learning space in the Charlotte Brody Discovery Garden. Choose from a variety of garden and nature exploration activities to do with your child. A staff member will provide a range of options and demonstrate how to use materials. Help the garden grow, read stories, create art and conduct experiments. This is a drop-in program.