Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center

Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center is a vibrant community garden in National City that transforms learning about food into a hands-on adventure for kids. This nonprofit offers family cooking classes where children can harvest fresh vegetables from the garden and turn them into delicious meals, plus gardening workshops that teach kids where their food comes from while getting their hands dirty in the soil.

• ✓Hands-on cooking classes where kids prepare meals with vegetables they pick themselves
• ✓Interactive gardening workshops teaching planting, composting, and sustainable practices
• ✓Beautiful walking garden with educational displays about different plants and growing methods
• ✓Farm-to-table learning that connects kids with where their food comes from
• ✓Family-friendly atmosphere focused on nutrition education and community building

1. 1.Check their website or call ahead to register for family workshops, as Thursday morning classes (9:30-10:30 AM) are the only regular public hours and spots fill up quickly
2. 2.Dress kids in clothes that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes for garden activities - stains from soil and fresh produce are inevitable!
3. 3.Bring reusable containers or bags if your class includes harvesting produce to take home
4. 4.Apply sunscreen before arriving as many activities take place in the outdoor garden with limited shade
5. 5.Arrive 10 minutes early to explore the garden beds and get kids excited about what they'll be learning

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor gardening activities, with cooler mornings perfect for the Thursday 9:30 AM class time. Summer classes can be warm, so the morning timing is ideal before the heat peaks.

As a community nonprofit, classes typically have registration fees (varying by program). Parking is available on-site, and the center's mission is to promote healthy eating and food education in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Limited hours (Thursday mornings only) mean advance planning is essential. Spring typically features planting workshops while fall focuses on harvesting. Summer and winter programming may vary, so check their schedule seasonally for special family events or expanded hours during school breaks.

Head to Cali Cream Ice Cream Shop (about 2 miles away) for a sweet treat after your garden adventure, or visit Las Brasas Mexican Restaurant for family-friendly tacos and kid favorites in a casual setting.