“Sprouts!” is the calendar heading Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens uses for programs and special events for children and families, and this fall season is sprouting a lot of activities (many of which are free) that will appeal to the younger audience. 

Storytime at the Gardens will continue at 10 a.m. in the Children’s Garden on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through Columbus Day. Then this popular, free program will head indoors to the education center and continue on Mondays at 10 a.m. right through the winter.

Cider Sundays, from 1 to 3 p.m. every Sunday through October 14, will offer a tasty, fun-filled experience for the young visitor. 

Children will learn how cider is made, try their hand at the cider press, and then enjoy the fruits of their labors.

Saturdays and Sundays through Columbus Day, children can also participate in a chicken feeding at 12:30 p.m. and a nature-based discovery-station activity from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Weekends through Columbus Day weekend will also bring the Story Tour, an orientation for all ages to learn about the books by Maine authors that inspired many features of the Children’s Garden. 

Among the many referenced works are the bear in bronze from “Blueberries for Sal,” the boat from “Burt Dow, Deep Water Man,” both by Robert McCloskey, and “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White.

Storytime, Story Tours, Cider Sundays, chicken feeding, and discovery stations are included in regular gardens admission. No reservations are necessary. Some of these activities are held on weekdays, as well. Visitors should ask at the admissions desk for a listing of daily activities. 

Scarecrow Sunday is scheduled for September 30, from 1 to 3 p.m. Families can build their own scarecrow with the materials provided. The price is $10 per scarecrow, in addition to regular gardens admission. Registration guarantees a scarecrow; and participants are encouraged to come early for the best selection of materials. 

The Boo-tanical Gardens’ popular Family Fright Night event is on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. During this major event, kids can join in the costume parade and win prizes; make crafts, trick-or-treat, and find some frightful surprises in the Children’s Garden; and savor fun finger foods, all with a ghoulish twist. 

The spooky decorations are amazing, and it’s all scary (but not too scary) fun. Prices for members are $10 for adults and $7 for children; for non-members they’re $15 and $12. 

The famous Frozen Turkey Hunt will return on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m., with the hunt beginning at 11:15 a.m. Admission to both the gardens and this event is free. 

Children in different age groups will search the grounds for hidden apples, a great many of which are worth prizes, including lots of frozen turkeys. It’s an annual favorite, and great tradition, at the gardens. November 17 is also Early Bird Sale Day in Boothbay Harbor, and the Gardens Gift Shop will be open for sale-seeking late risers. 

The gardens’ fall exhibits would also be of interest to many children. “On the Wing,” which includes 50 pieces of sculpture related to birds, will be on view until October 8. 

The exhibit of images and artifacts about Rachel Carson on view through October 23, celebrates the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking work, “Silent Spring.” There’s even the camera she used. 

In addition, educators are invited to bring school groups in grades K-6 to learn about Rachel Carson and experience their own “Sense of Wonder” while taking a guided hike through our forests. These hikes will be offered for a minimal fee through October. 

To learn more and to register when necessary, visit www.MaineGardens.org, call 633-4333, ext. 101, or stop by the Gardens, off Barters Island Road in Boothbay