Summer Solstice at the Botanical Garden

This community program is free with admission.

Please consider supporting the Gardens of Golden Gate Park with a recommended donation of $5-20. Your support helps us connect people to plants, the planet, and each other. 

Saturday, June 21, 2025
11am-2pm
San Francisco Botanical Garden — Great Meadow 

About the Program 

Step into the light with us on the longest day of the year! The Summer Solstice marks a turning point in nature’s cycle – a time to pause, reflect, and enjoy the abundance of summer. At the Garden, we’re celebrating with free guided tours, hands-on crafting, and moments of quiet connection with the land. What does the solstice mean to you? 

Free Guided Tours

Explore the beauty of seasonal change on one of our free, volunteer-led garden tours. All tours begin in the Great Meadow.

• 11:30am — Garden of Fragrance: discover the scents of the summer 
• 12:30pm — Mediterranean Garden: wander up Heidelberg Hill
• 1:30pm — Ancient Plant Garden: travel back in time with prehistoric plants 

Family Fun and Nature Crafts

Celebrate the solstice with seasonal crafts, music, and nature play. Create something special with the Children’s Garden team! We’re using the solstice as an invitation to observe closely, get creative, and celebrate the season.

• Make nature inspired crafts with our Children’s Garden team
• Dance it out at a mini solstice dance party
• Reflect on what the solstice means to you – add your thoughts to our community reflection space
• Join a “walking bus” from the Celebration Garden to the Children’s Garden at either 12pm or 1pm to see our YES! space for kids, and enjoy open-ended nature play

Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder. There’s always something new to see in the Garden!

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Drop-in program, no RSVP needed. Heavy rain cancels. Admission to the Garden is free for San Francisco residents, veterans, Museums for All/EBT participants, and Gardens members.