Youth Programs 

Hilltop is a special place for children!

Children's Bookshelf

Hilltop is establishing a small library, in memory of Paula Dillemuth, of children’s books about trees, nature, plants, animals, bugs, gardening, ponds, woods and all things Hilltop. The Children’s Bookshelf is in located in the gift shop and available to the public for reading anytime the office is open.

Summer Sprouts

A hands-on outdoor day camp experience for children (ages 4-6).  Hilltop’s 14 acres is the perfect space to learn about plants, birds, butterflies and critters of all sorts. Kids will enjoy our trails, our trees, our flowers and our pond.

Backyard Habitat Gardener (BHG)

A get your hands in the dirt program that introduces young gardeners (ages 7-10) to the fun, art, and science of gardening. Your children will be “digging” the hands-on garden projects, gardening crafts, container herb garden, and hikes to collect treasures from nature on the beautiful grounds of the LSU Hilltop Arboretum. Nutritional snacks will be provided. Parents will provide a brown bag lunch and drink. BHG will be offered three times a year: in the fall (two-day Thanksgiving Camp), spring (two-day Easter Camp) and summer (a week in June). The Louisiana Master Gardeners of East Baton Rouge Parish provide support for the program.

Field Trips

School trips to Hilltop are fun and educational! You will find a quiet place far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life and a place to learn about Louisiana’s trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Resources and activities to help plan your visit are available for teachers and youth leaders upon request. For additional information email hilltop@lsu.edu or call 225-767-6916.