For a museum of a different nature, walk through the living wonders of Washington’s finest plant life. With 230 acres of native growth and 4,400 different kinds of plants, the Washington Park Arboretum is one of the largest living museums in the Seattle area.

Located on East Madison Street and Lake Washington Boulevard, the Arboretum is close enough to explore after a full day at school, yet it sends visitors into a whole new world. It is open from dawn to dusk every day of the week, and the visitor center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.

The park also hosts the Japanese Garden, which is open daily throughout the summer months.

The park offers monthly highlights to keep viewers’ eyes open for the seasonal specialties. Month-specific guides provide maps of the area with the locations of seasonal trees and plants, along with a brief description of what to look for. June visitors should watch out for the Chilean fire tree, which attracts hummingbirds, and other fun plants, many of which are in full bloom. Yet even all year long, the impressive native tree collection is enough to keep nature-friendly visitors enticed all day.

For a more interactive approach, check out one of the many Arboretum activities and programs, from gardening classes to self-exploration. On July 18 and 25, try a four-week immersion in yoga in the Arboretum (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Gardening tips and nature writing are offered throughout the summer. Come August, the park hosts a wealth of nature drawing instruction to help any visitor become a Michelangelo.

When the Washington Park Arboretum opened in 1934, the founders also initiated a seed exchange program. The Arboretum sends out seed collections around the world. From Europe to Australia and Asia, the Arboretum exchanges seeds with 454 botanical gardens and universities in over 59 countries.

The University of Washington is responsible for the collection and education of all plant life at the Arboretum. Funding comes from the City of Seattle and The Arboretum Foundation.