A Day in Moominvalley
General Admission Access
1 to 5 p.m.; Daffodil Hill
Spend the afternoon immersed in the spirit of Moominvalley through nature walks, sketching sessions, sound baths, herbarium experiences, arts and games, music, community art making, and character photo opportunities.
About the Activities
Cartoon & Nature Illustration Sessions
Drop-In from 1 to 5 p.m.; 15-minute guided sessions at 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, & 4:15 p.m.
Inspired by the enchanting worlds of Tove Jansson, this drop-in drawing program invites you to sketch and re-imagine the world around you. Guided sessions will focus on nature observation, character creation, and visual storytelling. Participants will use simple pencil drawing techniques to transform natural forms into expressive illustrations. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, all are welcome to join!
- About the Teaching Artist
Gabrielle Benack is a mixed-media artist from New York. Her artistry explores themes of documentation, adornment, maximalism, and preservation which result in works of elaborate imagery. She is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and teaches at The Art Studio NY.
Flower Crown Making
Create a flower crown using dried and faux flowers. During her long career, Tove drew many flower wreaths for various purposes, such as books, record covers, letters and envelopes, and often included Moomins in them. She also used to wear a flower crown on her birthday, August 9.
Sound Bath Sessions
20-minute sessions at 1:30, 3:30, & 4:30 p.m.
Relax and enjoy an immersive Sound Bath with instructor Mel Rio from The Singing Bowl Sound Bath Studio guiding you to connect more deeply with the landscape. Each session features a different arrangement, blending Himalayan and crystal singing bowls and instruments ranging from gentle ocean drum to kalimba and chimes, reminiscent of the natural world that inspired Jansson.
- About the Instructor
Mel Rio is a New York-based sound and vibrational healing practitioner, Reiki Master, and founder of The Singing Bowl Sound Bath Studio, LLC. Her work blends immersive sound experiences with mindful awareness, using Himalayan singing bowls and other resonant instruments to support relaxation, balance, and sensory restoration. She has facilitated sessions for individuals, groups, and public wellness events throughout New York City.
Collecting Nature: Herbarium Specimen Workshop
Make your own herbarium specimen to take home! Stop by to meet Herbarium staff, view herbarium specimens similar to collections represented in Jansson’s Hemulen’s Herbarium, and see species native to Finland and New York. Learn how these specimens are used by NYBG Science staff for research and conservation.
Naturalist Guided Walks
30-minute guided walks at 3 & 4 p.m.
Join Gabrielle Willow for Moomin-inspired nature walks that explore New York’s best natural treasures, where every leaf, bird, and flower has a story to tell! This walk will embrace the curiosity, adventure, and appreciation for the little things that make the Moomins so timeless.
- About the Guide
Gabriel Willow is a naturalist and educator with a particular passion for birds. He has led tours in all five Boroughs, throughout NY, and abroad. He has created programs for NYBG, Lincoln Center, the NYC Bird Alliance, and more. He is also an artist, illustrator, and DJ.
Photo Opportunity with Moomintroll
Stop by for a special meet-and-greet with Moomintroll and snap a memorable photo with the beloved character from Tove Jansson’s enchanting stories.
Food & Drink
Enjoy a selection of food and both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages for sale.
Location Everett Children's Adventure Garden