The Atlanta Botanical Garden invites families to introduce their children to the joys of nature through Garden Playtime, offering engaging activities that stimulate interest in the natural world. Each month features a new theme, providing sensory engagement and creative opportunities for young participants during the spring, summer, and fall.
Dates: Tuesdays, March – October
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Free with Garden admission
Suggested ages: 6 months – 5 years. Weather permitting. Cancellations will occur in the event of rain or inclement weather that makes outdoor programming impractical. To confirm the status, please contact classes@atlantabg.org.
March: What’s the Weather?
The season starts with an exploration of weather, where participants can create a rain stick at the art station and engage in a weather matching game at the kinetic sand tables. Rainbow sensory bins will also be available to bring in the sunshine.
April: Art in Nature
April will celebrate National Haiku Poetry Day by merging art with nature. Participants can explore natural patterns to create interesting textures and replicate them in their art, using forest scenes in sensory bins and combining natural items with playdough. A nature bookmark craft will be offered as well.
May: Enchant Your Senses
May features Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees, inviting exploration of the sounds and colors of the environment. Activities will include discovering light in the Amphitheatre, identifying hidden friends in fairy garden sensory bins, and designing a personal wind chime to take home.
June: Pollinator Friends
In June, participants will celebrate National Pollinator Week by learning about the vital role of different pollinator species. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bins filled with “bees in a hive” and honey slime, and creating a beehive craft using bubble wrap.
July: Kids in Wonderland
July brings back Alice’s Wonderland featuring mosaiculture sculptures throughout the Garden. Participants will engage with a giant rabbit sculpture, partake in sensory activities at a tea party station, and enjoy flamingo croquet. An art station will offer painting red roses using celery pieces.
August: Froggy Fun
August will explore the world of frogs, featuring lawn games, sensory bins, and frog-themed sponge painting activities. Participants are encouraged to cool off at the Splash Pad before concluding their visit.
September: Enchanted Trees
September continues the theme of Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees as participants delve into activities centered around trees, including leaf rubbings, a pinecone painting mural, and apple pie themed sensory bins. An art station will allow for the creation of a personal four-season tree to take home.
October: Harvest Time
October’s activities will focus on the harvest season, inviting participants to enjoy the aromas and sounds associated with autumn. A scavenger hunt for Scarecrows in the Garden will also be a highlight of this final month of Garden Playtime.
