Children are invited to explore the wonders of nature through engaging activities designed to stimulate an interest in the natural world. Each month features a new theme, with activities that engage the senses and encourage creativity. Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers an enjoyable and enriching experience for families 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. Events will be canceled if rain or inclement weather makes outdoor programming impractical. To check the status, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The Garden Playtime season commences with music, movement, and hands-on activities. Children will dance at a music party station, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore various sounds at sensory bins. Families can also discover plant-based instruments and experiment with sounds inspired by nature.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, this month combines art with nature by exploring natural patterns that create interesting textures. Children will mimic these textures in their artwork, explore forest scenes in sensory bins, paint with natural items at a mural station, and create a recycled art mosaic to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
Inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s vibrant sculptures, this month invites children to discover magical creatures. Activities include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering hidden dragon treasure in kinetic sand, and crafting slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
In recognition of National Pollinator Week, participants will learn about the crucial role diverse pollinator species play in ecosystems while engaging with these fascinating creatures. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bins themed around “bees in a hive,” and decorating a “bug rock” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
This month draws inspiration from Niki de Saint Phalle’s animal sculptures. Activities encourage children to dress as animals, collaborate on an animal print mural, and create unique animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
Niki de Saint Phalle’s art celebrates the joyful movement of water. Children can enjoy water sensory bins, engage in water lily art, explore frog pond shaving cream, and participate in frog games on the Children’s Garden lawn. Families are encouraged to cool down in the Splash Pad before departing.
September: Golden Grows
To honor the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s Garden Playtime highlights the golden colors present in the landscape. Activities include sunflower art, sensory bins filled with sunflower rice, and painting with corn cobs at a mural station.
October: Harvest Time
This month’s programming celebrates the harvest season. Participants will experience the delightful aromas of food and the nostalgic sounds of crunching leaves while celebrating the conclusion of Garden Playtime for the year. Families can also search for their favorite Scarecrows in the Garden.
