Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers an opportunity for young children to engage with nature through a variety of stimulating activities. Each month features a new theme designed to ignite interest in the natural world through sensory experiences and creative projects. This program runs through the spring, summer, and fall, making it a valuable experience for families.
Dates: Tuesdays, March – October
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Free with Garden admission
Suggested ages: 6 months – 5 years. Weather permitting. Sessions may be canceled due to rain or inclement weather. For updates, please contact classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
March will feature music and movement activities along with hands-on fun. Participants can dance at a music party station, create colorful wind socks, and explore sensory bins filled with various sounds inspired by nature.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In April, the program will honor National Haiku Poetry Day through a combination of art and nature. Attendees will explore natural patterns and textures and create art inspired by these discoveries. Activities include painting with natural items and crafting recycled art mosaics.
May: Mythical Creatures
May’s theme will delve into the world of mythical creatures, drawing inspiration from Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures. Children will explore sensory bins containing themed items, uncover treasures in kinetic sand, and create art inspired by serpent forms.
June: Pollinator Friends
In June, National Pollinator Week will be celebrated by exploring the essential roles of various pollinators. Activities will include a bug-themed tic-tac-toe game, interactive sensory bins, and opportunities to decorate “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
July will encourage children to dress as animals and create a collective animal print mural while designing their own unique animal to take home, all inspired by the animal sculptures in de Saint Phalle’s artwork.
August: Wonderful Water
August will focus on the theme of water, featuring activities such as water sensory bins, frog pond shaving cream exploration, and fun games on the Children’s Garden lawn. Families are encouraged to enjoy the Splash Pad as a concluding activity.
September: Golden Grows
In September, families will celebrate the Garden’s 50th Anniversary by engaging in activities centered around golden colors found in nature. Participants will create sunflower art and explore sensory bins while making corn cob-inspired murals.
October: Harvest Time
October’s activities will embrace the harvest season, focusing on sensory experiences associated with autumn. Attendees will be invited to search for scarecrows throughout the Garden as part of the seasonal activities.
