Garden Playtime invites families to explore the wonders of nature through engaging activities designed to stimulate children’s interest in the natural world. Each month features a new theme that incorporates sensory engagement and creativity, making it an enriching experience for families from spring through fall.
Dates: Tuesdays, March – October.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Free with Garden admission
Suggested ages: 6 months – 5 years. Weather permitting. The program will be canceled in the event of rain or inclement weather that renders outdoor activities impractical. For status updates, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
This month features music, movement, and hands-on activities. Participants can dance at a music party station, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore sounds at various sensory bins, including instruments made from plants.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
Families are invited to celebrate National Haiku Poetry Day with a blend of art and nature. Activities include exploring natural patterns, creating art inspired by textures, painting with natural items, and assembling a recycled art mosaic to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
Inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s whimsical sculptures, this month explores a fantastical world of mythical animals. Activities include visiting sensory bins featuring mermaids, uncovering hidden dragon treasures in kinetic sand, and crafting slithering snakes.
June: Pollinator Friends
In honor of National Pollinator Week, participants will learn about the critical role of pollinators. Activities involve a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bins themed around bees, homemade scented playdough, and decorating “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
July’s theme draws inspiration from animal sculptures in Niki de Saint Phalle’s artwork. Families can dress as animals, participate in creating a shared animal print mural, and design unique animal crafts to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
This month celebrates the joyful movement of water as depicted in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art. Families can engage in water sensory bins, create water lily art, explore frog-themed shaving cream, and enjoy games on the Children’s Garden lawn, concluding with a visit to the Splash Pad.
September: Golden Grows
Commemorating the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s activities focus on the golden colors of the landscape. Families can create sunflower art, explore sensory bins filled with sunflower rice, and paint with corn cobs.
October: Harvest Time
In October, activities reflect the harvest season, celebrating autumn’s aromas and sounds. Families can enjoy searching for scarecrows throughout the Garden and partake in various nostalgic autumn-themed activities.
