This event introduces young children to the wonders of nature through engaging activities designed to foster an interest in the natural world. Each month features a new theme, with activities that stimulate the senses and encourage creativity, making Garden Playtime a delightful 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. Cancellations will occur if rain or inclement weather makes outdoor programming impractical. For status updates, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The month of March features a celebration of music and movement, including dance at a music party station, the creation of colorful wind socks, and sound exploration through various sensory bins. Families can also experiment with plant-based musical instruments and sounds inspired by nature.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
April honors National Haiku Poetry Day by blending art with nature. Participants will learn how natural patterns influence textures and create corresponding art. Activities include exploring forest scenes in sensory bins, painting with natural items on a mural, and making recycled art mosaics to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
In May, participants will delve into the fantastical world inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures. Activities include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering hidden dragon treasures in kinetic sand, and creating slithering snakes at an art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
June celebrates National Pollinator Week by educating participants about the essential roles pollinators play in ecosystems. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, exploring sensory bins themed around “bees in a hive” and homemade scented playdough, and decorating “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
In July, Garden Playtime takes its cue from the lively animal sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle. Families are encouraged to dress up as animals, collaborate on an animal print mural, and design unique animal creations to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
August celebrates the joyful movement of water through various activities that include water sensory bins, creating water lily art, exploring frog pond shaving cream, and participating in frog games on the Children’s Garden lawn. Families may also visit the Splash Pad to cool down.
September: Golden Grows
In recognition of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s theme highlights the golden hues found throughout the landscape. Families are invited to create sunflower art, engage in sensory bin activities with sunflower rice, and paint with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
In October, activities inspired by the harvest season include savoring the aromas of seasonal foods and listening to the sounds of crunching leaves. Participants are invited to enjoy nostalgia as Garden Playtime concludes for the year and to search for favorite Scarecrows in the Garden.
