The Atlanta Botanical Garden presents Garden Playtime, an engaging program designed to introduce young children to the wonders of nature through hands-on activities. Each month features a distinct theme, with activities that stimulate sensory exploration and creativity, making it an 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. The program will be canceled if rain or inclement weather affects outdoor activities. To check the status, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
This month features music, movement, and hands-on fun. Participants will enjoy a dance party, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore various sounds at sensory bins, including instruments made from plants.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
April celebrates National Haiku Poetry Day with a focus on natural patterns. Activities include exploring natural textures for art creation, painting with natural items at a mural station, and assembling recycled art mosaics to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
In May, participants will explore the magical world of mythical creatures, inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures. Activities include visiting sensory bins featuring mermaids, uncovering hidden treasures in kinetic sand, and crafting slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
June honors National Pollinator Week with a focus on pollinator species and their ecological importance. Activities include playing bug tic-tac-toe, engaging with sensory bins filled with “bees in a hive” and scented playdough, and decorating “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
This month encourages families to draw inspiration from animal sculptures in Niki de Saint Phalle’s artwork. Participants are invited to dress as animals, create a communal animal print mural, and design unique animal creations to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
In August, families will explore the theme of water as celebrated in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art. Activities include water sensory bins, creating water lily art, exploring shaving cream frog ponds, and engaging in frog games, with an opportunity to cool off in the Splash Pad.
September: Golden Grows
In honor of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s theme highlights golden colors in the landscape. Families will create sunflower art, explore sunflower rice sensory bins, and paint with corn cobs at a mural station.
October: Harvest Time
October’s activities celebrate the harvest season, inviting families to savor autumn’s aromas and sounds. Participants will also have the opportunity to search for their favorite scarecrows throughout the garden.
