Children are invited to explore the wonders of nature through engaging activities at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Garden Playtime offers a new theme each month, designed to stimulate interest in the natural world while promoting creativity and sensory engagement. This enriching program is suitable 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 program will begin with music, movement, and hands-on fun. Children can participate in a music party, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore various sounds at sensory bins. Instruments made from plants will also be available for exploration.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, this month focuses on the interplay of art and nature. Participants will discover how natural patterns create textures, replicate those in art, explore forest scenes in sensory bins, paint with natural items, and create recycled art mosaics.
May: Mythical Creatures
Inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures, this month invites children to explore a world of mythical animals and imaginative forms. Activities include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering dragon treasures in kinetic sand, and creating slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
This month coincides with National Pollinator Week, focusing on the role of diverse pollinator species. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bins themed around bees, and decorating “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
Inspired by the animal sculptures in Niki de Saint Phalle’s artwork, families can dress as animals, create a shared animal print mural, and design unique animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
In celebration of the movement of water in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art, activities will include water sensory bins, water lily art, frog pond shaving cream exploration, and games on the Children’s Garden lawn. A Splash Pad will also be available for cooling down.
September: Golden Grows
In recognition of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s activities focus on the golden colors of the landscape. Participants will create sunflower art, engage with sunflower rice sensory bins, and paint with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
Activities this month celebrate the harvest season, encouraging participants to enjoy the autumn atmosphere. Activities include searching for favorite scarecrows in the Garden among other seasonal experiences.
