Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden provides an opportunity for young children to explore the joys of nature through engaging activities. Each month features a new theme designed to stimulate interest in the natural world while engaging the senses and fostering creativity, making this program 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 may be canceled if rain or inclement weather renders outdoor activities impractical. For status updates, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The program will kick off with music, movement, and hands-on activities. Children can dance at the music party station, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore a variety of sounds in sensory bins. Families will discover instruments made from plants and experiment with sounds inspired by nature.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, activities will incorporate art and nature, focusing on how natural patterns create interesting textures. Participants will explore forest scenes in sensory bins, paint with natural items at the mural station, and create a recycled art mosaic to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
Families will venture into a fantastical world inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures, encountering magical creatures along the way. Activities include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering hidden dragon treasure in kinetic sand, and creating slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
In recognition of National Pollinator Week, participants will learn about the crucial role of various pollinator species. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bin exploration of “bees in a hive,” and making “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
This month, Garden Playtime will draw inspiration from the lively animal sculptures in Niki de Saint Phalle’s artwork. Families are encouraged to dress as animals, collaborate on an animal print mural, and design unique animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
Celebrating the joyful movement of water in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art, families can engage in water sensory activities, create water lily art, and explore frog pond shaving cream. A Splash Pad is also available for cooling down before leaving.
September: Golden Grows
In honor of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September will feature activities celebrating the golden colors of the landscape. Families can make sunflower art, explore sunflower rice sensory bins, and paint with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
Activities for October will revolve around the harvest season, with an emphasis on autumn scents and sounds. Families can participate in a scavenger hunt for scarecrows and engage in various themed activities as Garden Playtime concludes for the year.
