Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden provides an opportunity for young children to explore the wonders of nature through engaging activities designed to foster curiosity about the natural world. Each month features a unique theme, accompanied by activities that stimulate the senses and encourage creativity. This program is an enriching experience for families throughout 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. To verify program status, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The program kicks off with music, movement, and hands-on activities. Participants can dance at the music party station, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore various sounds at sensory bins. Families also have the chance to interact with instruments made from plants and experiment with nature-inspired sounds.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, this month combines art and nature. Participants will learn how natural patterns produce intriguing textures, which they can replicate in their artwork. Activities include exploring forest scenes in sensory bins, painting with natural materials at the mural station, and creating a recycled art mosaic to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
Participants will embark on an imaginative journey inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s vibrant sculptures. Activities include visiting sensory bins featuring mermaids, uncovering hidden dragon treasures in kinetic sand, and crafting slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
In honor of National Pollinator Week, this month focuses on the crucial role of pollinators in ecosystems. Attendees can engage in a bug tic-tac-toe game, explore sensory bins themed around bees in hives and homemade scented playdough, and decorate a “bug rock” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
This month draws inspiration from the dynamic animal sculptures in Niki de Saint Phalle’s artwork. Families are encouraged to dress up as animals, create a collaborative animal print mural, and design unique animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
This month celebrates water and its joyous movement as portrayed in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art. Activities include water sensory bins, water lily art, exploring shaving cream at a frog pond, and playing frog games on the Children’s Garden lawn. Participants can also enjoy the Splash Pad to cool off.
September: Golden Grows
In recognition of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s theme highlights the golden colors prominent in the landscape. Activities include making sunflower art, scooping and pouring in sunflower rice sensory bins, and painting with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
This month’s activities embrace the spirit of the harvest season. Participants will enjoy the nostalgic sensations of autumn, from enticing food aromas to the crunching sounds of leaves. Families can also search for their favorite scarecrows throughout the Garden.
