Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden provides an opportunity for young children to explore the wonders of nature through engaging activities. Each month features a new theme that encourages children’s curiosity in the natural world, fostering creativity and sensory exploration. This program is suitable for families and runs 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 renders outdoor programming impractical. For status updates, contact classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
This month features music, movement, and hands-on activities. Children can participate in a music party station, create a colorful wind sock, and explore various sounds at sensory bins. Families will also have the opportunity to discover instruments made from plants and experiment with nature-inspired sounds.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, this session combines art with nature. Participants will learn about natural patterns and their textures, mimic these in art, explore forest scenes in sensory bins, paint with natural items, and create a recycled art mosaic to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
Families will explore the whimsical world of mythical creatures inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures. Activities include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering hidden dragon treasure in kinetic sand, and crafting a slithering snake at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
In recognition of National Pollinator Week, children will learn about the essential role of diverse pollinator species in ecosystems. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, engaging with sensory bins that feature “bees in a hive” and homemade scented playdough, and decorating a “bug rock” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
This month draws inspiration from the lively animal sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle. Families are encouraged to dress up as animals, collaboratively create an animal print mural, and design their unique animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
Celebrating the joyful movement of water, this session features water sensory bins, water lily art, and frog pond shaving cream exploration. Families will also enjoy frogging games on the Children’s Garden lawn and can cool off in the Splash Pad.
September: Golden Grows
In honor of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, this month celebrates golden colors found throughout the landscape. Children will engage in making sunflower art, scooping and pouring in sunflower rice sensory bins, and painting with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
Activities in October are inspired by the harvest season, evoking the aromas of food and the sounds of crunching leaves. Participants will enjoy nostalgic autumn activities while exploring and hunting for their favorite scarecrows in the Garden.
