The Atlanta Botanical Garden hosts Garden Playtime, an engaging series designed to introduce children to the wonders of nature. Each month features a new theme with activities that stimulate interest in the natural world, engaging the senses and fostering creativity. This program offers enjoyable and enriching experiences 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. In the event of rain or inclement weather, outdoor programming may be canceled. To check the status, correspondence can be directed to classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The program kicks off with music, movement, and hands-on activities, including a music party station, creating colorful wind socks, and exploring sounds at sensory bins. Participants can also discover instruments made from plants, inspired by the sounds of nature.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
To celebrate National Haiku Poetry Day, April combines art and nature by examining natural patterns that create interesting textures. Activities include exploring forest scenes in sensory bins, painting with natural items at a mural station, and creating recycled art mosaics.
May: Mythical Creatures
May explores the imaginative world inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures. Activities include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering hidden dragon treasures in kinetic sand, and crafting slithering snakes at an art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
In June, participants learn about the important role of diverse pollinator species. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, hands-on exploration in “bees in a hive” sensory bins, scented playdough, and crafting “bug rocks.”
July: Animal Adventures
July draws inspiration from the lively animal sculptures found in Niki de Saint Phalle’s artwork. Activities allow families to dress as animals, collaborate on an animal print mural, and create unique animal crafts to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
August celebrates the joyful movement of water found in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art. Families can participate in water sensory bins, create water lily art, explore frog pond shaving cream, and engage in frog games on the Children’s Garden lawn. The Splash Pad will also be open for cooling down.
September: Golden Grows
In recognition of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s activities highlight the golden colors within the landscape. Families will create sunflower art, engage with sunflower rice sensory bins, and paint with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
October’s activities reflect the harvest season, inviting families to engage with the nostalgic aromas of autumn. An activity highlight includes a scavenger hunt for scarecrows throughout the Garden.
