Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden invites families to explore the wonders of nature through engaging activities designed for young children. Each month features a unique theme, encouraging curiosity about the natural world with activities that stimulate the senses and promote creativity. This program is suitable 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. For updates, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The Garden Playtime series begins with music, movement, and hands-on activities. Children will have the opportunity to dance at a music party station, create a colorful wind sock to take home, and explore a variety of sounds in sensory bins, including instruments made from plants.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
April’s theme coincides with National Haiku Poetry Day, focusing on the interplay of art and nature. Participants will learn about natural patterns, explore textures, and engage in art activities including painting with natural items at a mural station and creating a recycled art mosaic to take home.
May: Mythical Creatures
In May, children will be introduced to the magical world of mythical creatures through the artwork of Niki de Saint Phalle. Activities will include visiting mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering treasure in kinetic sand, and creating a snake at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
June celebrates National Pollinator Week with a focus on pollinator species and their importance in ecosystems. Activities will include a bug tic-tac-toe game, interactive sensory bins with homemade scented playdough, and a rock-decorating project featuring bugs.
July: Animal Adventures
The theme for July draws inspiration from the animal sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle. Children are encouraged to dress as animals, collaborate on a shared animal print mural, and design individual animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
This month’s focus is on water, reflecting the joyous movement depicted in Niki de Saint Phalle’s art. Families can engage with water sensory bins, create water lily art, explore a frog pond play area, and participate in games on the Children’s Garden lawn. A Splash Pad will be available for cooling off.
September: Golden Grows
In recognition of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, September’s activities celebrate the golden colors of the landscape. Families are invited to create sunflower art, engage with sensory bins filled with sunflower rice, and paint with corn cobs at the mural station.
October: Harvest Time
October’s activities reflect the harvest season, focusing on autumn’s aromas and sounds. Families will have the opportunity to explore fall-themed activities and search for favorite scarecrows in the Garden as the season concludes.
