The Atlanta Botanical Garden presents Garden Playtime, an engaging series designed for young children to explore the joys of nature. Each month features a new theme, with activities that stimulate the senses and encourage creativity. This enriching 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. The program will be canceled if rain or inclement weather makes outdoor activities impractical. Status updates can be obtained by emailing classes@atlantabg.org.
March: What’s the Weather?
The season kicks off with a focus on weather. Participants will create their own rain sticks at the art station and play a weather matching game at the kinetic sand tables. Sensory bins filled with rainbow themes will also be available.
April: Art in Nature
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, this month combines art and nature. Families will explore natural patterns to create textures in their artwork, engage with forest scenes in sensory bins, and craft their own nature bookmarks.
May: Enchant Your Senses
This May, the program will explore the sounds and colors of nature, inspired by Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees. Activities include exploring light in the Amphitheatre, engaging with fairy garden sensory bins, and designing personal wind chimes.
June: Pollinator Friends
In honor of National Pollinator Week, participants will learn about the role of pollinators in ecosystems while playing games such as bug tic-tac-toe and engaging with sensory bins and honey slime. Children will also create beehives using bubble wrap.
July: Kids in Wonderland
With a return of Alice’s Wonderland, children will discover beautiful mosaiculture sculptures and participate in sensory activities like a tea party station and flamingo croquet, along with painting red roses using celery pieces.
August: Froggy Fun
Focusing on frogs, this month includes various activities such as frog lawn games, pond-themed sensory bins, and sponge painting. Families are encouraged to cool off at the Splash Pad.
September: Enchanted Trees
As Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees continue to inspire, activities this month include leaf rubbings, a pinecone painting mural, and crafting a four-season tree at the art station.
October: Harvest Time
The final month of Garden Playtime features activities inspired by the harvest season. Children will engage in sensory experiences reflecting autumn themes and seek out their favorite Scarecrows in the Garden.
