Introduce little ones to the joys of nature at the Atlanta Botanical Garden! Families can enjoy fun activities that stimulate children’s interest in the natural world. With a new theme each month and activities that engage the senses and spark creativity, Garden Playtime provides an enjoyable and enriching experience throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Dates: Tuesdays, March – Oct.
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. To check the status, participants can email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: What’s the Weather?
Kick off a new season of Garden Playtime as attendees explore the wonder of weather. Visitors can create their own rain stick at the art station and play a weather matching game at the kinetic sand tables. Be sure to swing by the rainbow sensory bins to bring in the sunshine.
April: Art in Nature
In April, the celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day combines art with nature. Participants can learn how natural patterns create interesting textures and replicate those textures in art. They can explore forest scenes in sensory bins, combine natural items with playdough at the playdough tables, and create their own nature bookmarks to take home.
May: Enchant Your Senses
In May, participants can discover the magic of Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees at the Garden. They will explore the sounds and colors of the world around them, investigate the wonder of light in the Amphitheatre, search for hidden friends in the fairy garden sensory bins, and design their own wind chimes to take home.
June: Pollinator Friends
In June, attendees will celebrate National Pollinator Week and learn about the valuable roles of diverse pollinator species in ecosystems. They can investigate these fascinating creatures up close, join a bug tic-tac-toe game, explore the “bees in a hive” sensory bins and honey slime, and design their own beehive using bubble wrap!
July: Kids in Wonderland
Alice’s Wonderland returns in July, showcasing beautiful mosaiculture sculptures throughout the Garden. Participants can find the giant rabbit and other interesting sculptures, then unleash their imagination in the Children’s Garden at the tea party sensory station and flamingo croquet. A visit to the art station to paint red roses using celery pieces is also a must!
August: Froggy Fun
In August, participants will dive into the wonderful world of frogs! From frog lawn games to frog pond sensory bins, playdough stations, and frog feet sponge paintings, everyone is sure to have a hopping good time! They can also cool down in the Splash Pad before heading home.
September: Enchanted Trees
In September, the joy of Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees continues in the Children’s Garden as everyone delves into the wonder of trees. Activities include leaf rubbings, a pinecone painting mural, exploration of apple pie-themed sensory bins, and the opportunity to create their own four-season tree to take home.
October: Harvest Time
In October, activities will be inspired by the harvest season. From the delightful aromas of food to the crunching sounds of leaves, everyone can relax into the nostalgia of autumn as they wind down Garden Playtime for the year. Participants can also search for their favorite scarecrows in the Garden.
