Garden Playtime at the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers an engaging opportunity for young children to connect with nature through a variety of activities. Each month features a new theme designed to stimulate interest in the natural world while engaging the senses and fostering creativity. This enriching program is accessible to families from spring through fall.
Dates: Tuesdays, March – Oct.
Time: 10 a.m. – noon
Free with Garden admission
Suggested ages: 6 months – 5 years. Weather permitting. Cancellations may occur if rain or other inclement weather makes outdoor programming impractical. For status updates, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The season begins with music, movement, and interactive activities. Participants can dance at a music party station, create colorful wind socks to take home, and explore various sounds through sensory bins, including instruments made from plants.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
In celebration of National Haiku Poetry Day, this month combines art and nature. Families will learn how natural patterns create interesting textures, which they can mimic through various art activities, including forest scene exploration and recycled art mosaic creation.
May: Mythical Creatures
This session invites families to explore the fantastic world of mythical creatures inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s whimsical sculptures. Activities include visiting sensory bins with mermaids, uncovering dragon treasure, and creating slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
To commemorate National Pollinator Week, participants will learn about the roles of diverse pollinator species. Activities include a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bin exploration, and decorating “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
This month draws inspiration from vibrant animal sculptures. Families can dress up as animals, create a shared animal print mural, and design a unique animal to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
Highlighting the joy of water movement, participants will engage in water sensory activities, create water lily art, and explore games on the Children’s Garden lawn, with an opportunity to cool down in the Splash Pad.
September: Golden Grows
In homage to the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, this month celebrates golden hues, featuring activities like sunflower art and mural painting with corn cobs.
October: Harvest Time
October’s activities reflect the harvest season, emphasizing autumnal aromas and sounds. Families can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while searching for scarecrows within the Garden.
