The Atlanta Botanical Garden invites families to introduce their young children to the joys of nature through Garden Playtime. This series of engaging activities is designed to stimulate children’s interest in the natural world. Each month features a new theme, with activities that engage the senses and foster creativity, providing an enriching experience for families during 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 in the event of rain or inclement weather. To check the status, please email classes@atlantabg.org.
March: Joyful Movement
The program begins with activities centered around music, movement, and hands-on fun. Participants will dance at a music party station, create colorful wind socks, and explore various sounds at sensory bins. Families can also investigate instruments made from plants.
April: Patterns Everywhere!
April celebrates National Haiku Poetry Day by combining art with nature. Participants will learn how natural patterns create interesting textures and replicate them in various art activities. Tasks include exploring forest scenes in sensory bins, painting with natural items, and creating recycled art mosaics.
May: Mythical Creatures
In May, the emphasis will be on discovering magical creatures inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures. Activities will include engaging with mermaids in sensory bins, uncovering hidden dragon treasures in kinetic sand, and creating slithering snakes at the art station.
June: Pollinator Friends
June marks National Pollinator Week, focusing on the essential role of pollinators. Participants will engage in a bug tic-tac-toe game, explore “bees in a hive” sensory bins, and decorate “bug rocks” to take home.
July: Animal Adventures
July invites families to find inspiration in the animal sculptures of Niki de Saint Phalle. Activities will include dressing as animals, creating a shared animal print mural, and designing unique animals to take home.
August: Wonderful Water
August celebrates the joyful movement of water as represented in de Saint Phalle’s art. Activities will include water sensory bins, water lily art, and various frog games on the Children’s Garden lawn, with a Splash Pad available for cooling down.
September: Golden Grows
In September, in honor of the Garden’s 50th Anniversary, activities will focus on the golden hues in the landscape. Participants will create sunflower art, explore sunflower rice sensory bins, and paint with corn cobs.
October: Harvest Time
October concludes the series with activities inspired by the harvest season. Participants will enjoy the scents and sounds of autumn, with opportunities to hunt for scarecrows throughout the Garden.
