The Atlanta Botanical Garden presents Garden Playtime, an educational series designed to introduce young children to the wonders of nature. Each month features a distinct theme with activities meant to engage the senses and foster creativity, making it an enriching experience 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 in the event of rain or inclement weather. To check the status, please contact classes@atlantabg.org.
March: What’s the Weather?
The season kicks off by exploring the wonder of weather. Participants can create their own rain sticks at the art station and engage in a weather matching game at the kinetic sand tables. Additionally, rainbow sensory bins will be available for sensory exploration.
April: Art in Nature
In April, the program will celebrate National Haiku Poetry Day by merging art with nature. Children will learn about natural patterns and textures, and create nature-inspired art, including nature bookmarks to take home.
May: Enchant Your Senses
May shall feature Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees, inviting exploration into the sounds and colors of the natural world. Activities will include exploring light in the Amphitheatre, searching for treasures in fairy garden sensory bins, and designing wind chimes.
June: Pollinator Friends
June coincides with National Pollinator Week, focusing on the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem. Activities will include a bug tic-tac-toe game, sensory bins featuring honey slime and “bees in a hive,” and the creation of beehive art using bubble wrap.
July: Kids in Wonderland
July brings back Alice’s Wonderland with mosaiculture sculptures throughout the Garden. Children will explore imaginative activities in the Children’s Garden, including a tea party sensory station and a flamingo croquet game. An art station will also be available for painting red roses using celery pieces.
August: Froggy Fun
In August, children can immerse themselves in the world of frogs with various activities, including frog-themed lawn games, sensory bins, playdough stations, and sponge painting. Attendees will also have the opportunity to cool off in the Splash Pad.
September: Enchanted Trees
September continues the exploration of Patrick Shearn’s Enchanted Trees. Activities will include leaf rubbings, a pinecone painting mural, and apple pie themed sensory bins, along with an art station for making four-season trees.
October: Harvest Time
October’s theme centers around the harvest season, featuring activities that evoke the sights and sounds of autumn. Families will have the opportunity to search for their favorite scarecrows within the Garden.
