Botanical gardens are wonderful experiences for children as they explore the outdoors (yay for no screen time) and dip their toes into learning about various plants, how they grow, and more. Fortunately, many botanical gardens offer their very own children’s garden—filled with places and spaces of color, wonder, and adventure. Below we share 8 of the best botanical gardens for kids within the U.S. and all they have to offer to your little ones.
1. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Dallas, TX)
Texas is home to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, known as “One of the South’s Best Botanical Gardens.” Here, children can experience a multitude of educational programs such as Summer Camps, Homeschool Programs, Afterschool Programs, and more. The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden will beckon your child to it, due to its variety of nature galleries for young and older children alike. There is so much offered here, it’s clear to us that it’s one of the best botanical gardens for kids around.
- Admission: $12+, $11+ for parking, $3 more for Children’s Adventure Garden,
- Visit: First Adventure, The Incredible Edible Garden, Earth Cycles, Amazing Secret Garden
- Fun events: STEM Stops, Animal Adventures, Bird Encounter
2. Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta, GA)
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is another one of the best botanical gardens for kids because it offers garden classes and events in “Garden Playtime.” Each month there’s a focus on a new botanical subject such as “Art in Nature” or “Edible Garden.” In addition, kids can be a part of Storybook Time or Garden Grooves where there is nature-themed dancing and singing.
Check out the Garden Guide to get personalized itinerary ideas. Filter the guide by how much time you have (e.g. An Hour or Less) and what type of experience you would like (e.g. Family Adventure) for suggested plans. For family-friendly exhibits, events, and programs, view their events calendar here.
- Admission: $22.95+, Children under 3 are free
- Visit: The Lou Glenn Children’s Garden, Orchid Daze (indoor plant exhibition)
- Fun events: Summer Camp, Storybook Time, Garden Playtime
3. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn, NY)
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910 and offers opportunities for children and teens. Children’s Garden Classes, for ages 2-13, let children get their hands dirty by planting and harvesting their very own flowers and crops. But if you’re only dropping in for the day, check out the one-acre Discovery Garden where kids can discover a variety of habitats, an “insect hotel,” and more.
There are certainly a lot of family activities at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. You can even download a Kid’s Field Journal to take with you for more botanic interaction.
- Admission: $12+, Children under 12 are free
- Visit: Discovery Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Fragrance Garden, Native Flora Garden
- Fun events: Children’s Garden Classes, Family Discovery Days, First Discoveries
4. Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO)
The Missouri Botanical Garden is the “nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation” as it was founded in 1859. Yet, it doesn’t lack in being a great botanical garden for kids. Here you will find the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden where children can check out interactive exhibits, play in a limestone cave, and more. In the warm months, there’s The Splash Area for keeping cool. Before visiting this botanical garden, you can order a Garden Explorer pack for your children to bring along with them that includes nature guides, binoculars, a water bottle, and more.
- Admission: $14, Children 12 and under are free
- Visit: Children’s Garden, Climatron, Tram Tours, The Splash Area
- Fun events: Great Green Adventures, Canopy Climb, Garden Buds
5. Green Bay Botanical Garden (Green Bay, WI)
Green Bay Botanical Garden features 47 acres of natural areas and gardens in Northern Wisconsin. There are numerous exhibits to visit including the Children’s Library, Children’s Corner (indoor children’s area), and Nielsen Children’s Garden. The Children’s Garden includes a treehouse, pond, vine maze, and more. Kids can also explore the Butterfly Garden and Peter Rabbit Garden, making it one of the best botanical gardens for kids.
Coming Spring 2023, there will be an even bigger Children’s Garden exhibit with Splash Play, Cave Play, and more.
- Admission: $5+, Children 2 and under are free
- Visit: Nielsen Children’s Garden, Children’s Corner, Butterfly Garden, Peter Rabbit Garden
- Fun events: Children’s Story Time, Camp Series
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6. San Francisco Botanical Garden (San Francisco, CA)
Another top botanical garden for kids is the San Francisco Botanical Garden, where you’ll find all 55 acres located inside the Golden Gate Park. The Children’s Garden offers Story Time, crafts, and a summer book club at the library. Every Tuesday and Thursday kids and families get together for Bean Sprouts Family Days where they can use garden tools to dig and explore the garden. Before you visit, you can print out fun resources for kids like the Redwood Scavenger Hunt or Nature Explorer Activity Sheets.
- Admission: $3+, Children 4 and under are free
- Visit: Children’s Garden, Garden of Fragrance, Great Meadow, Fountain Plaza
- Fun events: JAMboodas Music and Dance, Bean Sprouts Family Days
7. New York Botanical Garden (Bronx, NY)
What began in 1891, the New York Botanical Garden brings 250 acres (which makes it the largest in any U.S. city) to Bronx, New York. The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is a 12-acre space for children to explore and climb on boulders.
Families can go on a Nature Quest where missions are given (via mobile phone) to investigate the garden. Family programs such as Nature Explorers (ages 2-3), Camps (ages K-5), and the Children’s Gardening Program (ages 3-5 and 6-12) are also offered, allowing children to learn more about gardening and harvesting.
- Admission: $15+, Children under 2 are free
- Visit: Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, Ruth Rea Howell Vegetable Garden
- Fun events: Nature Explorers, Camps, Gardening Program
8. Huntsville Botanical Garden (Huntsville, AL)
Finally, the Huntsville Botanical Garden, a 112-acre garden, is a great botanical garden for kids as it includes a 2-acre Children’s Garden. This Children’s Garden offers 8 exhibits for your children to explore including The Storybook Garden, Pollywog Bog (wading pool), The Bamboo Garden, and more. There are musical instruments, giant sunflowers, and a hidden garden gate, just to name a few. Seeds to Sprouts (ages 2-5) and Nature Academy (ages K-8) are offered to educate children about nature through STEM activities.
- Admission: $12+ Children 2 and under are free
- Visit: Children’s Garden, Butterfly House, Tweetsville, Vegetable Garden
- Fun events: Seeds to Sprouts, Nature Academy, Wonders of Water
What’s great about the best botanical gardens for kids is how they make exploring and adventuring outside really fun and educational for the whole family. As you look for the best botanical gardens for kids, pay special attention to what the children’s garden offers in addition to kid-friendly garden classes and events. Some botanical gardens even offer nature packs and printable scavenger hunts to bring along, making your garden visit that much more fun.
Is there a botanical garden for kids that you especially love? Let us know in the comments below!
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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