Please note: The Children’s Garden is currently closed due to low temperatures
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Children and Family Programs

Make a Splash

Touch a tadpole, build dams and bridges, and cool down on hot summer days.

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When the sun is shining, the Children’s Garden is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy some watery fun. Splash in our shady stream as it winds through Adventure Woods—perfect for bare feet and big imaginations. Feeling adventurous? Wade into Wonder Pond and get up close with the plants and animals that call it home. And don’t miss the giant watering can! It sprays a gentle cloud of cool mist that’s just right for dancing, twirling, and laughing your way through a hot day.

Whether you’re splashing, wading, or simply sitting with your toes in the water, there’s no better way to enjoy summer in the Children’s Garden. We recommend bringing along a towel, a change of clothes, and water-friendly shoes or sandals that stay on little feet. A sunhat and a refillable water bottle are also great to bring along for a day of outdoor fun.

To keep the garden experience safe and comfortable for all visitors, we ask that children wear regular clothes (not swimsuits) and stay within the designated water play areas. Thank you for helping us keep the garden a joyful and welcoming place for everyone!

Wonder Pond

Grotto and Secret Stream

Giant Watering Can

Kugel Ball Fountain

Water Pumps

Accessibility

Accessible restrooms, including a family restroom, are located in the Central Plaza near the picnic pavilion. The partially covered picnic area, with accessible picnic tables, is typically available whenever the Children’s Garden is open.

Sensory Support Resources

Guests who have sensory processing needs may borrow a sensory bag containing headphones, fidgets, visuals, a visual schedule sheet and First/Then card to provide structured and predictable activities, and other calming tools (at no cost by leaving an ID). Sensory bags can be checked out at the Visitor Center or from any Children’s Garden staff or volunteer team member.

Families may also find the following online resources helpful prior to or during a Children’s Garden visit:

  • Social stories to help prepare children for a visit during spring and summer, fall, or winter.
  • A visual activity choice board to help children communicate about which activities they want to engage in.
  • A proprioceptive activity board with examples of “heavy work” or “deep pressure” activities to help your child feel calmer in an overstimulating environment.
  • A sensory map to identify sensory triggers and quiet areas within the Children’s Garden, if your child needs a calming break.

Safety

The Children’s Garden closes when storms are seen or predicted to be in the area, or in the case of hazardous conditions such as ice or slippery mud. If hazardous conditions are limited to a specific area, individual play features may close while the Garden remains open.

In the unlikely event that severe weather hits without warning, the Visitor Center or the public restrooms within the Children’s Garden may be used as a shelter.

Hours and Info

Hours: The Children’s Garden is open daily to all guests from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (March through October) and 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. (November through February). Water features are available from mid-April through late October, depending on temperatures. Arboretum members have exclusive Children’s Garden access from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Fridays.

Parking: The nearest available parking is in parking lot P-1, on the Arboretum’s East Side. Parking may be available for some Children’s Garden events in the parking lot just southwest of the Firefly Pavilion (follow signs or attendant directions).

Restrooms: Accessible restrooms, including a family restroom, are located across from the picnic pavilion and in the Visitor Center. The partially covered picnic area, with accessible picnic tables, is typically available whenever the Children’s Garden is open.

Seating: The picnic pavilion has accessible picnic tables. Benches and rocking chairs can be found throughout the Garden.

Shelter: The picnic area is partially covered by a roof.

Accessibility: Accessible, heated restrooms are located in the Central Plaza. There are covered, accessible picnic tables in the picnic pavilion.

Admission: Entrance to the Children’s Garden and all play features are included with Arboretum admission. The Children’s Garden may be closed for ticketed Arboretum events or due to dangerous weather conditions.

Water: Drinking fountains can be found in the restroom building, located near the picnic pavilion. There are hand-operated water pumps in the Discovery Gardens area of the Children’s Garden.

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