Please note: The Children’s Garden is currently closed due to low temperatures
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Children's Garden

Animal Encounters

Look and listen for the animals and insects that live in the Children’s Garden.

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The Children’s Garden is full of life—and not just the plant kind! As you explore, keep an eye out for some of the many animals who call this special place home. In spring, catch and release tadpoles in Wonder Pond, and later in the season, look for turtles sunning themselves on warm logs. Dragonflies zip through the air like tiny helicopters, while birds fill the Garden with song.

Even in winter, the Garden is buzzing with quiet activity. After a fresh snowfall, follow the trails to look for animal tracks pressed into the snow. Can you spot a rabbit’s hop, a bird’s landing, or even the steady trot of a coyote? Each track tells part of a story. Imagine where the animal was going, what it might have been doing, and who else it met along the way.

Whether you’re peeking into our pond, watching the sky, or listening carefully from a shady bench, there are always exciting animal moments to discover. Every visit brings a new opportunity to connect with our wild neighbors, up close and in real life.

Wonder Pond

Evergreen Lookout

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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