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

Loose Parts Play

Build a fort, invent a game, and discover something new in the natural world.

Content Detail

In the Children’s Garden, nature is the playground. Every stick, stone, and leaf holds the power of imagination. The different areas within the Garden are filled with natural treasures like logs, pine cones, rocks, mud, and leaves. Children are invited to build water dams, create fairy houses, cook up mud pies, or invent games all their own.

There are no rules for how to play, just endless opportunities to explore, experiment, and create. Stack rocks in the stream, make leaf patterns on the ground, or dig in our raised planters. In the Children’s Garden, kids of all ages and abilities can follow their curiosity and shape the world around them. It’s messy, creative, and full of wonder—just the way play should be!

Loose Parts Play Area

Grotto and Secret Stream

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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