Last Updated on June 12, 2025 by Kimberly Stroh
Bringing kids to the Atlanta Botanical Garden is like stepping into a storybook world where nature sparks wonder and learning happens through play. With its vibrant seasonal displays, interactive children’s garden, and engaging exhibits like the tropical rainforest, this lush urban oasis is perfect for family play time. Learn how to prepare for a great day in the garden, and stay stress-free, so the whole family can have an unforgettable Atlanta day out.
1. Plan Your Visit Around Kid-Friendly Attractions
The Atlanta Botanical Garden seamlessly combines creative play with gorgeous blooms year round. They have a a variety of kid-focused attractions that turn a simple walk through the garden into an exciting adventure. Of course, the Lou Glenn Children’s Garden is the epicenter of fun for little ones.
A treehouse playground structure offers areas to climb and slide. Plus, there’s a splash pad area where kids can cool off during the summer months. The Children’s Garden includes Dogwood trees, hibiscus blooms and Falling Waters Bald Cypress trees for shade. My four-year-old loves the water “painting” wall to let out his artistic side.
I appreciate that kids can be themselves in this area of the garden, and full bathrooms (with changing tables) are close. If your kids are like mine, they won’t want to leave the Children’s garden.
2. Take Advantage of Family Programs and Events
Do your kids want to feed a frog? Or sing in the garden? The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a variety of kids programming that’s unique and varies each month. Garden Playtime is the most regular program and offers hands-on fun designed for preschoolers during the weekday mornings. Make a craft, hit a drum and jump in the bubbles. There’s always something fun for the kids to do in the gardens.
Check the Kids Programming calendar prior to your visit to see what’s on the schedule!
3. Make An Atlanta Botanical Garden Visit Educational
The Atlanta Botanical Garden is a perfect place to blend learning with play. It’s one of the most popular field trip choices for local schools, too. The garden offers countless opportunities to introduce kids to the wonders of science and nature in a fun, relaxed setting.
Grade-school kids love to stroll through the gardens and learn about different plant species. Find out how pollination works, watch butterflies flutter through the tropical conservatory, or learn how plants land on your table in the Edible Garden. It’s one of my favorite spots and where I learn, too.
I bet you didn’t know that there are a few animals to see at the gardens! Head to the Fuqua Conservatory to visit the frogs in the lobby amphibian displays. They’re right before you see the butterflies.
Every time I visit with my kids, we’re learning something new. Focus on a small area of the garden if you want to take a deep dive into learning. Ask the garden staff if you have any questions. Drop-In Garden Tours occur weekly and it’s perfect for older kids, tweens to teens, who are eager to learn.
4. Prepare For Comfort & Fun
Most areas of the Atlanta Botanical Garden are accessible and stroller-friendly. There are only a few paths that wind throughout the garden, which are made of stone. Bring a stroller for toddlers and be prepared for walking with comfortable shoes.
What To Bring To The Atlanta Botanical Garden:
- Athletic Shoes
- Stroller or Baby Carrier
- Stroller Fan (for summer months)
- Change of Clothes (post splash pad)
- Swimwear (for the splash pad)
- Water Bottles – bottle refill stations are located throughout the garden
- Camera or Smartphone
- Stroller Fan (for summer months)
- Cooling Towels (for summer months)
Consider an annual membership if your kids love their visit. It is well worth it if you plan to go frequently. Additionally, family memberships include exclusive invites to member-only events if you want to avoid heavy crowds.
5. Best Months To Visit Atlanta Botanical Garden With Kids
There’s no bad time to visit the garden because there’s always something in bloom. I love taking family photos with the backdrop of flowers. It’s very Instagram-worthy and makes memorable moments. Traveling exhibits always give guests another reason to visit. Most temporary exhibits last only a few months, and it is possible for tickets to sell out.
Seasonal celebrations are must-do events. Scarecrows in the Garden is a fall highlight, with over-the-top scarecrows along the paths. Garden Lights in the winter brings exciting night-time displays. Plus, the Atlanta Botanical Garden Santa is the most unique in the city.
From November 30 to December 21, 2024, visitors can meet “Botanical Santa” on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. He’s dressed in a green suit to blend harmoniously with the garden’s lush surroundings.
Concerts, special exhibits and more round out the year. Check the calendar to make sure you don’t miss an outstanding event.