Help your child disconnect from technology and discover the wonders of nature.
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Children can become immersed in hands-on activities like:
- Searching for fish, frogs and turtles in the pond*
- Learning about veggie and herb gardens
- Exploring and playing in nature’s playground
- Creating in our sandbox
- Learning how to care for plants with our water pump
The Hershey Children’s Garden was one of the first of its kind in the country when it opened in 1999, and it still serves as a model for children’s gardens around the world.
Please note that the Hershey Children’s Garden is closed and will reopen at the end of March 2024. Stay up-to-date on winter offerings for kids and families on our events page, and by following us on Facebook and Instagram.
In the meantime, please join us for our other winter experiences:
- Explore our indoor, child-focused nature play area, the , on the 2nd floor.
- Bundle up and visit the outdoor gardens, including the Herb Garden and Restorative Garden, to observe plants & animals in the winter.
Things to Discover
Goldenrod & Ironweed | Here are our two quintessential autumnal Ohio wildflowers.Although they aren’t the tamest of garden guests, at the back of a sunny pollinator plot, they are worth inviting to the party. There are also some sport-jacket and khakis cultivars that won’t frighten your more civilized garden| moreHere are our two quintessential autumnal Ohio wildflowers.Although they aren’t the tamest of garden guests, at the back of a sunny pollinator plot, they are worth inviting to the party. There are also some sport-jacket and khakis cultivars that won’t frighten your more civilized garden guests.
CUP FLOWER (Silphium perfoliatum) | Their sunflower-like blooms and forthcoming seeds drive bees and birds crazy, and their clasping cup-like leaf bases capture rainwater for the thirsty critters. A patch of cup flowers are perfect kid plants: bright, big, buzzing with animal life, and great to hide in!
Anemones | “Anenome” derives from the Greekanemosfor “wind.” And that’s apt because these yardstick-tall flowers borne on wiry stems gracefully dance into the slightest wind. And if you know them as “Japanese anemones” they are in truth from Hupeh province in China but naturalized and| more“Anenome” derives from the Greekanemosfor “wind.” And that’s apt because these yardstick-tall flowers borne on wiry stems gracefully dance into the slightest wind. And if you know them as “Japanese anemones” they are in truth from Hupeh province in China but naturalized and cherished in Japan.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) | I’m holding the camera above my head and this Midwest prairie native is stilllookin’ down at me. Not many trees, but otherwise it’s still a height race for all prairie grasses and herb.For your safety:
- We may limit the number of visitors inside this garden at one time
- Parents assume the risk associated with touching play surfaces and children congregating
Adults are responsible to actively supervise children in their care.
Here’s more to explore at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Costa Rica Glasshouse
Our towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and rich vegetation lend a lovely, tropical retreat. In this area, small bromeliads, delicate orchids, and lush vines cling to every surface. The Fire bush...more
Gateway Garden
The garden’s pronounced seasonal nature offers brilliant bulbs in spring, eye-popping annuals in summer, and showy fall foliage, berries, and bark textures. There’s even a waterfall and small pond. The...more
Inspiration Gardens
Meander through this dedicated section of gardens and find new ways to incorporate more lush beauty into your own landscaping.more
The Garden Store
Our carefully curated collection features original, one-of-a-kind, and locally made gifts and garden goods that change with the seasons—and that you won’t find anywhere else. Our friendly staff is always...more
Perennial Garden
Our ever-changing path indulges your senses with a collage of hues and textures. One day you might spy a group of towering foxtail lilies, and a month later come across...more
Rose Garden
Our picturesque rose garden features a colorful collection of floribunda roses, encircling a classic, Roman-style octagonal pool. Selected for hue, hardiness, and disease resistance, the floribundas join other members of...more
Japanese Garden
Combine a love of nature and a sense of culture with this gem. Walk among a classic composition of rocks, clipped evergreen azaleas, and weathered beach stones and savor the...more
The Ron and Lydia Harrington Perennial Playspace
The Cleveland Botanical Garden has welcomed a new permanent exhibit, The Ron and Lydia Harrington Perennial Playspace, overlooking the towering plants and trees in the Glasshouses. The Botanical Garden team...more
Return of the Butterflies
Enter the Costa Rica biome and be transported into the world of the butterflies! To celebrate the arrival of spring in a big way, Holden Forests & Gardens presentsReturn of...more
