Discovery Garden

Kids of all ages can explore habitats and learn about garden wildlife in the Discovery Garden.

This immersive landscape—created especially for the Garden’s youngest visitors—encourages children to explore nature through hands-on experiences as they investigate plants and animals in different habitat spaces.

Winding intimate paths lead through a meadow of tall native grasses and flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Raised boardwalks and platforms allow kids to get up close to leafy tree canopies in the woodland, and a circuit of split logs and boulders takes visitors throw a rich and diverse marsh habitat.

Upcoming Discovery Garden Programs

Highlights

The meadow habitat in summer. Photo by Blanca Begert.

One the boardwalk in spring, a docent leads a family in a fun nature play activity. Photo by Lee Patrick.

Plants with year-round interest, like winterberry, abound. Photo by Blanca Begert.

Hands-on science activities in the Hamm Children’s Learning Courtyard. Photo by Elizabeth Peters.

The marsh habitat. Photo by Meera Jagroop.

Plant Collection

View an interactive list of plants in this location.

Open Plant Finder

Video

How did snapdragons get their name? What does an onion flower look like? What kinds of flowers do hummingbirds like? Visit the Discovery Garden and learn the answers to these questions!

Support

Major Supporter, Discovery Programs

Image, top of page: Michael Stewart

Discovery Garden

Upcoming Discovery Garden Programs

Fall Family Discovery Days

Fall First Discoveries

Discovery Sing-Along with Sabrina Chap

School Group Visits: Discovery Trail

Lightscape