Children’s Garden
Welcome to our Garden!
We’re so glad you’re here. To help keep this space peaceful, safe, and thriving for everyone, we kindly ask that you follow these simple guidelines:
The Children’s Garden is open from dawn to dusk during the entire year so that the beauty of nature can be enjoyed during all seasons. The grounds are maintained entirely by volunteers.
Kindly keep in mind:
Please refrain from smoking to keep the air fresh and healthy for all.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted — only if special events allow.
Pets are best left at home. Only service animals are allowed, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult at all times for their safety and enjoyment.
Help us keep the garden clean. There are no trash bins on site to avoid attracting wildlife, so please take any garbage, cans, or plastics with you.
“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”
The Children’s Garden History and Improvements
On May 16th, 2009 the Children’s Garden was opened to the public.
The garden is an organic green space where people can experience a connection with nature in an area that features pollinator and butterfly beds, an oak tree allee, colorful hedges and shrubs, a boxwood maze, life-sized make-believe cow sculptures, outdoor musical instruments, a gazebo, sensory garden, birdhouses and plenty of space for children to explore. The garden consists of mostly native plants from which people of all ages may learn of their beauty and benefit to the ecosystem.
The Children’s Garden has been the recipient of Scout projects that includes the establishment of two beautiful Purple Martin birdhouses by Eagle Scout, Tyler Eng, benches installed next to the musical instruments by Eagle Scout, Elliott Baratta, and a blueberry patch planted in raised beds by Andrew Cantone and fellow Boy Scouts of Troop 228 Warren.
The Children’s Garden added outdoor, weather-resistant musical instruments in 2021. This purchase was made possible by a private donation from the Kay Collier Foundation in honor of Karen Manner, recent past president of the Arboretum and volunteer since 2004. The instruments are perfectly tuned sound sculptures that are durable and play real music. They are a wonderful auditory experience for children, letting them have fun in an outdoor setting while acquiring skills in listening, music, rhythm, interaction, improvisation, cooperation, sharing, patience and confidence building.
