Hershey Children’s Garden
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.
Children’s Garden Updates
Installation has begun on the new hive maze feature. For the safety of our guests, fencing is in place for now to block off the construction area.
The fountain and the water pumps are currently turned off. We plan to reopen these super fun water features very soon.
Parents: Please leave nets at home and make sure your kids handle animals safely when you visit. Thank you!
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
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 |
more
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 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 Greek anemos for “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 Greek anemos for “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 still lookin’ down at me. Not many trees, but otherwise it’s still a height race for all prairie grasses and herb.
Here’s more to explore at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Madagascar Glasshouse
We’re home to a world-class collection of exotic plants and animals, including iconic “upside-down” trees. Madagascar’s plants are among the most unique on Earth, and we’re proud to display a... more
Western Reserve Herb Garden
The area is laid out as a formal knot garden, just like you’d see in England, and is home to over 3,500 herbs and plants, spread through several themed sections: The... more
Artwork on Display
Our galleries are home to seasonally-rotating local artists and their nature-inspired works. more
Orchids: Love in Bloom
Fall in love all over again as Cleveland's favorite orchid show returns. more
Our Gardens
Located in the heart of University Circle, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is an urban oasis – an escape from the bustling city. Manicured gardens and curated glasshouses offer inspiration for... more
Costa Rica Glasshouse
Our towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and rich vegetation offer a lovely, tropical retreat. In this area, bromeliads, delicate orchids, and lush vines cling to every surface. Our avocado, coffee, papaya,... 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
Woodland Garden
You’ll be joined by butterflies, songbirds, and wild flowers as you explore our most informal and expansive retreat. This forest offers year-round enchantment, but feels especially magical when you visit... 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
