Can’t Miss Family Attractions
Ready to trade screentime for greentime? Whether your kids are college age or pre-Pre-K, a day at Holden Arboretum is always fun, educational, and immersive for the whole family. Everyone will develop a newfound appreciation for nature in our adventure woods, lush gardens, and other exciting experiences.
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While there isn’t one perfect way to visit the Arboretum, we’ve made a list of the top spots for families and kids to use their imaginations while getting out and about in the great outdoors—all year long.
Play Pretend at Nature’s Own Playground
Buckeye Bud’s Adventure Woods is the ideal spot for kids of all ages to get active, with a natural obstacle course made from logs and stones, an observation tower to spot turtles and frogs, and an outdoor theater.
While catching wildlife is not permitted at the Arboretum, there’s fun to be had by appreciating animals in a rather unique way: becoming them.
For example: your family can team up to complete our obstacle course while pretending to be either a frog or a turtle. While “Team Frog” will hop across the course, “The Turtles” will slo-mo crawl when it’s their turn to go.
This activity inspires creativity, teaches patience (slow and steady wins the race!), and instills a competitive spirit.
And of course, as any grand sporting event does, an imaginative obstacle course race calls for an opening games ceremony. Our Natural Theater is the perfect place for the whole family to sing a song, perform a dance, recite a poem, or show off whatever talent lies within!
Become Leaf Detectives
NOTE: The Leaf Trail is only available in the Fall.
With the chance to identify leaves from over 20 deciduous trees, Leaf Trail is a great place for your family to embrace their inner detective.
Take on the trail in your finest trench coats, bring magnifying glasses and binoculars—and rain gear, if needed (bonus points for the added drama!).
You can pick up a brochure at the Arboretum and get hunting for tulip trees, dawn redwoods, and more. Please only take leaves that have fallen on the ground—a great detective never tampers with evidence!
This activity takes around an hour and thirty minutes. But playing pretend as super sleuths might just turn into an all-day activity!
For Fans of Fairytales
If you’re hoping to admire nature’s most mesmerizing colors and whimsical critters—Arlene and Arthur S. Holden Jr. Butterfly Garden is a must-stop. It’s a serene, peaceful place that looks like it fell right out of a storybook! To get the most out of your experience, we recommend you visit July through September.
While the kids search for hummingbirds and butterflies, you can sit back and relax on one of our benches or take a stroll around the gardens.
Walk Among Wildlife
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a bird, soaring through a canopy of trees? Well, those who have completed our Murch Canopy Walk can tell you, it’s quite peaceful. (And the view is beautiful, too!)
Open from April to October, your family can stroll along a 500-foot-long elevated walkway swaying 65 feet above the forest floor. It’s the perfect opportunity to appreciate the forest from a new perspective.
Imagination tip
During the Canopy Walk, have your little ones point out the animals they see. Afterwards, encourage them to create a miniature picture book starring their favorite critters. They can give them names, a backstory, draw what they saw, and more.
“I Can See My House from Here!”
Also open from April to October, and nearly double the height of the Canopy Walk, Kalberer Emergent Tower is the perfect place for your kids to conquer their fear of heights. Even if you feel a little nervous, we promise, the view and adrenaline rush after climbing to the top is so worth it. But if at any point you need assistance, we have staff at the tower 24/7. We’re always here to help!
To turn the trek into an educational exercise (and distract everyone from getting uneasy!), we encourage counting every step as a family. There are 202 steps on the way to the top of the Emergent Tower, with platforms along the way. So, you can take breaks as you go and take in the view from whatever height you are most comfortable!
As you travel to and arrive at the top, see if you can spot certain trees, critters, and buildings along the canopy! We have an I-Spy checklist for those interested in making an engaging activity out of this adventure.
And on the way back down, bask in the knowledge that bedtime might come a little earlier. (You’re welcome!)
Cool off at the Corning Library
After spending time outside, bring your kids to Corning Library for a relaxing couple of hours.
With coloring pages and plenty of stories, the Kids’ Corner keeps your little ones occupied, so you can sit back, chill out, and enjoy one of our many books. Holden members can check out up to 10 books, for three weeks at a time.
Imagination tip
Encourage your kids to pick out a book and let them read it to the family after dinner. It’s a great way to wind down—and learn something, too! They’ll be dreaming of the memories they had in the great outdoors at the Arboretum.
Give those little legs a rest!
If you have infants or babies who haven’t mastered the art of walking yet, or toddlers who tend to get tired, explore one of our trails that can accommodate strollers and wagons:
FAQs for Families at Holden Arboretum
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Whether you opt for hiking boots or walking shoes, it’s important that you’re comfortable. No blisters here! Depending on the weather, you may also want to dress in layers—you’d be surprised how some unexpected wind or sun can shake things up. To that point, wear a hat or sunblock if needed, and always accessorize with your favorite water bottle. Bug spray is a good idea, too!
Whether you opt for hiking boots or walking shoes, it’s important that you’re comfortable. No blisters here! Depending on the weather, you may also want to dress in layers—you’d be surprised how some unexpected wind or sun can shake things up. To that point, wear a hat or sunblock if needed, and always accessorize with your favorite water bottle. Bug spray is a good idea, too!
Whether you opt for hiking boots or walking shoes, it’s important that you’re comfortable. No blisters here! Depending on the weather, you may also want to dress in layers—you’d be surprised how some unexpected wind or sun can shake things up. To that point, wear a hat or sunblock if needed, and always accessorize with your favorite water bottle. Bug spray is a good idea, too!
Whether you opt for hiking boots or walking shoes, it’s important that you’re comfortable. No blisters here! Depending on the weather, you may also want to dress in layers—you’d be surprised how some unexpected wind or sun can shake things up. To that point, wear a hat or sunblock if needed, and always accessorize with your favorite water bottle. Bug spray is a good idea, too!
We’re so excited to help you instill a love of nature in your family and look forward to having you for a day of fun. Remember to check the weather before visiting—we want everyone to be comfortable while enjoying their active time outside.
Come see all the beauty that Kirtland, Ohio has to offer!
