Kentucky Children's Garden

Interactive Educational Space

The Kentucky Children's Garden is a 2-acre educational outdoor space located within The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. Designed for children aged 2-10, this interactive garden provides a safe environment for young visitors to explore and learn about plants, nature, and the environment.

Kentucky-Themed Areas

The garden features various themed areas that represent Kentucky's landscapes, both natural and man-made, past and present. Visitors can explore a wading stream, a "fishing" pond, a pioneer cabin, and a nature center.

The garden also includes a butterfly area, sand and dig pits, and a prairie section, offering diverse experiences for children.

Misters Quilt Feature

One of the prominent features is the Misters Quilt, a play area with water features and sections of wildflowers resembling a quilt pattern. This area showcases nine native Kentucky wildflowers, including Trillium, Solomon's Seal, and Goldenrod, while also celebrating the state's quilting tradition.

Educational Programming

The Kentucky Children's Garden incorporates educational elements throughout its design. It hosts daily programming from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. when open, providing engaging activities for children and their families to learn about the environment.

The garden also features a garden-scale model train that runs at scheduled times, weather permitting.