Kentucky Children's Garden

A Natural Playground for Curious Minds

Nestled within The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington, the Kentucky Children's Garden spans 2 acres of educational outdoor space. It's a little slice of nature specially designed for kids between 2 and 10 years old, where they can safely explore the natural world and learn about plants and the environment through hands-on experiences.

Kentucky's Landscapes Come to Life

The garden brilliantly recreates various Kentucky landscapes in kid-friendly form. Little ones can splash around in a wading stream (perfect for impromptu dam engineering projects!), try their hand at catching creatures in the "fishing" pond with nets, or step back in time at the pioneer cabin for some historical make-believe.

Your child might find themselves drawn to the butterfly area, digging for treasures in the sand and dig pits, or exploring the native plants in the prairie section. There's also a fruit and vegetable garden where kids can connect with how their food actually grows - something many urban children rarely get to experience firsthand.

Splash, Play, and Cool Down

On hot Kentucky days, the water features are absolute heaven. The Misters Quilt is a standout attraction - it's a clever play area combining water features and wildflower sections arranged in a quilt-like pattern. This area showcases nine native Kentucky wildflowers including Trillium, Solomon's Seal, and Goldenrod, paying homage to Kentucky's quilting traditions while teaching about native plants.

You'll discover kids cooling off in the mist zone, constructing elaborate aqueducts to channel water, or simply enjoying the soothing sounds of the waterfall. The wading stream is thoughtfully shaded, making it a welcome retreat during summer visits.

Learning Through Play

Education is woven throughout the garden experience, but in ways that feel like pure fun rather than structured learning. When the garden is open, daily programming runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., offering engaging activities for families.

Keep an eye out for the garden-scale model train that chugs along its verdant track at scheduled times (weather permitting, of course). The giant bubble wands are always a hit, and some brave souls might even get to meet the resident caged cockroach - a surprisingly educational encounter!

Before You Visit

You'll need to purchase tickets at The Arboretum's guest services center. Clean restrooms and picnic tables are available just outside the garden area - great for a lunch break, since food isn't allowed inside the garden itself.

Don't expect traditional playground equipment like swings and slides here. Instead, the entire garden is designed as a natural playground that encourages exploration and active play. Note that you'll need to supervise your little ones throughout your visit due to the shallow water features that appear throughout the garden.