Children's Garden Inspires Exploration Through Nature Play
Matthaei Botanical Gardens provides engaging opportunities for children and families through its Gaffield Children's Garden, an interactive outdoor space designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a deeper connection with nature. Located within the botanical gardens, the children's garden combines exploration, hands-on learning and imaginative play in an environment that encourages discovery at every turn.
The garden is built around the belief that play is essential to healthy child development and serves as a pathway for children to learn about themselves and the natural world. Through open-ended activities and nature-based experiences, young visitors develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities and an appreciation for the environment.
Families can explore a variety of themed areas throughout the garden. Children build with natural materials in the Builder's Garden, create imaginative adventures in Fairy and Troll Knoll and observe pollinators in the Pollinator Palace. Additional attractions include the Wayfinders Maze, Forest Stage, Sensational Garden, Sandpit and Gretchen Jones Miller Wellness Garden, where children and families can experience fruits and vegetables growing directly from the plants.
The Gaffield Children’s Garden also encourages outdoor exploration through trails, natural habitats and spaces designed for reflection, storytelling and creative expression. By blending education with play, the garden helps children develop meaningful connections to nature while creating memorable experiences for families.
Admission to Matthaei Botanical Gardens is free, making the Gaffield Children’s Garden an accessible destination for families seeking outdoor recreation, environmental education and nature-based play in southeast Michigan.
Location: 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor. For more information, call 734-647-7600 or visit mbgna.umich.edu.
