The Botanical Gardens feature prominently in my summer bucket list – not only to practice with my camera* but also to explore and play with Charlie. Tuesday morning, we did all of that! Katie took the day off, so we went with both boys (and a whole trunkful of gear 🙂
There are morning programs in the newly opened Children’s Garden every day. Tuesday is Garden Playtime with “hands-on learning and sensory stations.” There were at least a half dozen stations with real bugs, play dough, and hidden “bugs” for the children to find.
We thought Charlie would enjoy the Splash Pad, but I think it was his least fun activity of the entire morning!
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| iPhone photos – I didn’t want to get my camera wet |
His favorite activity just might’ve been the Family Restroom. He and his mom visited the Yellow Door and the Green Door … and that’s when I had little Sam and my finding light moment.
The main garden features The Curious Garden. It is indeed curious. and also very fun.
It was a very cloudy morning; the city skyline was barely visible. I certainly didn’t have to worry about any sun flares!
And we didn’t have to worry about seeing everything on this one visit. I’m already planning my next morning with Charlie and an evening with his mama and a few girlfriends for Cocktails in the Garden.
Yummm, when I snagged that Cocktails link I saw those drinks – I’m definitely a gin girl, but I might just have to give vodka a try this weekend. That White Rose Kennedy looks awfully tempting!
Wishing you a wonderful weekend … and a few fulfilled temptations!
*I had the 24mm lens (with no filters) on my camera for the entire visit. It is a wonderfully lightweight lens for being out and about.
mere-et-filles 
Great photos and excellent practice for your Alaska trip. It looks like y'all had a great time!
Great photos and an interesting garden! Love the Madagascar hissing cockroach, Chihuly glass, and your finding light moment. I never thought a manhole cover could be so beautiful. The curious garden is quite curious to me, but I think I might enjoy the painted trees more after a cocktail or two!
There is ALWAYS something new to see in a botanic garden — no matter how many times you visit! 🙂 What a lovely place to spend some time. Children's gardens are so much fun! (Did Charlie like the bugs??? My kids would have loved that part when they were his age. . . )
The Botanical Garden looks rich with beautiful plants, textures, and unique ideas! I love the sense of humor and those frogs! Walking through our Red Butte Garden is one of my favorite things to do. Its always a place to rest from the cares of the world and let the textures of the gardens take over the senses.
This made me think of a children's book, The Curious Garden. Looks like a very fun place.
I need to drag Steve (kicking and screaming, most likely) to our gardens!! Fantastic photos, Mary! What an incredibly beautiful place! And, cocktails do sound so delicious in those surroundings!
What a beautiful place! and nice that it is so inviting to children. Love the idea of an evening and cocktails there (The White rose Kennedy DOES sound tempting!!).
The gardens look like a magical place for all ages! And you captured some great scenes, too! Give into temptation and enjoy that cocktail. : )
Love the gardens and Charlie poses…cocktails sound right good. Enjoy! Thanks for sharing.Cheers~
The gardens are so pretty-can't wait to give those cocktails a try.