The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden, which opens April 1, is a hidden gemstone among the 79 acres that make up the Missouri Botanical Garden. Families will thrill at the myriad of educational and exploratory areas within the nearly two acres of play space.

Upon entering the Children’s Garden an adventure awaits. Let your kids decide where to begin … do you enter via the rope bridge or perhaps slip down Spelunker’s Slide?  Do you meander through the limestone cave or move full-speed ahead to board a steamboat? There's no bad decisions since all of the activities throughout the garden have been designed with the goal of “planting seeds and growing minds.”

On a warm day, don't forget to pack a dry change of clothes for younger children. The splash zone area is hard for tiny tots to resist. Nearby restrooms are well-positioned to use as changing rooms. Parents with young children, be forewarned that it is easy to lose a child in the garden because there are a variety of attractions pulling their attention in many different directions. It would provide a phenomenal sense of security to parents if the garden had an exit attendant who prevented children from exiting without the appropriate adult. Additionally, outside food is not permitted, but the garden has two restaurants, Sassafras or the Terrace Café where healthy snacks and lunch items may be purchased.

The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden is a destination within a destination – be sure to allow a couple of hours to enjoy in its entirety. The Children's Garden is one of the most stimulating and adventurous playgrounds in St. Louis. 

On April 1, the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden will open for its fifth season with weeklong activities designed to "wake up" the garden from winter. Look for details in the Sprout & About calendar.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, April 1 through October
Cost: $5 for ages 3-12; adults included with Missouri Botanical Garden admission ($4/St. Louis County or City Resident -$8/non-resident). Residents of St. Louis City and County (with proof of residency) receive free general admission and Children's Garden admission on Wednesdays and Saturdays before noon.

The Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-577-5100

Writer Jennifer Brown takes advantage of every opportunity to explore the St. Louis area with her husband and three sons, ages 6, 4 and 6 months. She is proud to live in a city that has so much to offer families with children of all ages! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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