Sparking Curiosity Through Nature at the San Diego Botanic Garden
Get outside and explore one of the largest living museums in San Diego this Museum Month. My kids love visiting the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas and discovering new plants and activities throughout the Garden. With three dedicated children’s areas; The Hamilton Children’s Garden, the Junior Quail Trail and the Seeds of Wonder Garden, your kids will have an adventurous day in nature.
Our first stop is the Hamilton Children’s Garden where my two kids go wild at the tree house, climbing up the rope ladder and all around the roots of the trees creating secret hide-outs. My five year old son enjoys playing in the stream and racing boats they often have available for visitors. We also take time to play on the musical instruments, build a fort out of wood, and play in the sand pit.
Next we head over to the Seeds of Wonder interactive garden where you can find a model railroad with real trains running, a playhouse, and a dinosaur garden. Thursdays are a great day to visit as there is often a friendly train conductor there sharing stories about the trains. The Junior Quail Trail is a little past the model railroad. This is the area my seven year old daughter enjoys since it feels like an obstacle course made of nature. There are areas to balance and jump and use your imagination. Sometimes there are even little succulents to plant and take home.
On our way back to the car we often swing by the Bamboo pond to say hello to the turtles basking in the sun. This is a peaceful area that is great for eating a snack. We also check out the bananas growing in the subtropical fruit garden and the waterfall located in the tropical rainforest area.
Downtown Encinitas is about a 5 minute drive from the Botanic Garden. There are so many great restaurants on the 101! We really enjoy Lotus Café and Juice Bar and 101 Gelato. Have a fun outdoor adventure and don’t forget to download a scavenger hunt for the Botanic Garden here.
Written by: Danielle Deery
About the San Diego Botanic Garden: The San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) is a 37-acre urban oasis located in the city of Encinitas, in north San Diego County. The Garden’s four miles of trails display more than 5,000 plant species and varieties, including 300 plants for which SDBG is the only garden maintaining a population. SDBG has 15 gardens that represent different regions of the world, 12 demonstration gardens, and the largest public bamboo collection in North America. SDBG has three children’s gardens, including its flagship, one-acre Hamilton Children’s Garden, the largest kids’ garden on the west coast. Open Wednesday – Monday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
* How to Use the Museum Month Pass at San Diego Botanic Garden: Museum Month passes may be used for entrance to the Garden on one day only, as chosen by the passholder. Up to four (4) people may be admitted that day, but no one may return with the pass on a separate day. Does not include special events. Tickets must be purchased in person on the day of entry by presenting the pass at admissions. Online ticket sales are not available for this discount.
