No matter the time of year, laughter and learning are always happening at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, the kid-friendliest part of the already kid-friendly New York Botanical Garden. On its 12 acres (5 hectares), including a meadow, forest and pond, kids are encouraged to explore on their own, ducking through tunnels and running past colorful caterpillar-shaped shrubs. Come for an unstructured afternoon or participate in the many activities that run daily.
Burst through the entrance and search for the different plant sculptures dotted throughout the area, each more fantastical than the last. Figure out the tangle of paths through Beth’s Maze, its hedgerows providing a pleasant challenge even for older kids. On a cold day, warm up at the Discovery Center and teaching greenhouse, where activities run all winter long. Hundreds of activities will keep kids busy. Let kids get exercise with a climb up the boulders that provide views over the whole park.
Be creative by coming up with a new, never-before-seen plant at the Plant Part Paradise. At the Habitat Hub learn about how plants adapt to different places. On summer weekends, activities and the garden itself can get a bit crazy, but join in to feel the energy of a lots of children excited to learn about the natural world. See technology and nature coming together at the annual train show, when trains are adorned with a magical assortment of decorations.
The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is located next to the main entrance to the New York Botanic Garden. Take the subway from Penn Station in about 50 minutes or drive from Midtown in 30 minutes. Drive or take the subway from Yankee Stadium in about 15 minutes. Flat-rate parking is available on site.
The Adventure Garden is open on the same schedule as the Botanical Garden, from mid-morning to early evening, from Tuesday to Sunday. Drop-in activities are available on weekday afternoons and all day on Saturday and Sunday. Admission to the Botanic Garden is required for access to the Adventure Garden.
