Go Explore Nature: Exploring South Coast Botanic Garden With Kids

It’s been a while since we’ve had a nature adventure much beyond our own backyard. But this weekend, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon with friends at South Coast Botanic Garden.

This 87-acre public garden is filled with plants representing more than 2,000 different species from places as far away as Australia and southern Africa. Which boils down to this: It’s a big enough place that little explorers will have plenty to see, smell and touch.

There’s the magical world created in the children’s garden, where fairies, gnomes, dragons, secret tunnels and more await eager explorers.

I loved the alphabet garden, with a potted plant to represent every letter from A to Z, as well as the "silly pot garden," where old items are given new life as planters.

We carefully wandered through the succulent garden, where there were all kinds of unusual looking things to discuss.

We passed by a lake, too, which (at least during our visit) was murky, muddy and shallow. Some of the little ones chased the ducks; others were lured away by this furry critter.

We oohed and ahhed in the Redwood Grove, spouting all kinds of facts about our favorite trees. We gathered sticks, rocks and plenty of photographs along the way.

It’s possible we weren’t supposed to let the kids climb on and around the enormous tree roots in the Banyan Forest, but there was really no stopping them.

We had our fare share of scrapes, scratches and tired legs along the way, but nothing more than one would expect from an afternoon of serious exploring.

Tips for Visiting With Kids

Let the kids lead. Gardens are for strolling, wandering and meandering. Pick a few must-see spots and enjoy the journey to reach them.

Have the kids bring a camera. The big explorer loved snapping pictures of all things beautiful. Bonus? The fun continues at home when you look at the pictures again and again.

Spend a while in the children’s garden. Kids will love the fairies, dragons and gnomes waiting to be discovered. I loved the “silly pot garden” and water pump.

Planning Essentials

Garden highlights include a children’s garden, vegetable garden, succulent garden, lake, redwood grove and a garden for the senses
South Coast Botanic Garden is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (closed Christmas Day)
Admission is cash only – $8 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5 to 12, kids 4 & under are FREE
Free entrance on the third Tuesday of each month
Garden pathways are a combination of paved roads, dirt roads and trails
Flush toilets available just inside front entrance; additional portable toilets can be found throughout the gardens
Ample free parking available
Small gift shop sells drinks & snacks