Monday, June 20, 2011

San Diego Botanical Gardens

One of my new favorite places to take Elliott is the San Diego Botanical Gardens. We went for the first time in February and I fell in love! Not only are the gardens beautiful, but they have (very smartly) put some money into developing two great kid-friendly areas. I actually intended to do a full post after our first trip, but never got around to it. Fortunately, we recently celebrated our friend's 3rd birthday there and had a chance to visit it again as a family.



The upper area is called 'Seeds of Wonder' and has a play house, water pump and model train as well as lots of gardens to explore. Everything is meant to be touched and explored. As part of our friend's birthday party, Elliott also got to partake in a few crafts and activities, including painting rocks, painting on easels and potting a succulent. As before, the water pump and the train was a definite favorite.





After we had snacks and cake, we headed down to the lower children's garden, the Hamilton Children's Garden. This is my favorite :) The garden meanders around with lots of twists and turns over several levels. There is lots to explore in side garden areas including a music garden, art stations, a dirt pit, a boating 'stream' and a tree house.





The tree house alone is worth the trip. It is so beautiful. The foundation of the tree itself is man-made, but it is covered with real plants and feels so real. The roots at the bottom make a maze of tunnels and there is a spiral stair case up the center to take to you the upper levels. Our first trip was on a holiday Monday, so it was crazy busy and the older kids had taken over the bottom of the tree house. But last Saturday it was so open and available, Elliott could freely explore without fear of being trampled.




Both children's areas are also a perfect way to spend a hot day as they feature plenty of opportunities to get wet. Elliott was ridiculously dirty by the time our day was done - the sign of a really great day if you ask me!


I was able to score some Groupon tickets to the gardens, so I am happy we will have the opportunity to go back soon. I can't wait!

1 comment:

marisa said...

So glad you guys had a great time! We're members, so let me know if you want company when you go next :)