Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Nearly a year after breaking ground last fall, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has opened phase one of its new and improved Children’s Garden, part of a $7 million renovation. (Phase two will open later this summer.) The garden also has a new name honoring longtime supporter Lou Glenn, who was a key figure in developing the original garden when it opened in 1999. Here’s what visiting families can look forward to:
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
The colorful-but-dated caterpillar and butterfly sculptures have been removed. Now a shiny metal butterfly stands guard near the entrance of the Children’s Garden.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Parents should be legit excited for the new bathroom pavilion, conveniently located near the splash pad.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
An edible garden provides learning opportunities for young visitors—and a place to give a nod to Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Get an close-up look at how honey is made at the glass-enclosed beehive.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Stop by the slate wall, where you can “paint” using nothing but water.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Kids can test their balance crossing over a bouncy bridge or a swaying rope bridge.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
The outdoor stage has also received a facelift.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Little builders can construct their own playhouse using balsa wood.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Wind your way along the new serpentine path.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
The new splashpad—still located near the entrance—is double the size of the old one.
Photograph by Jennifer Rainey Marquez
Phase two is slated to open later this summer, and will include an expanded tree house, as well as some of families’ favorite original features, like the garden gnomes.
