These Connecticut Botanical Gardens offer more than just peaceful walks and pretty flowers.
Theyโre full of hands-on fun for kids, from exploring tropical greenhouses to spotting rare plants and wandering through rose-covered archways.
No matter the season, theyโre a perfect spot to relax, explore, and enjoy nature together.
So, gather your little explorers and get ready to visit the most beautiful Connecticut botanical gardens for a day filled with adventure and discovery.
Photo Credit: Bartlett Arboretum
151 Brookedale Rd.
Stamford, CT 06903
Tucked just off the Merritt Parkway in Stamford, Bartlett Arboretum spans 93 acres of natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for a family-friendly outdoor adventure.
With scenic trails, hidden faces carved into trees, and a buzzing pollinator garden, thereโs something to discover around every turn.
Take a quiet moment in the butterfly garden or let the kids engage their senses in the Sensory Garden, where they can smell lavender, hear trickling water, and even taste fresh cherry tomatoes from the edible plants.
One of my favorite spots? The Word Garden, where visitors can arrange stones to create their own poetry or simply enjoy the thoughtful messages left behind.
Beyond its beautiful landscapes, Bartlett Arboretum is a hub for educational programs, hands-on workshops, and seasonal events.
Here,ย nature comes to life in a fun and engaging way.
Open daily from sunrise to sunset with free admission, this is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Connecticut botanical gardens in every season!
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If you love exploring hidden gems, check out these magical and unique things to do in Connecticut for even more unforgettable adventures.
Photo Credit: Connecticut College Arboretum
270 Mohegan Ave. Pwky,
New London, CT 06320
Photo Credit: Jenna Cho
130 Bible Street,
Cos Cob, CT 06807
The Greenwich Botanical Center may be smaller than some of Connecticutโs other gardens, but itโs packed with family-friendly spaces and hands-on nature experiences that make it a hidden gem for visitors of all ages.
What to See & Do
- Childrenโs Garden & Herb Garden โ A great spot for kids to explore, play, and observe nature up close.
- Bee Garden โ A quiet place to watch hardworking pollinators in action.
- Rose Garden โ A beautiful space to stroll and soak in the scent of blooming flowers during the warmer months.
- Nature & Art Programs โ The center offers youth enrichment activities, where kids can engage in interest-led nature play and learn to use natural elements as art.
Plan Your Visit
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Open year-round
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Donation-based admission
The Greenwich Botanical Center is more than just a gardenโitโs a community hub dedicated to gardening, conservation, and hands-on learning. For upcoming events and programs, be sure to check their website before your visit.
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Check out these top indoor play cafรฉs in the area.
Photo Credit: Hollister House Garden
300 Nettleton Hollow Rd.
Washington, CT 06793
Dating back to 1770, Hollister House Garden blends history and classic English garden design, creating a peaceful escape for nature lovers. Thanks to the dedication of George Schoellkopf, the garden and historic home have been beautifully preserved for future generations to enjoy.
What to See & Do
- Manicured Hedges & Stone Walls โ A picture-perfect landscape with reflecting ponds and vibrant blooms.
- Friendly & Knowledgeable Volunteers โ Learn about the history and horticulture of this special place.
- Kitchen Herb Garden โ A fascinating stop for kids to see vegetables, herbs, and spices used in everyday cooking. (Now, if only that made them want to eat their veggies!)
Plan Your Visit
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Open from late April until the first frost
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Public hours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (Check their website for the latest schedule)
Whether youโre strolling through the gardens, learning from expert volunteers, or admiring the seasonal blooms, Hollister House Garden is a charming spot for a relaxing day outdoors.
Photo Credit: Marsh Botanical Gardens
265 Mansfield St.
New Haven, CT 06511
Marsh Botanical Garden: A Hidden Green Oasis at Yale
Tucked away on the Yale University campus, Marsh Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape filled with unique plant collections and serene outdoor spaces.
What to See & Do
- Outdoor Gardens โ Open daily from sunrise to sunset, featuring lush perennials and a koi pond with a quiet contemplation seat.
- Greenhouse Exploration โ Six greenhouses open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Just ring the doorbell at the main entrance to step inside.
- Rare & Exotic Plants โ Discover carnivorous plants, tropical greenery, and desert flora, all thriving in carefully curated indoor environments.
Plan Your Visit
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Free admission
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Outdoor gardens open daily
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Greenhouses open weekdays
If youโre in New Haven and love exploring unique plant collections, Marsh Botanical Garden is a must-visit spot for nature lovers of all ages.
Photo Credit: LoriAnn Witte
49 Hollow Rd.
Woodbury, CT 06798
Nestled in Woodburyโs Historic District, the 1740 Glebe House is surrounded by the only remaining Gertrude Jekyll-designed garden in North America, making it a must-visit for history and garden lovers alike.
What to See & Do
- Gertrude Jekyll Garden โ Open year-round from dawn to dusk for self-guided tours through beautifully preserved landscapes.
- Glebe House Museum โ A seasonal attraction where kids can enjoy hands-on experiences that bring colonial Connecticut to life.
- Family-Friendly Events โ Check their website for after-school programs and special activities designed for children and families.
Plan Your Visit
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Garden open daily for self-guided tours
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Glebe House open seasonally
With its rich history, stunning gardens, and engaging educational experiences, the Glebe House and Gertrude Jekyll Garden offer a unique step back in time in the heart of Litchfield Hills.
Wickham Park
Photo Credit: Wickham Park
1329 Middle Turnpike West,
Manchester, CT 06040
With 280 acres of gardens, playgrounds, and nature trails, Wickham Park is one of the best places for outdoor family fun in Connecticut.
Open April to October, itโs the perfect spot to explore diverse themed gardens, kid-friendly attractions, and wide-open green spaces.
What to See & Do
Themed Gardens โ Wander through gardens inspired by different regions of the world, each offering its own unique charm.
Sensory Garden โ The largest of its kind in the U.S., featuring a weekend model train weaving through seasonal blooms.
Playgrounds โ The biggest playground is across from the Nature Center, with additional play areas in the Hickory and Hemlock picnic area.
Nature Center & Museum โ Meet local wildlife displays and learn about native plants.
Wickham Park Aviary โ Get up close with birds and even feed them! Bring some quarters for the vending machines if your kids want to participate.
- The English Garden
- The Irish Garden
- The Lotus Garden
- The Sensory Garden
- The Wetlands Garden
- The Scottish Garden
- The Oriental Garden
- The Italian Shrine Garden
- The Cabin Garden
Plan Your Visit
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Open daily, AprilโOctober
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Parking fee: $7 per car (weekdays), $10 per car (weekends)
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Restrooms & cash-only concessions available on weekends
With gardens to explore, animals to meet, and playgrounds to enjoy, Wickham Park is a must-visit for families looking to spend a fun, nature-filled day outdoors.
Photo Credit: Harkness Memorial State Park
275 Great Neck Rd.
Waterford, CT
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Park Conservancy
1561 Asylum Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06117
For families who love the outdoors, Elizabeth Park Conservancy is a dream come true.
Spanning over 100 acres, this botanical gem is home to lush gardens, scenic green spaces, and one of the largest rose gardens in the U.S.
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What to See & Do
Helen S. Kaman Rose Garden โ Walk beneath rose-covered arches and explore vibrant blooms in one of the countryโs most spectacular rose gardens.
Historic Greenhouses โ Discover tropical plants and native flowers in a year-round floral display.
Playgrounds & Recreation Areas โ Perfect for families looking to relax, explore, and play.
Picture-Perfect Spots โ With stunning garden backdrops, itโs the ideal place for family photos or even your next holiday card.
Plan Your Visit
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Open year-round
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Free admission
More than just a Connecticut botanical garden, Elizabeth Park Conservancy is a sanctuary for nature lovers, offering breathtaking floral displays and unforgettable family moments in every season.
Photo Credit: Wickham Park
My family and I love escaping our daily routines by visiting Connecticut’s botanical gardens.
The vibrant blooms, diverse landscapes, and engaging hands-on activities are always a treat for us. These green havens in Connecticut provide the perfect mix of natural beauty and family-friendly fun.
Feel free to explore one of these wonderful places and create lasting memories with your family while enjoying the serenity and enchantment of Connecticut’s botanical gardens.
