Norfolk Botanical Gardens Loves Kids

Kids can travel around the world of plants in the WOW Children’s Garden at Norfolk Botanical Garden in Virginia, exploring environments as diverse as the African savannas and South American rain forest. The Passport Gardens are only one of the plant-centric experiences in this entire section designed for families.

The fun begins at the world-themed splash plaza, and kids can tell time using their own body on a sundial. They can also take a Plant Safari following a trail through four different North American habitats. Crossing a bog on a floating bridge, they’ll see frog, turtles and fish that live in wetlands. In the Grass Plain, they’ll learn about plants grown by Native Americans, and at the Log Cabin in Whichway Woods, they can explore the diverse ecosystem living inside a rotting log.

As they climb Discovery Peak, kids will see edible plants growing in the local tidewater environment, including some growing on a vertical living wall. The path continues in a world tour of edible and commercial crops grouped by their continent of origin. Kids will see how bananas grow and what sugarcane looks like, and get to touch and smell fragrant edible herbs.

Younger kids’ favorite is Dirt Factory, where they can dig, climb, plant seeds and learn about bugs. The Farmhouse is devoted to free play with a garden theme. Daily activities include guided and self-guided discovery stations, scavenger hunts and crafts. WOW Children’s Garden is open daily, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m., and the Splash Fountains are on from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.