🌼Children’s Garden

A playful, hands-on garden where young explorers learn, grow, and connect with nature. Made possible through a grant from Microsoft with a substantial donation from the Scotts Company.

A Magical Space for Young Explorers

The Children’s Garden at MacCallum More Museum & Gardens is a vibrant and interactive space designed to inspire curiosity, learning, and a love for nature. This whimsical garden invites young visitors to explore, play, and connect with the natural world through hands-on experiences and imaginative design. Geared to pre-K through 4th grade, the garden offers opportunities to explore Native American life using a playful learning approach.

Key Features

  • Interactive Playful Learning Areas: Follow the feet on the  “jumping feet” path; trace the eight shapes taught in pre-school in the shape garden; and learn how Native Americans told time without clocks and calendars.

  • Raised Planting Beds: Featuring the Native American Three Sisters crops—corn, squash, and beans—demonstrating traditional gardening methods. 

    A mural shows three seasons of the Native American Three Sisters. Discuss how plants and people depend on one another to thrive.  Raised planting beds and seeds allow each child to plant their own “three sisters.” 

  • Kid-Friendly Trails & Seating: Winding paths and charming benches create a welcoming environment for families.
  • "Fire Pit" Story Time: Borrow books about Native American life from the office to read around the (simulated) fire pit.
  • Record your visit: Get your notebook and pencil, or crayons depending on age.

  • Free Pass: Get your free pass to the Children’s Garden for the child and an accompanying adult. 

NOTE: The Children’s Garden is designed to be interactive experience with the child and parent. Children cannot be left unattended.

Seasonal Highlights

🌸 Spring: Time to plant the corn, squash and beans. 

☀️ Summer: Children can witness the Three Sisters crops growing.

🍂 Fall: Harvest time offers an opportunity to learn about seasonal changes in nature and harvest the crops.

❄️ Winter: Evergreen plants and garden structures provide year-round interest.

Historical Significance

The Children’s Garden embraces the tradition of learning through nature. With elements inspired by Native American agricultural techniques, it offers a hands-on experience that blends history, ecology, and play, while learning the importance of interdependence.

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📖 Source: MacCallum More Museum & Gardens: A History, by Diana Thorpe