Mordecai Children's Garden
Mordecai Children’s Garden is a place for children and families to explore plants and the natural world, through hands-on experiences and play. A variety of authentic natural materials in this garden allow kids to use their imagination and sense of wonder to create their own connections with plants. Included with admission to the Gardens.
Closed for the season
Reopens on March 1
York Street Location
The Children’s Garden entrance is located on the third floor of the parking garage, between Josephine Street and York Street.
Gain an appreciation for the diversity and importance of plants and their environments.
This magical, 3-acre oasis provides a unique opportunity for kids to experience the plant life and natural environment of the diverse ecosystems in Colorado. These ecosystems continually change throughout the spring, summer and fall, so no two visits are the same.
The Children's Garden is part of the Gardens of the West, showcasing plants that thrive in Colorado’s climate and provide season-long color and texture. The ecosystems represented in the Children’s Garden are:
- Alpine Tundra
- Subalpine Habitat
- Montane Forest
- Pinon Juniper Woodlands
- Foothills
- Grasslands Wetlands Riparian Zone
Springmelt Stream is closed for the season.
August 2020—Mordecai Children’s Garden celebrated its 10th anniversary as a place for children and families to explore plants and the natural world, through hands-on experiences and play.
Learn about the design, mission and impact of the Children’s Garden in this video.
Donate
Learn how your gift to Mordecai Children’s Garden can support educational programming while ensuring the vibrancy of the garden. Download a printable donation form. If you are interested in a named leaf or flower on our donor trellis, please contact the Development Department at 720-865-3528 or development@botanicgardens.org.
FAQ
What is the recommended age range for Mordecai Children’s Garden?
The Children's Garden is especially suited to ages 12 months to eight years. However, all ages are welcome to play in and explore the Children’s Garden.
Do I have to pay an additional fee to visit the Children’s Garden?
Entry into the Children’s Garden is included in the regular admission to Denver Botanic Gardens. Admission tickets to the Gardens can be purchased online, at the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center or at the top of the parking garage in the Children’s Garden Welcome Pavilion.
Free admission to Denver Botanic Gardens and the Children’s Garden.
Does the Gardens offer programs for my children?
Denver Botanic Gardens offers a variety of pre-registered programs for children and families. Here is a list of year-round programs the Gardens offers for children and families.
My child doesn’t like crowds. When do you recommend we visit?
Mornings are generally busiest in the Children’s Garden. Afternoons are typically less crowded.
What should I bring with me?
We encourage children to explore the Children’s Garden’s surroundings, so come prepared for play. Your child can dig in a dirt pit, splash in a stream and participate in other activities that can be messy.
Springmelt Stream is closed for the season.
- It's recommended that you dress your child in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and bring an extra pair of clothes if your child wants to play in Springmelt Stream.
- Please keep the stream clean and safe for all visitors. If your little ones are still in diapers, swim diapers are required.
- Sunscreen, hats and water bottles are always great accessories when visiting the Gardens.
Can I bring my stroller into the Children’s Garden?
The main pathway through the Children’s Garden is stroller friendly. Some secondary pathways may be difficult to navigate with a stroller.
Can I eat and drink in the Children’s Garden?
Picnic lunches, snacks and drinks are welcome in the Children’s Garden. Picnic tables are available under the Mountain Shadows Pavilion and by the Home Harvest Garden. Food is not available for purchase in the Children’s Garden, however you can purchase food and beverages at Offshoots Café or the Hive Garden Bistro in the main Gardens across York Street.
Can I drop off my child to play in the Children’s Garden?
Children CANNOT be left unattended in the Children’s Garden. To ensure the safety of all visitors, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
How long should I plan on spending in the Children’s Garden?
We recommend an hour and a half to two hours to visit the Children’s Garden. Each time you visit the Children’s Garden you can have a unique experience that extends your stay. Ultimately, the length of your stay will depend upon your child’s desire to explore.
Can my child have a birthday party in the Children's Garden?
Be green with a sustainable birthday party for your child at the Gardens. Picnic and Play Parties are held outdoors in the Children’s Garden and accommodate social distancing recommendations and small group restrictions. Birthday parties are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30-11 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m.
Find out more and fill out the Birthday Party Request Form to reserve your space. Our birthday parties are designed for children up to 10 years old.