The Kentucky Children’s Garden will open for the 2024 season on April 3rd, weather permitting. We will once again offer fun and educational programming from 10AM to 12PM, Wednesday through Saturday (each day we are open). All are welcome to join our education team for a short (7- to 15-minute) lesson covering a wide range of topics and activities, from plants and germination to birds and bugs, to seeds and soil. 

This year, a few UK-observed holidays occur during normal operation of the Kentucky Children’s Garden. The Kentucky Children’s Garden will also be closed on these dates:  

• Juneteenth holiday - Wednesday, June 19th
• Independence Day holiday - Thursday, July 4th

Appreciation Days in the Kentucky Children’s Garden

2024 marks our third year of offering Appreciation Days in the Kentucky Children’s Garden. If you aren’t familiar with our Appreciation Days, we hope you will check them out! Our Appreciation Days honor different groups in our community and provide a free or low-cost way to enjoy the Kentucky Children’s Garden. Visit the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center on the Appreciation Day that applies to you to receive free admission for one adult and one child. 

April and June Appreciation Days:

• Military and Veterans Appreciation Day: Saturday, April 20, 2024:
  • Show your Military or Veteran ID at the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center to receive free admission to the Kentucky Children’s Garden for one adult and one child.
• Grandparents’ Day: Saturday, June 15, 2024:
  • Come to the Dorotha Smith Oatts Visitor Center to receive free admission to the Kentucky Children’s Garden for one grandparent and one grandchild. Additional grandchildren must pay the normal admission fee.

Addie’s Day in the Kentucky Children’s Garden

Join us for Addie's Day in the Kentucky Children’s Garden on Saturday May 18, 2024! This is a FREE admission day thanks to our special and generous donors. Activities will include crafts, giant bubble wands, a STEAM activity, and each child will plant something to take home. Special crafts and activities will take place from 10 AM – 1 PM, and the garden will remain open with free admission until 5 pm. 

Earth Day in the Kentucky Children’s Garden

Join us in the Kentucky Children’s Garden on Saturday April 20 (also Military and Veterans Appreciation Day) as we celebrate Earth Day by making sustainable crafts, planting something to take home, and other educational and fun activities about how to be a good steward of the earth’s resources. Special crafts and activities will take place from 10AM to 1PM, and the garden will remain open until 5 pm. Regular admission rates apply; $4 per person ages two and up, free for KCG members.