Kentucky Children's Garden
What to Do at the Garden
The Kentucky Children's Garden features child-sized representations of Kentucky’s landscapes (natural and man-made, past and present), as well as themed sections such as butterfly, vegetable and transportation gardens.
Spanning two acres, there are many areas to explore and interact with, including our wading stream, "fishing" pond, pioneer cabin, nature center, butterfly garden, sand pit, dig pit, prairie and more.
Educational programming takes place each day that we are open, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Programs are a fun and engaging way for children and their families to learn about the environment and participate in activities. See the Program Calendar below.
Garden-scale model trains run for one hour starting at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Note: We cannot operate the trains during high winds or rain.
Rules
- You must have a wristband to enter the garden. All visitors should go to the Visitor Center before coming to the garden to receive their wristband.
- All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Shoes must be worn at all times (even in the water).
- Picnics are not allowed in the KCG. Visitors are invited to picnic at the tables outside the KCG gates.
- No pets are allowed in the garden. Service animals are an exception, but staff must be informed.
- No bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades, etc., are allowed inside the garden. Strollers, wheelchairs and other mobility devices are allowed.
- Please do not damage, collect or eat the plants in the garden.
- Professional photography is not allowed. Only take photos of your own child.
Hours of Operation
The Kentucky Children's Garden is open for the season from April 2nd to November 1st.
April, May, September, and October open Wednesday - Saturday, 10am to 5pm
June, July, and August open Wednesday - Saturday, 9am to 4pm
Admission
Daily cost: $4 (children under 2 are free)
Season Membership
Cost
- $130 for the 2025 season.
- Save 10% on a season membership by becoming an Arboretum Friend (must show current card to receive benefit).
- Save $5 by bringing your season membership card from another year.
Benefits
- Admission to the KCG for a member and up to four guests every day we are open for the season. A total of five people can visit as often as they wish.
- A 10% discount in our gift shop.
For more information about KCG membership, call 859-257-6955. Thank you for your support!
Features to Explore
The KCG features representations of Kentucky’s landscapes, themed gardens, activities and more.
See Features & Activities
Group Visits
We welcome small group visits and field trips to the Kentucky Children’s Garden.
Learn More
Program Calendar
Each drop-in program aims to deliver a fun and engaging way for children and their families to learn more about nature and the environment. Programs run from 10 a.m.-noon and will take 7-15 minutes. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
Appreciation Days
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.
FAQs
Bring shoes that can get wet. We have a wading stream and misters that children can play in, but they must wear shoes at all times.
We also recommend bringing an extra change of clothes, towels, sunscreen and baby wipes.
Strollers are allowed, but you may need to go "off road" to visit some parts of the garden. If desired, you may also park your stroller at the front of the garden.
Note: Volunteers and staff are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Yes, benches and tree stumps are placed around the garden.
For everyone's safety, we close the garden during inclement weather. We will close the Kentucky Children's Garden for any of the following reasons:
- Thunder or lightning (we will close for at least 30 minutes after we hear thunder or see lightning)
- Hard rain
- Temperatures below 40 degrees
- Temperatures below 50 degrees combined with rain
- Heat index above 102 degrees
Check our Facebook page for updates.
The KCG must charge admission because it requires staff to be present at all times to maintain quality plantings, programming and safety.
The streams and ponds in the Kentucky Children's Garden are designed to mimic a natural freshwater environment. For this reason, we do not use chlorine, which would kill wildlife and plants. However, we do use chemicals to keep algae at acceptable levels and to keep the water clear. In addition, the water is physically and UV filtered. We also test for bacteria on a regular basis.
As with any freshwater source (creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes), precautions should be taken when enjoying water play. Do not drink the water, and please wash your hands with soap and water when you are finished.
Yes! Donations to the KCG are greatly appreciated and go toward maintaining the garden and purchasing new features, equipment, plants and educational materials.
