Wonder and Play
We're all in on nature play! Come experience the joy of play, exploration, and learning in our Gaffield Children's Garden—a place where children can connect with the natural world and build a deeper understanding of themselves and the environment.
Children learn through play
Play is not just fun; it's essential, healthy human development. We believe that outdoor play is a crucial pathway to developing pro-Earth behaviors in children and is the primary way young children learn and grow.
Let imagination run wild in play spaces filled with open-ended materials, natural loose parts, and possibilities that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Discover nature's playground
Say “hello” to our aquatic friends, and observe the hub of activity in the Pollinator Garden. Create a dynamic story in the Forest Amphitheater. Stroll the Rustic Habitat Trail and find a shady spot for reflection and reading.
Build with boulders, branches, stumps in the Builder’s Garden, and with plant parts, rocky parts, and tree parts in the Fairy and Troll Knoll.
Nurturing young minds through nature play
Children can build a rich sense of self in the context of nature. Gaffield Children's Garden models easy-to-replicate outdoor play, advocates for access to nature play, and partners with interested parties to bring more play to children everywhere.
Explore Gaffield Ghildren's Garden
Gaffield Children's Garden beckons with various enchanting spaces to explore, where young adventurers can engage in hands-on building and imaginative play.
Builder's Garden Boulders, branches, and logs are ready for open-ended building fun.
Fairy and Troll Knoll A sweet little nook with spaces perfect for small friends.
Pollinator Palace Observe as our pollinator friends make their homes in a space created just for them
Sensational Garden Stimulate senses through diverse plant textures, scents, varied leaf sizes, and intriguing shapes.
Wayfinders Maze A maze of hedges to explore with a hidden friend waiting in the center to greet explorers.
Forest Stage Imagination takes center stage.
Grower's Garden A space for children and families to taste vegetables and fruits directly from the plants.
Cabin A quiet space off the Rustic Habitat Trail providing an ideal setting for imaginative adventures and exploration.
Sandpit A shaded, spacious sandy area equipped with various toys for sensory play.