The season of life is at the Garden once again! With spring blooms in almost full blossom and warm temps making their appearance this week, our minds are already looking to sun-filled days this summer.
While we recommend reviewing our Plan Your Visit web page for tips on your next trek to the Garden, we wanted to highlight a few specific things that guests, new and returning, should know about ahead of time during your next visit.
Keep an Eye Out for Construction
Construction is currently underway for the Bell Children’s Garden – it’s grand opening is slated for Spring 2023. The Children’s Garden (Nielsen Village), Fischer Pond, and Stumpf Hobbit House are closed to the general public at this time.
The path to and the entirety of the King Shade Garden, Baer Perennial Garden, and Jenquine Pavilion will remain accessible to the general public with the exception of a temporary closure slated for July-August to install the gateway arch and a new entry path. Watch for updates at GBBG.org/ChildrensGarden.
PC: John Oates Photography
Even though the Children’s Garden will be closed to guests, a variety of Discovery Boxes with fun activities will be available throughout the Garden. Plus, our latest exhibit, Habitat, is now open with a number of educational and eye-popping displays that explore just how important habitats are and how we can be better stewards of them.
Habitat was developed by Smithsonian Gardens and is made available by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
Explore With Ease
Approximately 20 of the Garden’s 47 acres of garden areas have paved walkways (marked white on the map) and are accessible to visitors with mobility needs. The more rustic areas of the Garden offer natural paths (pavers, crushed gravel, grass, or wood chips) that may present challenges to those using walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility aids. The Schneider Family Grand Garden provides an accessible blacktop route as noted on the map.
Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available for free on a first-come, first served basis. Strollers and pull-behind wagons for kids are always welcome. We also have benches placed throughout the Garden in case you’re in need of a rest during your summer visit.
Tips for Family & Group Visits
Breastfeeding is welcome in all areas. Although there’s no separate lactation area, seating is available in the lower level of the Fischer Visitor Center and throughout the Garden.
Need a private space? See our Guest Experience Team in the Fischer Visitor Center.
Changing stations are available in all restrooms in the Fisher Visitor Center and in the Concessions Building.
If you plan to bring your family or a larger group to the Garden, we recommend buying your admission online ahead of time. When you arrive, we’ll simply scan your tickets and you’ll be on your way into the Garden – spending less time waiting in line.
Your tickets can be used for daily admission at any time during regular Garden hours (excluding special events and classes) and are valid for one year from the date of purchase.
Mark Your Map: Restroom Amenities
Guests can find a wheelchair-accessible, gender-inclusive, family restroom in the lower level of the Schneider Education Center, next to the drinking fountain as noted on the map.
Since the Stumpf Hobbit House restroom is closed, guests can find an alternative outdoor rest stop including drinking fountains at the Concessions Building in the Schneider Family Grand Garden.
Check Out Low-Sensory Areas
PC: Teresa Riehl
Guests in need of a quiet space may enjoy outdoor spots like the Johnson Woodland Garden or Wood Memorial Grove, which are located in the tree-covered area next to the Arendt Conifer Garden and Schneider Family Grand Garden. Our Guest Experience Team can point the locations out on our map or even walk you to those areas when you arrive.
We’re Here to Help
For a complete overview of our amenities, check out our Accessibility web page.
Do you need assistance for an accommodation not listed above or just have a question about the Garden? Email us at info@gbbg.org or give us a call at 920.490.9457 if you have an accessibility request. We’d be happy to assist you during your visit to the Garden!
And remember, just search for anyone with a Garden nametag during your visit. Staff or volunteers can help you or point you in the right direction.
We can’t wait to see you out and about in the Garden this summer!
