Nothing quite beats the tranquility and serenity of being around colorful and fragrant flora when on a family vacation. However when you have a city break with the family it is rare that you get a chance to go on an adventure and spend time in the great outdoors. Especially when you have younger kids!
If your next family holiday or city break is to the US and you want to have some time in nature and the great outdoors, you will be pleased to know that there are lots of places that mimic just this kind of environment!
And the best part is that you will find these various botanical gardens spread across cities in different states making you feel like you are away in an oasis rather than the city.
Top 5 Botanical Gardens That Are a Must See when In the US
This piece will explore five of the best US botanical gardens that you can visit with kids and unwind as they learn and have the time of their lives and you get to have a great family city break.
1. New York Botanical Garden
The New York Botanical Garden is a well-known - and the largest city garden - in the U.S. that dates back to the early 1890s. The 250-acre garden is a very popular spot for those that have kids as well since you can spend most of the day with them happily engrossed with various activities in the area.
For instance, there is an outdoor theater for performances, as well as a butterfly house that they can enjoy on a really warm and sunny day. Another great thing is that it's not a terribly expensive destination, especially when visiting with children.
- Location: S Boulevard - Bronx Park, NY
- Charges: Entrance costs $30 for adults, freetickets for kids below 2, and $15 for kids below 12 years.
2. San Francisco Botanical Garden
There are over 23 acres of plant collections that make up the San Francisco Botanical Garden. The one thing that you would come across a lot in the gardens is one of the largest collections of Chinese gardens in the Western Hemisphere, including many rare species.
Kids are in their glory here because there are many species of koi that they can watch and play with in the fish pond. However, if you have toddlers, then you can just spend some time just looking around at various flowers and trees that you probably don't get to see often elsewhere in the city.
- Location: 9th Ave, Golden Gate Park San Francisco CA
- Charges: Admission is free for members, $13 for adults, $7 for teens, and #3 for kids aged 5-11
3. Denver Botanic Gardens
The Denver Botanic Gardens is a tropical botanical garden located on York Street in Denver, Colorado. The garden actually features the Great lawn, which was described as one of the world's first native lawns.
Especially at the Mordecai Children's Garden, Denver Botanic offers lots of fun-filled activities for families, as well as an opportunity to learn and bond with nature.
- Location: Cheesman Park, York Street, Denver CO
- Charges: Admission is free for members and kids under 2 years, $15 for adults, and $11 for children below 15 years
4. Chicago Botanic Garden
The Chicago Botanic Garden was started back in 1962 and is said to be among the best botanical gardens in the Midwest.
Sitting on a 385-acre piece of land, it's also the second-largest botanic garden in the country, plus it is in Chicago, which is among the best places to travel with a baby according to passionate traveler Jolene Ejmont.
If you're visiting with kids, then you should definitely get them to play on the magnificent play structure inside the Living Conservatory as well as on the bouldering wall inside the Children's Garden.
- Location: Lake Cook Road - Glencoe, Illinois
- Charges: Ticket prices vary with dates, but are mostly $14.95for adults
5. The Dallas Botanic Garden and Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden combine plants of the West and North Texas. The garden was the first botanic garden in the Western Hemisphere, and it was started back in 1984. It offers the youngest visitors the chance to enjoy interactive exhibits and water play.
Praised for its extremely captivating spring blooms, the 66-acre garden is home to several thousand species of plants and flowers, in addition to other natural and cultural history displays.
The DABG also boasts lots of events and activities revolving around food, art, music, and family fun. And if you visit between spring and fall, you can enjoy the early morning walk as the kids play.
- Location: Garland Rd, Dallas, Texas
- Charges: Admission is $12 for kids below 12, free for toddlers, and $20 for people aged between 12 and 64
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you're looking for a calm place to Zen off as the kids play and learn about plants and flowers, the above botanical gardens could be worth your while.
Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.
