Garden Fun in the Sun

Just because it fall doesn't mean it's time to run inside.  In fact for our family it's when we really come out to play.  Of course all the seasons in the Midwest bring their own great activities.  For our family, fall brings some of the most fun.  

This week we decided to enjoy a great sunny fall day at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.  Have you been there?  Well if you never had the chance to visit or if it's been a while, it's time to see all that they have to offer.  I know what you're thinking. Aren't the gardens the best is spring with all the tulips or the summer with the roses? Well yes these are beautiful times in the Garden, but fall brings a whole new look to the Garden.

As always we started in the Glass House of the Garden. The Glass House brings year run farm with two different environments:  the desert of Madagascar and the rain forest of Costa Rica.  For my kids it's all about the butterflies.   It truly is amazing to walk among these beautiful creatures and if you are really lucky one might even rest on your shoulder.

Then we had a quick stop at the children's area upstairs. Jude and Joel played a duet.  Then they had an opportunity to whip a a quick meal in the play kitchen. Finally they had the opportunity to learn and explore some a the interesting jars of plants and animals.

After some playtime whimsy we headed outside.  There is so much to see and do.  This time of year brings beautiful fall foliage as well as fall themed decorations full of pumpkins, gourds and so much more. Jude and Joel's favorite part of the Garden is the Hershey Children's Garden.  There is a fabulous tree house overlooking a pond.  I nice little natural rock wall to climb.  There are garden sheds to explore, water pumps to play with, sand to build with.  It's all there for a child's imagination.

We worked up quite an appetite running and playing in the Garden.  So before we ended our wonderful day, we had lunch at the Garden Cafe.  They have yummy healthy treats the whole family will enjoy.  I had a harvest garden salad filled with turkey, cranberries, blue cheese, nuts and more with a maple balsamic dressing...simply scrumptious!  The kids had peanut butter and jelly and yogurt.  Not as exciting as my salad but just as yummy and satisfying for their children's taste buds.  

So click on the link and see all that the Cleveland Botanical Garden has to offer this season.  Upcoming events include Hoppy Hour on Wednesday evening through October 30th.  This is a partnership with Great Lakes Brewing Company which you can enjoy the gardens with some tasty pale ales or lagers.  The Garden is also hosting it's Boo-tanical Bash Saturday October 26th filled with frigthless family fun including trick-or-treating in the Hershey Children's Garden. 

Visit Cleveland Botanical Garden website for hours of operation and admission rates. A reminder the Garden is closed on Mondays.  If you love the Garden as much as we do, consider becoming a member. This allows you free general admission to the Garden, member rates at special functions, special member nights to special events like Glow (a must see Christmas event including beautiful lights and amazing hand made gingerbread houses), discounts in the Garden Store and much, much more.  So visit the Garden and see all the magic it has to offer your family!