If your kids think botanical gardens are boring, then they haven’t been to Garvan Woodland Gardens. These gardens contain five different trails that take visitors throughout the property and past many notable features such as Millsap Canopy Bridge, the waterfall on Lake Hamilton and the Perry Wildflower Overlook. Along the way, visitors — especially children — are encouraged to look for fairy rocks — handpainted rocks scattered throughout the property in rock walls, along flower paths and tucked into corners. Visitors get to keep one rock as a souvenir. Children also can pick up a Nature Bingo card at the Pratt Welcome Center before heading out on the trails. When the kids achieve “bingo,” they can return their completed form to the welcome center and claim a small prize. Other highlights for children throughout the gardens include the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden, the Sugg Model Train Garden and the fairy garden. Geocaches also are located throughout the property.

Note: There is a lot to do at this attraction, so plan to spend several hours, even the entire day, exploring here. If you do have limited time, head to the children’s gardens first so you don’t miss those. Also, if you do plan to spend a lot of time here, there is an onsite cafe open most days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu items include salads, wraps and sandwiches, along with sides and drinks.

Hours
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Feb. 1 through mid-November; open mid-November through Dec. 31 from 12 to 9 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and entire month of January.

Admission
$15 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for children age 5 and younger. Dogs on a leash are permitted for a $5 admission fee. Golf cart rides are available for $15 per person and cannot be reserved.