Children and families can enjoy nature and learn about plants and gardening at the Schoonover Park Children’s Garden in Lima, Ohio. With interactive displays, practical activities, and educational programs that encourage environmental awareness and conservation, the garden is specifically created for kids.
Two acres of land are divided into several areas that make up the Children’s Garden, each of which has a distinct theme and activities. The entrance garden, which welcomes guests with vibrant flowers and plants, a butterfly garden, and a water feature, is the first area. The rest of the garden, including the Adventure Garden, Sensory Garden, Pollinator Garden, and Vegetable Garden, can then be explored by visitors.
Children can learn a lot about where their food comes from and how to grow their own vegetables in the Vegetable Garden. Raised beds with a variety of vegetables, including lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and beans, are present in the garden. Children can help with the vegetable planting, weeding, and harvesting processes. Some of the produce they contribute to growing can even be taken home.
The plants in the Sensory Garden are chosen for their interesting textures, scents, and colors in order to appeal to all the senses. Children can smell and touch the plants while learning about how various plants are used in food preparation, medicine, and other daily items.
The plants in the Pollinator Garden are full of butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Visitors can discover more about the significance of these organisms to the ecosystem as well as tips on how to grow their own pollinator-friendly gardens at home.
Children are encouraged to explore and play in the Adventure Garden, a fun and engaging space. A tree house, a stream with stepping stones, a rock garden, and a plant-based maze are among the garden’s features. Scavenger hunts and other games that teach kids about the outdoors and the environment are also available.
A number of educational exhibits and displays that provide details on composting, rainwater harvesting, and other sustainable practices are scattered throughout the garden. Workshops and classes on subjects like gardening, cooking, and art are also available to visitors.
In addition to being a fantastic location for families to spend time outside and learn about nature, Schoonover Park’s Children’s Garden also serves as an important community asset. The garden collaborates with neighborhood schools and organizations to offer educational programs and field trips. Throughout the year, the garden also hosts community events and activities.
The Children’s Garden’s annual Butterfly Festival, which takes place in July, is one of its most well-liked activities. Live butterfly exhibits, arts and crafts, face painting, and educational activities are all part of the festival. It promotes awareness of the value of preserving habitats for pollinators and butterflies, and is a fun and educational event for kids and families.
The Children’s Garden holds a number of other events throughout the year in addition to the Butterfly Festival, such as a spring plant sale, a fall harvest festival, and a holiday lights display. These activities are a fantastic way to foster community cohesion and raise awareness of the value of sustainability and environmental protection.
Overall, Lima, Ohio’s Schoonover Park’s Children’s Garden is a great place for kids and families to learn about gardening, nature, and environmental preservation. The garden offers a singular and engaging experience that appeals to all the senses and promotes play and exploration. Be sure to check out this hidden gem and see everything it has to offer, whether you are a local or just passing through.