Lena Meijer Children’s Garden is a Child’s Dream Come to Life

Discover the Magic of Lena Meijer Children’s Garden

Planning a trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park may be at the top of my list of things to do with my kids in Grand Rapids.

Our first stop every time we visit is always the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, and not just because it’s the closest garden to the outside entrance.

My kids love that there is always so much to explore whenever we go, and I love that it gets their legs and minds moving — whether in the winter or summer. We always come ready to get our hands dirty, clothes wet, and imaginations bursting.

If you’ve never been, you’re in for a treat. Read on to see why!

An Environment For Every Kind of Kid

Don’t let the entrance deceive you, there is so much packed behind that brick wall and tiny gate.

Lena Meijer Children’s Garden contains nine unique areas to explore, each geared specifically toward kids.

Aside from the entry plaza, kids and grown ups alike can be found running around the Great Lakes Garden, Treehouse Village, Storytelling Garden, Sense Garden, Wetlands, Rock Quarry, Log Cabin, Butterfly Maze, and Woodland Boardwalk.

Great Lakes Garden

As a die-hard Michigander, I was hooked from the first time I saw the Great Lakes Garden. This unique water play area is shaped like the Great Lakes, outlining the shape of our beautiful state.

The “lakes” are different heights ensuring fun for the smallest and tallest of kids. During the open season (usually around Memorial Day – Labor Day), you’ll find boat toys to play with in the water, as well as several other water features.

Be sure to check out the waterfall wall, usually stocked with some water toys as well.

And, those with a keen eye will be able to spot the water spout hidden among some rocks. Push the button to surprise unsuspecting passers-by!

Pro tip: Visitors must be wearing shirts and shoes at all times. We also recommend bringing a towel and full change of clothes for the kids. There’s a large bathroom facility nearby to change out of those wet clothes and into something dry.

Treehouse Village

You know that treehouse you dreamt of having as a kid? Turns out it was at FMG this whole time!

This treehouse is next-level with a slack bridge, a maze of upper-level paths, a human-sized robin’s nest, and lower-level alcoves.

There’s plenty to learn here, too. Discover different woodland animals, walk among a grove of differing trees as you feel each tree’s unique bark texture, and peek through the telescopes to find birds nesting in the forest nearby.

Word to the wise: stay on the upper level if you are afraid of spiders as there is an enormous spider sculpture hanging underneath the bridge paths! Those spider-loving kids absolutely love it, though.

Storytelling Garden

Equipped with amphitheater seating, this space is perfect for the little performers in your life.

Kids will put on a puppet show, make up a dance, or sing a bird-like song while grown-ups take a seat and watch those kids shine.

I myself have seen quite a few productions of “The Three Little Pigs” utilizing the little hut as the pigs’ house. So cute.

Kid-Sense Garden

Have you ever seen a flower that looks like an eyeball? You’ll find it looking back at you here at the kid-sense garden!

Kids use all five senses while going through this garden, and what’s better is that it’s always changing with the seasons. Make a list of things you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste as you walk through the garden and see how it changes from season to season.

Wetlands

This spot is one of our favorites in the children’s garden to sit and listen. There is such a calmness that comes from the wind blowing through the cattails and the bugs chirping all around.

While you sit, the kids can explore the beaver dam. This kid-sized structure has two entrances and is painted inside to look like a beaver’s home. Sometimes you’ll find little beaver puppets in there, too.

Don’t forget to check out the view from above the beaver dam. This elevated spot gives a great view of the wetlands, and also features little telescopes for spotting all kinds of wildlife (so many birds)!

Rock Quarry

Okay, dinosaur kids. Here’s your favorite spot.

This sandy/pebble-y area is home to several hidden fossils just waiting to be uncovered. Use the tools found around the quarry to help unearth your discovery.

Pro tip: Hit up the Rock Quarry before going to the Great Lakes Garden. The kids’ clothes get covered in dusty sand here and it’s better to do water play after digging around in the dirt.

Log Cabin

My six-year old calls this his secret spot, and although it’s not really a secret, it certainly feels like it when you’re there.

Duck into a quiet, historic cabin usually stocked with giant Checkers games, seasonally themed books, puppets, and more.

In the winter, there’s a real fire burning in the fireplace and it’s a nice little spot to warm up those cheeks before heading back out into the cold.

Butterfly Maze

This is a great entry-level maze for kids. Shaped like a butterfly, this maze sends kids looking for the end at every turn.

Once you find the end, ring the bell to sound your victory!

Be sure to explore around the Butterfly Maze to meet a couple of friendly dragons and play a fun spin-the-wheel game!

Woodland Boardwalk

Got a plant-loving, tree-gazing kind of kid? You might just spend your whole time at the Woodland Boardwalk.

Towering trees spread overhead while lush vegetation lies below the boardwalk path.

Chipmunks, squirrels, and birds make their homes here and it’s really fun to sit back and watch them move around on a search for their next snack.

Ready for Your Children’s Garden Adventure?

Can you believe all of that is just in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden? If that doesn’t take up your whole trip, be sure to visit the rest of the gardens and sculpture park — especially the Farm Garden if you’re with the kids.

But with so much to explore just in the Children’s Garden, we think we’ve got your next trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park with the kids in the bag.