The Children’s Garden

The Place for Curious Kids

A little bit of nature in the heart of downtown Lima, The Children’s Garden offers an opportunity to foster children’s joy of learning


From its conception in 1996, The Children’s Garden in downtown Lima has grown to become an informal educational center, located between the Allen County Museum and the Lima Public Library. With more than 30 mini-themed gardens and featuring art inspired by our children, the garden makes a perfect activity for families and field trips.

Visit the garden to learn more about our local environment, animals and insects, native plants, and edible herbs, veggies, and fruits. The Children’s Garden also features educational content relating to the country’s rich history, with elements such as Lincoln Highway, Oil Derrick, Train Topiary, and our own original “Johnny Appleseed” tree.

Bring a picnic and enjoy a lunch in the Gayle Edwards Gazebo, a focal point of the garden. You’ll find the gazebo is also available for educational classes, band concerts, weddings, and other special events.

The Children’s Garden provides a safe, enriching environment that fosters a child’s spirit of discovery, love of learning, and joy of exploration through hands-on educational programs and community wide events and celebrations.

Scavenger Hunt Games

What will you find when you visit The Children’s Garden?

Download Them Here

Butterfly Migration Celebration

Join us the first Sunday after Labor Day for our Annual Butterfly Migration Celebration! You will have the opportunity to warm and release a living monarch butterfly into the garden to eat and refuel for its pending migration! For more information, visit our Calendar of Events.

Regular Hours

The Children’s Garden is open May through October, from dawn till dusk. Visit us. FIND THE GARDEN

Spend a day under $30

Visiting The Children's Garden? Why not make a day out of it! Find fun things to do here. LEARN MORE

Support The Garden

The Children's Garden relies on your help to maintain new and current programs. MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Upcoming Activities & Special Events

Jun06

Brown Bag Lunch Series

Location: Children’s Garden Time: 12:15 PM-12:45 PM Program Description: 2023 Brown Bag Lunch Series Schedule

Jun08

Hands On Habitat

Program: Hands On Habitat Location: Children’s Garden Time: 6:30 pm Program Description: Hands On Habitat is for ages 5 -10 yrs. old. Registration is required. This is a “make…

See Our Full Calender