I’ve always loved strolling along beautiful paths overflowing with colorful flowers, taking in the natural beauty and learning about all the plants I can never actually keep alive in my own yard. My husband and I visited a lot of botanical gardens before we had kids but now — along with camping — it’s become one of those activities we often talk about doing yet never quite get around to.
This weekend, however, we loaded into the car with our two boys — 18 months and 3 ½ — for some much needed change of scenery at Powell Gardens. There was more than enough to entertain us for the entire morning and part of the afternoon. Nobody got bored and everyone had fun; it was the perfect escape.
Pick Your Path
We had no real plan, but wound our way east from the visitor center heading toward the pond. Any proximity to water is usually a win. I’m personally a sucker for water lilies and took a zillion photos as we crossed the bridge and I imagined myself walking through a Monet painting.
We took our time (a necessity with little kids yet also my emerging mantra for life) and stopped to look at every butterfly fluttering by, every bee poised on a flower, and every salamander hiding under the leaves by the edge of the path. One was even in the process of growing back its tail. This was a huge highlight for my 3-year-old who’s super into everything bugs, lizards and frogs right now.
Take a Break
We meandered across the reflecting pools and living rock walls of the Island Garden to the chapel at the other side of the pond. I was married during peak foliage in the mountains of Massachusetts and it was perfect — but had we planned a Kansas wedding this most definitely would have been on my short list of venues.
With slatted wood beams, gorgeous doors and breathtaking windows that showcase a backdrop of rolling hills and windswept meadows, this wonder was designed by award-winning architect E. Fay Jones, whose mentor was Frank Lloyd Wright. It was elegant yet modest, geometrical and spiritual, oh — and air conditioned. There are also bathrooms located around the back.
From the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel, we took a short path down to the Miller Hammond Chapel Study, which was closed, but featured tables outside which were perfect for our picnic. We opted to pack a lunch since Cafe Thyme was closed amid Covid, but probably would have gone this route even if it had been open. It was a great midday break. We were cooled off, fueled up and ready for the journey back.
Pretend to be a Pirate
When we first crossed the pond we saw in the distance what looked like a wooden climbing structure, and promised our patient children we could check it out on the way back. Turns out, it was a pirate fortress — a playground with climbing nets, a fake cannon and stairs that led to a lookout with binoculars and a ship’s wheel. There was a fun basket on a rope that could be lowered up and down from the top. We had a great time playing here for a quite a while!
Splash Around
Photo: Powell Gardens
Just before returning to the Visitor Center we stopped at The Fountain Garden.
“This summertime favorite features a 42-foot diameter interactive water feature, surrounded by panicle hydrangeas, colorful annuals, burgundy ninebarks, and cannas. The fountain’s basin is designed with a floral motif composed of different colors and textures of granite. When activated, the fountain’s 56 spray heads create the impression of an opening flower.”
Were my kids the only ones drenched from head to toe? You betcha. Luckily we had a change of clothes for both of them — because parenting — and everyone dried off before heading to the car.
Social Distancing
When it comes to Covid-19 preparedness, everything went smoothly and safely. We purchased our tickets online ahead of time with an arrival window of between 10 a.m and 11 a.m. Everyone is required to wear masks inside. We put them on in the visitor center and the chapel.
There were also hand sanitation stations located throughout the gardens, and enough space to stay at least six feet apart from other people. Everyone was friendly and made an effort to keep their distance. I will definitely be back to this gem!