Alice in Wonderland at Atlanta Botanical Garden: A Kid-Friendly Adventure for Families and Toddlers
Looking for a magical day trip with the kids? Just a quick drive from Stonecrest, Conyers, and Covington, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is hosting its whimsical Alice’s Wonderland Returns exhibit, open now through September 14, 2025. This larger-than-life display is perfect for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids — and it’s one of those can’t-miss outings before it disappears.
A Toddler’s Wonderland
The White Rabbit topiary, complete with its oversized clock, was the clear highlight for our toddler — she kept circling back to see it again and again. We also spotted the regal Queen of Hearts, a playful chess board, and of course, the Cheshire Cat, grinning from ear to ear.
Inside the Fuqua Conservatory, the adventure continued. Bright orange frogs from Madagascar quickly became her favorite, and a resident tortoise grabbed her attention, too. Between the character displays outdoors and the animal discoveries inside, there was plenty to keep little legs moving and little eyes wide with excitement.
Play Areas and Splash Pad Fun
After exploring Wonderland, we headed to the Children’s Garden playground, a shaded and spacious area perfect for toddlers to climb and run. A splash pad is also available nearby — not right next to the playground, but close enough to enjoy in the same visit.
š” Parent Tip: Bring a change of clothes if your kids plan to splash. The restrooms nearby are large and easy to use for outfit changes, and there are plenty of benches around the splash area for parents to relax while keeping an eye on the fun.
Family Programs and Activities
Beyond Alice in Wonderland, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers regular kid-friendly programming, including:
- Garden Playtime (Tuesdays)
- Storytime (Wednesdays)
- Drop-in gardening activities
- Garden Grooves (music for kids)
- Weekend concerts
We didn’t catch one on this trip, but they’re worth planning around if you have a membership or want to make a day of it.
Visitor Tips for Families
- Tickets: Kids under 3 are free. Weekday kids’ tickets (ages 3–12) start at $24.95, with adults from $29.95. Weekend prices are higher. It’s cheaper to purchase tickets online in advance.
- Hours: The garden is open Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is closed on Mondays.
- Food & Drinks: Snack carts sell drinks and light bites, and the Longleaf restaurant offers café service or sit-down dining. No outside food or drinks are allowed.
- Parking: The parking deck is convenient and stroller-friendly.
- Accessibility: Paths are wide and easy for strollers — you’ll see plenty of families using them.
Why It’s Worth the Drive
From Newton, Rockdale, and Stonecrest, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is an easy family day trip. Between the whimsical Wonderland displays, fascinating animal exhibits, and kid-friendly play areas, it’s a fun, flexible outing that works just as well for toddlers as it does for older kids.
Final Thoughts
The Alice in Wonderland exhibit ends September 14, so don’t miss your chance to step into this storybook garden with your family. Whether your toddler is mesmerized by the White Rabbit’s clock, excited about frogs, or ready to climb, slide, and splash, this is a family outing you’ll be glad you made time for.
š Plan your visit: Atlanta Botanical Garden
š See details on the exhibit: Alice’s Wonderland Returns
*Disclosure: We’re Atlanta Botanical Garden members. The toddler chose the adventure; ChatGPT kept the details straight.
