We know you are searching for all the things you can do outside with the kids these days. We get it. Good news: the local botanical gardens are open for visitors so you can swing by and smell the roses. From native California landscapes to trees from around the world, there’s loads to explore at our local botanical gardens. Get out and explore!
San Francisco Botanical Garden
This 55-acre garden is an urban oasis in the middle of Golden Gate Park. With over 8,500 different kinds of plants from around the world, it's a feast for the senses all throughout the year. Families can still enjoy the Bean Sprout Family Days that is currently being offered on weekdays with pre-registration required. Each pre-registered family will receive an activity bucket containing clean tools, activity suggestions and craft materials. No matter when you visit, be sure to stop by the Children's Garden to hunt for bugs!
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
Admission: $9-12/adults, $7/youth 12-17, $3/kids 5-11, $20/family (two adults and all children in the same family). Free for kids 4 and under, SF residents and Garden members
Free days: daily from 7:30-9 a.m., second Tuesday of the month, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year's Day
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (spring/summer)
Online: sfbg.org
COVID-19 Update: Pre-purchase of tickets is recommended.
Hakone Gardens - Saratoga
The hills of Saratoga are home to this 18-acre Japanese estate, garden and retreat center. Listen to the waterfalls and surround yourself in the zen of the bamboo garden when you enjoy the tranquility just outside of the hustle and bustle of Sillicon Valley. Hakone hosts a number of seasonal festivals including the annual Matsuri festival in May, where you can enjoy Asian cultural entertainment and Japanese foods. Docent tours and tea demonstrations are available to reserve in advance.
Hakone Gardens
21000 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA
Hours: weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (March to October) and weekdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (November-February)
Admission: $10/adults, $8/kids 5-17, kids under 5 are free
Online: hakone.com
COVID-19 Updates: Face coverings are required for visitors age 7 and up.
UC Botanical Garden - Berkeley
The 34-acre UC Botanical Garden is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, with over 10,000 types of plants including many rare and endangered species. The Garden includes a major collection of California native plants as well as plants from around the world. In the summer, kids ages 5-10 come for Green Stuff, a hands-on science camp where they learn about habitats, animals and how to be good environmental stewards. The Garden offers monthly family programs led by education staff in a range of topics from carnivorous plants to cooking (this program is currently on hold).
UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
200 Centennial Dr.
Berkeley, CA
Hours: modified hours 12-5 p.m.
Admission: $15/adults, $7/kids 7-17, kids 6 and under are free
Online: botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu
COVID-19 Update: The Garden is open by reservation only. Make your reservation before you head over.
Filoli Gardens - Woodside
Visit this historic house and garden in the hills of Woodside and take in the panoramic views, lush vegetation and critters that make their homes there. Explore on your own or take a guided tour. Kids will especially enjoy walking the 1-mile Estate Trail to the Sally MacBride Nature Cente (currently closed). There you can explore the collection of artifacts and wildlife of the natural preserve and maybe even spot a California quail on your walk over. The trailhead is located at the Daffodil Field, on the north side of the garden.
Filoli Garden
86 Canada Road
Woodside, CA
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays until 8 p.m. (summer only)
Admission: $25/adults, $15/kids 5-17, kids under 5 are free
Online: filoli.org
COVID-19 Updates: Pre-purchase of tickets is required. Tickets are not available at the door.
Regional Parks Botanic Garden - Berkeley
Tilden Park is a favorite for local families because of the Little Farm and merry-go-round, and a trip there should always include a stop at the Botanic Garden. Not only is it totally free, but they offer free guided tours on non-rainy Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The garden’s primary role is to create beautiful landscapes displaying California’s diverse plant life, from the High Sierras to the southern deserts. Flowers bloom every month of the year, reaching a spectacular peak in spring through midsummer.
Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Wildcat Canyon Road and South Park Drive
Berkeley, CA
Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission: free
Online: nativeplants.org
COVID-19 Update: The garden is open with pre-reserved tickets.
—Kate Loweth
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