What You Need to Know For A Starry Evening at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with kids!
Lights. Music. Botanical Gardens at NIGHT! Who knew that this already gorgeous location could turn to an even more exciting experience in the evening? I already have grown in my adoration for nature so being able to visit this spot was such a treat. If you’re unsure about enjoying such an evening, no worries I’ll share what you need to know for an evening at Atlanta Botanical Gardens with kids!
Finding creative ways for family fun while being conscious of pandemic life has become an adventure in itself. With a little digging we have found that there’s so many things to do even now that we all enjoy. New experiences all intertwined at The Atlanta Botanical Gardens! It was a gorgeous starry night walking through their Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.
Though it was much cooler than we were planning everyone wore extra layers and we brought a few blankets! Even when our kids don’t want to, I always make sure we have extra warm items (it never fails!) Also I will note that this event was on the higher end cost wise as a family of 6 (paying for 4). So the complimentary drinks at the beginning was a nice surprise!
What You Need to Know ahead of time!
Traveling with little ones on cooler evenings is possible, but be mindful these experiences may not be for the faint of heart. If my kids have taught me anything- it’s think ahead. And as always come prepared. So checking the weather, setting aside items beforehand, and even feeding everyone was a must. Preparing for this particular evening at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens with our kids definitely took planning on our part.
Over time I’ve mentally started to adjust myself based on the tasks I need to accomplish to minimize unnecessary spending while we’re out. So here’s what to do ahead of time:
1. Purchase tickets ahead! With COVID restrictions, most locations are doing timed slots for events. Checking online will allow you to plan around the time of your arrival and allow you to head right on in. The less time you stand in line the better. I would also encourage you to head out earlier rather than later. I’m not sure about you, but my kids tend to change after 8:00pm – so we arrived to walkthrough around 6:15pm.
2. Check weather & bundle up! Since it was much cooler in the evening, we had the boys layer well. Two-three layers, plus vests, and warm hats were a must. We also packed those handwarmers to use as we walked around (pun intended). Mike made sure to pack two blankets for the smaller ones. We have a double stroller and that always saves the day and buys us extra time. I keep a basket of winter items and pull them out especially when we go out later in the evening.
3. Expect some lines (potentially): Though we went on a weekday, I have to say I was surprised at the amount of people. Yes the gardens are pretty spacious, there are certain attractions that are not large crowd conducive. So if you’re planning to see the rest of Alice in Wonderland displays, that is a much smaller inside location – which will equal a line. The main dinosaur and overall lights exhibit did have a line, however, it moved fairly quickly. So I say that to be mindful, you may be standing stagnant for a few minutes depending on what you want to see.
Enjoy the Evening Atlanta Botanical Gardens WITH your kids
This is the MOST important part of any trip you take with your kids. My mom brain stresses, overpacks, and almost misses this everytime. ENJOY your kids while you walk around and sip that hot cocoa. Watch their faces as they experience the magic of lights at night. Take fun and silly photos that will create perfect memories. And yes, remember that something will go wrong. Someone will have a tantrum, but the night is not ruined.
I hope you’re able to make an evening out of the Atlanta Botanical Gardens or something just as wonderful friend!