Do you ever find yourself somewhere that just feels magical, so magical a tiny bit of you wants to spread your arms and spin around and around, Sound-of-Music-Maria Style? It’s an amazing, endorphin-filled feeling and I found myself mentally spinning like crazy this week at the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
This summer, on top of the natural beauty, sights, sounds, and smells of their gorgeous gardens, they have a live butterfly experience, Butterflies & Blooms. We discovered and fell in love with the magic of indoor butterfly gardens last year at the Milwaukee Public Museum. When I saw butterflies were coming to the area I knew I had to go.
Tuesday evening, I went to a photography class at the botanical garden and stayed after to take in the gardens. I stumbled on the butterfly exhibit while exploring. It was closed for the day, but I got to take a peek inside.
While I ambled through the gardens practicing photography techniques, it occurred to me that I should be going to the botanical garden a lot more often. I got to thinking about how many field trip opportunities are hidden here.
Visit with Family
If you’re not naturally an outdoorsy/nature person but want to get the kiddos outside, Green Bay Botanical Garden is a perfect place to get outdoors in a controlled environment. It’s what I call curated nature— you’re outside, but in a way that’s easier for beginners and those with physical disabilities to take in. Dress appropriately and the rest is taken care of – groomed paths, water fountains, clean restrooms, plenty of soap, outdoor seating, and even snacks in the gift shop. There are also scavenger hunts for preschool-age and school-age children, a Wetting Garden, an amazing children’s slide and garden, guided nature hikes, and tons of hands-on, get-your-wiggles out opportunities. It’s definitely a multisensory experience! And it’s free on Wednesday evenings.
With a Friend
Honestly, as much as I love catching up with friends at restaurants, I’m ready to move on to something more engaging and active. Green Bay Botanical Garden seems like the perfect place to hang out with a friend and catch up. Walk the grounds together, take a yoga class, attend one of their music events, or sit on a bench or at a table enjoying the sounds of nature while the sun sets together.
With Your Sweetheart
Change things up. Instead of date nights at the movies or a tried and true restaurant, what about a picnic lunch or dinner and a walk through the gardens at sunset? Or a Sanimax Concerts on Thursday evenings? Or a class together like their Farmers Market Appetizers or their Garden to Table Chef Series?
On Your Own
Or you could any of those things on your own. Even if it’s just once this summer, carve out an hour or two for yourself. Bring your camera, your favorite book, a journal, or a snack. Meditate, walk, read, take in the art installed among the gardens, or take a garden selfie to add to the family album so your children have photos of you, too.
There’s so much magic to be found at Green Bay Botanical Garden this summer!
Makes me want to spend time there! Thanks.