Botanical Garden in San Antonio
All flower lovers should visit the San Antonio Botanical Gardens to see the kinds of flowers that can be successfully grown in our city. The gardens are on 33 acres right in the middle of the city of San Antonio and flowers bloom throughout the year.
The garden first opened on May 3, 1980. According to their website, their mission is “to inspire people to connect with the plant world and understand the importance of plants in our lives.”
You can learn about plants that grow best here, what the best water-saving plants are, and conservation methods, along with learning about how to attract birds and butterflies to your garden at home. This is a great place to take your home-schooled children and let them learn firsthand about gardening and plants.
There are family programs as well as children’s programs, teaching how to grow your own garden. A calendar of events throughout the year is listed on their website. So if live in San Antonio, or if you visit during the “off” season, you can still have an enjoyable time at the gardens.
Make a day of it and enjoy brunch or lunch at the Carriage House Bistro. There is also a gift shop for you to do some souvenir shopping. You can go into the gift shop without paying admission since it is right by the entrance to the park.
Exhibits
If you’re looking for a unique and educational outdoor experience, you should definitely visit the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The garden offers something for everyone, from nature lovers to families with children. Some of the things to see at the San Antonio Botanical Garden include:
Texas Native Trail
The Texas Native Trail is the perfect place to explore and appreciate the diverse ecosystems found in the Lone Star State. Here you will find plants from the Hill Country, East Texas Pineywoods, and South Texas Plains.
Lucile Halsell Conservatory
The Lucile Halsell Conservatory offers visitors the chance to explore more exotic climates. Take a journey through deserts, tropical forests, and the Mediterranean region all under one roof.
Garden for the Blind
Visitors with visual impairments will find much to appreciate at the Garden for the Blind. This special garden is designed to be accessible to those with limited sight, featuring fragrant plants and sculptures that can be touched.
Family Adventure Garden
For a fun and educational experience, head over to the Family Adventure Garden. This interactive garden feature exhibits, activities, and even a playground so that kids of all ages can learn about gardening in a fun way.
Japanese Garden
Experience serene beauty in the Japanese Garden. Here you will find the traditional tea house, koi pond, and other elements associated with classic Japanese landscaping.
Water Saver Garden
For those looking to practice water conservation, check out the Water Saver Garden. This garden showcases drought-tolerant plants, as well as strategies for saving water while maintaining a beautiful landscape.
Culinary Garden
Finally, don’t miss the Culinary Garden. Here you can find herbs, vegetables, and fruits that can be grown in your own backyard. Plus, there are demonstrations on how to use them in the kitchen!
These are just a few of the many things to see and explore at the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
Amazing Butterflies at the San Antonio Botanical Garden
The Amazing Butterflies exhibit is an interactive maze that teaches kids (and adults too!) about the life cycle of butterflies. We visited the exhibit, which was developed by the Natural History Museum of London and Minotaur Mazes, on the Tuesday morning after its big opening weekend. Like the rest of the state, the botanical garden is starting to show signs of the drought that has plagued Texas. However, the butterfly exhibit is worth a visit.
Amazing Butterflies features hands-on exhibits that focus on each stage of a butterfly’s life. Although a few of the games weren’t operational (perhaps because we visited after the busy opening weekend), most of the interactive features captured the interest of my four-year-old daughter. She especially liked collecting stamps on her flower card, which can be obtained from the front desk where you purchase your tickets.
Visitors make their way through the maze by answering questions, with each answer taking kids down a different path (or to a dead end).
Although the maze is fine for all ages, I think it is best for kids ages 4-6.
When you visit, remember that the botanical garden offers discounts for seniors, students, and children. Kids 2 and under are free. Also, you can bring your San Antonio Public Library card to receive $1 off your admission ticket.
Details
Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children from the ages of three through 13, and $5 for senior citizens, ages 65 and over. Children under three get in free. No pets are allowed. The garden is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
San Antonio Botanical Gardens is located at 555 Funston @ North New Braunfels Avenue.
San Antonio Botanical Garden
555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX 78209
(210)536-1400