Hershey Children's Garden

Name: Hershey Children's Garden
Address: 1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA, Cleveland, OH, US
Price range: $$
Rating: 4.9

1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Overview

Category:New Year's Eve Kids Activities

Location:Cleveland, OH

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Hershey Children's Garden is highlighted as a magical and whimsical outdoor spot, particularly enchanting for children but equally refreshing and peaceful for adults. Its unique value lies in combining imaginative play opportunities with serene nature observation, featuring an accessible treehouse and vibrant fishponds teeming with lilies, frogs, and goldfish.

Key Highlights

✓A magical and whimsical atmosphere that captivates both children and adults.
✓Features an accessible treehouse, providing a unique and inclusive play area.
✓Serene fishponds with lilies, frogs, and goldfish offer amazing and peaceful observation points.
✓Provides numerous spots for children of all ages to explore, play, and observe living things.

Standout Features

⭐The accessible treehouse.
⭐The fishponds filled with lilies, frogs, and goldfish, creating a vibrant ecosystem.
⭐The overall peaceful and refreshing ambiance of the garden.
⭐The variety of 'duck into' spots for exploration and observation.

Perfect For

Primarily designed for children, offering play and observation opportunities for a wide range of ages.

Adults find the garden just as enchanting and refreshing, making it suitable for family visits across generations, even without children.

Ideal For

Families seeking a magical, whimsical, and peaceful outdoor experience.

Children who enjoy nature, exploration, and observing living things like frogs and goldfish.

Parents looking for an enchanting place that offers enjoyment for adults too.

A relaxing outing for 'all ages' to play and watch nature.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

→Be aware that half of the garden is under construction, which might impact the extent of your visit.
→Allocate time to fully explore the accessible treehouse and observe the aquatic life in the fishponds.
→It's a good place for both children and adults to find a peaceful and refreshing escape, regardless of age.

Things to Consider

⚠One half of the garden is currently under construction, which may limit the accessible areas or attractions during your visit.

Price & Value

Not mentioned in reviews, but the experience is described as 'definitely worth time,' suggesting a high perceived value for the visit.

♿Accessibility & Special Needs

•The treehouse is explicitly mentioned as 'accessible'.

👥Crowd Levels

•Described as 'exceptionally peaceful and refreshing,' suggesting it likely offers a tranquil environment, potentially even during busy times, or it doesn't get overly crowded.

⏰When to Avoid

• If you require full access to the entire garden without any sections being under construction.
• If you're looking for purely high-energy, active play, as the garden's emphasis is on imaginative play, observation, and tranquility.

Pricing/Package/Events

Pricing & Packages

General Admission (Holden Arboretum)

$21

Duration: Day Pass

Includes entry to iconic attractions such as the Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower.

Includes:

•Access to Holden Arboretum grounds
•Murch Canopy Walk
•Kalberer Emergent Tower

Ages: Adults

General Admission (Holden Arboretum)

$15

Duration: Day Pass

Includes entry to iconic attractions such as the Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower.

Includes:

•Access to Holden Arboretum grounds
•Murch Canopy Walk
•Kalberer Emergent Tower

Ages: Children (3-12 years old)

General Admission (Holden Arboretum)

Free

Duration: Day Pass

Includes entry to iconic attractions such as the Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower.

Includes:

•Access to Holden Arboretum grounds
•Murch Canopy Walk
•Kalberer Emergent Tower

Ages: Children (2 and under)

Donor Level Membership

$300-$999/yr

Duration: Annual

Receive all the perks of the general membership levels while enjoying several enhanced and exclusive benefits.

Includes:

•Access to both Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden
•Member-only access and rates for programs, classes, select exhibits and events
•Discounted Parking at Cleveland Botanical Garden
•American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Program
•Member-Only Hours at Holden Arboretum
•Member-Only Preview for Holden Arboretum’s Annual Plant Sale
•Discounts at plantaddicts.com
•Discounts at Gift Shop & Store
•Enhanced and exclusive benefits

Leadership Society Membership

Not specified (above $999/yr implied)

Duration: Annual

Invest in the future of Holden Forests & Gardens while enjoying enhanced benefits and special opportunities to see the inner workings of the organization.

Includes:

•Access to both Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden
•Member-only access and rates for programs, classes, select exhibits and events
•Discounted Parking at Cleveland Botanical Garden
•American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Program
•Member-Only Hours at Holden Arboretum
•Member-Only Preview for Holden Arboretum’s Annual Plant Sale
•Discounts at plantaddicts.com
•Discounts at Gift Shop & Store
•Enhanced benefits and special opportunities

Events & Schedule

Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)

Renaissance Night

Fri., Oct. 3, 2025 | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$30 per member, $35 per nonmember

A night where the past comes gloriously to life at Cleveland Botanical Garden. (Implied for adults)

Hand-Carved Botanical Stamps

Not specified, but listed under upcoming programs.

$48 per member, $53 per nonmember

Create your own stamp inspired by fall at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Western Reserve Herb Society Herb Fair

Saturday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Included with admission

The 78th Western Reserve Herb Society Herb Fair at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Botanical Garden After Dark

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 | 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

$30 per member, $35 per nonmember

A costume party for adults only! Includes creature features, crafts, DJ Goodboy spinning spooky tracks, tarot readings and local vendors at Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Bootanical Bash

Not specified, but listed under upcoming programs.

Prices vary

Come dressed to impress! Enjoy a dance party, Trick or Treat Trail, garden games and crafts at Cleveland Botanical Garden. (Implied for families/kids)

Sensory-Friendly Day

Sunday, October 26, 12-5pm

Included with admission

The Cleveland Botanical Garden will host a sensory-friendly experience that invites all visitors to enjoy the gardens with a calmer atmosphere.

Winter Village Market

Saturday, November 15 and Sunday, November 16, 10am-4pm

Included with admission

Experience the magic of the season at Holden Arboretum’s new Winter Village Market. Stroll through a festive woodland setting, shop unique gifts from local makers, and enjoy cozy holiday cheer.

Botanical Wreath Workshop

Not specified, but listed under upcoming programs.

$48 per member, $63 per nonmember

Come create with evergreens and other natural botanicals at Cleveland Botanical Garden.

🍎Food Policy

• Enjoy a picnic in designated picnic areas at Holden Arboretum; alcohol is not permitted.
• Grab + Go Café is available at the Holden Arboretum Visitor Center, offering salads, snacks, treats, and beverages (April through mid-November, Thursday-Sunday while supplies last).
• Garden Café is available at Cleveland Botanical Garden.

🛡️Safety Policy

• Climbing or swinging from branches is strictly prohibited for the safety of visitors and the well-being of plants and trees.
• All patrons entering the premises voluntarily assume all risks and dangers incidental to admission and/or any event, and waive and release all claims against the Holden Arboretum and its affiliates.
• Do not feed the wildlife.
• Lawful concealed carry of a weapon is allowed on the property with a valid concealed carry permit, but weapons may not be brought into any buildings.

📅Booking Policy

• Tickets are required for admission and can be purchased online or in advance by calling Guest Services at 440.946.4400 during business hours.
• Discount tickets (for military, veterans, Museums for All) may be purchased on site or in advance by calling Guest Services.
• All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Tickets for Holden Arboretum are required for admission, and online purchase is recommended.
• Membership transactions are audited daily for proper payment.

🚗Parking Information

• Cleveland Botanical Garden: Discounted parking for members.
• Holden Arboretum: All visitors should enter through the Main Entrance and park in the Main Parking lot only.
• Driving tip for Holden Arboretum: Exit at 193 (Route 306) rather than Exit 195 (Route 615) to avoid hills.

Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Sep 29, 2025

Photos

What People Say

What's Great

Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

Janice Gerda

3 years ago

This secret garden might be one of the most magical and whimsical spots in University Circle. it's designed for children, but it is just as enchanting for adults. The treehouse (accessible) and the fishponds with lillies and frogs and goldfish are just amazing and exceptionally peaceful and refreshing. There are lots of places to duck into or watching living things or play for all ages. It is definitely worth time in this area whether you have children with you or not.