Have you heard about the Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden? This free-to-visit garden offers a community spot to learn about and enjoy nature. We got a chance to visit for a special event given by Wild Birds Unlimited and then we took a tour of the garden. Learn about what this garden offers below, plus all the things we loved the most!
Watch! What We Saw at the Sandhill Children’s Garden
What is the Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden?
Located within the Clemson University Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia, South Carolina, the Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden is a delightful destination for families and educators alike. As a certified wildlife habitat, the garden is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for nature while offering numerous educational opportunities for children.
The garden is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:15 pm and is entirely free to visit, relying on donations and the generosity of volunteers to sustain its programs. If you’re able, you can consider supporting this wonderful space.
A Hands-On Learning Experience
The garden features many interactive elements designed to engage the senses and promote learning. We particularly loved the sensory garden which is equipped with some non-traditional musical instruments, think pots and pans, that encourage children to smell, touch, see, and hear the beauty of nature.
A covered classroom area offers a space for arts and crafts and educational programs, ensuring that kids can learn and create while surrounded by greenery.
Among the garden’s highlights is Mr. McGregor’s Garden, where visitors can find a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, eggplant, tomatoes, and squash. This area serves as a hands-on learning environment where children can discover how to care for and grow their own gardens, including composting practices.
More Garden Areas to Explore
There are many other garden areas to explore!
- Old MacDonald’s Farm features a whimsical playhouse and a chicken coop filled with wooden chickens, perfect for imaginative play.
- The Bird Garden and Pollinator Garden are dedicated to attracting wildlife, including multiple bee hotels and a variety of milkweed species aimed at repopulating monarch butterflies.
- The Reading Garden, complete with a Little Free Library, invites families to enjoy stories in a tranquil setting.
- The certified Carolina Yard teaches about how to make your yard environmentally friendly. Follow the 12 principles found throughout the children’s garden – the foundation of which is a natural yard free of chemicals, pesticides, etc!
Room to Play
The garden’s natural play area includes donated corrugated pipes to climb on and even a hopscotch board made out of bike tires. A spacious picnic area is ideal for enjoying lunch after classes or hosting family gatherings.
A special Celebration Walkway allows visitors to purchase engraved bricks for $120 each, providing a unique way to commemorate loved ones while supporting the garden.
Mom Review: Our Visit to the Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden
Recently, I attended a free program hosted by Wild Birds Unlimited in the outdoor classroom. The dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to relocate and transplant materials from the garden’s previous site, often relying on their own efforts and sweat equity, with assistance from Clemson University for larger items.
Despite the chilly weather during my visit, the garden was alive with activity; I spotted butterflies and even chrysalis forms of monarchs and fritillaries. As spring approaches, the blooms will only enhance this peaceful retreat. The garden offers countless photography opportunities and a wealth of learning experiences for both kids and adults.
Upcoming Events at the Clemson Sandhill Children’s Garden
With future classes planned—such as this upcoming insect art class—there’s always something new to discover. Don’t forget to bring a picnic lunch or snack to enjoy in the spacious gazebo, and if you forget, shopping and dining options are conveniently located just across the street.
Friends of the Sandhill Children’s Garden Facebook Page
1 Pecan Grove Road, Columbia
