Children will enjoy playing on this beetle-like structure at the Children’s Garden
within the Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo.
Children’s
Discovery Garden
Florida Botanical Gardens
By Aaron R. Fodiman
62 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MARCH/APRIL 2021
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To imaginative, curious children, a garden is a magical place to play, learn and experience nature.
Who is not fascinated by a beautiful garden filled with fauna and flora? That is why the Florida
Botanical Gardens in Largo and the Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources have retained
architects Coyle and Caron, who created the spectacular children’s garden at Bok Tower in Lake
Wales. They are designing 2-plus acres at the Florida Botanical Gardens to entice, engage and educate
children through discovery and play. There will be recreational equipment with natural themes such
as a bamboo bridge, a rope spider web and a brightly painted beetle-shaped sculpture, along with a
planting area and a making music area for enjoyment by all ages.
Another exciting feature will be an outdoor classroom, where hands-on experiential learning will
take place. The Children’s Garden will be between the Butterfly Garden (next to the Visitor Center)
and the Tropical Fruit Garden.
RENDERING PROVIDED BY FLORIDA BOTANICAL GARDENS