Margie’s Children’s Garden at Boerner Botanical Gardens: Here’s What’s New in 2025

Margie’s Garden is back for the season starting May 1st, 2025, and it’s still one of the most magical places for kids in the Milwaukee area.

Located inside Boerner Botanical Gardens in Hales Corners, this whimsical children’s garden is filled with interactive play areas, vibrant blooms, musical instruments, and nature-inspired fun—all designed to celebrate the life and legacy of Margaret “Margie” Kezman.

Be sure to stop by the Flower Shop Playhosue, which is sponsored by MKE With Kids!

🌼 What’s New in 2025

1. Updated Hours

May 1 – August 30

• Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Wed: 10 AM – 8 PM
• Sat & Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM

Sept 1 – Oct 31

• Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 4 PM
• Sat & Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM

2. New Point of Entry
All visitors must now enter through the main Boerner Botanical Gardens building, due to a new perimeter fence. There is no additional cost to visit Margie’s Garden—entry is included with your paid admission to Boerner Botanical Gardens.

3. Margie’s Garden Days
Starting in June, Margie’s Smile will host a monthly fundraiser day (June–September). On these days, admission is handled through Givebutter, and 100% of donations go to the care and upkeep of Margie’s Garden. Fun extras like an ice cream social, music, or Mom & Me yoga might be included—stay tuned for finalized dates and details!

4. Community Celebration Returns
The big community event (previously Mornings at Margie’s) is set for Thursday, July 24th (tentative). Expect live music, hands-on activities, and educational fun. Admission will again support the garden via Givebutter.

5. Story Time in the Garden
Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens will host a Children’s Story Time every Tuesday at 10:30 AM, starting in July and running through early August.

6. Become a Petal Partner
Want to support Margie’s Garden? You can donate or purchase a personalized flower or butterfly through the Petal Partner Program here: margiessmile.org

🌸 In Case You Missed It

Margie’s Garden is like stepping into a storybook. Here are some places to visit while you’re there:

• The Potting Shed
  • Get your hands dirty and play in the rich soil at the vibrant red Potting Shed. A perfect blend of rest and mess!
• Celebration Garden
  • Marvel at Margie’s favorites. Find four rose sculptures and a blue butterfly in this vivid, blooming area of the garden.
• Kaleidoscope Mini-Garden
  • Spin and peek into the kaleidoscopes and watch a swirling, vibrant spectacle of plants dance before your eyes.
• Flower Shop Playhouse
  • Strike up a tune on flower-shaped instruments outside the whimsical Flower Shop Playhouse, sponsored by MKE With Kids.
• Bird’s Nest
  • Nestle into the ‘egg’ rocks, pick a book, and dive into stories amid nature’s embrace.
• Number Garden
  • Practice your numbers with plant beds that grow with learning in the Number Garden.
• Boardwalk
  • Stroll the Boardwalk and enjoy the whimsical wind chimes, and see who has sponsored the garden in “Petal Partners Promenade”.
• Alphabet Garden
  • Sing your way through the alphabet with plants for every letter in this tuneful garden.
• Secret Garden
  • Sneak into a world of hidden delights, where flowers create a living hideaway that changes through the summer.
• Sunflower Garden
  • Stand tall and measure up against the towering sunflowers.
• Sound Garden
  • Bang on bongo drums and tickle chimes in a garden where every plant has its own beat.
• Pollinator Garden
  • Hop on frogs and snuggle up with ladybugs in this soft play area designed to delight and educate about our pollinator pals.
• Amphitheater
  • Sing, dance, and perform your heart out on the natural stage set for family fun and storytime magic.
• Enchanted Village
  • Wander the footpath from the Amphitheater to discover a world of enchantment. Cross the Troll Bridge and explore a cottage straight out of a storybook.
• Pavilion
  • Find a special spot and enjoy a family picnic under the shade of the Pavilion.

Additional Activities:

• Plant I.D. – Scan the QR code at the entrance to discover the botanical wonders planted this season.
• Pathway Play: Zip and zag through the winding paths designed for little explorers.
• Cardinal Quest – Keep your eyes peeled for the four hidden cardinals. Can you spot them all?
• Greet Emmy the Bear – Don’t forget to wave hello to Emmy the Bear as you venture into the Enchanted Garden.

Kids can also explore the Secret Garden, perform at the Amphitheater, or go on a Cardinal Quest to find four hidden birds.

🌿 Plan Your Visit

Admission to Margie’s Garden is included with your paid entry to Boerner Botanical Gardens.

• Kids 2 and under: FREE
• For current pricing and details, visit: Boerner Admission Info
• It is an accessible space that is wheelchair and stroller friendly, with a pavilion for shade and benches for resting.
• There are restrooms in the Garden House and the Heirloom Garden, both of which are open until Margie’s Garden closes.  There are also restrooms in the main building.
• The entire garden is fenced in with one main entrance and exit (with emergency exits on each side).