Childhood's Gate Children's Garden

Transformation Canopy

The Transformation Canopy reflects the changing landscape of the valley in rolling hues of green, yellow, orange, and gold. Picture the patchwork of agricultural fields and woodlands that make up central Pennsylvania as you pass under its colors.

Spring Basin

This water feature represents the many natural springs found in our region. What do you think made the strange markings on some of the rocks here?

Stone Bench

This large sandstone bench was made with locally quarried sandstone. In fact, all of our stones are from central Pennsylvania. As you begin your journey, look on the ground for our native creature tracks. How many can you identify?

Bedrock Boulders

These beds for our native plants and trees are made of limestone and sandstone. There are many animal faces hidden in these rocks. How many can you find?

Garden Kaleidoscope

Take a peek through the lenses of our garden kaleidoscope. Turn the lenses or spin the bowl to view the bursting colors and shapes made by the plants in our seasonal displays.

Amphitheater

Climb the tiered seating area for a view of the garden.

Gathering Lawn

This area is used for music-making, dancing, and relaxation. Be sure to visit the American bison that watches the lawn from the edge of the prairie patch. Can you imagine herds of these creatures living here hundreds of years ago?

Prairie Patch

You will cross a dry streambed to the path through the prairie grasses and flowers where the bison once roamed. Stop to build something with the rocks or perhaps leave a message in stones.

Susquehannock Camp

The Susquehanna River and Valley were named for the first people who lived along the waters of central Pennsylvania. These three structures represent small huts that would have been used while guarding crops or working in the fields.

Farm Pump

Just like on a farm! Try out the pump and help us water the garden when needed.

Harvest Gardens

Enjoy our beautiful, bountiful flower, vegetable, and herb gardens. Depending on the season, what is growing? Ask for a plant list!

Garden Shed

This is where we keep our garden tools. What is different about the roof of our shed?

Glass House

Come inside to a wondrous place for growing plants, learning about our garden, or looking up at the sky!

Caterpillar Bench

Meet our very own spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. We have planted native spicebush to attract this pollinator to our garden.

Bird Lookout

Look through the doors and openings for birds on the bird feeders and in the bird bath.

Mushroom Hollow

These mushrooms grow in Pennsylvania. They are called boletes. They grow in small "family" groups.

Discovery Tree

What can you discover inside a giant old tree? Can you find the secret way to make the tree "talk?" Stop and play a tune on our chime wall.

Spotted Salamander

Look down at the spotted salamander resting near the Discovery Tree! What other hidden creatures are there throughout the garden? How many can you find?

Time Spiral

Take a walk through time and identify creatures and plants of central Pennsylvania. Follow the spiral from the imprint of a human hand representing YOU in the present time all the way back to the image of our state fossil, the trilobite.

Fossils

There are three larger-than-life fossil sculptures in this area. They represent animals that lived here a LONG time ago, when Pennsylvania was under the ocean. Can you find a branching coral, a coral with a chain pattern on top, and a coiled shell?

In and Out Creek

Try to follow the creek all the way around... and around.

Limestone Cave

Do you know how caves are formed? Look up for a clue. What is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite and what happens when they meet? How many bats can you find in the cave? Is there anything hidden in the sand today?

Aspen Story Circle

Big rocks and whispering trees! Sit in the middle of the aspen trees and just look and listen.

Thanks for visiting!

What was your favorite place in the garden today?