The San Antonio Botanical Garden has reopened, and Inga Cotton has tips for your making your visit safe and fun.
What’s different now, and what’s the same?
Members and non-members alike should make reservations in advance online. They are limiting the number of visitors in the garden at any given time, but a reservation guarantees your spot.
Members can also visit early, 8-9 AM—no reservation required; just bring your membership card or a photo ID.
To become a member, visit their website. Print your confirmation and bring it on your first visit.
Parents of littles, be aware: At the time of our visit, the bathrooms were closed. You can remind your kids to go at home (we know—”I have to go again!”) or you can make it a short visit. The members of San Antonio Charter Moms Facebook discussion group have some pro tips, too.
The drinking fountains are closed, too. It’s OK to bring a reusable water bottle, but no other outside food or drink.
In the Family Adventure Garden, the water feature (No-Name Creek) is not flowing.
Masks are recommended but not required. Visitors are asked to maintain 6′ social distancing. Some of the paths, like the one around the pond in the East Texas ecosystem, are marked as one way. During our visit, most of the conservatories were open, but the display garden (the air conditioned one) was closed.
The gift shop is open, but only a few people can enter at a time, and masks are required to enter. The plant sales are open, though!
The children’s vegetable garden is planted, but it’s being tended by staff, not families. The kitchen is idle. No professional portrait photography going on.
What remains unchanged: The San Antonio Botanical Garden is GORGEOUS. Must-see areas: The Old-Fashioned Garden (coneflowers, crinum, lillies, morning glory . . .) and the Kumamoto En Garden. At the pond, the turtles and ducks are eager for snacks—available for $1 per bag at the front desk.
The botanical garden is a great place to get out in nature and teach your kids about plants and animals. We encourage you to visit soon—just be sure to get your tickets in advance.
The theme this week is #learneverywhere — tips for parents who are helping their kids learn at home.
