The Atlanta Botanical Garden reopened to the public last May. There are safety measures in place, and a new system of ticketing with specific entry times.
All members who joined or renewed before May 2020 will automatically receive two additional months of membership, to compensate for the weeks ABG was closed.
The Gainesville garden location has also re-opened.
Special events are listed below. For photos and info on the special exhibit Alice’s Wonderland Re-Imagined, keep scrolling.
Scarecrows in the Garden
October 1 to November 1
FREE with admission. The scarecrows are arranged in vignettes and are on display throughout the garden.
Goblins in the Garden
October 25, 2020
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kids can come in costume for a day of treats, crafts, and special activities. The event is free with a garden admission. Buy tickets in advance online to ensure entry. More info here.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
November 14 to January 16
We have a separate entry for this popular light show — just click here.
It’s been updated for 2020, along with the best ways to save money on tickets, which go on sale Oct. 1st.
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Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden
See the section below: 3 ways to save money at ABG
As always, just because something is open doesn’t mean you have to go. We advise you to weigh your personal risks and make decisions based on what’s best for you and your family. For some of you, it may be better to delay excursions to places like the zoo.
Not sure if a trip to ABG is right for you? Here’s a New York Times report on the relative risks of outdoor activities.
Please stay home if you have symptoms of illness, or have had an exposure to a person who became ill.
If you go to the Garden this spring and summer:
♦ The CDC advises wearing cloth or paper face coverings in public whenever possible. The Atlanta Botanical Garden strongly recommends wearing masks on the grounds and REQUIRES masks in restrooms.
♦ Atlanta Botanical Garden advises maintaining a reasonable distance from others, and steering clear of congested areas.
Here are the main safety measures now in place:
- Timed tickets will limit capacity (see below for ticket info)
- Indoor spaces are still closed (see the list below for what’s open and closed)
- The splash pad and children’s garden is still closed
- Masks are REQUIRED in restrooms and for entry to the Longleaf Quick Cafe
- Picnic-style food is being sold (credit/debit card only) and you can eat it outdoors in designated areas
- One-way flow through many Garden pathways will promote social distancing
- ABG staff and volunteers will wear masks
- Hand sanitizing stations will be available in public areas
New hours at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Because of the new limits on capacity, the Garden is offering extended hours through the summer months.
Hours are Tuesday thru Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last entry at 8 p.m.
Members only can visit on Mondays. So a garden membership just became more valuable — because if you buy a membership, you can now reserve an entry time slot on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Previously, ABG was closed to the public on Mondays.
See below for info on how you can save money with a garden membership.
What’s open at the Garden
Most of the outdoor spaces are open now — including the canopy walk, Storza Woods, rose garden, parterre garden, Japanese garden, edible garden, skyline garden, and the Great Lawn.
Note that a few of the narrower paths are now marked as one-way.
The children’s garden with its play area and splash pad will remain CLOSED for now.
Some indoor spaces have re-opened in June. This includes the conservatory and orchid center, the gift shop, and the Longleaf restaurant.
Special exhibit: Alice’s Wonderland Re-imagined
This special exhibit is open through through November 1, 2020.
It features enormous topiary-like sculptures, including Alice, the Red Queen, White Rabbit, and Cheshire Cat.
The sculptures are lit dramatically after dark.
This open-air exhibit does not require an additional fee — it is included in your garden entrance fee.
This giant topiary-like figures represents the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
This giant chess game is part of the Wonderland Re-Imagined exhibit. In the background, visitors admire the Cheshire Cat.
The Cheshire Cat from Wonderland will grin at you from atop a wall, as you explore the special exhibit.
The Red Queen from Wonderland comes to life in the form of a giant topiary-like figure.
There is plenty of whimsy at this special exhibit
Admission prices & timed ticket system
With a timed ticket, the garden will allow a limited number of guests in every 15 minutes.
You won’t be limited in how long you can stay, but the ABG website advises that the average visit lasts between 90 minutes and two hours.
You are encouraged to arrive on time, and may be denied admission if you are more than 15 minutes late, depending on capacity.
The ticket office is open and will sell you a walk-up ticket if there is availability — but it’s a much safer bet to plan ahead.
You can buy tickets online — choose a mobile or print-at-home option.
You can also purchase by phone.
Tickets are not refundable. However, if the weather is bad, you may be able to reschedule your day and time slot by emailing admissions@atlantabg.org
Current prices:
- Adult (age 13+) — $21.95
- Children age 3 to 12 — $18.95
- Under age 3 — FREE
3 ways to save money at Atlanta Botanical Garden in 2020
Click here for info on saving money on tickets to Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
1. Membership Mondays
A garden membership just became more valuable — because members can now reserve an entry time slot on Mondays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Previously, ABG was closed to the public on Mondays.
Garden memberships come at multiple levels:
- $78 for an individual,
- $105 for a couple
- $115 for a family
- more expensive VIP memberships with added perks
2. Military discount
The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers $2 off daily admission for up to four tickets purchased by military.
The Gainesville Garden offers 10% off of a daily admission ticket.
3. Triple-A discount
The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers $2 off daily admission for up to four tickets purchased by AAA members.
The Gainesville Garden offers 10% off of a daily admission ticket.
This whimsical frog statue is a popular place for photos and selfies at ABG.
Parking information
There is an onsite parking deck at the Garden. It has generally been slow, crowded, and inconvenient, so the timed ticket system may make parking easier too.
Enter from Piedmont Avenue and park on levels 4, 5, or 6 for garden access. (The Monroe Dr. entrance gives you access to Piedmont Park, but not the ABG.)
You can expect to pay about $5 to $7 for parking during an average garden visit.
Parking prices:
- Drop-off period (0 – 30 minutes) — Free
- 31-60 minutes — $2
- Each additional 30 minutes — $1
- Maximum Daily Rate — $15
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Cocktails in the Garden
Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend? You can enjoy Cocktails in the Garden from now through Saturday, September 5th. Cocktail hour is 5 to 9 p.m. You must arrive by 8 p.m.
You need a timed ticket to attend.
More info on cocktails in the garden
