Ithaca Children's Garden, Ithaca

Nestled within Cass Park along the scenic Cayuga Waterfront Trail, Ithaca Children's Garden (ICG) is a 3-acre haven designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and a love for the natural world. Open daily, free of charge, and accessible to all, this award-winning garden offers a space where children-and the young at heart-can explore, learn, and play in an immersive outdoor setting.

Since its founding in 1999, ICG has been dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship through hands-on, nature-based experiences. Inspired by permaculture principles, child-directed learning, and playwork, the garden serves as both a vibrant outdoor classroom and a dynamic play space. It’s also a research-based demonstration site, sharing its innovative approach with public gardens, nature centers, educators, and community organizations.

ICG’s attractions include the beloved Gaia, a massive turtle sculpture that invites climbing and discovery, as well as a kitchen garden buzzing with honeybees and hens, a bird garden, a straw-bale troll house, a recycled bottle greenhouse, and a blooming bulb labyrinth. Adventurous spirits will revel in the nationally recognized Hands-on-Nature Anarchy Zone, where children can dig, build, and engage in unstructured play. From the wildflower meadow to the rice paddy pond and wetlands, every corner of the garden is designed to foster exploration and wonder.

More than just a garden, ICG is a movement-one that champions the right of every child to play, learn, and connect with nature. Whether you visit once or return often, this magical outdoor space invites you to step into a world where adventure is encouraged, getting dirty is part of the experience, and the love of nature takes root for a lifetime.