It’s good to be a kid in the Buckeye State. Between our acclaimed zoos, amusement parks, museums, and state parks, there’s no shortage of family-friendly fun in Ohio! There’s an especially robust selection of children’s playgrounds, including today’s feature destination in Lima: The Children’s Garden, one of the best hidden gem playgrounds in Ohio with more than 30 themed gardens!

Lima is a mid-sized town in northwestern Ohio, roughly halfway between Dayton and Toledo. It's perhaps best-known as the location of Kewpee Hamburgers, an Ohio burger joint that's a cult favorite.
The Allen County Children's Garden, 620 W Market St, Lima, OH 45801, USA
Children's Garden/Facebook
There's so much more to this town, however; including a magical children's garden brimming with endless possibilities...
Children's Garden
...and life!
Children's Garden/Facebook
Welcome to The Children's Garden, a place that proves that there truly is wonder everywhere you look -- and that no place is beyond hope or repair.
Best Playgrounds In Ohio
Children's Garden/Facebook

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A labor of love by Allen County Master Gardeners and volunteers, The Children's Garden was once a vacant lot filled with trash and choked full of weeds. Today, it is an interactive green oasis for children of all ages.
Children's Garden
Over time, the idea to create multiple "gardens" within The Children's Garden took root, and thus, 30 different "mini" gardens bloomed. Some of the themed gardens include: A Prairie Garden, Tall Maze Grass, Butterfly Garden, Sensory Garden, Dora’s Bilingual Garden, and Candy Land Garden.
Children's Garden/Facebook
One thing all the areas has in common is the goal of providing a safe, enriching environment that fosters a child’s spirit of discovery, love of learning, and joy of exploration. This is also accomplished through a variety of hands-on educational programs and community-wide events and celebrations.
Best Playgrounds In Ohio
Children's Garden/Facebook
There are also historical elements included in The Children’s Garden that relate to the country’s rich history, such as the Lincoln Highway, Oil Derrick, Train Topiary, and an original “Johnny Appleseed” apple tree.
Chad Glick/Google Local
But all of these elements -- history, nature, flora and fauna -- aside, The Children's Garden is an inspiring and inviting space that beckons all to come and immerse themselves in the beautiful Buckeye State.
Children's Garden
And maybe learn a thing or two, too!

Want a sneak peek of this epic day trip destination? Check out this video of The Children’s Garden c/o NOW Marketing Group:

Have you visited this delightful playground in Ohio before? Visit The Children’s Garden website for more information about this only-in-Ohio attraction.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Things To Do With Kids In Ohio

Melanie J. | April 18, 2024

What are some more kid-friendly attractions in Ohio?

If you’re searching for things to do with kids in Ohio, here are some of the best kid-friendly attractions in Ohio that the little ones will love:

  • The Escape Game Cincinnati, Cincinnati
  • The Mohicans, Glenmont
  • Jungle Jim's International Market Eastgate, Cincinnati
  • Hocking Hills State Park, Logan
  • Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Columbus
  • Two Cities Pizza Co., Mason
  • Velvet Ice Cream - Home of Ye Olde Mill, Utica
  • Dogwood Pass, Beaver,
  • Spangler Candy Company, Bryan
  • Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati
  • The Wilds, Cumberland
  • Ravenwood Castle, New Plymouth
  • Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Sandusky

You’ll want to read our previous article telling you more about these kid-friendly attractions in Ohio.

What are some of the best indoor playgrounds in Ohio?

There are so many indoor playgrounds in Ohio, and these are several of them that we recommend:

  • Jungle-Junction Indoor Playground, Bellevue
  • Momi Land Hilliard, Hilliard
  • Jump & Jack's, West Chester Township
  • DEFY Cincinnati, Cincinnati
  • Kid Clubhouse, Springboro
  • We Rock the Spectrum - Columbus, Lewis Center
  • Sylvania Playland, Sylvania
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Columbus
  • Make Believe Family Fun Center, Parma
  • Dig ‘N Play, West Chester Township
  • Wonderland Playground, Cincinnati

Check out our website to discover more indoor playgrounds in Ohio. 

What are some more gardens in Ohio that are great for the entire family?

All the gardens in Ohio are great for a day trip with your family, but here are some of the best ones that belong on your list:

  • Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland
  • Fine Arts Garden, Cleveland,
  • Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati
  • East Beach Rose Garden, Lorain
  • Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, Akron
  • Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus
  • Wegerzyn Gardens, Dayton
  • Dawes Arboretum Garden, Newark
  • Toledo Botanical Garden, Toledo
  • Kingwood Center Gardens, Mansfield
  • Holden Arboretum Garden, Kirtland
  • Schoepfle Garden, Birmingham
  • Fellow Riverside Gardens, Youngstown

Be sure to read our previous article featuring more of these family-friendly gardens in Ohio.

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Featured Addresses
The Allen County Children's Garden, 620 W Market St, Lima, OH 45801, USA