After hearing about the opening of the new 3-acre Mordecai Children's Garden at the Denver Botanic Gardens on York a few weeks back, Madigan and I had our sights set on the upcoming free day to check it out. http://www.botanicgardens.org/content/mordecai-childrens-garden
We arrived at 9:30 a.m. to find packed parking and already sweltering temps, but we were determined to see it first hand. The children's garden sits atop the roof of the new parking garage. Since all of the plantings are freshly planted, there is very little shade. Pack the hat and sunscreen. The entrance has a nice little gift shop and very friendly guides to help steer you in the right direction. Madigan took off down the path, through a cave, back around to a set of wobbly bridges, back over the bridges, another pass over the wobble bridges- okay we would have walked these things all day unless she was physically removed- then we went in search of the elusive STREAM. We passed a stuffed marmot in a hollow log, under a mountain bridge, past a rock stacking area, sand pit... and there it was... cool sparkling water! On one end, bigger kids were climbing a rocky waterfall and on the other end a shallow stream with rocks and a beaver dam. Maddie kicked off her shoes and waded in. A guide was passing out natural "toys" to work with. Seed pods and corn cobs floated our direction. We climbed over rocks, made dams of pebbles and had a ton of fun. Note: be sure to bring a change of clothes!
After having our fill of the cool water, we left kicking and screaming and headed for the main gardens. The flowers are still beautiful this time of year and Madigan delighted in all of the colors. A new cafe looks promising, where the old gift shop used to be (now relocated to the entrance).
All in all a very nice morning. We live too far and Maddie is still too young at 16 months to fully enjoy an annual pass, but maybe we will see you there on the next free day. We will definitely return for another frolic in the stream.
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