Gorgeous Garden to Explore; Make a Whole Day in Nature!

While there are many ways to explore Maymont Park, one of our favorites is to park at 1700 Hampton Street and enjoy the entire Japanese Gardens!  If you park at this location, you will also get to experience the Italian Gardens and my children's favorite climbing tree: a HUGE tree with branches low enough for even your youngest monkey to enjoy!  As a bonus, there are benches under the tree for a snack break or when Mom or Dad need a break!

Any season is perfect for enjoying the Japanese Gardens, but we particularly enjoy visiting in the fall as the foliage is STUNNING!  After my kiddos climb on the tree for a while, we venture through the Italian Gardens and finally down to the Japanese Gardens.  Once you are down to the Japanese Gardens, you can stop for a snack in the gazebo at the koi pond, cross over the stepping stones (Parents: know your children -- practice safety!).  There is a waterfall that is turned off during the cold months of the year.  My children love to climb the rocks along it (especially when the water is off -- less slippery) and make it to the top where there is a very small seating area, as well as some bamboo that leads to a connected path back up to the Italian Gardens.

This is not a stroller-friendly walk as there are many steps to get down to this area.  You will need to wear a baby carrier.  Alternatively, you could walk from the other side of Maymont: the Children's Farm, with your stroller. That walk is .75 miles.  

Walking from the parking lot to the Japanese Gardens is less than a mile but keep in mind that it is uphill on your return trip, so save some energy for that!  

All of this is FREE; however, Maymont suggests a $5 donation per visit.  Memberships to Maymont are available and offer discounts on special programs, like camps and Toddler Time.