If luscious gardens filled with blooming flowers and paved pathways perfect for a leisurely stroll are calling your name. You simply must visit one of this impressive botanical gardens in Northeast Ohio where you can enjoy a peaceful escape and the beauty of nature. 

Each of these gardens offers something distinctive and fun. Explore the grounds on your own or take part in the variety of educational activities geared toward children and adults.

Jump to: Botanical Gardens in Northeast Ohio | Tips for Visiting a Botanical Garden | Find a Botanical Garden Near Me

Tips for Visiting Botanical Gardens

Plan now for which gardens to attend – Use our list below to choose the garden locations your family would most like to visit. With so many beautiful gardens in the area, you may want to make your own bucket list of gardens to visit this year and have fun checking them off as you go.

Decide ahead of time which attractions you most want to see – Some of the gardens are very large with a lot of special activities, locations, and things to see and do over many acres of gardens. Visit the location website and plan ahead for which things will be on your must see or do list. 

Be prepared to walk or stand – Typically there isn’t a lot of designated seating, so be sure to bring a stroller or wagon for little ones. 

Plan ahead depending on the weather – Make sure to dress for the weather, since most of your time will be spent exploring outdoor gardens and attractions. Consider wearing layers so everyone is comfortable as the temperatures change throughout the day.

Protect your kids (and yourself!) from the sun – Some locations have more shade than others, but it’s likely you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun. Be sure to load up with sunscreen or wear a hat to keep the sun off your face.

Pack your own healthy snacks – Pack plenty of water and bring along some food to snack on while you are there, if allowed. If you'd prefer to purchase your food, check to see if and what types of food are available to purchase onsite before you go.

Be sure to bring some cash money – Some locations may include special activities available for an additional fee, so be sure to bring some cash money in case they don't accept credit cards. 

Remember your camera – Make sure your phone is charged or bring along a camera to capture beautiful and fun photo opportunities.

Consider Purchasing a Membership – If you plan to visit both the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Holden Arboretum, consider purchasing a membership. When you do, it grants access to both. Also check the details, some memberships include a reciprocal program that offers discounted/free admission to other botanical gardens across the country.

Map of Local Botanical Gardens

Find a Botanical Garden Near Me

Botanical Gardens in Northeast Ohio

Cleveland Botanical Gardens

This garden is an ever-changing urban oasis that provides enrichment and inspiration through 10 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens, the 18,000-square-foot Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, featuring the biomes of Madagascar and Costa Rica, as well as seasonal celebrations and exhibitions throughout the year. 

Also part of Cleveland Botanical Gardens is the Hershey Children's Garden which contains a mix of mini ecological areas, including the pond, prairie, and woodland, as well as the manicured flower gardens and a two-story treehouse. Children 2 and under are FREE! {Find Out More}
Where: 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106 

Holden Arboretum

This gem, located in Lake and Geauga Counties, is a must-visit spot for anyone in Northeast Ohio. The arboretum covers 3,500 acres and features hiking trails, cultivated gardens, special collections, a Canopy Walk, the Emergent Tower, and a natural play area for kids. It's a great destination for families and people of all ages. Plus, it's dog-friendly, so you can bring your pup along to enjoy the fun. {Find Out More}
Where: 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
You May Be Interested in: Our Review of the Holden Arboretum

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Open from April to December, the estate features a historic 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House, Curved Eave Corbin Conservatory, Gate Lodge, and approximately 70 acres of artistically landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Several events are held throughout the year.  {Find Out More}
Where: 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
You May Be Interested In: Our Review of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve

Located in Alliance, OH, Beech Creek Garden is a great place to relax and interact with nature. There is something for all ages and interests to enjoy, including hiking trails, a 2-acre Nature Play playground, a butterfly house (open in the summer months), and a plant science and nature center. They also host several events throughout the year including hand-feeding wild chickadees and family yoga. {Find Out More}
Where: 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, OH 44601
You May Be Interested In: Our Review of Beech Creek Garden

Clary Gardens

The 20-acre site is sustained by staff, volunteer service, and donations. The hillside landscape makes for a unique experience for all, and offers recreational trails for all ages and varying levels of terrain, showcasing the rose garden all the way through our half-mile woodland loop. They host several special events. They are open daily and FREE to the public. {Find Out More}
Where: 588 W. Chestnut St., Coshocton, OH 43812

Fellows Riverside Gardens

Fellows Riverside Gardens is a FREE public garden located at the northern end of Mill Creek Park. This 12-acre display garden features a landscape of remarkable beauty with diverse and colorful plant displays, roses of all classes, seasonal displays of annuals, perennials, flowering bulbs, and scenic vistas. {Find Out More}
Where: 123 McKinley Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509

Schoepfle Garden

This truly unique park in the Lorain County Metro Parks system contains 70 acres of botanical gardens and natural woodland bordered on one side by the Vermilion River. The garden features collections of rhododendrons, roses, cannas, hostas, shade plants, and varieties of shrubs, topiaries and trees. Enjoy the natural beauty of the garden by participating in a guided tour or wandering at your own pace. Be sure to bring a camera! {Find Out More}
Where: 11106 Market St., Wakeman, OH 44889

Secrest Arboretum

This beautiful arboretum offers many trails and themed gardens to enjoy as well as a natural play fortress and huge slide built into the hill. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to enjoy the gardens as well. They are open year-round and FREE to the public. {Find Out More}
Where: 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691
You May Be Interested In: Our Review of Secrest Arboretum

Kingwood Center

Open from April until October, Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield is a 47-acre former estate garden open to the public since 1953. The center offers several workshops and events, and children ages 12 and under are FREE! {Find Out More}
Where: 50 N. Trimble Rd., Mansfield, OH 44906

Gardenview Horticultural Park

Open from April until mid-October, enjoy 6 acres of rare plants and flowers in a natural, cottage-style landscape. Non-members are welcome but are charged a small admission fee; children under age 5 are FREE. {Find Out More}
Where: 16711 Pearl Rd., Strongsville, OH 44136

Rockefeller Park Greenhouse

The greenhouse is dedicated to educating, fostering, and supporting gardening and how it enhances the quality of life both in itself and in partnership with the arts, education, and science. Explore luxuriant and peaceful specialty gardens featuring ADA-accessible walkways, tropical fruit trees, a garden for the blind, and spectacular seasonal displays. Parking and admission are free to the public. {Find Out More}
Where: 750 E. 88th St., Cleveland, OH 44108

Canton Garden Center

The Canton Garden Center was organized in 1946 to maintain a Garden Center with a library offering free gardening information, unite the clubs and individuals in the common interest of home and community beautification, and encourage and train youth in the appreciation of our natural resources. {Find Out More}
Where: 1615 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44718

Schedel Arboretum & Gardens

Open from April until the end of October, the gardens are home to many exotic species of trees and 10,000+ annual plants and flowers in several themed garden displays. Children 5 and under are FREE! {Find Out More}
Where: 19255 W. Portage River South Rd., Elmore, OH 43416

You May Be Interested In: Outdoor Activities: 23+ Ideas for an Outdoor Adventure