Welcome to The Ramble!

Designed for the young and the young at heart, The Ramble celebrates the idea that gardens can be about beauty, inspiration, and playfulness all at the same time. With universally accessible pathways and plants chosen by the hundreds for fun, function, and botanical significance, families and children of all ages and abilities can follow their curiosity in this garden created for them.

Opened in 2022, The Ramble includes interactive play features set among hundreds of perennials, shrubs, and trees, many of them native to New England. A sweeping row of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), a collection of mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia), and a forage garden featuring a variety of edible native plants are just a few of the plant highlights. Visitors of all ages also enjoy a waterfall and pond filled in the warmer months with seasonal aquatic plants. With immersive activities designed to spark the imagination, The Ramble provides an array of fun, educational opportunities sure to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

The Ramble was designed by renowned landscape architect and artist W. Gary Smith and Ryan Associates. Dedicated by the McDonough family, The Ramble is named in honor of Jean McDonough, a champion of the Worcester arts and culture community. In spring 2023, the garden’s pavilion was dedicated by Martha Pappas to honor the life of her friend Barbara Morse, a long-time supporter of New England Botanic Garden.

  • The Curiosity Cottage, a whimsical wooden playhouse, created by artist Frank Hamm.
  • An imaginative water feature with a landscaped pond and waterfall to explore. During summer, the pond is home to a collection of seasonal aquatic plants and is also a great place to watch frogs, dragonflies, and other wildlife visitors.
  • A one-of-a-kind “Stumpery” with tree stumps for climbing.
  • A tunnel made of woven branches and natural building materials for hands-on imaginative play.
  • A circle lawn for games, picnics, performances, classes, and programs.
  • A pavilion for outdoor classes and picnic tables for gathering.
  • A forage garden with edible plants to help teach children where food comes from.
  • An outcrop amphitheater for students to gather while on STEAM-focused field trips.
  • Accessible paths for people of all abilities.
  • Hundreds of beautiful perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and trees, including many native to New England.

Drop-in for free, fun family activities in The Ramble from April through October. Use your imagination to create magical worlds and explore the great outdoors as we dress up, craft, make music, play, and make new friends.

Nature Play Days take place in The Ramble, beginning in late April and continue through October. 

Learn more about youth and family programs at the Garden.

Learn about our other gardens.

The new Curiosity Cottage in in the Ramble.

Learn about the Vision behind The Ramble

A volunteer shows a family the pond in the Ramble.

Support our Growing Boldly Campaign

The Ramble Pavilion surrounded by spring blooms.

Revisit The Ramble Opening Weekend