Bath’s very own slice of the US opens an exciting new play space full of opportunities, fun, and mild peril!

© Peter Hall Photography



Taking inspiration from nature, the landscape, and Native American culture, the American Museum & Gardens has created, with play experts the Green Play Project, a magical space where children can engage with the natural world and American culture. This is a place for families of all ages to spend time together.

The design team has made use of the natural contours of the site and existing mature trees to frame the vistas into the Limpley Stoke Valley. Natural materials help the garden sit within the landscape, where children can interact with and identify wild flowers, birds, and animals.


The play space features an elevated ‘nest’ overlooking the Parkland, a long rope swing suspended from a mature oak tree that will propel children high above the ground, and multi-level climbing towers that will also provide a dramatic feeling of height. They will be accessed in different ways -- from nets, ladders, and a climbing wall -- and will be linked by a net walkway.

An intimate circle of bespoke sculptural pebble seats, by the artist Ben Barrell, will mark the entrance to the garden.

All of this is surrounded by natural plantings that enhance the feeling of being lost in woodland and planting, including a mix of native UK plants (such as hart’s tongue fern) and American woodland plants (such as bleeding heart and dog’s tooth violet) to add some drama.

Tracy Foster Head of Development, explains: ‘We are so excited by this latest addition to our garden, a transformation project that we’ve undertaken in the last two years. In these unprecedented times, having a safe outdoor place for families to explore and play in is so important both for physical and mental wellbeing. We hope that the features within the garden provide that space and start an ongoing love for nature.’



The new Children’s Garden opens on the 15th August 2020. Due to our ongoing work to ensure everyone’s safety during this global pandemic, at times we may need to limit the number of families in the Children’s’ Garden.


For more information about planning a visit to the American Museum & Gardens, visit www.americanmuseum.org