The Volunteer Park Conservatory is one of Seattle's hidden gems. Concealed in plain view on the northern edge of Volunteer Park, the conservatory is a miniature botanical wonderland, packing native...
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Chris D.
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The Volunteer Park Conservatory is one of Seattle's hidden gems. Concealed in plain view on the northern edge of Volunteer Park, the conservatory is a miniature botanical wonderland, packing native plants from around the world into five connected greenhouse rooms. The intimate scale of the exhibits - the entire structure covers less than 4,000 square feet, and huge plants overhang the narrow walkways at every turn - creates an in-your-face nature exhibit for children of all ages. Best of all, on a cold winter day the steam-heated greenhouse is like a free tropical vacation in your own backyard.
My wife and I took our 9-month-old for a quick visit to the conservatory this last weekend, and he was fascinated by the huge leaves, bright colors and touch-and-feel intimacy of the experience. Best of all, apart from a few neighborhood families with their young children, the structure was almost empty, a nice contrast to the crowds and noise of other public indoor spaces in wintertime.
If you have kids, or just love new and out-of-the-ordinary experiences, the Volunteer Park Conservatory is a free community resource you should have on your list.
Published
by
Chris D.
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