McKee Botanical Garden is located on an 18-acre tropical hammock in Vero Beach, FL. The property is home to over 10,000 plants and the state's largest collections of waterlilies. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and endorsed by The Garden Conservancy as a project of national significance. In January 2020, McKee opened its new Children's Garden at McKee. The new garden is lo
cated on a 1-acre site at the northeast corner of the Garden. It was designed at the scale of children to be a place where they can play as they learn about plants while forming a powerful bond with nature. It is a natural complement to McKee’s existing offerings and a much-needed resource in our community. Not only does it provide an engaging place for children and families, but it also allows for expanded educational opportunities and programs. The Children’s Garden features include the entry Monkey Bridge and Grand Entry Bridge (which is wheelchair and stroller friendly), Waterlily Fountain and Karst Splash Garden, Music Maze, Blue Crab Reading Circle and Stumpery, Fairy Forest and Fairy House, Bamboo Village Boardwalk and Bamboo Village Huts, and the pinnacle of the Garden, the Scorpion Pirate Shipwreck in the Grand Discovery Tree. Children who visit the Garden are also encouraged to navigate their own Garden adventure with one of McKee's Garden Discovery Backpacks. Recommended for children ages 3 to 12, each backpack contains tools and educational materials for exploring the Garden. Choose from different themes: Garden Explorer, Things with Wings, It's a Bug's World, Plantastic and Survival: Lost in the Jungle. Backpacks are available at Garden Admissions and may be enjoyed during the visit for no additional cost. (Please check with us first to see if the backpacks are available due to COVID-19). General admission rates are $15 for adults, $13 Seniors (65+)/Youth (13-17), $10 Children (2-12). McKee members and children under 2 free.
