With many things opening back up, it is hard not to rush out to all of them. We’ve missed many of our favorite business and can’t wait to support them, but there is still a fine line on what we should and should not do at this time. However, with that in mind, a lot of places have put such great effort into putting in measures to make their space safe to visit. Franklin Park Conservatory is one of those places.
They recently opened back up and like many businesses, have put new measures into place. The Conservatory is working with municipalities and the state to comply with all the guidelines and requirements related to COVID-19. It is only with OUR cooperation as a visitor that we can help them succeed in this re-opening.
New Procedures
- Guests, including members, will need to reserve a timed ticket ahead of time. This reservation dictates an arrival time only, guests can stay as long as they please after arrival. Capacity for the property, including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, will be limited and tickets will be reserved according to timed arrivals. It is VERY EASY to reserve a time slot. You can do it here.
- The thing I appreciate about their reservations (unlike a few other places) is the fact that they put the number of tickets still available. This is how we gaged on what time we would go. In the afternoon, we saw there were still 100 tickets left (I think that might be the max number), so we chose that time slot. We also waited until the morning of to make our reservation.
- Social Distancing: Six-feet or more distance between groups must be maintained at all times. Areas that require a line have floor decals to indicate where you should stand. When you first walk in, you’ll see the decals + you’ll notice that the employees have masks on, as well has a plastic barrier in between you and the employee checking you in.
- Face coverings: For the protection of guests, volunteers and staff, the Conservatory strongly requests the use of face coverings while in the Conservatory’s buildings and on its grounds.
Things to Know
- All of their outdoor and indoor spaces are open. However, capacity is limited in some spaces and traffic is one way through biomes. They have signage everywhere helping you to remember.
- The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden capacity will be limited to maintain safety. There is an employee at the front greeting you and keeping count. When we were there, I think we saw 3 or 4 other people in the Children’s Garden.
- The creek water feature and the restrooms will be open, as well as the changing rooms.
- Programming + most play materials were not available.
- The Conservatory food truck will be open 11AM – 3PM on weekdays and 11AM – 4PM on weekends serving a limited menu.At this time the Garden Café is not open. Cards only. No cash transactions. PSA: They offer Spongbob Ice Cream/Popsicles that you can get from the ice cream truck!! We walked up just as they were closing, so that was a bummer! They do have picnic tables available to eat at.
- They have hand sanitizer stations throughout the entire facility, both inside and out – you can not miss them! Restrooms and other high-touch surfaces are disinfected multiple times throughout the day.
- Drinking fountains are taped off. Make sure to bring water! FYI: Glass containers not permitted in the Children’s Garden. Oh, and there is a water station to fill personal bottles will be available near the Visitor Center.
- To exit, they have everyone directed through the gate located nearest to the main parking lot – which passes right by the food truck.
- As always, Parking is FREE.
Free Admission
There are TWO WAYS to get FREE admission to Franklin Park Conservatory.
- The first way is on the first Sunday of each month. The Conservatory is FREE for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus (with valid ID) during regular operating hours of 10am to 5pm. You will still need to reserve a spot.
- The second way is through the culture pass that you check out with your Columbus Metropolitan Library Card. You check out the passes just like you would check out a library book! You can get more details here. Make sure to check the other spots around Columbus that are included in the program.
To learn more about daily admission prices + how to join as a member (and the benefits), click here.
Keep in mind they do offer an Access Family Membership ($35) for families in eligible programs with proof of participation: CareSource, Ohio Directions card, Medicaid card, W.I.C. card or Molina card. Franklin Park Conservatory Access memberships are available by mail or at the Visitor Center only.
There is just something about being surrounded by beautiful plants that is quite calming. We truly missed our visits to FPC. Huge shout-out to the employees at FPC for doing such a fantastic job with re-opening and for being so friendly while we were visiting – of course, from a social distant place!
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203
Website | Facebook | Instagram
EMAIL:info@fpconservatory.org
PHONE:614-715-8000
FAX: 614-715-8199
OPEN DAILY: 10am–5pm, Daily
If you’re looking for more Summer Adventures, check out this blog post with 35 FREE, family-friendly spots in Central Ohio.
