Kingwood With Kids
Visiting with little adventurers? Here are some items to help prepare you for your visit:
- Most of Kingwood is stroller accessible. However, as a historic estate, a few areas have steps or are not stroller-friendly.
- We have several public restrooms equipped with changing tables.
- Kids will especially love the Duck Pond, Peacock Playhouse, and the Storybook Trail.
- Take a breather at the Gateway Café and stop by the Garden & Gift Shop to pick out a souvenir to help them remember their special day at Kingwood!
- We often have kid-friendly educational programs – check our calendar before your visit to see if there is a class you’d like to sign your child up for.
For Garden Enthusiasts
Our beautiful gardens offer plenty for garden connoisseurs of all ages! Before you visit:
- Check out our virtual map experience to learn about some of the areas you’ll want to explore. Download a map to have handy when you arrive!
- Enjoy some light reading? Stop by our interpretive sign panels in the parking lot and the Perennial Garden to learn more about these unique areas.
- While we recommend taking your time to discover all of the gardens, make sure to visit the Display Greenhouse for its exotic plant life, walk through Kingwood’s history in Mr. King’s Formal Gardens, and spend some time in the Herb, Rose, & Trial Gardens.
- The Garden & Gift Shop offers loads of quality plants – many of which have been propagated here at Kingwood.
- Consider checking out a horticulture workshop!
For History Lovers
Want to dig deeper into Kingwood’s rich history? Here’s how to maximize your day:
- Start your visit off right in the Garden Gateway’s Exhibit Gallery featuring “The Story of Kingwood” – this exhibit features photos and artifacts from throughout our history.
- Take a few minutes to learn more about Kingwood at one of our convenient kiosks located in the Garden Gateway and Kingwood Hall.
- See if you can discover the many original statues on the grounds.
- Leave plenty of time to walk through Kingwood Hall, Mr. King’s former home. The beautiful French Provincial style mansion is carefully maintained and primarily staged with items original to the home.
- Enjoy smaller-scale exhibits in display cases located in Kingwood Hall and in the Workshop.
- Spend some quiet moments in Mr. King’s Formal Gardens – the only gardens specifically created during Mr. King’s time.
For Cyclists
Kingwood is excited to be a stop on the Richland B & O Trail! The 18.4 mile trail connects Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, and Butler. Whether you are hopping on or off the trail at Kingwood, here are some helpful things to know:
- Our Bike Trail access point is open April through October from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.
- A bike rack is conveniently located near the Garden Gateway entrance.
- If you are stopping in just to shop & dine, paid garden admission is not required. To enter the gardens, you will need to check in at the Welcome Desk for admission.
- Bikes are only permitted in the Garden Gateway parking area.
- To learn more about the trail, check out Destination Mansfield’s helpful guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably! Kingwood is open year-round and can experience the best and worst of Ohio’s weather conditions. Comfortable footwear is always recommended.
Can I bring food from home?
Food from home is permitted, however, Gateway Café seating is reserved for café customers only. There are tables, chairs, and benches located throughout the garden for your use.
Is alcohol permitted?
Garden guests that are 21 or older may enjoy alcoholic beverages purchased at the Gateway Café. Alcohol purchased outside of our premises is not permitted.
Do you have wheelchairs or mobility devices?
We encourage guests to bring their own mobility assistance devices if you have one available. Walkers, wheelchairs, and single-rider mobility scooters are permitted. Powered vehicles such as Segways, golf carts, 2-wheeled scooters, or other motorized devices are not allowed.
Kingwood has 5 manual wheelchairs and one electric scooter available on a first-come, first-served basis. Under special circumstances, guests may make a call-ahead reservation of no more than 1 hour prior to arrival time. Reservations must be completed trough the Garden Gateway Welcome Desk during business hours only.
Please note, Kingwood is a historic garden estate on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately, not all facilities and gardens are able to be modified to allow access of all guests.