Children's Gardening Program » New York Botanical Garden

The Children’s Gardening Program offers the perfect way for kids to get outside and get their hands dirty. Guided by instructors, children plant, tend, and harvest fresh vegetables and herbs, and learn about topics from pollination to composting. The program takes place in the Ruth Rea Howell Vegetable Garden, centerpiece of the Edible Academy. Each gardening season offers unique and engaging activities customized for kids ages 3–5 and ages 6–12. Register by age group, below, and come grow with us!

To reserve or inquire about the Children’s Gardening Program, follow the links below, email childed@nybg.org, or call 718.817.8181.

Photo of toddlers picking basil in the Family Garden, ECAG

Garden Sprouts (Ages 3–5)

Photo of a student in the Children's Gardening Program, ECAG

Crafters (Ages 6–12)

Safety Is Our Priority

We are ready and eager to welcome children back for registered programs with some new guidelines in place.

Let’s work together so everyone can continue to enjoy the wonders of the natural world through hands-on exploration and discovery.

Wear a face covering: Everyone over the age of 2 is required to wear face coverings throughout the Garden grounds.
Reduced capacity: The program will have no more than 6 child participants per instructor.
Safety checks: Each morning, NYBG staff will conduct symptoms and temperature checks on all participants, chaperones, as well as program staff.
Stay home if:
- your child, or the chaperone, is sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19;
- anyone in their households has tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days;
- your child had close contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case (i.e., within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a period of 24 hours) in the past 10 days.
Consent form: Prior to start of each session, a caretaker will be required to complete the digital consent form (“NYBG Disclaimer and Screening Questionnaire”), which must be submitted in-person.
Social distancing guidelines: Maintain six feet between yourself and others outside of your party while parking and when moving through the Garden.
One-way traffic patterns: Look for signage to help you navigate the Garden.
Refunds: In the event of a temporary Garden closure, refunds will not be given.

Learn more about NYBG safety guidelines.

Photo of kids at play in the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden, ECAG

Scholarship Application Form

Partial scholarships are available thanks to the generosity of the Rebecca Sealy Mallory Foundation.

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Photo of students in the Children's Gardening Program, ECAG

Registration Form

This PDF is for parents who wish to register for The Children’s Gardening Program by mail or fax, rather than using our online system.

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