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Class Trips

The New York Botanical Garden becomes a 250-acre classroom for you and your students to explore. Active learning takes place in three unique sites and across Garden grounds. Students become gardeners in the Ruth Rea Howell Vegetable Garden at the Edible Academy; they become naturalists investigating plant and animal life in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden; and at the GreenSchool in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, students become world explorers examining the glass-enclosed rain forests and deserts. NYBG’s Class Trips offer something for every age group.

All of NYBG’s programs complement classroom learning and support learning standards prescribed by New York City and New York State, and also align with the national Next Generation Science Standards.

We are an outdoor learning environment, and programs run rain or shine. Be sure to dress for the weather, and read answers to some of our frequently asked questions on our pre-visit page.

View Current Catalog

GARDENING WORKSHOPS
AT THE EDIBLE ACADEMY

The Edible Academy

  1. How Does Your Garden Grow? | Fall, Spring, & Summer

    Explore soil, plant, and water the garden to discover ways plants grow and change seasonally. Search for plant parts we eat in the garden and pot up edible plants to grow at home.

    October 3–27, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    April 2–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    July 10–August 16, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    How Does Your Garden Grow? | Winter

    Explore the garden in winter. Discover ways plants grow and change during cold months in a greenhouse. Pot up indoor plants to grow at home.

    January 9–February 23, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Learning with Winter Crops | Winter

    Explore how gardeners prepare in the garden and in the kitchen for the winter season. Taste winter season vegetables and take home your own vegetable plant to observe and enjoy.

    January 9–February 23, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Foodways: Crops of the African American Diaspora | Winter

    Explore the cultural narrative of people—and the food they grow and eat now and
    through history. Learn about the living and preserved garden of the Black American
    diaspora through hands-on activities and an introduction to culinary traditions.

    January 9–February 23, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Math in the Garden (Grades 3–5) | Winter

    Explore the Edible Academy as a site to spark student curiosity with mathematics
    applications, from planning a garden plot to crafting a recipe.

    January 9–February 23, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

  2. Visit the Edible Academy to practice organic gardening methods and explore foodways. Consider the implications and applications of the lessons learned at NYBG for your neighborhood. If you are a student or high school teacher, contact our Registration Office to learn more at childed@nybg.org or 718.817.8181.

MULTIVISIT GARDENING PROGRAM
AT THE EDIBLE ACADEMY

  1. Groups meet four times over the school year to dig deeper into the topics below. Each session builds on the previous, and The Edible Academy educators share post-session activities with teachers that support student learning between sessions.

    • Session 1: October 10–November 10, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    • Session 2: November 14–December 22, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    • Session 3: March 12–April 19, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    • Session 4: April 30–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

    $660 (4 Visits) per group

    To register email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181.

  2. Garden Cycles | Pre-K–K

    Learn about plant life cycles and seasonal change through hands-on gardening and direct observation in the Edible Academy’s dynamic landscape. Explore how gardeners prepare and grow throughout the year.

    Seeds to Fruits | Grade 1

    Through hands-on exploration of the Edible Academy’s vegetable garden, deepen understandings of plant parts, needs and functions for the food we grow and eat.

    To register email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181.

  3. Our Garden Community | Grade 2

    Explore the connections between the food plants we grow and eat with our larger
    garden community of gardeners, pollinators, decomposers, and plants. Deepen understandings of the characters, places and relationships that compose a community through hands-on exploration and investigation.

    Seed Stories and History | Grade 3

    Through a hands-on exploration of the Edible Academy vegetable garden, explore the history and movement of food crops through the lenses of geography, botany and culture.

    Native Plants and Peoples | Grade 4

    Using place-based exploration of the Edible Academy site and the larger New York Botanical Garden, build understandings about the environmental knowledge of the Indigenous people past and present. Investigate native plants and Three Sisters gardening.

    Grow Green | Grade 5

    Discover the sustainable features of The Edible Academy. Explore ideas about renewable energy, water conservation, and organic gardening.

    To register email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181.

PLANT AND NATURE EXPLORATIONS
AT THE EVERETT CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE GARDEN

The Wetland pavilion with a sweetgum tree branch in the foreground

  1. Pumpkins | Fall

    Investigate gourds and giant pumpkins to develop understandings about fruit diversity and the pumpkin life cycle. Conduct seed germination experiments to grow at home.

    October 3–27, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    Register

PLANT SCIENCE WORKSHOPS
AT THE GREENSCHOOL

Children with paper and pads investigating leaves

  1. Life in the Rain Forest | Fall, Winter, & Spring

    Experience the layers and compare the climatic and vegetative elements between two rain forests. Consider diversity and adaptations and discover plants used for food and medicine. Pot up rain forest plants to grow at home.

    October 3–November 17, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Plant Parts We Eat | Fall & Spring

    Find and plant parts to develop understandings about their roles in helping plants survive and grow. Pot up edible plants to grow at home.

    October 3–November 17, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Wonderland: Curious Nature – Observe and Create | Begins May 21

    Explore a garden evocative of Wonderland to discover weird and wild plant forms plucked from the pages of Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland. Create art inspired by personal whimsical adventures and observations.

    Register

  2. Amazing Plant Adaptations | Fall, Winter, & Spring

    Compare habitat features among rain forests, deserts, and a carnivorous bog. Find traits that allow plants to survive. Pot up plants to grow at home.

    October 3–November 17, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Patterns of Plants | Winter

    Find and compare shape, symmetry, and series in plants and formulate ideas about ways structure relates to function. Create mandalas, an arrangement of plant parts designed in a circle using geometry.

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Flowers in the Life Cycle | Winter, & Spring

    Experience diverse environments that allow plants to grow successfully. Dissect specimens to understand the roles of flowers, fruit, and seeds to reproduction. Pot up experiments to grow at home.

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    Register

    Life in the Rain Forest | Fall, Winter, & Spring

    Experience the layers and compare the climatic and vegetative elements between two rain forests. Consider diversity and adaptations and discover plants used for food and medicine. Pot up rain forest plants to grow at home.

    October 4–November 18, 2022; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    November 28–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    January 16-March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    March 26-June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    Register

    The Water Cycle | Winter & Spring

    Find and compare elements of air, water, and terrain of the world’s biomes and develop understandings about the role of plants in the water cycle. Build terrariums to take home.

    January 16-March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    March 26-June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per group

    Register

    Wonderland: Curious Nature – Observe and Create | Begins May 21

    Explore a garden evocative of Wonderland to discover weird and wild plant forms plucked from the pages of Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland. Create art inspired by personal whimsical adventures and observations.

    Register

  3. Amazing Plant Adaptations | Fall, Winter, & Spring

    Compare habitat features among rain forests, deserts, and a carnivorous bog. Find traits that allow plants to survive. Pot up plants to grow at home.

    October 3–November 17, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2023; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Patterns of Plants | Winter

    Find and compare shape, symmetry, and series in plants and formulate ideas about ways structure relates to function. Create mandalas, an arrangement of plant parts designed in a circle using geometry.

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Flowers in the Life Cycle | Winter & Spring

    Experience diverse environments that allow plants to grow successfully. Dissect specimens to understand the roles of flowers, fruit, and seeds to reproduction. Pot up experiments to grow at home.

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    The Water Cycle | Winter & Spring

    Find and compare elements of air, water, and terrain of the world’s biomes and develop understandings about the role of plants in the water cycle. Build terrariums to take home.

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $165 per class

    Register

    Wonderland: Curious Nature – Observe and Create | Begins May 21

    Explore a garden evocative of Wonderland to discover weird and wild plant forms plucked from the pages of Alice’s Adventures in the Wonderland. Create art inspired by personal whimsical adventures and observations.

    Register

INDOOR TOURS
IN THE ENID A. HAUPT CONSERVATORY

Lowland rainforest gallery in the Conservatory

  1. Interactive GreenSchool Guided and Self-Guided Tours | Fall, Winter, & Spring

    During the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory Tours, students become plant
    hunters as they engage in plant investigations inside the glass-enclosed
    rain forests and deserts. By observing and collecting information about
    diverse habitats, students build connections among life systems that
    help plants grow and experience the excitement of plant hunting.

    Indoor Guided | Fall, Holiday, Winter, & Spring
    October 3–November 17, 2023; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $130 per class

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $130 per class

    January 16–March 15, 2024; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $130 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $130 per class

    Indoor Self-Guided | Fall, Winter, & Spring | Grades Pre-K–8
    September 27–November 17, 2023; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
    $65 per class

    January 16–June 23, 2024; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
    $65 per class

    Register

  2. Around the World of Plants | Grades K–2

    Observe and compare plants, weather, and seasons among rain forests, deserts, and a bog. Use field journals to record discoveries.

    Register

    Ecosystems of the World | Grades 3–5

    Explore and compare rain forests, deserts, and a bog to find characteristics and features that help organisms survive in these environments. Use field journals to record your findings.

    Register

    Climate and Biodiversity | Grades 6–8

    Explore the diversity of species that survive and grow in rain forests, deserts, and a bog. Use field journals as a tool for conservation.

    Register

    Patterns of Plants Tour | Grades 2–8

    Holiday Combination Only

    Find and compare shape, symmetry, and series in plants and formulate ideas about their arrangements in the structures found in the Holiday Train Show®.

    The Orchid Show | Grades K–8

    February to April

    Explore the naturalistic and cultivated displays of orchids to understand where and how orchids grow and reproduce successfully around the world.

    Register

    EBONY G. PATTERSON
    …things come to thrive…
    in the shedding…in the molting…
    Challenge How You See Tour | Grades K–8

    Until October 20

    Explore the gardens and art of Patterson to unearth the secrets and truth that lie underground! Discover natural processes such as life cycles and decomposition that reveal them.

    Register

    Wonderland: Curious Nature Tour

    Begins May 21

    Explore a garden evocative of Wonderland to discover weird and wild plant forms plucked from the pages of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Journal personal whimsical adventures and observations.

    Register

    To register email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181.

OUTDOOR NATURE WALKS

A line of children walking on a stone path

  1. Interactive GreenSchool Guided and Self-Guided Nature Walks

    Students become naturalists as they investigate special collections
    throughout the Garden’s 250 acres. From the Thain Family Forest
    to the Native Plant Garden and across the Garden grounds, students
    observe and collect information to construct ideas about ecology with
    their peers, and build multicurricular connections to the plant world.

    Outdoor Guided | Fall & Spring

    $130 per class

    October 3–November 17, 2023; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $130 per class

    March 26–June 7, 2024; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
    $130 per class

    Outdoor Self-Guided | Fall, Winter, & Spring

    $50 per class (Free for New York Schools)

    September 6–November 23, 2023; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

    November 29, 2023–March 17, 2024; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

    March 28–June 23, 2024; 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

    Register

  2. Sensory Walk | Grades Pre-K–5

    Fall & Spring Only

    Engage all senses to deepen plant awareness through observation. Build understandings about how plants grow and survive.

    Register

    50-Acre Thain Family Forest Walks

    A Walk in the Forest | Grades Pre-K–2

    Observe and compare a deciduous forest across the seasons. Discover the trees, animals, and insects who make their home there.

    Register

    Forest Ecosystem of the Lënapehòkink | Grades 3–5

    Hike through native forest trails to discover habitat features that once supported the lives of the Lenape people and the plants, birds, and animals that survive today.

    Register

    A Forest in the Bronx | Grades 6–8

    Explore the diversity of a native forest and discover the challenges of plant survival in an urban environment. Use field journals as a tool for conservation.

    Register

    Native Plant Champions Walk | Grades 2–8

    Fall & Spring Only

    Explore a woodland, wetland, and meadow to build understandings about the role of native plants in ecosystems and conservation action.

    Register

    Rock Garden Walk

    Spring Only

    Explore and find the basic conditions
    necessary to support the growing needs of
    rock and alpine plant.

    Register

    Wonderland: Curious Nature in the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden

    Begins May 21

    Explore the Rose Garden to discover weird and wild roses evocative of the whimsy of the pages of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Discover your favorite rose by color, shape, and fragrance.

    Register

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Two children looking at a model train

  1. Holiday Train Show®

    During this self-guided visit, experience the model trains and trolleys as they move through magical landscapes of historic New York State buildings made primarily from botanical materials.

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $140 per class

    Register

  2. Holiday Combination: Holiday Train Show® and Evergreen Hike

    Experience both Holiday Train Show® and the complementary Evergreen Hike through the Ross Conifer Arboretum.

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–10:30 a.m. or 10:45–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. or 12:30–1 p.m.
    $200 per class

    Register over the phone by calling 718.817.8181.

  3. Holiday Combination: Holiday Train Show® and Patterns of Plants

    Experience both Holiday Train Show® and the complementary Patterns of Plants workshop or tour at the GreenSchool in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

    November 28, 2023–January 12, 2024; 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
    $250 per class

    Register over the phone by calling 718.817.8181.

Contact Us

Pre-K–8: To register your class, email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181.

High School: To register your class, email grouptours@nybg.org or call 718.817.8687.

Teacher Professional Learning: To inquire, email teachered@nybg.org or call 718.817.8140.