What will my child do in the Children's Gardening Program?

Throughout the season they are enrolled, Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for a garden and learn about garden-related topics through fun enrichment activities. Each session includes time dedicated to hands-on gardening and time dedicated to learning about a particular theme, through investigations, hikes, discussions, and games. Caregiver accompanying their Sprout actively participates along with their Sprout.

Where does the Children's Gardening Program take place?

The program takes place outdoors at the Edible Academy (EA). The campus is located near the East Gate and includes gardens, classrooms, greenhouse, open air pavilions (offering relief from sun and rain), restrooms, water bottle refill station, and hand sanitizer dispensers. The classrooms and greenhouse will not be utilized during the program. The Edible Academy campus is NOT open to the public during the CGP sessions.

Does my child harvest and keep what they grow?

Many of the crops the Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for are harvested during the season they are enrolled. Some of the crops are left to grow and are harvested by the Crafters and Sprouts enrolled in subsequent seasons. Some of the crops will be harvested by Edible Academy staff and donated to local community-based food providers.

Does my child choose what they grow?

In order to have seeds and seedlings ready each program session, EA staff develop planting plans that include a diversity of crops that are seasonally appropriate. Each season more than a dozen different vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown.

How does my child get to the Edible Academy?

Crafters and Trams are transported to and from the Edible Academy on the NYBG Trams. Trams depart from the Tulip Tree Allee. Crafters Educators join the Crafters to provide supervision during the ride.

Who teaches my child during the Children's Gardening Program?

NYBG hires and trains Crafters and Sprouts Educators to facilitate the gardening and enrichment activities planned by Edible Academy administrators. Each Educator is assigned up to 12 Crafters or 12 Sprouts and accompanying caregivers and is supported during program sessions by several Edible Academy administrators as well as Assistant Educators.

What efforts are being made to promote my child's safety during the program session?

All activities of the Children’s Gardening Program will take place outdoors; all staff and participants are required to wear face coverings indoors and in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy. Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the Edible Academy campus. All garden tools will be disinfected with an alcohol-based disinfectant in between users. Enrichment activities will include hikes and games that promote social distancing.

How do I enroll my child in the Children's Gardening Program?

You can enroll https://www.nybg.org/learn/kids-teens/childrens-gardening-program/ or via phone at 718.817.8181.

When does registration for the Children's Gardening Program begin?

You can register your child for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and/or Fall 2022 sessions now.

Do NYBG Members receive a discount?

Yes, we offer CGP Crafters and Sprouts at a discounted rate for NYBG Members at the Family Level and above.

Are discounts available for enrolling in more than one season?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for enrolling your child in three or more seasons. Please use code CGP1022 at check out.

Do you offer financial scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for a https://nybg.doubleknot.com/form/takesurvey.aspx?surveyid=83821&orgkey=3803 .

Who do I contact if I have further questions regarding the Children's Gardening Program?

You can email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181

How can I purchase or renew a Membership?

You can purchase a Membership https://www.nybg.org/join-support/membership/ , on-site at any ticket window, or by calling the Membership Office. To purchase online you’ll have to create a new Member account. Renewing Members have an existing account. https://www.nybg.org/content/uploads/2019/11/ME_Members-Login-Info_2019-Final.pdf

Trade-in Tickets Towards Membership

If you have purchased regular-priced admission to the Garden, during your visit the ticket price can be applied to the cost of a Membership. For Individual and Teacher level, the cost of one regular-priced ticket is applied. The cost of two regular-priced tickets can be applied towards the purchase of a Dual Membership. The cost of two adult and two children’s tickets can be applied towards the purchase of Family–Sustaining Memberships. Please see a Visitor Services Representative on the day of your visit for additional details.

When will I receive my Membership materials?

Please allow 2–3 weeks from the date of purchase to receive your Membership materials. We will assume all proper Membership materials have been received unless notified. Please notify the Membership Office if you have not received your Membership materials 3 weeks after purchase.

Renewals may be processed at any point once your Membership term has commenced. When you renew an active Membership, it will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. The Membership Office does not retain the credit card information. This information must be re-submitted with each renewal.

When can I begin using my Member benefits?

Member admission and discounts can be used immediately upon purchase of Membership. Member Passes for guest admission or parking will be sent with your Membership materials within 2-3 weeks of purchase. Member passes can only be redeemed by presenting the physical pass at the Garden.

What admission benefits do Members receive?

Membership entitles you to year-round admission. Each Membership is allotted a fixed number of complimentary Member tickets per day determined by Membership level.

What discounts do Members receive?

Members receive a 10% discount off purchases at NYBG Shop. Members also receive discounts on education course fees and on select premium events.

Do I have to reserve tickets for timed entry?

Timed tickets may be required for admission to the Garden. This is necessary to alleviate overcrowding, ensure a more pleasant experience, and protect the Conservatory, collections, and delicate exhibitions.

How do I redeem my Member Passes?

To receive complimentary parking, redeem pass to the parking attendant upon arrival on Garden premise. When parking at our secure parking facility at 401 Bedford Park Blvd, Members must validate parking ticket and redeem pass at a Garden ticket window to avoid Event and Standard Weekday non-visitor rates. For guest admissions, passes can only be redeemed at Garden ticket windows; they cannot be reserved in advance. Each pass can be used once. If you do not have your passes when you visit, you will be required to pay regular price (no refunds).

How do I redeem Member Passes for timed-entry admission?

If a Member with a timed ticket brings a friend using a guest pass, Garden Representatives will do their best to accommodate the guest(s) at the same time. Additional timed tickets are available for purchase at regular price if you have exceeded the number of complimentary admissions allowed by your Membership level.

Can I give a friend one of my Member passes?

No. Members are required to accompany their guest(s) when using a guest pass.

Are Member Passes always valid for guest admission?

Member Passes are not valid for guest admission during the Holiday Train Show® or select premium events.

What reciprocal benefits do Members have at participating gardens and arboreta?

Garden Members receive reciprocal benefits at gardens and arboreta throughout the United States through our association with the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program. Benefits vary by organization. Members must contact the Garden they wish to visit confirm what benefits are available. A complete listing can be found https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/ .

Can I access the Garden prior to opening hours?

Early Morning Access is a great way to enjoy the beauty and solace of the New York Botanical Garden’s grounds before the Garden is open to the general public. Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Patron level Members can utilize their complimentary Early Morning Access from Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 a.m. Please have your Membership ID card or proof of Membership purchase (receipt) available when entering the Garden. Please note that no building entry is allowed with the exception of the Visitor Center and East Gate restrooms and parking is only available at the Mosholu Entrance (2950 Southern Blvd.).

How long does it take to receive my Membership card(s)?

Membership cards and passes will be mailed within 2-3 weeks of Membership purchase. Membership is active upon purchase and is not contingent upon the receipt of Membership materials.

How many cards will I receive?

Individual level will receive one Membership card. Memberships that include two or more individuals will receive at most two Membership Cards, one for each adult named on the Membership. If a Member wishes to add a new second individual to the Membership during cycle, there is a $10 replacement card fee.

Do I need my Membership card to access my benefits?

No. If you do not have your Membership card, a photo ID will be requested by Garden Representatives to receive your Member benefits. Member benefits are for the Member(s) listed on the Membership.

I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?

There is a $10 replacement fee for lost, damaged, or stolen Membership Cards You can purchase a replacement card at any ticket window when visiting the Garden or by calling the Membership Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the mailing of replacement card(s).

Membership is valid for one year from the date your application is processed. No refunds, extensions, or exchanges will be granted if you are for any reason unable to utilize your Membership Benefits.

Memberships, Membership Benefits, passes, and Membership Cards are nontransferable.

Membership Downgrades

The Garden does not permit a Member to downgrade to a lower Category once the Membership materials have been received and/or benefits have been used.

Membership Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all Members of the Botanical Garden. In these terms “you/r” or “Member/s” refer to all people who have purchased or applied for a Membership at the Individual, Individual Senior, Dual, Dual Senior, Family, Family Senior, Friends & Family, Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Teacher categories. The terms “we”, “NYBG”, “the Botanical Garden”, or “the Garden” refer to The New York Botanical Garden. With the exception of the benefit of admission to the Garden, we reserve the right to alter the Membership Categories and Benefits without prior notice. Members and guests are subject to conditions and policies of the Garden. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse entry and/or Membership to a Member and to revoke a Membership without refund if a Member behaves in a threatening or abusive manner toward any person, or damages or threatens to damage any of the collections at The New York Botanical Garden. We reserve the right to amend the terms of these policies at any time. At the time of an amendment, Members will be notified.

What’s the advantage of attending the school of professional horticulture versus earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture?

The advantage can be summarized with one word—skills! The School’s strength is that it teaches students valuable horticulture skills, which give our graduates a competitive advantage over other programs based solely on coursework. The School’s program combines the theoretical and the practical, teaching not just how to grow plants, but why plants grow the way they do. It is due to this kind of education that our students are highly sought after, not just for internships, but also for full-time employment upon graduation.

As someone who is switching careers, what is it like to work in the horticulture industry?

It is a close-knit community of dedicated and passionate professionals who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, information, and employment opportunities. As a student, you meet many key people in this profession from around the world in diverse areas of horticulture, and as a graduate, you become part of that community. One of the biggest benefits of attending the School is making these lifelong contacts here at NYBG and beyond.

What is the typical demographic of students in the school?

Students come from all over the country and world. Most students have some college background, and many have degrees in fields other than horticulture. The majority of students are career changers and range in age from their late teens to mid-50s.

What is the job placement rate for graduates?

The School has had a job placement rate of 100% for the past 8 years. Our alumni are highly sought after by botanical gardens, public parks, celebrity estates, and even major league sports stadiums. Exceptional students also are often hired at NYBG upon graduation when a position is available. However, the School does not promise or guarantee employment.

What kind of salary can I expect to recieve

Generally, private industry pays more than public parks and gardens. The starting salary range in private industry is typically $50,000–$60,000; for non-profits it is $40,000–$55,000.

How is the two-year program divided?

The program is divided into nine terms. Academic classes are concentrated between rotations and include evening sessions.

What if I have fewer hours of experience by application deadline, should I still apply?

Yes; contact the Director to assess your situation.

How many course hours should I expect to take?

Students are required to complete 630 Course Hours and 1,990 Horticulture Rotation and Internship Hours in order to qualify for graduation.

How many hours of studying can I anticipate?

On horticulture rotation days, students start at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. On class days, students may start at 10 a.m. and finish at 6 or 9 p.m. Students also can expect to have classes some evenings throughout the year. Some courses require homework and studying outside class hours.

Why are some courses taught in the evenings?

Many courses are taught by our expert Horticulture staff. Due to their daytime schedules, they are only free to teach after 4 p.m.

Is it possible to work part-time while I am a student in the School?

Due to the intense schedule of academic courses and work rotations, in addition to various lectures, field trips, and plant ID walks, it’s nearly impossible to hold a part-time job, find time to study, and stay in good academic standing for the two-year program.

What does one recieve after Graduating from the school?

After successfully completing the program, students receive a Diploma in Horticulture from The New York Botanical Garden.

Housing is available in the Bronx and lower Westchester County within a convenient distance from the Garden. Housing is not provided by the School, and out-of-town and international students are advised to secure housing prior to arriving in New York.

When does orientation start?

Orientation starts the last week in January. New students meet staff and become familiar with the Garden’s philosophies, policies, and facilities. Orientation and special group projects with Horticulture continue through February and March to prepare students for their horticulture rotations in the spring.

Does the school provide computer access?

Computers are available 24 hours a day in the Student Room, M-280. Students may be assigned an NYBG e-mail address if desired. In addition, there is Wi-Fi service in the Watson Building and other buildings on campus.

What study and dining facilities are available to students?

Classrooms and academic facilities are in the Watson and Library buildings. The Student Room is available for meal breaks, studying, drafting, and computer use. Horticulture training is carried out at locations throughout the Garden. The Garden’s Pine Tree Café on Garden grounds is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and students enjoy a 20% discount. The Café serves pizza, panini, salads, snacks, and beverages. The Hudson Garden Grill is a more formal dining option on Garden grounds. There are also several moderately priced diners, cafés, and pizzerias within walking distance of the Garden.

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 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 FAQ

Self-Guided Visits

A line of children walking on a stone path

Students get to connect to nature by spending time outside in our beautiful collections. Trek through the Thain Family Forest, meander through the Native Plant Garden, and explore our 250 acres of outdoor landscapes.

Free for all NYS programs serving pre-K–8th grade and D75 or HS programs serving students with disabilities

Self-Guided Grounds trips do not include access to: Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, GreenSchool/Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, or the Edible Academy

Offered every season; 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Free for NYS programs and schools / $65 for out-of-state programs

Register
Explore the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, our magnificent glasshouse with plants from around the world—including aquatic plants and vines, lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, and many other natural habitats.

Offered every season
Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
Winter & Spring: January 19–June 25, 2027
Summer: July 8–August 14, 2027

10 a.m.–2 p.m. (entry every 45 minutes)

$75 per class/$37.50 for classes of 15 or less

Register
Students delight in the wonder of the Holiday Train Show, where model trains wind through enchanting miniature landscapes.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
$150 per class

Register

GARDENING WORKSHOPS

The Louise and Henry Loeb School for Children’s Gardening at the Edible Academy

Programs vary by season. See below for dates offered.
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
$175 per class

How Does Your Garden Grow? | Fall, Spring, Summer

Fall: September 30–November 13, 2026
Spring: March 30–June 4, 2027
Summer: July 8–August 14, 2027

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

Register

How Does Your Garden Grow? | Winter

January 5–February 26, 2027

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.

Register

ELA in the Garden | Winter

January 5–February 26, 2027

Through hands on, sensory exploration of the winter garden and greenhouse, learn about the power of language. Learners will investigate seed catalogues, contribute to their own “class catalogue,” and save seeds to take home.

Register

Foodways: Crops of the African American Diaspora | Winter

January 5–February 26, 2027

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.

Register

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

January 5–February 26, 2027

Explore the Edible Academy as a site to practice applying skills and develop curiosity for mathematics, from planning a garden plot to crafting a recipe.

Register
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, fill out the form below or contact us to learn more.

School Trip Request Form

Registration Office
childed@nybg.org
718.817.8181

MULTI-VISIT GARDENING PROGRAM

Grades Pre-K–5

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: September 30–November 6, 2026
Session 2: November 10–December 23, 2026
Session 3: March 9–April 16, 2027
Session 4: April 20–June 4, 2027

Times: 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

$700 per group (4 sessions)

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
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.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
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.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
Connect the food plants we grow and eat with the larger garden community of people, pollinators, decomposers, and plants. Using hands-on exploration, build understandings of the characters, places and relationships that compose a garden community.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
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.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
Using place-based exploration of the Edible Academy, build understandings about the environmental knowledge of Indigenous peoples past and present. Investigate native plants and Three Sisters gardening.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
Discover the sustainable features of the Edible Academy. Explore ideas about renewable energy technologies, water conservation, composting, and urban gardening.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.

PLANT AND NATURE EXPLORATIONS AT THE ADVENTURE GARDEN

The Wetland pavilion with a sweetgum tree branch in the foreground

In the newly renovated Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, students become nature explorers as they investigate how plant and animal life they find within a dynamic environment responds to the seasons.

Available programs vary by season. See below for dates.
Times: 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.
$175 per class

Plant Parade

Observe and compare a variety of whole plants and discover their parts using all five senses. Pot up seeds to grow at home.

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

NEW! Pumpkin Celebrations

Explore Día de los Muertos traditions through colorful alebrijes and catrinas inspired by Mexican folk art, then get up close with giant pumpkins, mini gourds, and other seasonal plants. Start a pumpkin seed experiment to observe at home.

Fall: October 6–October 31, 2026
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Evergreen Adaptations

Hike winter trails and find evergreen trees and shrubs to construct understandings about adaptations. Take home a fir sachet to keep or give as a gift!

Winter: November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Winter in the Garden

Bundle up and explore the winter garden! Discover which plants and animals are resting for the season. Spot animal tracks, tree buds, and other signs of winter life. Design a plant experiment to observe into spring.

Winter: January 26–March 12, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register
Plant Parade

Observe and compare a variety of whole plants and discover their parts using all five senses. Pot up seeds to grow at home.

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

NEW! Pumpkin Celebrations

Explore Día de los Muertos traditions through colorful alebrijes and catrinas inspired by Mexican folk art, then get up close with giant pumpkins, mini gourds, and other seasonal plants. Start a pumpkin seed experiment to observe at home.

Fall: October 6–October 31, 2026
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Seeds on the Move

Explore the essential question: How do seeds move? Search for evidence of how seeds move by observing plants outdoors. Dissect specimens to develop theories. Pot up seeds to grow at home and track their growth over time.

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Evergreen Adaptations

Hike winter trails and find evergreen trees and shrubs to construct understandings about adaptations. Take home a fir sachet to keep or give as a gift!

Winter: November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Winter in the Garden

Bundle up and explore the winter garden! Discover which plants and animals are resting for the season. Spot animal tracks, tree buds, and other signs of winter life. Design a plant experiment to observe into spring.

Winter: January 26–March 12, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Fantastic Flowers

Examine a variety of flowers to construct an understanding about the role of pollination in a plant life cycle. Pot up seed experiments to grow at home.

Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register
NEW! Pumpkin Celebrations

Explore Día de los Muertos traditions through colorful alebrijes and catrinas inspired by Mexican folk art, then get up close with giant pumpkins, mini gourds, and other seasonal plants. Start a pumpkin seed experiment to observe at home.

Fall: October 6–October 31, 2026
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Seeds on the Move (Grade 3 only)

Explore the essential question: How do seeds move? Search for evidence of how seeds move by observing plants outdoors. Dissect specimens to develop theories. Pot up seeds to grow at home and track their growth over time.

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Wetland Ecology

Perform a site sample of a native wetland and find the connections between plants and animals in a healthy ecosystem.

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

NEW! Plant Stories: Black Ecologies

Discover the stories of Black naturalists, scientists, and plant knowledge keepers who have helped people learn from and care for plants. In the garden, students will look closely at winter plants, practice simple plant identification skills, and explore how plants can support healthy communities. Take home a medicinal tea blend inspired by the program.

Winter: January 26–March 12, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Evergreen Adaptations

Hike winter trails and find evergreen trees and shrubs to construct understandings about adaptations. Take home a fir sachet to keep or give as a gift!

Winter: November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

Fantastic Flowers (Grade 3 only)

Examine a variety of flowers to construct an understanding about the role of pollination in a plant life cycle. Pot up seed experiments to grow at home.

Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027
10–11:15 a.m. or 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m.

Register

MULTI-VISIT SCIENCE PROGRAM

Use the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden as your science lab this school year! Through three seasonal visits, students build on their learning as they investigate plants, habitats, and ecosystems in the Garden. Pre-and post-visit materials help teachers connect each experience to classroom curriculum.

Session 1: October 6–November 13, 2026
Session 2: January 26–March 12, 2027
Session 3: March 23–June 4, 2027

Times: 10-11:15 a.m. or 11:45-1 p.m.

Cost: $500 per group (3 visits)

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
NEW! Exploring Nature’s Neighborhoods

Habitats are nature’s neighborhoods, with everything plants and animals need to survive. Students compare the garden’s diverse habitats and discover how living things share resources. From underground decomposers to pollinators in the sky, students investigate habitats large and small while building climate literacy, observation skills, and respect for nature through journaling and hands-on activities.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.
Why Wetlands? (Grade 4)

Why wetlands? Wetlands are amazing habitats that are key to our climate resiliency! Explore the unique plants and animal life that inhabit our NYC pond and bog. Observe the adaptations that allow these organisms to live and thrive in changing environments. Investigate how a wetland can protect against weather hazards and serve as a natural pollutant filter.

Register by September 15, 2026 by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.

PLANT SCIENCE WORKSHOPS

Children with paper and pads investigating leaves

Be a World Explorer

Step into the GreenSchool inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, where students become world explorers! They’ll investigate all kinds of habitats—from lush rain forests to arid deserts, observing complex life systems interacting to help plants thrive. Along the way, they explore sustainability, learning how plant adaptations contribute to climate resilience and a healthier planet.

Programs vary by season. See below for each program’s dates.
Times: 10–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
$175 per class

Plant Parts We Eat

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

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027

Register
Life in the Rain Forest

Step into the layers of the rain forest to discover its unique climates, biodiversity, and adaptations. Learn about plants used for food and medicine, then pot up a tropical plant to bring home.

Offered fall through spring

Register
Flower Power: Observe and Create

Seasonal exhibition

Celebrate the spirit of the ’60s in a groovy and colorful flower show inspired by hippie culture and its love of nature. Create a botanical tableau of peace, blooms, and flower fun.

October 6–23, 2026

Register

Amazing Plant Adaptations

How do plants survive in extreme environments? Compare adaptations in rain forests, deserts, and carnivorous bogs. Pot up your own resilient plant to observe its life cycle.

Offered fall through spring

Register

Patterns of Plants

Discover symmetry and design in nature. Use plant parts to create beautiful mandalas, blending science, geometry, and art in a hands-on exploration of natural structures.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027

Register

Flowers in the Life Cycle

Dissect real flowers to explore how blossoms, fruits and seeds support plant reproduction. Investigate diverse environments, and pot up a take home experiment.

Winter: January 26–March 12, 2027
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027

Register

The Water Cycle

Examine how air, water, and land interact across Earth’s biomes. Learn about the vital role of plants in the water cycle, and create a mini terrarium to explore this system at home.

Winter: January 26–March 12, 2027
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027

Register

KAWS: Observe and Create

Seasonal exhibition

Discover the iconic KAWS monumental sculptures against the living canvas of the Garden. Create your own playful art within the beauty of the natural world.

May 25–June 4, 2027

Register

INDOOR TOURS IN THE ENID A. HAUPT CONSERVATORY

Lowland rainforest gallery in the Conservatory

Be a Plant Hunter

Inside the rain forests and deserts of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, students become detectives—hunting for plants, observing ecosystems, finding adaptations, and investigating biodiversity. Through hands-on exploration, they develop a deeper understanding of plant survival and resilience, connecting their discoveries to global conservation efforts.

Programs dates vary; see dates below for each program.
Times: 10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
$150 per class

Programs are offered during the school year only (fall through spring).

A Journey Around Ecosystems (Grades Pre-K–2)

Observe how plants respond to different climates and changing seasons. Learn how ecosystems function using a field journals to record discoveries.

Register

Ecosystems of the World (Grades 3–5)

Investigate rain forests, deserts, and a bog to identify how organisms grow in extreme conditions. Use field journals to record your findings.

Register

Climate and Biodiversity (Grades 6–8)

Explore the relationship between climate biodiversity, and conservation. Discover how global ecosystems respond to environmental shifts and explore ways to protect plant life for future generations. Use field journals to document biodiversity and deepen conservation awareness.

Register
Flower Power Tour (Grades K–8)

Celebrate the spirit of the ‘60s in a groovy and colorful flower show inspired by hippie culture and its love of nature.

October 6–23, 2026

Register

The Orchid Show (Grades K–8)

Step into abundant orchid displays to discover the secret to their survival across the globe. From rain forests to mountain slopes, explore how these flowers adapt, thrive and survive!

February 16–April 23, 2027

Register

KAWS Tour (Grades K–8)

Discover the iconic KAWS monumental sculptures against the living canvas of the Garden. Create your own playful art within the beauty of the natural world.

May 25–June 4, 2027

Register

Holiday Train Show® and Patterns of Plants Tour (Grades 2–8)

Extend your Holiday Train Show experience with the Patterns of Plants tour at the GreenSchool in the Haupt Conservatory. Discover symmetry and geometry in nature and compare natural patterns in plants with the structures featured in the Holiday Train Show.

This Conservatory tour can only be reserved in combination with a Holiday Train Show reservation.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
$225 per class

Register by contacting our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or childed@nybg.org.

Guided Nature Walks

A group of young students stands on a bridge overlooking a forest in fall

Students get to connect to nature by spending time outside in our beautiful collections. They’ll trek through the Thain Family Forest, meander through the Native Plant Garden, and explore all 250 acres of our landscape. Using field journals to record observations and discussing ideas with friends, they learn how healthy ecosystems support biodiversity, sustainability, and resilience.

Fall: October 6–November 13, 2026
Spring: March 23–June 4, 2027
10:15–11:15 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
$150 per class

Sensory Walk (Grades Pre-K–5)

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

Register

Native Plant Champions Walk (Grades 2–8)

Explore a woodland, wetland, and a meadow to learn about the role of native plants in healthy ecosystems and take conservation action.

Register

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 Lënapehòking (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

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Two children looking at a model train

Students delight in the wonder of the Holiday Train Show, where model trains wind through enchanting miniature landscapes. Pair the experience with a winter botanical art-making workshop in the GreenSchool or an evergreen hike to explore seasonal adaptations in the beauty of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027

Self-Guided Holiday Train Show® (Grades Pre-K–8)

Explore a winter wonderland as model trains and trolleys wind their way through miniature New York landmarks—all crafted from natural materials. Students explore the magic of engineering, history, and plants all in one unforgettable self-guided visit.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
All Day
$150 per class

Register
Holiday Train Show® and Evergreen Adaptations (Grades Pre-K–5)

Extend your Holiday Train Show experience with the Evergreen Adaptations workshop in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027
$265 per class

Register by calling our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or email Childed@nybg.org.

Holiday Train Show® and Patterns of Plants (Grades 2–8)

Extend your Holiday Train Show experience with the Patterns of Plants workshop or tour at the GreenSchool in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Discover symmetry and geometry in nature and compare natural patterns in plants with the structures featured in the Holiday Train Show.

November 17, 2026–January 8, 2027

Select either the workshop or tour:
- $225 per class for the Patterns of Plants tour (60 min.)
- $265 per class for the Patterns of Plants workshop (75 min.)
Register by calling our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or email Childed@nybg.org.

Indoor Lunch Tent
*Only for combination groups*

If you’re here for both the Holiday Train Show and Evergreen Hike or Patterns of Plants, we offer an indoor lunch eating area that is warm and clean. It is free of charge. Seats are limited and certain dates are unavailable.

30-minute time slots

Register by calling our Registration Office at 718.817.8181 or email Childed@nybg.org.

Contact Us

Pre-K–8: To register your class or submit a general school visit inquiry, please fill out the form below or contact us childed@nybg.org or 718.817.8181.

High School: To register your class or submit a general school visit inquiry, please fill out the form below or contact us at grouptours@nybg.org or 718.817.8687.

School Trip Request Form

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

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Self-Guided Visits

Grounds

Plant Hunters (Conservatory)

Holiday Train Show®

GARDENING WORKSHOPS

Grades Pre-K–8

How Does Your Garden Grow? | Fall, Spring, Summer

How Does Your Garden Grow? | Winter

ELA in the Garden | Winter

Foodways: Crops of the African American Diaspora | Winter

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

High School Offerings

MULTI-VISIT GARDENING PROGRAM

Overview & Schedule

Grades Pre-K–K: Garden Cycles

Grade 1: Seeds to Fruits

Grade 2: Our Garden Community

Grade 3: Seed History and Stories

Grade 4: Native Plants and Peoples

Grade 5: Grow Green

PLANT AND NATURE EXPLORATIONS AT THE ADVENTURE GARDEN

Grades Pre-K–K

Plant Parade

NEW! Pumpkin Celebrations

Evergreen Adaptations

Winter in the Garden

Grades 1–2

Plant Parade

NEW! Pumpkin Celebrations

Seeds on the Move

Evergreen Adaptations

Winter in the Garden

Fantastic Flowers

Grades 3–5

NEW! Pumpkin Celebrations

Seeds on the Move (Grade 3 only)

Wetland Ecology

NEW! Plant Stories: Black Ecologies

Evergreen Adaptations

Fantastic Flowers (Grade 3 only)

MULTI-VISIT SCIENCE PROGRAM

Overview & Schedule

Grade 2

NEW! Exploring Nature’s Neighborhoods

Grade 4

Why Wetlands? (Grade 4)

PLANT SCIENCE WORKSHOPS

Grades K–2

Plant Parts We Eat

Grades K–5

Life in the Rain Forest

Grades 2–8

Flower Power: Observe and Create

Amazing Plant Adaptations

Patterns of Plants

Flowers in the Life Cycle

The Water Cycle

KAWS: Observe and Create

INDOOR TOURS IN THE ENID A. HAUPT CONSERVATORY

Conservatory Tours

A Journey Around Ecosystems (Grades Pre-K–2)

Ecosystems of the World (Grades 3–5)

Climate and Biodiversity (Grades 6–8)

Special Exhibition Conservatory Tours

Flower Power Tour (Grades K–8)

The Orchid Show (Grades K–8)

KAWS Tour (Grades K–8)

Holiday Train Show® and Patterns of Plants Tour (Grades 2–8)

Guided Nature Walks

Grades Pre-K–5

Sensory Walk (Grades Pre-K–5)

Native Plant Champions Walk (Grades 2–8)

A Walk in the Forest (Grades Pre-K–2)

Forest Ecosystem of the Lënapehòking (Grades 3–5)

A Forest in the Bronx (Grades 6–8)

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Self-Guided

Self-Guided Holiday Train Show® (Grades Pre-K–8)

Holiday Combinations

Holiday Train Show® and Evergreen Adaptations (Grades Pre-K–5)

***Flower Power* Tour (Grades K–8)**

***KAWS* Tour (Grades K–8)**

Indoor Lunch Tent
Only for combination groups