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Programs for Teachers and Students
School Programs:
Self-Guided Visits:
Programs For Educators:
See Also:
Guidelines for Children's Groups
These guidelines are set to ensure that all who visit the Garden enjoy the experience. It is essential to understand that a Botanic Garden is not a park, but a living collection of plants for study and aesthetic enjoyment. A garden requires a great deal of care; please help keep our Garden beautiful!
- Every group must have a ratio of at least one adult per 10 children. For grades pre-K to 1, a ratio of one adult per 7-8 children is recommended. Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones at all times.
- Plants may not be touched, except in the Discovery Garden and Fragrance Garden areas. Do not pick flowers, climb trees, or walk in planting beds.
- Eating or drinking on the Garden grounds or in the Steinhardt Conservatory is strictly prohibited.
- Active sports, balls, frisbees, and running are not permitted; portable stereos may only be used with headphones.
- Do not wade or throw coins into fountains or pools.
- Sitting on lawns is permitted only in the Cherry Esplanade; blankets may not be used.
Preparing for Your Visit
Garden hours:
April through September: Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Weekends & holidays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
October through March: Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Weekends & holidays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is closed to the public on Mondays.
Entry Directions for Guided Programs:
All children's groups registered for a guided program will be met by their instructor or a Garden Guide at the Administrative Entrance to the Garden, at 1000 Washington Avenue. Pre-registered classes coming by bus for a guided program should be dropped off and picked up at this entrance. Allow at least 15 minutes to reach the Administrative Entrance from the other entry gates. Please be sure to leave enough travel time to reach the Garden by your scheduled time. Classes arriving late will receive a shortened instruction session or tour so that groups end at the scheduled time. Refunds are not available. Bring your group admission pass to show at the gate.
Entry Directions for Self-guided Visits:
Children's groups coming by bus for a self-guided visit should be dropped off and picked up at the Flatbush Avenue gate at the corner of Empire Blvd. Bring your group admission pass to show at the gate.
For Groups Arriving on Foot or by Subway:
Additional entrances to BBG are located at Flatbush Avenue & Empire Blvd (Subway Service: Q, B, & Franklin Avenue Shuttle to Prospect Park station) and the Eastern Parkway gate (Subway service: #2, #3 to Eastern Parkway station).
Visiting with Large Groups:
When more than one class or group is visiting from the same school or organization, they should split up to tour the Garden's collections separately. Smaller groups of children will see more of the Garden and have a more enjoyable time. Please be aware that the Steinhardt Conservatory, Discovery Garden, and Gift Shops have capacity limits and admittance may be temporarily restricted until space permits.
Restrooms:
Restrooms are located in the Administration Building, Visitor Center, and the Steinhardt Conservatory. Please allow time before and after your visit for restroom use.
Clothing:
Children and adult leaders should wear clothing and footwear appropriate for an active, outdoor walk and suitable for changes in weather.
Traveling with lunches:
We encourage children's groups to have lunch before entering or after leaving the Garden. Picnic areas located near the Garden include Prospect Park (across Flatbush Avenue) and Mount Prospect Park (at Eastern Parkway). The Terrace Café offers lunch and snack service; its tables are for paying customers only.
The Garden has limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis for school groups only in a designated uncovered outdoor school lunch area located near the Flatbush Avenue entrance gate. Unfortunately, this area is not easily wheelchair accessible without assistance. The school lunch area is open seasonally (September- October, April-June) during the public school year, Tuesday-Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 pm. School groups must be accompanied by the appropriate ratio of adult chaperones.
Garden Gift Shops:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden has two shops, both located on Lily Pool Terrace. The Garden Shop carries everything for the garden, books, and gifts for children. The selections for children include books, gardening supplies, nature crafts, games, puzzles, plants, and souvenir items. The new Gift Shop carries stationery, personal accessories, and everything for the home.
Please note: school and camp groups are encouraged to visit the Garden Shop only in small groups of 10 with adult supervision.
Accessibility:
Most facilities at the Garden are wheelchair accessible, including the main entrance, Education greenhouse, the Steinhardt Conservatory and several restrooms. Please let us know if individuals will be arriving by wheelchair or if they are physically challenged, so that we can help you plan your route accordingly.