Children’s Garden Classes
Cultivate a love of nature and a connection to plants in your kids by signing up for a Children's Garden class at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Children aged 2 to 13 can plant their own crops and flowers and harvest them under the guidance of garden instructors.
Select from the programs linked below to see class descriptions, section schedules, and fees. Be sure to note age requirements and other qualifications.
Registrations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis in the order that payment is received; note that Children's Garden classes fill quickly.
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for Children’s Garden participants, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To request an application, please contact Registration at 718-623-7220 or [email protected].
Participation Requirements, Trees and Saplings:
- One hour and 1.5-hour programs are offered. We recommend the 1.5-hour class for 3-year-olds or returning families.
- The class is for one adult-child pair only; no siblings or additional adults please.
- Children should wear clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes (no sandals).
Participation Requirements, Seeds and City Farmers:
- Please make sure you check age/grade ranges. Participation is contingent upon registering for the appropriate section by grade.
- Children must be entering pre-K (or 4 years old) to participate in the fall 2022 Seeds program.
- City Farmers participants should register for the grade they will be entering for the fall 2022 school year.
Drop-Off/Pickup:
- Only one adult should approach the gate for drop-off and pickup.
- Participants enrolled in fall classes that begin before 10 a.m. must use the 455 Flatbush Avenue entrance for drop-off. This gate opens 15 minutes prior to your program’s start time.
Snacks:
- All lunches and snacks will be eaten picnic-style outdoors.
- Participants will use alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after snacks.
Covid-19 Safety Protocols:
- Please note that at this time, we are not requiring vaccination for participants. As COVID safety protocols evolve, requirements for future programming may be adapted. Any changes and updated policies will be communicated closer to the start of your program.
- All fall activities are facilitated outdoors unless during severe weather, class may be moved to indoor spaces.
- Masks are optional while outdoors in the Children’s Garden, but participants and staff are required to wear masks while inside the Children’s Garden House, where the restrooms are located. Parents, please be sure to send a mask with your child.
- Sanitizing and hand-washing stations are placed throughout the garden.
- If your child is showing signs of illness, they should not attend the program.
Staff Safety:
- All staff members and teen apprentices are vaccinated and have been trained in COVID-19 safety procedures.
Weather Policy:
- Programs take place rain or shine! If the weather is severe, we will notify you 24 hours in advance of your program.
Class Cancellation:
- Student cancellation at least 10 business days before a course begins will receive a refund, less a $25 administrative fee.
Summer Classes
This summer we are offering drop-off programs for children entering pre-K through 8th grade. Full- and half-day programs are available. The first week, we are offering a mini session from Tuesday to Friday for K–5th graders. The rest of the summer, the programs run in two-week sessions, Wednesday through Friday, for pre-K through 8th grade.
Each summer session will explore a garden theme. Content will repeat, so please register for one section of each theme if you would like your child to attend two sessions.
Summer Class Registration Deadlines
- Garden Adventures: Monday, July 25, at 12 p.m.
- Eco-Explorers, City Farmers: Monday, August 8, at 12 p.m.
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Garden Adventures
Garden and create! Grow and harvest fresh veggies, make beautiful art with natural materials, and prepare farm-fresh recipes. Create art with flowers, make potions with herbs, and explore the wider BBG and its habitats.
Tuesday–Friday, July 5–8 (K–5th grade), 1-week mini session, mornings $225 member; $245 nonmember
Wednesday–Friday, July 27–August 5 (pre-K–8th grade)
Half Day: $340 member; $375 nonmember
Full Day: $625 member; $665 nonmember -
Eco-Explorers
This program incorporates planting, harvesting, science experiments, and sustainability projects. Groups take home fresh veggies, investigate compost, cook with garden produce, and learn about the garden’s fascinating creatures, including worms, pollinators, fungi, and more!
Wednesday–Friday, July 13–22 (pre-K–8th grade)
Wednesday–Friday, August 10–19 (pre-K–8th grade)Half Day: $340 member; $375 nonmember
Full Day: $625 member; $665 nonmember
Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program
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BCAP Summer Camp
For students ages 7–12
Go behind the scenes of Brooklyn’s most treasured cultural institutions—Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, the Center for Brooklyn History, Prospect Park Alliance, and Prospect Park Zoo—in this two-week summer day camp. Every day, BCAP Adventurers travel to two cultural sites on the BCAP campus for hands-on workshops that weave connections between art, science, culture, and the environment. Register early. Financial aid available.
Visit the Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program for more information and to register.
Fall Classes
Fall Class Registration Deadlines
- Trees & Saplings: Monday, September 5, at 12 p.m.
- Seeds, City Farmers: Wednesday, September 7, at 12 p.m.
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Trees & Saplings
For 2- and 3-year-olds with a caregiver
Learn about the wonders of gardening with your 2- or 3-year-old during this active hands-on program. Our youngest gardeners work with their adult partner to tend to their garden plots, sing songs, taste new foods, and create nature crafts.
Consistent attendance of one adult per child is required. Fee includes one adult and one child. No infants or older siblings, please. Outdoors, face coverings are optional. Face coverings are required indoors while in the Children’s Garden house. As COVID-19 protocols are changing, we will provide updates before the start of the program.
We recommend that first-time gardeners and 2-year-olds choose the one-hour class on Wednesdays or Thursdays. Three-year-olds and returners are encouraged to take the 90-minute class on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Seeds
For 4- and 5-year-olds entering pre-K and K
Seeds work together in small groups to care for their garden plots and participate in cooking, exploring the wonderful outdoors, crafting, and other fun activities. This is a drop-off program.
Children must be 4–5 years old and entering pre-K or K to participate.
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City Farmers
For students in or entering grades 1–8
City Farmers dig gardening! Students develop basic horticulture skills to bring garden plots to life with fresh, seasonal vegetables and enjoy crafting, cooking, nature exploration, and other hands-on activities. This is a drop-off program.
Participation is contingent upon registering for the appropriate section by grade.
