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Programs for Teachers and Students

Family Discovery Programs

Family Discovery Programs are designed to provide a rich learning environment for children and families to explore and discover plants and gardens together. Families are welcome to interact with plants and plant-based materials in a casual and playful natural setting. Encourage your students to return to BBG with their families for the following opportunities:

Discovery Garden (all ages, especially 3 to 6)

The Discovery Garden is open year-round during regular Garden hours. Our outdoor adventure garden, designed for young children, provides fun experiences with plants. Hike on woodland paths, trail blaze through a bamboo forest, pump water down a bamboo trough to a stream, or hide and pretend under a weeping mulberry tree. Safe areas are designed for small children with supervision. Sit and relax, or join in, while children explore the fascinating world of plants. Groups of 10 or fewer children; kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Family Drop-in Activities

Children and families are welcome to drop by the Discovery Garden year round for free exploration workshops. Workshops include fun, hands-on plant-based activities centered around seasonal garden themes. Exploration activities are offered for the whole family! Registration is not required, but please check Family Discovery Programs for workshop dates and times.

Plant Discovery Carts (for all ages)

Our brightly colored Plant Discovery Carts, located throughout the Garden and in the Steinhardt Conservatory, are chock full of games, puzzles, art supplies, and natural objects. Learn about seed dispersal and pollination, make crafts from plants, or surprise your senses with a variety of experiences only plants can offer. Plant Discovery Cart themes change regularly, so keep an eye out for any of the exciting topics! Groups of 10 or fewer children; kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Children's Garden

For individual registrants, not school groups.

Since 1914, more than 300,000 young Brooklynites have participated in BBG's Children's Garden program. Every year kids grow and take home tomatoes, squash, onions, peppers, and salad greens. Younger groups have structured playtime, while older kids may work on science projects or gardening in community areas. KinderGardeners and City Farmers all grow and harvest their own flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and learn first hand from our instructors about the plants, animals, and insects of the Children's Garden! For registration information and a brochure, please call 718-623-7220 or pick up a program brochure at the Garden. Registration for Children's Garden classes begins on December 1 for winter and spring sessions; April 1 for summer sessions; and August 1 for fall sessions. Space is limited, so be sure to register early.