Children’s Garden Classes - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
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Children’s Garden Classes

Children’s Garden Classes

Registration for spring programs opens on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9 a.m.

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.

See class descriptions, section schedules, and fees below. Be sure to note age requirements and other qualifications.

Code of Conduct
  • Children’s Garden participants of all ages will treat their peers, teen garden apprentices, and instructors with respect.
  • Children’s Garden participants will stay with their group leaders at all times.
  • Children’s Garden participants will follow directions, use tools and materials safely, use appropriate language, and maintain the personal space of others.

Please read and discuss these expectations with your child. If your child is unable to follow these participation requirements or if their behavior endangers others or prevents an instructor’s ability to lead their group, Children’s Garden staff will inform the parent in person or via phone or email. If a second incident occurs, parents may be asked to withdraw their child from the program. Refunds will not be given for behavior-related withdrawals.

By registering for the Children’s Garden program, I agree to the participation requirements above.

Age Requirements
  • For Seeds classes, children must be 4 years old or turn 4 within a month after the program start date.
  • For Sprouts classes, children must be 6 years old or turn 6 within a month after the program start date.
  • For Trees and Saplings, children must be 2 or 3 years old or turn 2 within a month after the program start date.
Program Guidelines & Protocols

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.

Drop-Off/Pickup

  • Adults should approach the gate for drop-off and enter the Children’s Garden for pickup at group tables.
  • Participants enrolled in 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.
  • Participants must show their class confirmation email to a staff member at the admission desk to enter the Garden for both drop-off and pickup.

Snacks

  • All lunches and snacks will be eaten picnic-style outdoors.
  • All snacks and lunches must be nut-free.

Safety Protocols

  • Children should wear clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes (no sandals). Bring a water bottle, hat, sunblock, and insect repellent.
  • All activities are facilitated outdoors in various weather conditions; during severe weather, class may be moved to indoor spaces.
  • Hand-washing stations are located throughout the garden.
  • BBG staff do not administer medication of any kind. Staff can supervise campers as they self-administer medication that has been packed by caregivers. Staff can help administer EpiPens in an emergency.
  • If your child is showing signs of illness, they should not attend the program.

Weather Policy

  • Programs take place rain or shine, in various weather conditions.
  • Class may be moved indoors during long periods of heavy rain or heat.
  • We will notify you of any severe-weather cancellations as soon as possible.

Additional Support

  • Please inform us of any additional support your child needs to have a fun, successful experience in the garden. Our staffing is assigned based on the needs of the students enrolled in the program each season.
  • Let us know of any special needs, allergies, or health concerns in advance. For example: Does your child require one-to-one support or other accommodation in a school setting?
  • We are happy to set up a virtual meeting or phone call before the program begins to discuss. Please contact the Children’s Garden staff at [email protected].

Class Withdrawal

  • There are no refunds for single-session family programs, exchanges are allowed in advance of the program date.
  • According to our cancellation policy, we are able to provide a refund (less a $25 administrative fee) if you cancel your enrollment at least ten business days before the start date of the class, no exceptions.
Scholarships

Scholarship applications must be submitted before class registration.

  • A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for Children’s Garden participants, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Scholarship recipients will receive a voucher code to use for online registration.
  • Scholarships are need-based. Those who receive a full scholarship are required to pay a $50 commitment fee.
  • Scholarships are granted for a program season (spring, summer, fall) and may not be available for more than one season per participant, depending on the number of scholarship applicants.
  • Consistent attendance is required for scholarship recipients; lack of attendance may affect eligibility for future seasons.
  • Scholarship applications for 2025 will open in December. Please see scholarship review periods on the application form.
  • For any questions about scholarships, please contact [email protected].
Class Registration

Brooklyn Botanic Garden uses the Active platform to manage class registrations. You will be asked to create an account for yourself and family members.

You may view your registration records or update your profile settings in Active. Please note: Active offers a paid membership program; you are not required to participate. Member prices for classes are for BBG members and do not extend to Active passport members.

SPRING & FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS

For children with an adult

Registration for spring programs opens on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Registration for fall programs opens on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 9 a.m.

  • A child watering leafy plants while parent watches on a beautiful sunny day.

    Family Gardening Hours

    For children of all ages plus an adult
    Single session in April or June

    This is a one-time program for kids of all ages and their caregivers. Join educators at activity stations throughout the Children’s Garden. Plant seeds, water vegetables and flowers, create nature crafts, taste fresh produce, dig in soil, and more! Participants are welcome to register for multiple classes, but activities will repeat. Programs take place rain or shine!

    One adult-child pair must register to participate together. Up to three children or adults may be added.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Family Gardening Hours

    Dates

    • Weekday Spring Break: April 16, 17, 18 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • Weekend Dates: Saturday April 19 or June 7 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • June Out-of-School Day: Friday, June 6 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • $40 adult-child pair (nonmember)/$35 adult-child pair (member)
    • $18/$15 (member) for each additional adult or child in the group (up to 3 additional, 5 total).
    • Cost includes Garden admission.

    Participation Requirements

    • One adult-child pair must register; may add up to 3 adults or children.
    • There are no refunds. Exchanges are subject to availability and must be made prior to event date.
    • Children should wear clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes (no sandals).
    • Class registration includes Garden admission before or after the program; see bbg.org/visit to confirm hours. Show your ticket at any entrance to enter.
  • Child gardening with parent sitting behind them.

    Trees & Saplings

    For 2- and 3-year-olds with an adult
    7 weekly sessions beginning in April or September

    Learn about the wonders of gardening with your two- or three-year-old during this active hands-on program offered during spring and fall. Our youngest gardeners work with their adult partner to tend to their garden plots, sing songs, taste new foods, and create nature crafts.

    Consistent weekly attendance of one adult per child is required.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Trees & Saplings

    This is not a drop-off program. Consistent weekly attendance of one adult per child is required. No additional children including infants or older siblings, please.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 4–May 30, 2025 (no class April 18, May 23) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 5–May 31, 2025 (no class April 19, May 24) | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Wednesdays: April 2–May 21, 2025 (no class April 16) | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Wednesdays: April 2–May 21, 2025 (no class April 16) | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: April 3–May 22, 2025 (no class April 17) | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: April 3–May 22, 2025 (no class April 17) | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Wednesdays: September 10–October 22, 2025 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Wednesdays: September 10–October 22, 2025 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: September 11–October 23, 2025 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: September 11–October 23, 2025 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Fridays: September 5–October 24, 2025 (no class October 10) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 6–October 25, 2025 (no class October 11) | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • 60-minute sections: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • 90-minute sections: $350 nonmember/$325 member
    • In addition, there is a 4.5% registration fee for all classes.

    Participation Requirements

    • 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).

    Trees & Saplings FAQ

    Register for Trees & Saplings program

SPRING & FALL DROP-OFF PROGRAMS

For children on their own

Registration for spring programs opens on Monday, January 20, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Registration for fall programs opens on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 9 a.m.

  • Children squatting in a lush outdoor garden, examining plants.

    Seeds

    For 4- and 5-year-olds
    7 weekly sessions beginning in April or September

    Seeds work together to care for their garden plots! Seeds practice real gardening skills such as planting, watering, weeding, spreading compost, and more. Participants harvest and taste fresh vegetables and herbs, create nature art, listen to garden stories, and go on nature explorations alongside a garden instructor and teen apprentices.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Seeds

    This is a drop-off program.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 4–May 30, 2025 (no class April 18, May 23) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 5–May 31, 2025 (no class April 19, May 24) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Fridays: September 5–October 24, 2025 (no class October 10) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 6–October 25, 2025 (no class October 11) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • Friday Classes: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • Saturday Classes: $315 nonmember/$290 member
    • In addition, there is a 4.5% registration fee for all classes.

    Participation Requirements

    • For Seeds, children must be 4 years old or turn 4 within a month after the program start date.
    • Seeds participants must be comfortable using the bathroom on their own. Child-size toilets are located inside the Children’s Garden House.

    Register for Seeds program

  • Children's Garden staff member overviews children watering plants.

    Sprouts

    For 6- and 7-year-olds
    7 weekly sessions beginning in April or September

    Sprouts work together to care for their garden plots! Sprouts practice seasonal horticulture skills such as planting, watering, weeding, organic pest control, and more. Participants harvest, taste, and cook with fresh vegetables and herbs, create nature art, and go on nature explorations alongside a garden instructor and teen apprentices.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Sprouts

    This is a drop-off program.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 4–May 30, 2025 (no class April 18, May 23) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 5–May 31, 2025 (no class April 19, May 24) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Fridays: September 5–October 24, 2025 (no class October 10) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 6–October 25, 2025 (no class October 11) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • Friday Classes: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • Saturday Classes: $315 nonmember/$290 member
    • In addition, there is a 4.5% registration fee for all classes.

    Participation Requirements

    • For Sprouts, children must be at least 6 years old, or turn 6 within a month of the program’s start date.

    Register for Sprouts program

  • Child holding up freshly picked radish while standing in outdoor garden.

    City Farmers

    For 8- through 13-year-olds
    7 weekly sessions beginning in April or September

    City Farmers work together to care for their garden plots! City Farmers practice seasonal horticulture skills such as planting, trellis building, weed identification, organic pest control, seed saving, and more. Participants harvest, taste, and cook with fresh vegetables and herbs, create nature art, and go on nature explorations alongside a garden instructor and teen apprentices.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for City Farmers

    This is a drop-off program.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 4–May 30, 2025 (no class April 18, May 23) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 5–May 31, 2025 (no class April 19, May 24) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Fridays: September 5–October 24, 2025 (no class October 10) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 6–October 25, 2025 (no class October 11) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • Friday Classes: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • Saturday Classes: $315 nonmember/$290 member
    • In addition, there is a 4.5% registration fee for all classes.

    Register for City Farmers program

SUMMER DROP-OFF PROGRAMS

Registration for summer programs opens on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 9 a.m.

  • Children gathered around a table making crafts.

    Garden Adventures

    For children 4 through 13
    Wednesday–Friday for two weeks in July or August

    During this 6-session program, groups work together to care for their garden plots! Participants practice horticulture skills such as planting, watering, weeding, compost exploration, and more. Groups harvest, taste, and cook with fresh vegetables and herbs, create nature art, and go on nature explorations alongside a garden instructor and teen apprentices.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Garden Adventures program

    This is a drop-off program.

    Dates

    • Session 1: July 9–18, 2025 | Wednesday/Thursday/Friday | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    • Session 2: July 23–August 1, 2025 | Wednesday/Thursday/Friday | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    • Session 3: August 6–15, 2025 | Wednesday/Thursday/Friday | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

    Age Groups

    • Ages 4–5
    • Ages 6–7
    • Ages 8–10
    • Ages 11–13

    Cost

    • $425 nonmember/$400 member
    • In addition, there is a 4.5% registration fee for all classes.

    Register for Garden Adventures program

Image, top of page: Caroline Voagen Nelson