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

Age Requirements
  • For pre-K sections, children must be 4 years old or turn 4 within a month after the program start date.
  • For Trees & Saplings, children must be 2 or 3 years old, or turn 2 within a month after the program start date.
Program Guidelines & Info

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.
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 multiple incidents occur, 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.

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. Participants who are granted a voucher code must register online when registration opens. Remember, spots fill quickly.
  • 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.
  • Applications for 2025 open in December. Review of spring applications begins Thursday, January 2, 2025.
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 young child planting a seedling in soil.

    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.

    Trees & Saplings FAQ

    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 siblings, infants, or newborns can attend. If registering siblings or twins, two separate adults must register to attend, one for each child. Only one guardian is required and permitted per child.

    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).

    Please check back soon for 2025 class dates.

  • Father and daughter sit next to raised bed.

    Family Gardening Hours

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

    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

    This is not a drop-off program. One adult-child pair must register to participate.

    Dates

    • Easter Weekend: March 29, 30, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • Spring Break: April 23, 24, 25, or 26, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • June Out-of-School Days: June 6, 7, 27, or 28, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • Rosh Hashanah: Thursday, October 3, 2024 | 2–3:30 p.m.
    • Diwali: Friday, November 1, 2024 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • $35 adult-child pair (nonmember)/$30 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).
    • Please register on the waitlist if you wish to attend on a date that is sold out; you will be contacted if space opens.
    • 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.

    Register for Family Garden Hours program

  • A white gate is festooned with orange flowers and a sign that says happy fall

    Goodnight, Garden!

    For children of all ages plus an adult
    Wednesday, October 30, 2024 | 4–5:30 p.m.

    Celebrate the end of the fall season and say goodnight to the Children’ s Garden! This is a one-time program for kids of all ages and their families. Join educators at activity stations to create fall nature crafts, water plants, use a cider press, play garden games, visit a pretend petting zoo, and more. Costumes are encouraged.

    One adult-child pair must register to participate together. Up to three children or adults may be added. Programs take place rain or shine. Please note this is not a gardening class.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Goodnight, Garden!

    This is not a drop-off program. One adult-child pair must register to participate.

    Date

    • Wednesday, October 30, 2024 | 4–5:30 p.m.

    Cost

    • $35 adult-child pair (nonmember)/$30 adult-child pair (member)
    • $22/$17 (member) for each additional adult or child in the group (up to 3 additional, 5 total)

    Participation Requirements

    • One adult-child pair must register; may add up to 3 adults or children.
    • There are no refunds.
    • Children should wear clothing that can get dirty and closed-toe shoes (no sandals).
    • Registration includes access to the Garden before and after the program; see bbg.org/visit to confirm hours. Show your ticket at any entrance to enter.

    Register for Goodnight, Garden 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.

  • A beaming girl holds a zucchini as big as her torso in an outdoor garden.

    Seeds

    For 4, 5, and 6-year-olds
    7 weekly sessions beginning in April or September

    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.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Seeds

    This is a drop-off program.

    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 pre-K classes, children must be 4 years old or turn 4 within a month after the program start date.

    Please check back soon for 2025 class dates.

    Registration has closed. To inquire about potential openings, please contact [email protected].

  • An adult and 3 young children explore a planting bed in a vegetable garden.

    City Farmers

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

    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.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for City Farmers

    This is a drop-off program.

    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.

    Please check back soon for 2025 class dates.

SUMMER DROP-OFF PROGRAMS

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

  • Four children steer a wheelbarrow through a busy vegetable garden.

    Garden Adventures

    For 4- to 13-year-olds
    Wednesday–Friday for two weeks in July or August

    This 6-session program incorporates planting, harvesting, science experiments, and nature art projects. Groups take home fresh veggies, investigate compost, cook with garden produce, and learn about garden’s fascinating creatures, including worms, pollinators, fungi, and more! Participants are encouraged to choose one session as activities will be repeated.

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Garden Adventures

    Cost

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

    Please check back soon for 2025 class dates.

Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program

  • Kids smile while participating in BCAP, Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program.

    BCAP Summer Camp

    For students ages 7–10
    10-day sessions start in July

    Go behind the scenes of Brooklyn’s most treasured cultural institutions—Brooklyn Public Library, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park Alliance, and Prospect Park Zoo—in this two-week summer day camp. Adventurers take part in fun, hands-on experiences that weave connections between art, world culture, literature, history, nature, technology, and science. Register early. Financial aid available.

    Visit the Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program for more information and to register.

Image, top of page: Caroline Voagen Nelson