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

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.

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

Age Requirements
  • For pre-K classes, 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.
Scholarships

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].

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

  • Drop off with staff at Children’s Garden gate.
  • Pick up at picnic tables inside the Children’s Garden. Education staff will open the gates when programs end and guardians should check out with your child’s instructors at their table.
  • 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.

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.
  • Please note that at this time, we are not requiring vaccination for participants.
  • Masks are optional while outdoors in the Children’s Garden.
  • Hand-washing stations are placed throughout the garden.
  • If your child is showing signs of illness, they should not attend the program.

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 Withdrawal

  • There are no refunds for single-session family programs, however they may be exchanged in advance of the program date.
  • Withdrawal from a multisession class is allowed until 10 business days before a course begins for a refund less a $25 administrative fee.
  • One child-adult pair must register to participate in Trees & Saplings. Only one guardian is permitted per child into the Children’s Garden. No additional children including siblings, infants, or newborns can attend. If you are to arrive to class with additional adults or children, you will not be able to participate or receive a refund.

SPRING & FALL FAMILY PROGRAMS

For children with an adult

  • 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 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. Fee includes one adult and one child. No infants or older siblings, please.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 7–June 2, 2023 (no class April 14, May 26) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 8–June 3, 2023 (no class April 15, May 27) | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Wednesdays: April 19–May 31, 2023 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Wednesday: April 19–May 31, 2023 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: April 20–June 1, 2023 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: April 20–June 1, 2023 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Wednesdays: September 6–October 18, 2023 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Wednesdays: September 6–October 18, 2023 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: September 7–October 19, 2023 | 9:30–10:30 a.m.
    • 7 Thursdays: September 7–October 19, 2023 | 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • 7 Fridays: September 8–October 27, 2023 (no class October 6) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 9–October 28, 2023 (no class October 7) | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • 60-minute sections: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • 90-minute sections: $350 nonmember/$325 member

    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

  • In a garden, a woman wearing a mask points something out to a toddler.

    Family Gardening Hours

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

    This new program is a one-time class 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 child-adult 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 child-adult pair must register to participate.

    Dates

    • Spring Break: April 11, 12, 13, or 14, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
    • Spring Afterschool: June 6, 7, 8, or 9, 2023 | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • September Tuesdays: September 5, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.; September 12 & 26, 2023 | 4–5:30 p.m.

    Cost

    • $35 child-adult pair (nonmember)/$30 child-adult pair (member)
    • $18/$15 (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.
    • Please register on the waitlist if you wish to attend on a date that is sold out; you will be contacted if space opens.
    • 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 on entrance.

    Register for Family Garden Hours program

    Note: Small groups (day cares, home school groups, small school groups) may register to attend with an at least 1:4 adult-to-child ratio. To determine eligibility and register your group, please contact Meera Jagroop at [email protected].

SPRING & FALL DROP-OFF PROGRAMS

For children on their own

Fall registration opens July 5, 2023 (must register by September 6).

  • 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.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 7–June 2, 2023 (no class April 14, May 26) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 8–June 3, 2023 (no class April 15, May 27) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Fridays: September 8–October 27, 2023 (no class October 6) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 9–October 28, 2023 (no class October 7) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • Friday Classes: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • Saturday Classes: $315 nonmember/$290 member

    Participation Requirements

    • Children must be in (or entering) pre-K or K to participate in the Seeds program.
    • For pre-K classes, children must be 4 years old or turn 4 within a month after the program start date.

    Register for Seeds

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

    City Farmers

    For students in (or entering) grades 1–8
    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.

    Spring Classes

    • 7 Fridays: April 7–June 2, 2023 (no class April 14, May 26) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: April 8–June 3, 2023 (no class April 15, May 27) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Fall Classes

    • 7 Fridays: September 8–October 27, 2023 (no class October 6) | 4–5:30 p.m.
    • 7 Saturdays: September 9–October 28, 2023 (no class October 7) | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

    Cost

    • Friday Classes: $250 nonmember/$225 member
    • Saturday Classes: $315 nonmember/$290 member

    Participation Requirements

    • Children must be in (or entering) grades 1–8 to participate in the City Farmers program.
    • See Program Guidelines above.

    Register for City Farmers

SUMMER DROP-OFF PROGRAMS

  • A young girl shows off two squash while a teen in a Garden Apprentice tee shirt looks on.

    Sprout into Gardening

    For students in (or entering) K–5th grade
    3-day sessions in June or July

    Garden and create over three days in the Children’s Garden. Grow and harvest fresh veggies to take home, make beautiful art with natural materials, and learn to prepare farm-fresh recipes!

    Dates, Fees & Policy for Sprout into Gardening

    Summer Sessions

    • Wednesday, June 28–Friday, June 30, 2023 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    • Wednesday, July 5–Friday, July 7, 2023 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

    Cost

    • $210 nonmember/$185 member

    Register for Sprout into Gardening

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

    Garden Adventures

    For students in (or entering) pre-K–8th grade
    Wednesday–Friday for two weeks in July or August

    This 6-session program incorporates planting, harvesting, science experiments, and sustainability 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

    Summer Sessions

    • July 12–21, 2023 | Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    • July 26–August 4, 2023 | Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
    • August 9–August 18, 2023 | Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

    Cost

    • $425 nonmember/$400 member

    Participation Requirements

    • See Program Guidelines above.

    Register for Garden Adventures

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