School Programs And Tours

NatureKids School Programs

The Norfolk Botanical Garden is an ideal setting to have a field trip. An oasis of green smack dab in the middle of Hampton Roads, mere minutes away from your classroom but worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Choose between programs using the entire garden as a classroom or a special visit to our World of Wonders Children's Garden. Can't make it out the Garden? Then let the Garden come to you with our Suitcase Science outreach programs.

Programs by Grade

General Information

Reservations

Advance registrations are required. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. After registering you will receive a confirmation by mail, as well as directions and instructions to get you to the Garden.
Register by phone: 757) 441-5838 Monday through Friday 10AM - 2PM
Online Reservation request [link to form]

Guided Garden Tours

Cost: $7.00 per student and offered at 9:45am, 10:45 am and 11:15.
Groups choosing the 11:15 time slot will have their tram tour from 11:15-11:45 so that all students will be back to their buses by 1:00pm. Due to the high volume of Guided School programs and visitation, Guided groups are not allowed to visit the WOW children's garden unless scheduled for a program. Guided Groups are not allowed to re-visit WOW Children's Garden after their tour.

Self-Guided Garden Tour

Even for the most energetic of classes, 155 acres is an awful lot of ground to cover on foot. Why not schedule to have one of our Garden Guides give you a ride in a critter crawler? This is the perfect way to get some fresh air, while receiving a general overview of the Garden. Tram rides are approximately 30 minutes in length. Due to the high volume of Guided School programs, self-guided groups are not allowed to visit the WOW children's garden during the school year (Sept-June).

15 person minimum

$5.00 per student

Summer Self-Guided Garden Tour

Bring your summer group and hop on board one of our critter crawler trams for a half-an hour tour of the Norfolk Botanical Garden during it's peak season! After exploring on the tram set off on foot to visit the World of Wonders Children's Adventure Garden to get wet and cool off from the summer heat! (Available June-August)

15 person minimum

$5.00 per student (includes admission to summer exhibit)

World of Wonders Children's Adventure Garden

Only groups that schedule for the WOW programs will be admitted into the children's garden.
Groups that are coming for a program in the children's garden will not be given free time after their program to play.
All groups will receive coupons for their students to visit the garden at a discounted rate with their parents.

Payment

Minimum tour fee is $100. Payment can be made with a credit card, check, or cash the day of your field trip. Make checks payable to NBGS. If using cash, please have the amount collected prior to your arrival.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel a field trip you must notify the School Programs Coordinator at (757) 441-5830 ext. 461 as soon as possible. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Inclement Weather

Guided Garden Tours are conducted rain or shine. In extreme weather conditions, tours can be rescheduled with no penalty if another date is available. Call the registrar's office at (757) 441-5838 should you need to reschedule. Please dress appropriately in closed-toed shoes and jackets if necessary.

Arrival

Buses are to be parked in the Baker Hall parking lot to unload students. Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled program time to allow for restroom visits, payment, etc.

Lunch

The Garden's picnic shelter and the airport berm overlooking the Norfolk International Airport are available on a first come first serve basis. Your group is responsible for your own trash.

Visit Tips

The maximum number of students per group is 25. If you are bringing more than 25 students, have the groups divided into equal sized groups before you arrive at the Garden.
Should you need to leave earlier than previously planned notify your garden teacher upon arrival.
Remind students and chaperones to dress appropriately for an outdoor walking tour.

Teacher Resources

Garden of Lights School Fundraiser - Sign-ups begin October 1, 2010!

Your students are going to come to the Garden of Lights with their families. You can save them money on their admission price, and make a profit for your school or club! Sell "stocking stuffer" tickets to Norfolk Botanical Garden's Garden of Lights as a fundraiser for your school.

Garden of Lights tickets are great gifts for your friends, co-workers, family and employees.

The School that sells the most tickets will receive a FREE field trip (transportation not included) to the Norfolk Botanical Garden for the class with the highest ticket sales.

For more information contact the School Programs Manager by phone 757 441-5830 ext 461 or by e-mail at emily@nbgs.org