Connecting with Nature

Welcome to Norfolk Botanical Garden’s Children and Family Programs—where learning, play and nature come together. From interactive workshops to seasonal adventures, our programs inspire curiosity and connection. Discover fun-filled experiences that grow lasting memories and a love for the natural world.

For any questions relating to our programs or our updated registration information, please email us at youthed@nbgs.org.

Birthday Party

Make Your Child’s Birthday Unforgettable. Celebrate your child’s birthday at the WOW Children’s Garden!

Girl Scouts

Book a Girl Scout Troop visit to the Garden! Complete the requirements of a badge or patch of your choosing, then spend the rest of your time in the Garden exploring our 175-acre campus.

Boy Scouts

Book a Scout Pack or Den to visit to the Garden! We feature a variety of opportunities for many of the different Scout age levels.

School Programs

Schedule your class, grade level, school, or summer camp to complete a self-guided or guided learning experience during your next visit to the Garden!

NBG Member Exclusive Programs

Join us for free weekly programs on Wednesdays and Thursdays for NBG Members! All programs are recommended for ages 3+ with chaperone assistance. Themes vary weekly for each program. NBG members must pre-register their tickets online and show their membership for entry into the Garden. Space is limited to the first 15 children. Tickets for each month of themed programs will be available a few weeks before the first date of the program. Click on the calendar dates below to register for a specific class.

  • Cultivating Creativity | 10AM in August | Meet at the Picnic Shelter to create nature-inspired art. Tickets available now!
  • Caterpillar Club | 9:30AM in September | Meet at the Butterfly House to say good morning to the caterpillars and butterflies. Tickets available now!
  • Tunes for Tots | 10AM in October | Shake, rattle, and roll to some nature-inspired music to learn about rhythm, beat, and sound. Tickets available Sept 12.
  • Tales for Tots| 10AM in November | Complete a craft and walking tour themed after some of our favorite garden storybooks. Tickets available Oct 10.
  • Winter in the Garden | 10AM in December | Explore how plants and animals get ready for winter. Tickets available Nov 14.

Class Refund Policy

  • Cancellations 5 or more business days prior to the program start date: Refund, less 20% processing fee (minimum $5).
  • Cancellations 1-4 business days prior to the program start date: No Refund.
  • Programs canceled by the Garden due to low enrollment or inclement weather conditions will be refunded in full.  In the case of cancellations due to inclement weather, all registered guests will be contacted by phone or email.
  • All programs will be held rain or shine unless notified otherwise.

Upcoming Children & Family Programs

All series classes are posted three weeks before their series start date. 

ADDED DATE – Family Twilight Trek: Owls
08/15/2025 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

CANCELLED – Jr Garden Artists: Picnic Plates
08/16/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

SOLD OUT – Eco-Artists: Pollinator Baths
08/18/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Foxes and Coyotes
08/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/20/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Dinosaurs in the Garden
08/21/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/21/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

CANCELLED – Outdoor Artists: Nature Paints and Dyes
08/22/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Member Exclusive: Jr Master Gardeners Fall Preview
08/23/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Jr Master Gardeners Fall Preview
08/23/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW! Eco-Artists: Upcycled Art
08/25/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Raccoons and Possums
08/26/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/27/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/28/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

WOW End of Summer Celebration!
08/29/2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Little Sprout Explorers: Rainbow Recipe
09/01/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Leaf ID
09/02/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Compound Flowers
09/02/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Caterpillar Club
09/03/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Caterpillar Club
09/04/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Storybook Tea Party – Pirate Theme
09/06/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Sparkles in Nature
09/08/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Mushrooms & Decomposers
09/09/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Caterpillar Club
09/10/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Caterpillar Club
09/11/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Family Twilight Trek: Moths
09/12/2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Little Sprout Explorers: Colors in Nature
09/15/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Seeds & Nuts
09/16/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Caterpillar Club
09/17/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Caterpillar Club
09/18/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am