Connecting with Nature

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

All class tickets incur a 3% surcharge for credit card transactions.

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.

  • Tunes for Tots | 10AM in October | Shake, rattle, and roll to some nature-inspired music to learn about rhythm, beat, and sound. Tickets available now!
  • 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 23% 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. 

Little Sprout Explorers: Fall Flowers
10/20/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Upcycled Composting
10/21/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Pumpkin STEAM
10/21/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Trick ‘r Trees (Night 1)
10/23/2025 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Trick ‘r Trees (Night 2)
10/24/2025 | 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Garden Artists: Autumn Mugs
10/25/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Pumpkin STEM
10/27/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Garden Physics
10/28/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Creepy, Cool Plants
10/28/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tunes For Tots
10/29/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes For Tots
10/30/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Storybook Tea Party (Pumpkin Theme)
11/01/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Turtles 101
11/03/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Garden Senses
11/04/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Fall Flowers
11/04/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
11/05/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
11/06/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Trees & Me
11/10/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: The Scientific Method
11/11/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Apple STEM
11/11/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
11/12/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales For Tots
11/13/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW DATE! Girl Scout Outdoor Art Day
11/15/2025 | 11:00 am - 3:30 pm

Little Sprout Explorers: Garden to Fork
11/17/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Hibernation 101
11/18/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Winter Berries
11/18/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
11/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
11/20/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Thanksgiving Plates
11/22/2025 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Garden Artists: Thanksgiving Plates
11/23/2025 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm