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.

MARCH MEMBER SWAP: Members of the Virginia Zoo are eligible to receive the NBG Member discount on our March classes. Call (757) 441-5830 ext. 463 to purchase the discounted tickets. Confirmation of reciprocal membership is required at the time of purchase. Member Swap discounts are not available for class tickets purchased online. Refunds will not be issued for tickets purchased online. 

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.

Scouting America

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.

  • Tales for Tots | 10AM in March and April | Complete a walking tour and craft themed around some of our favorite garden storybooks. The March Tales for Tots will also be offered on Sunday mornings! March tickets available now! April tickets available March 11! 

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: Early Spring Trees
03/30/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Ferns & Moss
03/31/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Wind Energy
03/31/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Garden Artists: Impasto Painting
04/04/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Storybook Tea Party – Spring Theme
04/04/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Youth Education Program: Jr Master Gardeners
04/04/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Soil Superheroes
04/06/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Weeds 101
04/07/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Compost Science
04/07/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/08/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/09/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Spring STEAM Homeschool Day!
04/10/2026 | 10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Family Twilight Trek: Gray Fox
04/10/2026 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Garden Artists: Plant Impressions
04/11/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
04/11/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Flower Bulbs
04/13/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Water Filtration
04/14/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Coffee STEM
04/14/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/15/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/16/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Beaded Rain Mobiles
04/18/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Youth Education Program: Jr Master Gardeners
04/18/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Party for the Planet
04/20/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Spring Flower ID
04/21/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Earth Day, Every Day!
04/21/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/22/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/23/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairy & Gnome Spring Homes
04/25/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
04/25/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Global Garden Trek
04/27/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am