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.

JANUARY 2026 MEMBER SWAP: Members of the YMCA and Little Gym are eligible to receive the NBG Member discount on our January 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.

  • Winter Wanderers | 10AM in January and February |Go on a Garden adventure to complete winter-inspired exploration and activities. January tickets available now! February tickets available January 13!
  • Tales for Tots | 10AM in March and April | Complete a walking tour and craft themed around some of our favorite garden storybooks. March tickets available February 9! April tickets available March 9!

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. 

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/07/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/08/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
01/10/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Let it Snow!
01/12/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Hot or Cold?
01/13/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Apple STEM
01/13/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/14/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/15/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
01/17/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Winter Flowers
01/19/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Numbers in Nature
01/20/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Winter Berries
01/20/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/21/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/22/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
01/24/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Evergreen Trees
01/26/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Shadows & Light
01/27/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Seasonal Vegetables
01/27/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/28/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
01/29/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
01/31/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Valentine’s Day Mugs
02/14/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Great Backyard Bird Count – Day 1
02/14/2026 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Great Backyard Bird Count – Day 2
02/15/2026 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Garden Artists: Shamrock Plates
03/07/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Storybook Tea Party – Shamrock Theme
03/07/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Family Twilight Trek: Raccoons
03/13/2026 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Educator Workshop: Project Learning Tree
03/21/2026 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Girl Scout Shapes in Nature Day!
03/28/2026 | 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

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