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 theGarden!

NBG Member Exclusive Programs

Join us in the WOW Children’s Garden for free weekly programs for NBG Members! All programs are recommended for ages 3+ with chaperone participation. Themes vary weekly for each program. NBG members must pre-register their tickets online and show their membership for entry into the Garden. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited to the first 15 children. Tickets for each month of themed programs will be available two weeks before the first date of the program. Click on the calendar dates below to register for a specific class.

  • Tunes for Tots | 10AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays in May | Shake, rattle, and roll with us in the WOW Children’s Garden to learn about music, movement, and rhythm.
  • Flower Fun | 10AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays in June | Meet at the WOW Children’s Garden to create flower-inspired works of art.
  • Pollinator Patterns | 9:30AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays in July | Meet at the Butterfly House to examine the patterns and symmetry of pollinators.
  • Cultivating Creativity | 10AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays in August | Meet at the Picnic Shelter to create nature-inspired art.

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 monthly series start date. 

Homeschool Garden Science: Nectar Guides
05/20/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/21/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/22/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Garden Bandanas
05/23/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Cadette Night Owl Party!
05/23/2025 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Jr Master Gardeners: Garden Ecosystem
05/24/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Added! Fairy & Gnome Spring Homes
05/26/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Life of a Tree
05/27/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/28/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/29/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Colors of the Rainbow
05/30/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Plant Uses
05/31/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Critter Club: Bugs and Insects
06/03/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/04/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/05/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW! Outdoor Artists: Clay Pot Mosaics
06/06/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Storybook Tea Party
06/07/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Garden Friends and Pests
06/10/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/11/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes
06/12/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/12/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW! Outdoor Artists: Abstract Watercolors
06/13/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Family Twilight Trek: Fireflies
06/13/2025 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jr Garden Artists: Father’s Day Mugs
06/14/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Aquatic Invertebrates
06/17/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/18/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Dinosaurs in the Garden
06/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW! Outdoor Artists: Book Binding 101
06/20/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Critter Club: Pollinator Pals
06/24/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am