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.

  • 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 series start date. 

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

Jr Master Gardeners: Composting 101
06/14/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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

Critter Club: Aquatic Invertebrates – Few Tickets Remaining!
06/17/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

PROGRAM FULL – 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

PROGRAM FULL – 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

Jr Master Gardeners: Wacky Weather
06/21/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/25/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Flower Fun
06/26/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW! Outdoor Artists: Fabric Painting
06/27/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Garden Friends and Pests
06/28/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Critter Club: Water Birds
07/01/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/02/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/03/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Outdoor Artists: Color Scheme 101
07/04/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Pollinator Pals
07/05/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Storybook Tea Party
07/05/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Watercolor Landscapes
07/07/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Migrating Birds
07/08/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/09/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/10/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes
07/10/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Outdoor Artists: Paper Making
07/11/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Family Twilight Trek: Cicadas
07/11/2025 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jr Garden Artists: Picnic Plates
07/12/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Garden Friends and Foes
07/12/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Garden Artists: Jewelry Making
07/14/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am