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 the Garden!

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.

  • 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. 

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/17/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Dinosaurs in the Garden – Few Spaces Remaining!
07/17/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Outdoor Artists: Botanical Illustrations
07/18/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Jr Master Gardeners: How to Help Your Garden
07/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Garden Artists: DIY Recycled Paper
07/21/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Birds of Prey
07/22/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/23/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/24/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Outdoor Artists: Landscape Painting
07/25/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Herb, Spice, or Veggie?
07/26/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Garden Artists: Action Painting
07/28/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Threats to Birds
07/29/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

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

Member Exclusive: Pollinator Patterns
07/31/2025 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Outdoor Artists: Bookbinding How-Tos
08/01/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Storybook Tea Party
08/02/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

NEW! Eco-Artists: Composting 101
08/04/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Garden Turtles
08/05/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/06/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/07/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Outdoor Artists: Recycled Paper
08/08/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

SOLD OUT – Family Twilight Trek: Owls
08/08/2025 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

New! Eco-Artists: Nature Prints
08/11/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Frogs and Toads
08/12/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/13/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes
08/14/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Cultivating Creativity
08/14/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Outdoor Artists: Shading Styles
08/15/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

ADDED DATE – Family Twilight Trek: Owls
08/15/2025 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

NEW DATE – Jr Garden Artists: Picnic Plates
08/16/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am