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.

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. Walk-up participation is not permitted. Click on the calendar dates below to register for a specific class.

  • Tunes for Tots | 10AM in May | Shake, rattle, and roll with us as you play instruments to learn about sound, rhythm, and movement! May tickets available now!
  • Garden to Fork | 10AM in June | Learn simple tricks to grow your own fruit and vegetable garden at home! June tickets available on May 13!
  • Gardening for Pollinators | 9:30AM in July | Meet at the Butterfly House to examine how pollinators support vegetable gardens! July tickets available on June 15!
  • Trees & Me | 10AM in August | Learn about the different foods we get from trees! August tickets available on July 13!

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. 

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/14/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
05/16/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

CANCELLED: Girl Scout Outdoor Art Day!
05/16/2026 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Little Sprout Explorers: Awesome Ants
05/18/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Vertebrates 101
05/19/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Pepper Science
05/19/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/20/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/21/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Youth Education Program: Jr Master Gardeners
05/23/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: E is for Egg
05/25/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Mosquitoes 101
05/26/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Cucumber Science
05/26/2026 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/27/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/28/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
05/30/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Storybook Tea Party – Butterfly Theme
06/06/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes
06/11/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Family Twilight Trek – Firefly Night
06/12/2026 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Jr Garden Artists: Father’s Day Plates & Mugs
06/13/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Dinosaurs in the Garden
06/18/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Storybook Tea Party – Bumblebee Theme
07/04/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes
07/09/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Family Twilight Trek – Cicada Night
07/10/2026 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Dinosaurs in the Garden
07/16/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Jr Garden Artists: Picnic Plates
07/18/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Storybook Tea Party – Dinosaur Theme
08/01/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jr Garden Artists: Picnic Plates
08/08/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Fairy & Gnome Summer Homes
08/13/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Family Twilight Trek – Possum Night
08/14/2026 | 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Dinosaurs in the Garden
08/20/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Splash Fountains in our WOW Children's Garden are off.

Restrooms and water fountains are available at Baker Hall Visitor Center. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations are available at WOW Children’s Garden and Butterfly Garden.