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.

  • Garden to Fork | 10AM in June | Learn simple tricks to grow your own fruit and vegetable garden at home! June tickets available now!
  • Gardening for Pollinators | 9:30AM in July | Meet at the Butterfly House to examine how pollinators support vegetable gardens! July tickets available now!
  • 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. 

Critter Club: Coastal VA Snakes
06/23/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

PROGRAM FULL – Member Exclusive: Garden to Fork
06/24/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Garden to Fork
06/25/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Clay Mosaics
06/27/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Magnolias & Beetles
06/29/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Foxes 101
06/30/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/01/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/02/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

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

Little Sprout Explorers: Water Adaptations
07/06/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Dragonflies 101
07/07/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/08/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/09/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 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

Member Exclusive: Jr Master Gardeners
07/11/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: Into the Rainforest
07/13/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Possums 101
07/14/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/15/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/16/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

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

Member Exclusive: Jr Master Gardeners
07/18/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: The Water Cycle
07/20/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Hummingbirds 101
07/21/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/22/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Gardening for Pollinators
07/23/2026 | 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Member Exclusive: Jr Master Gardeners
07/25/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Little Sprout Explorers: What Makes a Rainbow
07/27/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Critter Club: Freshwater Turtles 101
07/28/2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am