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.

  • Tales for Tots | 10AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays in April | Meet in the WOW Children’s Garden to complete a craft and walking tour themed around some of our favorite garden storybooks.
  • 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.

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. 

ODU Writers in Community – Spring Creative Writing
04/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

SOLD OUT – Jr Master Gardeners: Space to Grow
04/19/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Earth Day, Everyday!
04/22/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/23/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
04/24/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Family Twilight Trek
04/25/2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Jr Master Gardeners: Watering a Garden
04/26/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

SOLD OUT- Garden Artists: Fairy & Gnome Spring Homes
04/26/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Garden Grooves
04/29/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Print Making
05/02/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Parts of a Flower
05/03/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Storybook Tea Party
05/03/2025 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Homeschool Garden Science: Botany Basics
05/06/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/07/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/08/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Recycled Flower Bouquets
05/09/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Family Twilight Trek: Frogs
05/09/2025 | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Jr Garden Artists: Mother’s Day Mugs
05/10/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jr Master Gardeners: A Well-Balanced Garden
05/10/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Homeschool Garden Science: Bulbs, Seeds, and Spores
05/13/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Homeschool Garden Stewards: Wild Wetlands
05/13/2025 | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/14/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Member Exclusive: Tunes for Tots
05/15/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Garden Artists: Nature Mosaics
05/16/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Jr Master Gardeners: Up, Down, and Around
05/17/2025 | 10:00 am - 11:30 am

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

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

Spring Break at the Garden: Anticipate Your Visit

We anticipate increased visitation this week as schools are on spring break. Guests may experience wait times to enter the Garden during morning and afternoon hours. Our staff is dedicated to accommodating all visitors promptly to ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature. We appreciate your patience and understanding.