norfolkbg

Cookie Plates & Cocoa Mugs - Few Tickets Remaining!
2025-12-14 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Paint the perfect cookie plate and cocoa mug for the holiday season! Each set comes with one (1) ceramic 7″ cookie plate and one 10oz. ceramic mug. Recommended for ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. Program does not include tickets to the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. All child and adult attendants are required to have registered tickets.
Participants have the option of signing up for the 12PM session.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket.
All attending adult chaperones must have a registered ticket.
Member and not-yet-member adults who want to participate in the program must register a child ticket.
This class will take place in a Baker Hall Visitor Center Classroom.
Walk-up tickets the day of the class may not be available.
Tickets do not include access to the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights.
Price for NBG Members: $12/child. NBG member adults may chaperone for free with a registered child.
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/child and $18/adult. Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG.
Adult tickets do not include a plate and mug set. Adults who wish to participate must register their ticket(s) as a child ticket in order to participate. Walk-up tickets may not be available the day of the program.

Holiday Nature Ornaments
2025-12-20 10:00 - 15:00
Use natural items and craft supplies to create the perfect set of nature-inspired holiday ornaments for your tree. Recommended for ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. Program does not include tickets to the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights. All child and adult attendants are required to have registered tickets.
Participants have the option of signing up for the 10AM, 12PM, or 2PM sessions.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket.
All attending adult chaperones must have a registered ticket.
Member and not-yet-member adults who want to participate in the program must register a child ticket.
This class will take place in a Baker Hall Visitor Center Classroom.
Guests are advised to wear clothes they do not mind getting messy.
Walk-up tickets the day of the class may not be available.
Tickets do not include access to the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights.
Price for NBG Members: $12/child. NBG member adults may chaperone for free with a registered child.
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/child and $18/adult. Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG.
Adult tickets do not include an ornament set. Adults who wish to participate must register their ticket(s) as a child ticket in order to participate. Walk-up tickets may not be available the day of the program.

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
2026-01-10 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-31 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-07 10:00 - 11:00
New this winter, we are inviting our 18-month to 3-year-old little critters to join us for hands-on, sensory-based exploration of the Garden! This program is also a great opportunity for attending chaperones to learn how to incorporate nature play and exploration with their little ones. Recommended for ages 18-months to 3 years old with significant chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered (purchased) tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered (purchased) ticket. Pricing is $5/child.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Price for NBG Members: $5/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
All child class participants must have a registered ticket. This is a Member Exclusive program.

CANCELLED - Little Sprout Explorers: Evergreen Trees
2026-01-26 10:00 - 11:00
Due to inclement weather, Little Sprout Explorers: Evergreen Trees is cancelled.
Join us for this special class to explore the science and species of trees that stay green all year long. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with significant chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).

SOLD OUT - Garden Artists: Valentine's Day Mugs
2026-02-14 10:00 - 11:00
Paint the perfect decorative mug set for someone special in your life! Each set includes two 8-ounce ceramic mugs. Recommended for children ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
All chaperoning adults must have a registered ticket.
Adults who want to participate in the program must register a child ticket.
This class will take place in a Baker Hall Visitor Center Classroom.
Walk-up tickets the day of the class or program may not be available.
Make sure to wear cloths you do not mind getting messy!
Price for NBG Members: $14/child (adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $22/Child and $20/Adult (tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).
All participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket to participate. Any child under 3 who will participate in the program must have a registered child ticket. Adults who wish to participate in the program must register child tickets for the class.

Great Backyard Bird Count - Day 1
2026-02-14 10:00 - 12:00
Join us at NBG to complete the Great Backyard Bird Count Citizen Science project! Whether you are a seasoned bird lover or just getting started, this is a fun and educational event for the whole family. By participating, you and your family can help scientists better understand bird populations before their annual winter migration. Each participant will be provided a science kit and information on where to submit their data. Make sure to stop by the WOW Children’s Garden to complete other bird-themed activities, crafts, and tours! Recommended for children ages 3+ with significant chaperone assistance. Moderate walking required.
Participants must sign up to check-in between 10AM-12PM. You only need to attend the event one of the offered days – it is not necessary to sign up for multiple dates or times. Norfolk Botanical Garden is open until 5PM.
Click here to learn more about Birding Basics from the Virginia DWR.
Click here for more information on the Great Backyard Bird Count! Price for NBG Members: $10/Child for. Adult chaperones attend for free with a registered child.
Price for Not-yet Members: $15/Person. Tickets include Garden admission.
NBG members and Not-yet-members are required to register at least one child ticket in order to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count discounts. Only participating children receive the science kit. Children 2 and under do not require a ticket; however, if they wish to receive the program materials, a ticket must be purchased. Adults who intend to participate in the program are required to register a child’s ticket.

Great Backyard Bird Count - Day 2
2026-02-15 10:00 - 12:00

Little Sprout Explorers: Monarchs in Mexico
2026-02-16 10:00 - 11:00
In this special monarch butterfly-themed program, learn about the monarch migration to Mexico and what butterflies do during their winter vacation. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with significant chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).

PROGRAM FULL - Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:00
Meet in the WOW Children’s Garden to complete winter-inspired exploration and activities. Recommended for ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
The same theme is offered on Wednesday and Thursday each week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered ticket.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather are recommended.
This program is an NBG Member exclusive program and requires pre-registration. NBG Members must register their child ticket(s) to attend. Walk-up availability may not be available. Members are advised to pre-register. Upon arriving at the Garden, guests are required to show their NBG membership for entry.

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00

Member Exclusive: Winter Wanderers
2026-02-26 10:00 - 11:00
Meet in the WOW Children’s Garden to complete winter-inspired exploration and activities. Recommended for ages 3+ with adult chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
The same theme is offered on Wednesday and Thursday each week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered ticket.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather are recommended.
This program is an NBG Member exclusive program and requires pre-registration. NBG Members must register their child ticket(s) to attend. Walk-up availability may not be available. Members are advised to pre-register. Upon arriving at the Garden, guests are required to show their NBG membership for entry.

SOLD OUT - Youth Education Program: Jr Master Gardeners
2026-03-14 10:00 - 11:00
Join NBG Youth Education staff for our new and improved Junior Master Gardener (JMG) program! JMG is an innovative 4-H gardening program for children and families. JMG engages children and their chaperones in “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. Recommended for children ages 3-6 with significant chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Chaperones are responsible for behavior of their attending child.
Price for NBG Members: $12/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $20/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).
All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered (paid) ticket.

Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
2026-03-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-22 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00
Meet in the WOW Children’s Garden to complete a walking adventure and crafts themed around some of our favorite garden storybooks. Recommended for ages 3+ with some chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
The same theme is offered on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday each week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered ticket.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Comfortable walking shoes and dressing for the weather are recommended.
This program is an NBG Member exclusive program and requires pre-registration. NBG Members must register their child ticket(s) to attend. Walk-up availability may not be available. Members are advised to pre-register. Upon arriving at the Garden, guests are required to show their NBG membership for entry.

Educator Workshop: Project Learning Tree
2026-03-21 09:00 - 15:00
Join us in the WOW Children’s Garden to complete the Project Learning Tree requirements for the Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide. Attendants will receive a copy of the activity guide and earn five (5) credits and a certificate toward their professional licensure renewal.
Check-In: 8:30AM
Event: 9AM-3PM
Lunch Break: 12-12:30PM.
Registration: $15/Educator.
For more information on Project Learning Tree, visit plt.org .
Registration Information:
To ensure we have the correct name and contact information for each participant, each attending educator is required to register their own ticket. Do not register tickets for other attending guests.
Once you complete your registration through NBG, an additional digital registration will be sent out for completion for the Department of Forestry. This will register you to receive your PLT workbook at the training.
Additional guests and tag-alongs are not permitted.
This is an in-person training. Virtual participation is not available.
Participating educators should plan to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Portions of the workshop take place outside.
The workshop is recommended for all K-12 professional educators, homeschool educators, and college students pursuing licensure.
Coffee and snacks will be provided. Attending educators are required to bring their own lunch. Food service will not be available onsite.
Each attending Educator will receive a copy of the Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide.
Upon completion of the workshop, participants are required to complete a digital survey to provide feedback on the professional development opportunity. Digital certificates will be emailed when the surveys are completed.
If you are having difficulty registering or have questions about the PLT workshop, email youthed@nbgs.org or call (757) 441-5830 ext.463.

Youth Education Program: Jr Master Gardeners
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:00

Member Exclusive: Little Critter Club
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:00
Bring your 18-month to 3-year-old little critters to the WOW Children’s Garden for hands-on, sensory-based exploration! This program is also a great opportunity for attending chaperones to learn how to incorporate nature play and exploration with their little ones. Recommended for ages 18-months to 3 years old with significant chaperone assistance. This is an NBG Member exclusive program that requires pre-registered (purchased) tickets.
NBG MEMBER EXCLUSIVE PROGRAMS:
Class themes vary by week.
All participating children must have a pre-registered (purchased) ticket. Pricing is $5/child.
Adult chaperones must attend with participating children.
Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their children.
Walk-up tickets the day of the program may not be available.
Price for NBG Members: $5/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
All child class participants must have a registered ticket. This is a Member Exclusive program.

CANCELLED - Garden Artists: Watercolor Landscapes
2026-03-21 10:00 - 11:30
Take a trip to the Perennial Garden to practice painting flowers and landscapes with watercolor paints. Recommended for children ages 5-10 with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Attending adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walk shoes are encouraged.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Price for NBG Members: $14/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $22/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).
All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered (paid) ticket.

CANCELLED - Garden Artists: Simple Bookbinding
2026-03-28 10:00 - 11:30
Learn simple techniques for bookbinding to create and start your own nature journal. Recommended for children ages 5-10 with some chaperone assistance. All attending adults and children are required to have a registered ticket.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION:
All participating children must have a paid, pre-registered ticket to attend the program.
Attending adults must have a registered ticket, including all free Member adult tickets.
Dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable walk shoes are encouraged.
Tickets must be pre-registered. Walk-up tickets may not be available.
Program tickets include Garden admission.
Price for NBG Members: $14/Child. (Adult members may attend for free with a registered child).
Price for Not-yet Members: $22/Child and $20/Adult. (Tickets for class must be purchased for both children and adults and includes daytime admission to NBG).
All child class participants ages 3+ must have a registered ticket. Children ages 2 and under who are attending to participate in the class must have a registered ticket.

SOLD OUT - Girl Scout Shapes in Nature Day!
2026-03-28 11:00 - 12:30
Calling all Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts! Join us at Norfolk Botanical Garden to complete your Shapes in Nature badge requirements!
Scouts will be divided into groups based on their respective Scout Level (Daisy, Brownie, Junior) to complete the badge requirements. Attending chaperones will be asked to assist their youngest Scout if more than one Scout is attending. Please no sibling tag-alongs. If siblings attend, they are required to have a purchased Girl Scout ticket.
Note About Drop-Offs: We ask all Troops do their best to carpool to the Garden, and to refrain from encouraging parents to drop off/pick up their Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts under the age of 16 must have an adult chaperone with them at all times. It is recommended that vehicles park in the main lot, and a chaperone escorts their Girl Scout to the Troop Leader. In the event Girl Scouts are dropped off, it is the responsibility of the Troop Leader to ensure those Girl Scouts get checked in with a responsible adult in the group. Garden staff will not assist with this process. In addition, parents dropping off or picking up a child are not permitted to stay in the Garden . $18/Girl Scout and $20/Adult Chaperone.
Garden Member Discounts: NBG Members are required to register all Scout and adult chaperones attending the event. There is no discount for Scout tickets. NBG Member Adults receive complimentary entry with a registered Girl Scout and are asked to register their free chaperone tickets for head count purposes.
Not-Yet-Members are required to purchase tickets for all attending Scouts and adult chaperones. Scout Leaders who are not members of the Garden are required to purchase adult tickets.
No sibling tag-alongs for this event. If siblings attend, they are required to have a purchased Girl Scout ticket. Sibling participants will receive the program supplies but will not receive the program badge.

CANCELLED - Member Exclusive: Tales for Tots
2026-03-29 10:00 - 11:00
