Q: Can my students use their family’s membership to cover the program fee?
A: No, member benefits to not apply to group programs. School group programs are charged at $16 per student.

Q: How many adults do we need to pay for?
A: Your group is allotted 1 adult for every 5 students free of charge. This includes teachers. Additional adults beyond this must pay the chaperone rate ($20) or use their membership card at Guest Services. Please note that only 5 adults may go with a program group (please see “How many adults can we bring?” below). If you have students requiring special accommodations/support staff, those additional adults are always welcome and do not count towards the 5 person cap.

Q: Do you offer any discounts for Title I schools?
A: Yes! Dependent on funding availability each year, we are able to waive program fees for Title I schools. Programs are scheduled first-come, first-served.

Q: How many adults can we bring?
A: Typically, each class (up to 25 students) will have their own guided program with one of our educators. Up to 5 adults (including the teacher) may accompany each guided program. Additional adults beyond this number are encouraged to explore the Garden on their own and meet up with the group during their independent exploration time. Please note, if you have students requiring special accommodations/support staff, those additional adults are always welcome and do not count towards the 5 person cap.

Q: What should we wear?
A: All participants (students, teachers, and chaperones) should dress for the weather! Programs are held entirely outside in all kinds of weather.

• Comfortable shoes – you will be doing a lot of walking during your visit!
• Wear layers! On spring days, it can be chilly in the morning and hot in the middle of the day. Please remind everyone to wear a jacket or sweatshirt that can be easily removed as it warms up.
• Rainy days: if there’s rain in the forecast, ask everyone to wear rainboots and a rain jacket. Umbrellas are not preferred. Please note in the event of heavy rains or storms in the forecast, your visit may need to be rescheduled.
• Cold days: Please make sure students have warm outerwear and accessories (coats, hats, gloves, etc.). We are unable to lend out winterwear.
• Warm days: Please make sure students wear light layers (preferably short-sleeved shirts and shorts) and bring a reusable water bottle. Hats to cover from the sun are highly recommended.

Q: Can we bring in water bottles/snacks/lunch?
A: Yes, please bring water bottles! There are water fountains with bottle fillers located in several places throughout the Garden. Please make sure everyone stays hydrated, especially on hot days. Please let us know if you plan to eat lunch in the picnic area. If possible, consolidate student lunches into baskets or tote bags, rather than having each student carry their own lunch. Staff will assist with loading your lunches onto a cart upon arrival and then transport lunches to the picnic area for you. Please note that you are responsible for carrying lunchboxes back to the bus (or using the cart to transport them yourself) when it is time to depart.

We recommend being mindful of what time your students are accustomed to eating lunch, and keeping to that schedule, when possible. In our experience, students who are hungry do not enjoy their guided program as much as those who have eaten!

Please share information about your trip with all adults accompanying you on the visit!

Q: How early should we arrive?
A: Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled program time to allow for check-in. Late arrivals of 15 minutes or less will result in a shortened program, while arrivals more than 15 minutes late will result in cancellation of the guided program (with the opportunity to explore the Garden independently).

Q: What should we do with our lunches when we arrive?
A: Staff will assist with loading your lunches onto a cart upon arrival and then transport lunches to the picnic area for you. Please note that you are responsible for carrying lunchboxes back to the bus (or using the cart to transport them yourself) when it is time to depart.

Please emphasize to your students the importance of putting all trash in the trash can after lunch!

Q: When do summer camps happen?
A: Typically, they start the middle of June and end early August. There are no camps the week of July 4th. Please visit the Summer Camp page for more information.

Q: How many campers are in each camp?
A: Each camp has a maximum of 12 campers. Each camp is led by a staff member who has the support of an adult volunteer and 1-2 youth volunteers.

Q: When is the summer camp schedule posted and when does registration open?
A: The schedule (weeks, ages, themes) is typically posted in mid/late winter (mid-January) and registration typically opens at the end of February/early March. Keep an eye on the Summer Camp page for updates!

Q: How do I schedule a scout program?
A: You can find information on scheduling scout programs here.

Q: Can I bring a picnic to have at the Garden?
A: No outside food is allowed into the Garden.

• Enjoy a delicious meal in our Garden Cafe: soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts and more!
• Outside food or picnics are not allowed to be brought into the Garden.
• Vending machines are available in the Children’s Garden.
• Water fountains are available with a touchless water bottle refill feature.

Q: Are animals allowed into the Garden?
A: Guests are not allowed to bring dogs and other personally or professionally owned animals on property, with the following exceptions:

• Leashed dogs are allowed during special “dog-friendly” garden events such as Fidos After 5 and GardenFest for Fidos. See Garden calendar for dates and details.
• Service animals assisting individuals with disabilities are allowed.
  

Q: Are timed tickets required for scheduled school groups?
A: No! You will have time to visit Butterflies Bloom during your Independent Garden Exploration time. General admission guests do require time tickets. They can reserve them in the RVC with Guest Services.