Explore Brooklyn: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Trip Tips
- The garden is free on Tuesdays, Saturdays 10-12 noon, and mid November through February.
- Spring and summer are high volume, followed by fall. Mornings are generally less crowded.
- Picnicking in the Garden is not permitted. If you want to bring your own food, eat in the neighboring Prospect Park before or after your Garden visit.
Suggestions for your adventure
- a book to share
- water
- sunblock
- hat
- Bread to feed the ducks and the fish in the Japanese Garden.
- The Garden's Café is open year around.
- Picnicking is not permitted in the Garden. If you want to eat your own food, head over to Mount Prospect Park (turn right as you leave the Garden).
As the garden is a venerable playground, it is suggested that you make this your only trip for the day, especially if the child is still in the napping stage.
- Begin the day with fruit or veggie as part of breakfast. Talk about gardens and your plan to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
- Enter the garden and make sure you pick up a map. Ask the staff what is in bloom this time of year. Look at the map with your child and talk about where you will go. Ask your child what she wants to see.
- Make sure you stop in the Japanese Garden. Watch the fish and the turtles swimming in the pond.
- Visit two or three more places in the Garden. Of particular interest to children are the Discovery Garden, the Conservatory, and the Fragrance Garden.
- If you're hungry, have something at the Garden's café. If you want to eat you own food, exit the Garden by the Eastern Parkway entrance and turn left to head over to Prospect Park for a picnic lunch.
- Stop by Central Library (a block away) and pick up a book suggested on the booklist. If your child had a question about something he saw in the Garden, see if you can find out the answer.
- Make your way home for naptime!
Necessities and getting around…
The Garden is stroller friendly, but you are requested to stay on the paved walkways.Bathrooms are equipped with baby changing facilities