The U.S. Botanic Garden invites teachers and students to explore a remarkable resource in our living classrooms. Our Conservatory and National Garden are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Bartholdi Park is open each day from dawn to dusk.
Field Trip Options
You are welcome to bring students to visit the Garden for your own plant-based educational activities:
- If your group is interested in a general overview of the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, consider a self-guided tour (allow 1 hour). A map of the Conservatory with the name of each area is located in the entrance at the visitor desk. Throughout the Conservatory, you'll find interpretive signs that explain more about different ecosystems and the plants that live in them.
- Use our How Plants Work curriculum on a self-guided field trip exploring four Big Ideas throughout the Conservatory (allow 1 to 3 hours).
Field Trip Preparation
You may reach out to Children's Education Specialist Lee Coykendall as you plan your field trip for additional ideas and information.
- Chaperones: The U.S. Botanic Garden asks all school groups to have one chaperone for every six students.
- Time Frame: Plan for one to three hours for your field trip, depending on the kind of tour or activity that you choose.
- Food: The U.S. Botanic Garden does not have any dining facilities of any kind, nor do we have an area where groups can gather to eat. Please plan to have your students eat before or after your visit.
- Getting here: See our Hours and Transportation page for information on hours, location and parking information.
- Reservations: No advance reservations are required.
Field Trip Etiquette
Did you know that the U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum, with plants in our collection dating back to 1838? We need your help:
- Students under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
- We recommend you break into small groups with one adult per six students.
- Adults must stay with their students at all times.
- Please stagger your visits to the restrooms to avoid overcrowding.
Did you know that on average jungles receive more than 70 inches of rain a year? If you listen carefully, you will hear the misters in the rainforest and overhear a great plant story. So please be courteous and:
- Keep your voices down.
- Do not run or horseplay.
- Walk only on the paths. Please do not walk in garden beds or on the garden walls.
We have plants from around the world in our collection. Please:
- Enjoy the plants with your eyes and do not touch the plants or objects on display.
- Use our interactive displays gently.
We welcome you to the U.S. Botanic Garden and hope you enjoy your visit!