schools & teachers

Help your students grow their science skills, plant knowledge and appreciation for the natural world with a program from Denver Botanic Gardens. Programs emphasize student-led discovery through a variety of hands-on activities and guided explorations. Programs are cross-curricular and align with Colorado Model Content Standards.

Program registration begins
August 15. Call early to guarantee a spot for your class.  Call 720-865-3580 or e-mail registrar@botanicgardens.org to reserve your space*.

A limited amount of scholarship money is available to support schools with 60 percent or more participation in the Federal Free and Reduced lunch program. Click here to find out more about our scholarship program.

Programs at Denver Botanic Gardens

School groups are welcome to visit the Gardens year-round. All school groups visiting the Gardens must make a reservation. To schedule a visit and/or program, please call 720-865-3580. Denver Botanic Gardens reserves the right to refuse admittance to groups without a reservation and has a two-week cancellation policy on all programs. 

*Programs cancelled with less than two weeks notice (weather cancellations excepted) will be charged a $25 cancellation fee. Please be prepared to provide a credit card number at the time of registration. 

• General Visit Information - Find out what to expect the day of your visit.
• Guided School Programs - Students work in a small group with a guide to investigate the topic through garden exploration and hands-on classroom activities.
• Discovery Days - Visit stations throughout the Gardens while learning about the world of plants.
• Discovery Backpacks - Check out a self-guided activity backpack that contains multiple activities that encourage exploration and investigation of the Gardens. 
• Self-Guided Visit - Students can explore the Gardens on their own or use a curriculum that the teacher has developed.
• Teacher Recertification Classes - Summer classes for teachers.

Programs at your School

• Cultivation Cruiser Outreach - Bring plants, fun and unique activities, and planting projects into your classroom.
• Teacher Kits - Activities and resources for teachers to check-out and use in their classrooms.

Programs at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield

Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is a 750-acre natural and historical landscape in southern Jefferson County. Guided programs are no longer available at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield. Please choose from these self-guided programs.

• General Information - Find out what to expect the day of your visit.
• Discovery Days - Visit stations throughout the Gardens while learning about the world of plants.
• Discovery Backpacks - Check out a self-guided activity backpack that contains multiple activities. Encourages exploration and investigation of the plants and animals at Chatfield.
• Pumpkin Patch Program - Learn how pumpkins grow and visit the pumpkin patch.
• Corn Maze Program - Spend an hour in the Corn Maze with your class.
• Self-Guided Visit - Students can explore Chatfield on their own or use a curriculum that the teacher has developed. 

Find out about "Jurassic Gardens" exhibit-related activities for kids, families and teachers.