School Programs at York Street
Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street, in cooperation with the City and County of Denver, presents a wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres. The gardens reflect an ever-widening diversity of plants from all corners of the world.
York Street Location:
1007 York Street, Denver, CO 80206
Guided Tours
Students explore the Gardens on themed tours with expert guides in groups of 10 or fewer students with 1 or 2 chaperones and a tour guide (classrooms may need to be separated based on program materials and tour guide availability). Programs cost $6 per student for schools within SCFD, $7 per student for schools outside SCFD. One adult chaperone per every 10 students is required, one chaperone per every five students admitted free. Additional chaperones are $7 each and must be pre-registered and paid for along with the school group booking in order to secure this rate.
Tours start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon.
Sensory Tour (PreK–K)
Little ones can touch, smell, hear, taste and see their way through the Gardens. Offered year-round; outdoors in warmer weather and indoors in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory in winter months.
Gardens Galore Tour (Grades 1–12)
Learn about the many benefits of gardening and explore gardens that represent plants from all corners of the world.
Wild Wellness Tour (Grades K–8)
Discover how plants and nature help us to be healthier and happier. Experience the benefits of being outdoors as you explore healthy soil, flowers, food and more!
Nature and Art Tour (Grades K–12)
Did you know the Gardens is a living museum that celebrates art in addition to plants? Come discover the Gardens through the eyes of an artist and learn about the intersections of science and art.
Journey to the Rainforest Tour (Grades 2–12)
Embark on a journey through the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory to learn about rainforest plants, their adaptations and how they are used in our daily lives.
Discovery Stations
On select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, students will visit a variety of activity stations throughout the Gardens in groups of 10 or fewer students with 1 - 2 chaperones. Hands-on explorations can be led or self-guided. In between stations, you are welcome to explore the Gardens. Discovery Days cost $5 per student for schools within SCFD, $6 per student for schools outside SCFD. A Spanish speaking bilingual instructor may be available upon request for certain stations. One adult chaperone per every 10 students is required, one chaperone per every five students admitted free. Additional chaperones are $7 each and must be pre-registered and paid for along with the school group booking in order to secure this rate.
10 a.m. – noon or 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, August-May
Plant Discovery Day (Grades PreK–5)
Explore the world of plants, how they grow and how people use them. Students will plant seeds to grow at school or home. Hands-on explorations are led and self-guided. Select Wednesdays-Fridays in September, October, March, April and May
Rainforest Discovery Day: (Grades 1–12)
Discover rainforest ecosystems from around the world in our Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory and other indoor gardens. Learn about rainforest flora and fauna; students will pot a plant to grow at school or home. Select Wednesdays-Fridays in December, January and February
Ecosystem Discovery Day (Grades 2–5)
Explore Colorado’s diverse ecosystems and habitats represented throughout Denver Botanic Gardens. For groups of 60 or more students only. By request only, dates subject to staff availability. Offered September, October, April and May.
Science Inquiry Stations (Grades 6–12)
Experience science at the Gardens, from ethnobotany to plant genetics. Activity stations lead students to use claims, evidence, and reasoning to investigate phenomenal plant topics. For groups of 60 or more students only. By request only, dates subject to staff availability.
Self-Guided School Visit
(All Grades)
Self-guided visits cost $5 per student for schools within SCFD, $6 per student for schools outside SCFD. Advance reservations are required for all self-guided visits. One adult chaperone per every 10 students is required, one chaperone per every five students admitted free. Additional chaperones are $7 each and must be pre-registered and paid for along with the school group booking in order to secure this rate.
Self-Guided Glow Before Dark School Visit
(All Grades)
October 22-24 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. only, visit the Gardens in the daylight during our Glow Before Dark event to enjoy hand-carved pumpkin sculptures, jack-o-lanterns and enchanted seasonal landscapes.
Call 720-865-3656 or email school.groups@botanicgardens.org with any questions.
A limited amount of scholarship money is available to support schools with 50 percent or more participation in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.
Mordecai Children’s Garden
School groups of pre-K–2nd grade students are welcome to reserve admission to Mordecai Children’s Garden along with their school group visit. Admission to the Children's Garden is an additional $2 per student. Available March-October on select Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.