Private Guided Tours
Are you looking for a special group experience? Private tours for adult groups of four to 40 guests are available to reserve on select days. Tours last approximately one hour and include general admission to the Gardens.
A Gardens member number is required at checkout to qualify for member pricing. If your group is greater than 10 people, you may be split into smaller tour groups for the best visitor experience.
Pricing is based on group size. Use the links below to see tour details and available dates.
4-10 adults: $220, $135 Member, $100 Student
11-20 adults: $330, $200 Member, $150 Student
21-30 adults: $550, $330 Member, $250 Student
31-40 adults: $630, $465 Member, $350 Student
Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with this tour that highlights seasonal beauty and ever-changing landscapes.
Get inspired by the current exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries.
Peek behind-the-scenes with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about our herbarium, fungarium and arthropod collections.
FAQ
What if I don’t see the date I want?
If you are looking to visit on a specific date that is not available for a private tour, you can check the public tour calendar. If there is a public tour offered that you would like to join but you need more tickets than are available, contact [email protected] to see if we can accommodate your group. Dates not listed for public or private tours are not available.
My group size isn’t confirmed yet. Can I reserve my tour now and pay later when I know how many people are coming?
The only way to reserve a private tour is to pay in full at the time of booking. We know it’s hard to confirm an exact number of people – that’s why we only ask for a group size so that we can schedule guides accordingly. If the number of tour participants is variable, we recommend booking the smallest confirmed group size at the time of booking.
What if our group size decreases or increases after purchasing the tour?
If your group size changes, contact [email protected] at least two weeks prior to your tour date. We cannot guarantee additional guides’ availability or refunds.
Our group is arriving in a van or a bus. Is there a drop-off area?
Yes! You will be asked about transportation during the booking process. We will be in touch to coordinate van or bus drop-off if necessary.
Can the tour be customized around a theme (e.g., pollinators, roses, behind-the-scenes)?
Our tours follow a route that highlights the most relevant seasonal features. Your guide will naturally weave in connections to what interests your group along the way, but unfortunately we cannot accommodate requests for specific locations, collections or topics.
Do you accommodate guests with mobility limitations or sensory sensitivities?
We are committed to making our tours accessible to all guests — you will have an opportunity to share needs during the booking process. Visit our accessibility page for more information.
Can we add an activity, tasting or program?
Our private tours are a standalone experience — just show up ready to explore!
Is this appropriate for corporate groups, social outings or celebrations?
Absolutely! Private tours are a great fit for team outings, family reunions, community outings, social clubs and more.
Can we combine a private tour with a private event or rental space?
If you are holding a private event at the Gardens, please contact your event associate to learn more about our add-on learning experiences.