Garden Programs fill quickly in October, April and May. Early registration is recommended. The Garden’s classes are conducted from September through December and February through May.

The Field Trip Request Form is online. Request your field trip today!

• Requests for 3-part classes must be made by phone. Learn more
• Register at least six weeks in advance for Garden Classes and Guided Tours.
• Register at least two weeks in advance for Self-guided Tours.

Requests will be processed in the order received. Do not assume a date is reserved until you receive a phone call or email. If you do not receive a call or email within two weeks, call (314) 577-5140.

Confirmation:

• Once your request is processed, you will receive a confirmation packet by email.
• After you receive your confirmation packet, carefully review the “Confirmation of Reservation” form. Call (314) 577-5140 if corrections need to be made.
• BRING THE CONFIRMATION OF RESERVATION FORM WITH YOU ON THE DAY OF YOUR VISIT.

Payment:

• Payment, if required, is due TWO WEEKS prior to your visit.
• Make checks payable to Missouri Botanical Garden.
• Discounted admission rates only apply when one member of the group pays for all in one transaction. 
• The Garden reserves the right to cancel your program if payment is not received. You will be notified by phone should your program be cancelled.

Please mail payment to:

Missouri Botanical Garden
Education Division School Programs
P.O. Box 299
St. Louis, MO 63166-0299

Cancellations and Refunds:

• Call (314) 577-5140 as soon as you know you must cancel.
• FOUR WEEKS notice is required to receive a refund for classes.
• All fees are subject to change.

Chaperones are required:
Recruit the required number of chaperones:

• Grades PK–3:
  1 adult per 5 students
• Grades 4–12:
  1 adult per 8 students
• Children’s Garden:
  1 adult per 5 students

Required chaperones receive free admission when accompanying a group.

Divide your students into groups:
BEFORE coming to the Garden, divide your students into the number of groups specified for your grade level’s student/chaperone ratio.

Wear name labels:
Please have your students wear name labels with first names.

Review information in the confirmation packet:
Details for parking and check-in are outlined in your confirmation packet. Share this information with students, chaperones, and bus drivers. Call (314) 577-5140 if there are questions.

While outside food and drinks are not permitted in the Garden, registered groups taking a Garden Class will be permitted to bring their own sack lunches to eat in the classroom after their scheduled program.
The Garden offers other suggestions for lunch:

• Lunch in the Garden’s restaurant Sassafras. For reservations call (314) 577-5196 two weeks prior to your visit. View the menu.
• Sack lunches by Catering St. Louis. For a current menu, pricing and ordering, call (314) 577-9530.
• Picnic in Tower Grove Park. Call (314) 771-2679 to reserve a pavilion. The park is adjacent to the Garden.

Prepare your students:
Many of our programs have pre- and post-visit activities. If available for the program you choose, these will be available by download on that program’s web page.

Prepare for the weather:
Please have your students dress for the weather as all programs include outdoor activities.

Bring your confirmation with you!

• All groups, whether arriving by bus or car, must check in at the Linnean Plaza ticket booth.
• Check-in information and directions to Linnean Plaza are in your confirmation packet.
• Arrive 15 minutes early to allow ample time for parking, check-in and unloading.
• Program length will be shortened in case of late arrival.

Parking:

• IMPORTANT: Review directions to the Garden with your driver before you leave the school.  
• Buses are parked on Garden grounds.
• Parking directions are in your confirmation packet.
• Share the parking directions with your driver. Remind bus drivers to be watchful before moving buses.
• Buses are not permitted to idle while parked in the lot.
• Bus drivers enjoy free admission to the Garden and a complimentary drink in Sassafras, the Garden’s restaurant.

Safety:
Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the safety of their students. Teachers and chaperones must remain with their assigned group throughout the visit.  Be especially attentive during arrival and departure when students are on the parking lots.

Chaperone guidelines:

• Chaperones must remain with their assigned group throughout the visit and help with supervision.
• Refrain from cell phone conversations during programs.
• Programs may require brisk walking.
• Strollers are not permitted in student group tours or classes.

Garden manners:
Further, we ask for your cooperation with the following guidelines:

• Ask students to allow room on paths, keep their voices down and not run or yell in consideration of other visitors.
• Visitors may not walk through flower beds or mulched areas. Mulched beds protect spring bulbs.
• Students may collect plant parts that have fallen to the ground outside.
• Visitors may not wade in pools, streams or fountains.
• Visitors may not sit on stones or stone walls.
• Visitors may not disturb or redirect sprinklers.