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
Small groups of students explore the York Street gardens through guided and self-guided activity stations. 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. Larger groups will be split up into smaller tour groups.
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)
Think like a botanist 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! Available to book starting in January 2024.
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)
Explore the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory and compare tropical ecosystems to our climate here in Colorado. Primary grades focus on rainforest habitats while secondary grades explore the evolution of plant life. Offered in spring 2025.
Discovery Stations
On select Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays we fill the Gardens with a variety of activity stations. 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 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. Hands-on explorations are led and self-guided. Select Wednesdays-Fridays in September, October, March, April and May
Rainforest Discovery Day: (Grades 1–12)
Embark on a journey through the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory and other indoor gardens to learn about rainforest plants, their adaptations and how they are used in our daily lives. Select Wednesdays-Fridays in December, January and February
Ecosystem Discovery Day (Grades 2–5)
Explore the variety of ecosystems and habitats, both local and global, represented at Denver Botanic Gardens. For groups of 60 or more students only. If you have a smaller group, please inquire about a tour version of the program in the comments section of your program request form. By request only, dates subject to staff availability. Offered September, October, April and May.
Science Inquiry Stations (Grades 6–12)
Experience the process of science at the Gardens. Activity stations lead students to use claims, evidence, and reasoning to investigate phenomenal plant topics. For groups of 60 or more students only. If you have a smaller group, please inquire about a tour version of the program in the comments section of your program request form. 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.
Groups are welcome to visit Denver Botanic Gardens at any time. Whether you have your own curriculum to follow or you just want your class to enjoy the beauty of the Gardens, a self-guided visit may be the perfect way for your class to experience the Gardens. Education staff will greet and orient your group, then you are on your own to explore.
Call 720-865-3656 or email school.groups@botanicgardens.org with any questions.
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.
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.