School and Youth Programs FAQ | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical GardensFranklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Have a question about Conservatory school programs? Check here for answers to frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the answer, feel free to contact us Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are your hours?

The Conservatory is open 10 am to 5 pm every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

A school program can begin at 10 am or any time after Monday through Friday. Please submit this form to register for an educational experience.

Who do I contact if I need to cancel the field trip the day of the visit?

The School Programs Team is unavailable to take calls the day of your visit. If you need immediate assistance on the day of your program, please contact our Visitor Center at 614-715-8002 or Security at 614-715-8166.

What is the cost of your School Programs?

Guided programs are $9 per person—including all accompanying adults. Groups receive one free admission for every 10 paid admissions. The teacher rate applies to certified public/private PreK-12th grade school teachers, teachers at licensed childcare and preschools and home educators. A 5% Columbus Arts & Culture Fee is included in the cost of the ticket.

Self-guided programs are $8 per person—including all accompanying adults. Groups receive one free admission for every 10 paid admissions. The teacher rate applies to certified public/private PreK-12th grade school teachers, teachers at licensed childcare and preschools and home educators. A 5% Columbus Arts & Culture Fee is included in the cost of the ticket.

Please ensure payment for all guests in your group, including chaperones, is collected ahead of time and presented as one transaction on the day of your visit.

Can a student, teacher, or chaperone use a membership to pay for their trip?

Membership benefits do not include educational programming.

Can we bring a packed lunch and eat there?

Yes, there is a designated area to store your lunches during the program. The picnic area outside next to the Conservatory can be used as a lunch space. An indoor space will be provided for you if there is inclement weather.
We recommend bringing a wagon to transport lunches, as groups are responsible for moving them to designated lunch areas.

Can I use a purchase order to pay for the field trip?

Yes. Please send your Purchase Order to [email protected] before your program. On the day of your visit, the Visitor Center will adjust the numbers. You will only be invoiced for the number of students and adults you had with you.

What if I have fewer/more students or adults than I originally registered for?

On the day of your visit, the Visitor Center can adjust your numbers to match who visited in your group. You will only be charged for the amount of people in your group during your visit.

Is the Conservatory wheelchair accessible?

Yes. There are two elevators and a ramp that follows a path around the Conservatory. Please notify the Program Coordinator if you have a student in a wheelchair and we will accommodate.

Is there bus parking?

Yes. A conservatory team member will direct you to where to park upon arrival.

Does Franklin Park Conservatory have a scholarship to offset costs?

Scholarships are available to schools with 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches.

What do we do when we arrive?

A Conservatory Educator will greet you outside the group entrance and give you information about your visit. The lead teacher will be directed to the Visitor Center to pay. Please have the number of students and adults that are visiting, ready to inform the Visitor Center associate.

What forms of payment do you take?

Payment via purchase order should be submitted prior to your visit. We ask that cash, card, or check payments be made the day of your visit.
Please ensure payment for all guests in your group, including chaperones, is collected ahead of time and presented as one transaction on the day of your visit.

Can students visit Botanica Gift Shop?

We ask that no more than five students enter the shop at a time and they must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Can we explore the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden?

To ensure all visitors can comfortably enjoy the Children’s Garden, groups will be assigned a designated visit time upon arrival.
While the Children’s Garden may resemble a playground, its purpose is to connect students and their adults to nature through hands-on, intentional exhibits. Please stay together and explore the space as a group. For large-motor, unstructured play, a playground is available on the park grounds.

How many students can I bring on a field trip?

A minimum of 10 students are needed to book. We can accommodate large groups of several hundred students, but they will be divided into smaller sub-groups of 25 students before they enter the building.

What can I do to make my trip go smoothly?

Please have students divided into groups of 25 (refer to your confirmation for the number of groups booked), attendance taken for both students and adults, and your form of payment ready.

Can I come on a field trip during the summer?

Absolutely! Summer visits (June 5–September 7) are self-guided, as educator-led programming is not offered during this time.

How do I book a field trip?

Once you know your group size, preferred program, and visit date, please submit a registration form on our website. This form serves as your official registration, so be sure you are ready to confirm, as cancellations may be subject to a fee. For inquiries, please contact the School Programs Team before booking.

What time can I arrive?

Groups should arrive at least 15 minutes before their first scheduled program. For programs beginning at 10am please do not arrive before 9:45am. Groups arriving earlier may be asked to remain on the bus or explore the park grounds until 9:45am.

How many chaperones can I bring on a field trip?

While there is no set limit on chaperones, we recommend two chaperones per classroom. Please include all chaperones in your final booking numbers and submit payment for chaperones with your group in a single transaction.

What can we do while we’re not in our program? Do you have a suggested schedule?

Outside of your scheduled program and Children’s Garden times, you are welcome to explore the rest of the conservatory grounds at your own pace. We will also provide you with a suggested schedule of other activities upon arrival.
Please note, The John F. Wolfe Palm House, Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse, and Wolfe Terrace are currently closed for renovation and will reopen in fall 2027.