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School Programs FAQ

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 10am-5pm every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A school program can begin at 10am or any time after. Please submit this form to register for an educational experience.

Please note, exhibitions and events that occur outside of the Conservatory’s daily operating hours are considered Special Engagements. School groups wishing to visit during Special Engagements must have an adult to child ratio of 1:5. Special Engagement rates apply. Please contact school programs at [email protected] for details.

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

Please contact security at 614.715.8166 or the Visitor Center at 614.715.8002.

What is the cost of your School Programs?

Guided programs are $8 per person—including all accompanying adults. Two teachers per classroom are admitted free of charge with a field trip registration. The teacher rate applies to certified public/private PreK-12th grade school teachers, teachers at licensed childcare and preschools and home educators. The Columbus Arts & Culture Fee adds an additional 5% ticket fee to the cost of school programs.

Please note, exhibitions and events that occur outside of the Conservatory’s daily operating hours of 10am-5pm are considered Special Engagements. School groups wishing to visit during Special Engagements must have an adult-to-child ratio of 1:5. Special Engagement rates apply. Please contact us for details.

Can a student use a Conservatory membership?

No, not for a School Program.

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. If you would like an indoor lunch space, please contact the Program Coordinator to reserve an area.

The Garden Cafe is currently open daily from 11am-3pm. 

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

Yes. Bring the purchase order with you the day of your visit and 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. Security will meet the bus at the entrance and guide the bus driver to the drop-off area. After everyone unloads the bus, security will direct the bus driver where to park.

Does Franklin Park Conservatory have a scholarship to offset costs?

Yes. There are ten scholarships available to schools with 70% of students eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches. Please contact the Program Coordinator for more information.

What do we do when we arrive?

A Conservatory Educator will greet you at the bus and give you information about the time of your program. 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?

Credit/debit card, checks made out to Franklin Park Conservatory, cash and purchase orders.

Can students visit Botanica Gift Shop?

Yes, but the amount of visitors in the Gift Shop is currently limited. THE CHAPERONE MUST STAY WITH ALL OF THE CHILDREN WHILE IN THE STORE. Children and chaperones are expected to be respectful of all products and people in the store.

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

Yes, but be advised that there are water features throughout the Children’s Garden. Students must stay with chaperones during their visit. See the Know Before You Go page for more information.