Plan your visit to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens using the following tips on what to bring and what to see and do while you're here.
Priority Health & Safety Measures
The Conservatory is working with municipalities and the state to comply with all the guidelines and requirements related to COVID-19. It is only with YOUR cooperation as a visitor that we can succeed in this re-opening.
Please observe the following procedures:
Visit another day if you do not feel well or have symptoms of COVID-19. Use every day preventative measures (e.g. wash hands, cover coughs, etc.) before, during and after your visit.
Guests, including members, will need toreserve a timed ticket ahead of time. This reservation dictates an arrival time only, guests can stay as long as they please after arrival. Capacity for the property, including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden, will be limited and tickets will be reserved according to timed arrivals.
Social Distancing: Six-feet or more distance between groups must be maintained at all times. Areas that require a line will have floor decals to assist with distancing.
Face coverings:In accordance with Mayor Ginther’s executive order, Franklin Park Conservatory will require face coverings beginning Friday, July 3. Exceptions will be made for children under the age of 6 and individuals with medical exemptions.
Medical Exemptions: Those with medical exemptions should notify the front desk when they arrive. A wristband will be provided to inform staff that the individual does not need to be asked to wear a face covering.
Disposable Masks: Disposable masks will be available for purchase at the Main Entrance for $1. A variety of cloth masks are available at Botanica Gift Shop and Greenhouse.
The Conservatory parking lot is no longer being used by Kroger Health for COVID-19 testing. A list of their current testing sites can be found on their website.
All of our outdoor and indoor spaces are open. However, capacity is limited in some spaces and traffic is one way through biomes. Please be aware of signage and maintain distance between parties.
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden capacity will be limited to maintain safety. The creek water feature and the restrooms will be open. Please remember to maintain a safe distance between other groups. Programming and certain play materials will be limited to maintain a safe and sanitary environment.
The Conservatory food truck will be open 11AM – 3PM on weekdays and 11AM – 4PM on weekends serving a limited menu. Cards only, please. No cash transactions.
Restrooms in the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and near the Visitor Center will be open. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the facility.
Vulnerable population hours will be every Thursday at 9AM. This is intended for guests with high-risk considerations, such as seniors or people with compromised immune systems. Tickets are available online.
Plan Ahead
Reserve Tickets In Advance | All visitors- including members- are strongly encouraged to reserve their tickets online. There is no fee for members to reserve their tickets, but an active membership card or proof of renewal with ID must be presented at check-in. Members must renew their memberships prior to their visit.
Arrive On Time | Please arrive within 15 minutes of your reserved timeslot. You may stay as long as you’d like after you arrive.
Prepare Ticket to Scan | When you arrive, please have your ticket barcode available for scanning. Tickets can either be printed or scanned from your confirmation email on your mobile device.
Payment Options | No cash transactions at this time. The Conservatory’s Visitor Center, Garden Café, Food Truck, and Botanica Gift Shop and Greenhouse accept all major credit cards.
Prohibited Items | The following items are not permitted on Conservatory property.
Weapons, Knives, Firearms, etc.
Pets (excluding Service Animals)
Balloons
Outside Food or Beverages (snacks and water bottles are permitted)
Picnic tables are available in Franklin Park just south of the main Conservatory building
Coolers
Tripods and Commercial Camera Equipment
Folding Chairs
Beach Balls and Pool Toys
Scooters and Rollerblades
Bikes
Recommended Items | The following items may enhance your Conservatory experience.
Towel and Water-Safe Clothes
With the addition of the Sandstone Creek water feature in The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Gardens, kids may get wet during your visit. Children must wear swim diapers and appropriate clothes for getting wet.
Sunscreen
Bottled Water and Light Snacks (crackers or chips, juice boxes, etc.). Glass containers not permitted in the Children’s Garden.
Exiting | Departing guests may depart through the gate located nearest to the main parking lot.
Explore the Conservatory
Visitor Parking | Free parking is available in the paved parking lots just east of the main Conservatory building.
Admission Prices | Cost of admission (listed here) allows access to the main Conservatory building, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden and The Grand Mallway. Exhibitions are included in the admission price.
On the first Sunday of each month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the City of Columbus (with valid ID) during regular operating hours of 10am to 5pm.Click herefor more information about the Conservatory’s efforts to be an accessible facility through Access Offerings.
Hours of Operation | The Conservatory is open seven days a week, all year round, but closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Regular hours are 10am–5pm. Special holiday hours apply during the Conservatory Aglow exhibition.
Weather | Central Ohio weather can vary, but the climate in the Conservatory’s temperature-controlled biomes remains consistent, making the main Conservatory building accessible all year round. In cases of inclement weather (heavy snowfall, thunderstorms, etc.) some outdoor spaces will not be accessible. Check the Plan A Visit page for closure alerts.
Wheelchairs | Wheelchair and scooter checkout is temporarily suspended. Please plan to bring your own.
Strollers | Strollers are allowed throughout the Conservatory with the exception of the Cardinal Health Gallery, Botanica Gift Shop, Garden Cafe and the Hot Shop. There will be designated stroller parking outside of the Hot Shop and within the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden. Stroller parking is limited and the Conservatory reserves the right to deny strollers in the Children’s Garden on high visitation days. If staff notices strollers blocking paths, in seating areas or in planting beds, they reserve the right to move the stroller to an appropriate location within reason.
Accessibility | We strive to make the Conservatory and its gardens accessible to all. Click here for the Conservatory’s accessibility information.
Photography | Guests are welcome and encouraged to take photographs that are designated for personal-use only. Tripods are prohibited in the Conservatory. Commercial photography requires registration with the Event Sales Department. View the full Photography Policy with detailed contact information.
Refreshments | While outside food is not permitted on Conservatory grounds, food can be purchased from the outdoor Food Truck (Weekdays 11am–3pm, Weekends 11am–4pm). The indoor Garden Café is currently closed. Light snacks and beverages are permitted. Glass containers not permitted in the Children’s Garden.
Explore the Grounds | Take a stroll to the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus, just a 5-minute walk from the main Conservatory building. Parking is available east of the Community Garden Campus.
SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT GENERAL ADMISSION & MEMBER RATES | Prices Vary Click Here For Rates
Please note: Cards only, please. No cash transactions at this time. For all tickets, a 5% Columbus Arts and Culture ticket fee will be applied. The Columbus Arts & Culture Fee helps make the arts available to all by funding exemplary artists, arts organizations and programs that educate and engage audiences throughout Greater Columbus
What is Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens doing to ensure the safety of staff and guests while on-site?
We are committed to the safety and health of visitors and staff. Safety protocols are being followed in accordance with recommendations of the CDC, state and municipalities. Such recommendations include keeping a distance of six feet from those outside your household and wearing face coverings. We also recommend that those most vulnerable to COVID-19 take extra precautions or refrain from the use of the facility during this initial phase of re-opening.
Signage around the property reminds visitors to maintain social distancing, wash or sanitize hands frequently, and wear face coverings.
Restrooms and other high-touch surfaces are disinfected multiple times throughout the day, and hand sanitizing stations have been placed in key locations.
By visiting Franklin Park Conservatory, you agree to assume all responsibility for your health and wellbeing and will not hold the Conservatory responsible in any way with respect to COVID-19.
What are peak visitation hours?
Peak visitation hours at the Conservatory are 10am-2pm.
What if I arrive before or after my reserved time?
If there are tickets available for the time slot during which you arrive, we can adjust your tickets. If there are no tickets available, we can reschedule your tickets for any open future time slots.
For timed-entry tickets, do I have to leave when my time window is over?
No, the ticket is for your entry time only. You can stay as long as you’d like within operating hours.
What if I need to reschedule my ticket?
Tickets are nonrefundable, but can be exchanged one time, up to 24 hours prior to the date by 614-715-8002 with your name, desired date and/or time and order number. Exchange is based on availability and is not guaranteed.
How can memberships be renewed online?
Members can renew online by visiting the Membership page and clicking the green “Join Online” button. Select the “Click Here” link beside the words “Ready to Renew” to login as a member. If you’ve forgotten your password or never set up your account please select “Forgot/Request Password” to update your membership account. From there, select the membership level you want to renew and fill out the requested information.
You can watch the step-by-step video instructions on how to renew your membership online. Otherwise, please contact the membership department at 614-715-8054 or membership@fpconservatory.org if you have questions.
I have a complimentary voucher for admission, how do I reserve my ticket?
Please call 614-715-8002 for assistance with making a reservation.
What happens when the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden reaches capacity?
Once capacity is reached, guests will have to wait in a socially distanced line and enter as guests depart. This will be managed by a staff member and the line will have markings to remind guests of maintaining distance between parties. Alternatively, guests can enjoy the rest of the outdoor botanical gardens until space is available in the garden.
Are masks or face coverings required?
Yes. In accordance with Mayor Ginther’s executive order, Franklin Park Conservatory will require face coverings beginning Friday, July 3. Exceptions will be made for children under the age of 6 and individuals with medical exemptions.
Will there be emergency evacuations for severe weather?
In the event of severe weather, guests will be evacuated to their cars. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden will be evacuated if there is lightning in the area. Once severe weather has passed, guests will be allowed to resume their visit.
Will my membership renewal date be extended?
All memberships were effectively put on hold on March 13, 2020, when the Conservatory closed for the public health emergency.
If your membership expired during our closure (March 13 – June 12) you may still visit the Conservatory with full member privileges. Your membership renewal will be extended for the time period your membership was still active while the Conservatory was closed.
If your membership expired on March 31, 2020, it will be extended to June 30, 2020.
If your membership expired on April 30, 2020, it will be extended to July 31, 2020.
If your membership expired on May 31, 2020, it will be extended to August 30, 2020.
If your membership expires on June 30, 2020 or after, your membership will be extended by 3 months.
Before visiting, please be sure to reserve your tickets online and bring your expired membership card and ID.
Memberships purchased between March 13 2020 and June 12 2020 are valid for 12 months starting June 12 2020.
Will reciprocal memberships be accepted?
Yes, you may reserve a membership timed entry ticket in advance. Membership cards and IDs will be checked upon entry.
Will maps be provided?
No printed materials will be provided at this time. Please here to download a map that you may bring with you.
Will water fountains be accessible?
Water fountains will not be accessible, but a water station to fill personal bottles will be available near the Visitor Center.
How can I find out if a program or class is being held at Franklin Park Conservatory?
Please check our calendar for exhibitions, programs and events. Please note, many programs and events had to be canceled in accordance with state health regulations.
Can I book an event at Franklin Park Conservatory?
