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 admission price. Discounts include:
- AAA members: $1 off each adult ticket, $0.50 off each child ticket
- College students: $15 ticket price
- Active or Retired Service Members: $1 off each ticket (any age)
- 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 here for more information about the Conservatory’s 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 | Wheelchairs and motorized scooters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and can be checked out free of charge at the Visitor Center.
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 at the Garden Café (Monday–Friday 11am–3pm, weekends 11am–4pm) and Conservatory Mobile Café in The Children’s Garden (Daily, 10am–5pm). 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.
Do & See | Drop-in educational programs abound at the Conservatory on a daily basis. Check out what is in store when you visit:
- The Hot Shop features daily Glassblowing Demonstrations between 11am–2pm by local, professional gaffers as they gather molten glass and transform it into a finished piece of blown-glass artwork. Every step of the process is described in informative, 25-minute sessions. The Hot Shop is open March–December.
- During Butterflies 101 (daily at 1pm & 3pm) get a deeper insight of the species that make up Blooms & Butterflies as a specialist releases a selection of individual butterflies into the biome. With different varieties of butterflies emerging from their chrysalises daily, every presentation is unique.
- Ask a Butterfly Expert your butterfly questions during this audience-driven Q&A on weekdays at 11am. Stick around to get a closer look at some of the newest butterflies as they are released, one by one, into the biome. Designed especially for young minds, yet all ages are welcome!
- Discovery Programs allow families to explore The Children’s Garden through self-guided nature activities and staff-led educational programs. From May—October, children and their caregivers dig into a different theme each week. Discovery Programs take place Monday–Friday from 10am–2pm and weekends from 10am–5pm.
- Drop by the Discovery Stations in The Children’s Garden where volunteers and educators lead hands-on programs for kids of all ages to engage with a different theme each week.