Is Brooklyn Botanic Garden worth visiting?

Yes, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre urban oasis featuring diverse plant collections, themed gardens like the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and a vibrant Rose Garden, and seasonal displays. It's dedicated to education, research, and conservation, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of Brooklyn.

What are the opening hours at Brooklyn Botanic Garden?

The Garden is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with last entry at 8 p.m. On Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5:30 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, except for Memorial Day when it is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please check the official site for date-specific hours.

Is Brooklyn Botanic Garden suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is suitable for all ages. It offers family activities and educational programs for children, fostering an appreciation for botany and environmental stewardship.

What are the best things to see and do at Brooklyn Botanic Garden?

Visitors can explore various themed gardens, including the popular Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Shakespeare Garden, and a vibrant Rose Garden. The Garden also hosts classes, workshops, and seasonal family programs.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Write a Review Brooklyn, New York All ages Verified•Park & Garden

Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

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About Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Wander 52 acres of themed gardens, from a Japanese Hill-and-Pond to a fragrant Rose Garden, in the heart of Brooklyn.

An urban Eden of 52 acres, Brooklyn Botanic Garden trades city noise for an extensive living collection of plants.

What you'll see and do - Explore themed gardens including the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and Rose Garden - Watch horticultural displays change across the seasons - Join classes, workshops, and seasonal family programs for all ages - Visit during community events like the annual Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest

Attraction Details

Facilities

Toilets
Gift Shop
Baby Changing
Food Options
Parking
Pushchair Friendly
Wheelchair Friendly

Events at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Ancestral Ecologies
May 23–October 25, 2026
This exhibit offers four multisensory installations that explore animist frameworks through distinct environmental and material phenomena.
Block by Block
May 23–October 25, 2026
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Greenest Block in Brooklyn contest with special exhibits and events.
Block by Block: Stoop Exhibit
May 23–October 25, 2026
This exhibit re-creates the stoops and streetscapes of 2025 Greenest Block in Brooklyn winners on the Garden’s grounds.
Brooklyn’s Greening Heroes
May 23–October 25, 2026
This exhibit features portraits and first-person stories from residents who have turned gardening into community-building.
School Group Visits: Discovery Trail
April 14–June 11, 2026 (except June 4); Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore plants using real science tools alongside Discovery Docents at hands-on activity stations throughout the Discovery Garden.
Spring First Discoveries
March 18–June 12, 2026; Wednesdays & Fridays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Activities like potting plants, crafting, and storytelling designed for early learners up to 4 years old.
Members’ Summer Evenings
May 27–September 2, 2026; Wednesdays, 6–8:30 p.m.
Savor the Garden during the twilight hours, exclusively for members.
How to Green Your Block - Section B
Thursday, May 28, 2026; 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Learn what it takes to make your block greener with staff and winning Greenest Block in Brooklyn gardeners.
Spring Family Discovery Weekends
April 11–June 7, 2026 (except May 2, 16, 23–24); Saturdays & Sundays, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Explore nature together with hands-on stations throughout the garden’s meadow, woodland, marsh habitats, and vegetable garden.
Shinnecock Oral History Plant Tour
May 30, September 19, October 10, 2026; 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join Chenae Bullock from the Shinnecock Nation for a Native Flora Garden tour and talk based on Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.
Chinese Brush Painting
May 30–June 27, 2026; 5 Saturdays; 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Learn to paint in the Chinese style using a bamboo brush, ink, and rice paper.
Spring Family Story Time
Saturdays, April 25, June 6; Sundays, May 10, 17, 31, 2026; 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Read garden-inspired stories alongside BBG volunteers during this drop-in program.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Best time to visit

Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Onsite or nearby parking available at 990 Washington Ave.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

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Last updated 6/23/2026