Group Visits and Tours
Brookside Gardens welcomes groups of all types. Look below for quick links to information to help you plan an enjoyable and educational visit.
Garden Tours for Adults
Bus Group Tours
School and Youth Field Trip Programs
Wings of Fancy
Garden Tours for Adults
New fee structure for Adult Group Tours! Consider bringing your garden club or other adult group to Brookside Gardens for a guided tour of our beautiful summer or autumn displays. Sure to please gardening novices and seasoned veterans alike, our knowledgeable volunteer guides offer horticulturally focused strolls through the gardens. Guided tours must be arranged in advance and are offered for a fee of $5/person (5-person minimum). Contact Diane Lewis at 301-962-1407 or diane.lewis@montgomeryparks.org to arrange your group experience.
Bus Group Tours
Bus groups are welcome and we can provide information to help plan your visit. Whether you select a guided tour (described above) or choose to discover Brookside Gardens on your own, we can advise you on the best days aand times to visit, suggest local dining or other area attractions. Many groups choose a guided tour of the Gardens, ending at the Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly Exhibit, which your group can explore independently (see below). We would like to know when you are planning to visit. For information and/or reservations call Diane Lewis, Adult Education Office at 301-962-1407 or email Diane.Lewis@montgomeryparks.org.
School and Youth Field Trip Programs
New fee structure for Children's School Programs! Several program topics meeting state standards and the MCPS indicators are available to elementary school groups, private schools, homeschools, and children's service organizations grades 2 through 5. Each program includes a 30-minute classroom presentation, 15 minute hands-on plant potting activity (children will take home a plant) and a 45- minute outdoor garden tour. Cost: $5 per student. Learn more visiting our Programs for School and Youth Groups page.
Reservations: Call the Children's Education Department at 301-962-1467 or email Lynn.Richard@montgomeryparks.org.
NOTE: Reservations opens February 1, for spring programs and September 1, for fall programs.
Wings of Fancy
Bring your youth group (public and private schools, home schools, scouts and summer camps) to this live butterfly exhibit May 1 through September 19, to learn about the butterfly life cycle and observe butterfly behaviors like nectaring, spiraling, and puddling. Due to the popularity of the butterfly exhibit, groups of 15 or more, are requested to make an appointment. For group reservations please call 301-962-1467 or email Lynn.Richard@montgomeryparks.org. Please print and complete this group ticket form if you are planning to pay as a group. More details.
- Preschool, Daycare, and Kindergarten Groups: We would like to know when you are visiting the Wings of Fancy Exhibit and can advise you on the best day and time to visit. Guided tours are not available for this age group, as the exhibit is best experienced by interacting with the knowledgeable docents who are always available in the exhibit.
- First through 5th grade Student Groups: Elementary school groups receive a guided tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. Tours are available weekdays from 10 AM to 1 p.m., at half-hour intervals. A maximum of 30 children can be scheduled per ½ hour.
Group Tours are scheduled: May, June and September: weekdays July and August: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - Adult & Private Groups: We would like to know when you are planning to visit the Wings of Fancy Exhibit and can advise you on the best day and time to visit. Guided tours are not provided for adults, as the exhibit is best experienced by interacting with the knowledgeable docents who are always available in the exhibit.
Montgomery County Department of Parks