How do I schedule a group visit?

Please submit the online form. Group visits must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired date. Once the form is submitted, you will receive a confirmation letter via email with more information within 5 – 7 business days (please check your spam folder). Receiving this letter means that your group is officially scheduled for a Garden program. Garden Membership discounts do not apply to school group reservations. Schedule a Group

How far in advance should I schedule a trip?

Group visits must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired date. It is recommended to reserve your preferred date as soon as possible.

Is financial assistance available?

Every student deserves the opportunity to attend Garden programming. In pursuit of this goal, financial aid is available to schools and organizations in need. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, until designated funds are depleted. Scholarships are available to cover both program fees and bus reimbursement. You will receive confirmation of registration and notice of any amount due 5 – 7 business days after the application is received. Scholarship Application

What should students bring?

Students should bring a reusable water bottle and wear good walking shoes. Please have students dressed appropriately for the weather forecast. In the summer, breathable loose attire is best. In the winter, layers are recommended. Hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are highly recommended.

How many adults are required to come with the group?

A minimum of 1 adult for every 10 students is required. Students of all ages are required to be with a chaperone at all times.

Where are the bus drop-off and pick-up areas?

All buses drop off students at the bus drop-off area located in front of The Betty Kelso Center. Bus pick-up and parking is on Pinckney Street beside the Culinary Garden. Students will exit through the Culinary Garden gate. View or download the bus parking map.

What do we do when we arrive?

Garden staff will meet your group at the bus drop-off area and lead a quick orientation before you begin your visit to the Garden. One teacher/coordinator must check in at the front admissions kiosk with the final headcount and payment.

Are we able to bring lunch for field trips?

Yes, school field trip groups can bring sack lunches to the Garden. The Amphitheater is the best location for a picnic lunch. Wheeled coolers or sack lunches in backpacks are recommended as groups must transport their own lunches to the Amphitheater. Please make sure to clearly mark school lunches. Outside prepared or catered food is not permitted. Please help keep the Garden clean by discarding recyclables and trash in the appropriate receptacles.

We have parents that are joining that are not included in the school total. Can they pay separately?

Yes, chaperones that are not included in the school payment may purchase admission at the discounted school rate on the day of the field trip. Chaperones must notify the front admission kiosk staff of which group they are with to receive the discount.

Where do chaperones meet when they arrive?

Chaperones may wait by the front fountain at the Mays Family Display Garden, which is just past the front admissions kiosk and Garden Gift Shop to the left.

How do we make group payments?

All participants associated with your school qualify for the discounted school rate. School/district checks or credit cards are accepted on the day of your visit. Purchase orders are not accepted. Payment can be made in advance with a credit card over the phone. Please see the confirmation letter for more information. Checks mailed in advance must be received at least 1 week before the scheduled visit date.

What groups qualify for school discounts?

Public schools, private schools, religious schools, home school groups, daycares, preschools, YMCA/YWCA, Boys & Girls Club, after-school programs, Scouts, youth organizations

Can I use my Garden membership for a discount on admission?

Chaperones with Garden memberships may only apply their discount toward Garden admission for self-guided tours. Member students must be paid for through the school as they are receiving an additional service above and beyond what they would receive on a typical Garden visit.

What if I need to reschedule?

If your plans change and you must cancel or reschedule your program with the Garden, please contact the Education Programs team at education@sabot.org or 210.536.1434 .

Resources for Self-Guided Groups

Exploring the Formal Gardens Exploring the Texas Native Trail Exploring the Conservatory Ethnobotany Along the Texas Native Trail Junior Naturalist Booklet Play Botanical Bingo (Grades Pre-K – 2) Play Bird Bingo (Grades Pre-K – 2)

Adult Classes

No matter your interests, the San Antonio Botanical Garden is sure to offer a class that intrigues you. Bring out your artistic side with flower arranging, learn how to design a landscape that supports wildlife and conserves water, take a wellness class surrounded by the beauty of nature, and learn cooking techniques in an outdoor garden-to-table setting.

Culinary and wellness

Elevate your culinary skills and nurture your well-being at the Garden with cooking and wellness classes.

arts
and culture

Unlock your artistic potential with our Garden’s arts and culture classes.

Conservation and gardening

Cultivate a green thumb and conservation knowledge with our Garden’s gardening and conservation classes.

private experiences

Filling Your Landscape with Texture and Color

Friday, May 2, 2025 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. An attractive and water-efficient landscape starts with the right plant in the right place and smart design practices to create a polished, sustainable look. In this workshop, Bexar County Master Gardeners will cover the basics of selecting plants suited for our region and design strategies that […]

May 02

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm