Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The basics

Learn about New York’s native woodland species as well as tropical, desert, and aquatic plants while wandering the garden’s manicured grounds, established in 1901. Regional plants are plentiful in the Native Flora Garden, and you’ll find more unique offerings in the C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum and the Aquatic House.

To get the most out of your visit, book a Brooklyn Botanic Garden tour. Self-paced tours typically include admission and may offer a meal at the garden’s restaurant. Neighborhood tours of Prospect Park are also ideal for getting to the area, learning about Brooklyn’s history, and then exploring the Botanic Garden.

Things to know before you go

• Brooklyn Botanic Garden is ideal for nature lovers, families with kids, and those looking for a quiet escape from the bustling city.

• Wear comfy shoes, as the garden is best explored on foot, and sun protection in summer.

• The garden’s Yellow Magnolia Café is ideal for a full-service meal, and the Coffee Bar offers casual snacks and refreshments.

• Check the weather before heading out, as most of the garden’s attractions are outside.

• The garden is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers via paved pathways, though some paths may be narrow, rough, uneven, or steep.

How to get there

Located adjacent to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, the garden is easily accessed by subway. Take the 2 or 3 train to the Eastern Parkway—Brooklyn Museum stop; the 4 or 5 train to Franklin Avenue; or the B, Q, or S to Prospect Park station. Note that weekend subway service in Brooklyn can be inconsistent on weekends. If driving, take the Eastern Parkway or Flatbush Avenue; the garden offers parking for a small fee.

When to get there

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is at its best in spring and summer, when the verdant space is in bloom. Beginning in late March, the Cherry Esplanade brims with pink blossoms, and the colorful Cranford Rose Garden—home to 5,000 varieties of the stunning flower—comes to life in summer. The garden is busiest on weekends (and closed on Mondays except some holidays), so visit Tuesday through Friday to beat the crowds; check the website for opening hours, which vary seasonally.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden for kids

The Discovery Garden is the perfect place for budding scientists. Children enjoy a range of hands-on exhibits and activities designed just for them. The Hamm Children’s Learning Courtyard celebrates gardening, so kids learn about growing fruits and vegetables. Check the schedule when you arrive for free drop-in family activities.

How long does it take to walk through Brooklyn Botanical Garden?

You would need a full day to explore the entirety of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—at 52 acres (21 hectares) and with miles of walking paths, it is a sizable attraction. If you don't have a full day to see the blooms, however, the garden recommends a range of shorter itineraries.

What is the best time to visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden?

The most popular time to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is in April and May—peak blossom season. The garden is known for its cherry trees, and extended hours are offered when they bloom. However, the garden is open year-round, and there's never a bad time to visit.

Does Brooklyn Botanic Garden have free admission?

No, Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are paid, but members receive free admission. Children under 12 can visit for free, and the garden makes a portion of every day's tickets available for free to community members. There is also a pay-what-you-wish policy in place on winter weekdays.

Is Brooklyn Botanic Garden worth it?

Yes, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is worth a visit. The sprawling green space is host to an extraordinary collection of plants and gardens, from cherry trees and a Japanese garden to a lily pool and rose garden. It has been a beloved Brooklyn destination for more than 100 years.

What is the best entrance to Brooklyn Botanic Garden?

The best entrance depends on where you're coming from. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden has three official entrances—at 455 Flatbush Avenue, 990 Washington Avenue, and 150 Eastern Parkway. All three have been recently upgraded. First-time visitors may want to enter through the Flatbush Avenue entrance, which preserves the original historic gate.

Can you bring food to Brooklyn Botanic Garden?

No, you can not bring your own food to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The garden stipulates that only food purchased on site can be consumed in designated areas. However, visitors can bring bottled water and baby bottles, while those with individual dietary needs can bring their own pocket snacks.

Ways to explore

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the perfect place for New York City locals and visitors to relax, unwind, and learn about native woodland species (plus the many other tropical, desert, and aquatic plants on display). Regional plants are plentiful in the Native Flora Garden, and you’ll find more unique offerings in the Bonsai Museum and the Aquatic House.

It’s easy to explore the park on a self-paced visit; snagging tickets in advance helps streamline logistics. Neighborhood tours of Prospect Park are also an ideal way to get to the area and learn about Brooklyn’s history before exploring the botanical garden.

Accessibility

The garden is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers via paved pathways, though some paths may be uneven or challenging to access. Service animals are welcome, but pets are not.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen or sun hat, umbrella, camera, bug spray

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-proof layers

Not allowed

Picking, touching, or walking on flowers; smoking or vaping; folding chairs and blankets; bikes and skateboards

Amenities

Visitor center, cafés, gift shop, bathrooms

Address

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located within Brooklyn’s Prospect Heights neighborhood, along the northeastern edge of Prospect Park. In lieu of driving, use public transportation to get there or make the most of taxis or rideshare services.

Driving

While you could drive to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, doing so isn’t recommended owing to traffic restrictions and limited parking. However, those who prefer driving will find a paid parking lot at 900 Washington Avenue.

Public transportation

Take the 2 or 3 trains of the New York Subway to the Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum station; the B or Q trains to Prospect Park; or the 4, 5, or S trains to Franklin Avenue.

Best times to visit

To beat the crowds, visit early in the morning. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden also offers extended evening opening hours on select days during the peak springtime blossom season.

Best days to visit

If you’re aiming for a tranquil experience at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, time your visit for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The garden is typically closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Spring is the most popular time at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, especially during the April and May cherry blossom period. However, the park is a year-round destination.

Special events

In addition to the annual cherry blossom season, the garden holds select special events year-round, including a Spring Gala in June and Lightscape in the lead-up to the winter holidays.