Top 5 Tips for Visiting the New York Botanical Garden

A nature escape for New Yorkers since 1891, the New York Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind in the US, with plants running the gamut from water lilies to venerable maples.

2 min read•Dec. 16, 2019•By Madigan Talmage-Bowers

Hi, I'm Madigan!

Madigan Talmage-Bowers is a writer based in Denver, Colorado. She has also lived in Italy, San Francisco, and New York City, where she studied media theory at the New School. She loves introducing her kids to ancient history, local art, hiking trails, and new foods on adventures around the globe.

1. Take public transit

Parking lots at the garden often fill up, so save yourself stress by taking the train. The garden is most easily reached by the Metro-North Railroad from Grand Central Terminal, but the B, D, 2, and 4 subway trains also get you close.

2. Grow a future gardener

If you’re bringing kids along, cultivate their interest in science and gardening with drop-in nature programs at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and hands-on harvesting at the Edible Academy.

3. Solve your growing pains

Get help for your home gardening projects with the garden’s “Ask a Plant Expert” program. Pro gardeners are available to answer questions in person at the Plant Information Office, located in the garden’s library.

4. Savor a farm-to-table meal

Head to the Hudson Garden Grill to enjoy fresh, locally-sourced produce from the Hudson Valley without traveling all the way upstate. Reserve your table in advance via the garden website.

5. Get in the holiday spirit

From Thanksgiving through late January, the garden’s popular Holiday Train Show® features model trains chugging through small-scale replicas of New York City landmarks. It’s not just for kids—special Bar Car Nights add adults-only touches like spiked hot chocolate and DJs.