K-12 Educators
Welcoming K-12 students and educators into Lyman is a highlight for us at the botanic garden. Learn how you can get your class in for a tour.
Tour Information
We welcome school groups for guided tours or self-guided visits. Groups must schedule four weeks in advance for guided tours and two weeks for self-guided visits. Complete the Group Request Form and a staff member will be in touch to confirm your visit. Group size is limited to 40. Groups larger than 40 may divide themselves between the Smith College Museum of Art and the botanic garden. If you would like more guidance, please contact us.
Group Request Form
Complete our Group Request Form to schedule a guided or self-guided visit for your class.
Guided visits
Guided visits consist of an exploration through our glasshouses with our community volunteer educators. Students will engage with our living collections and will explore themes around science, culture and place. Tours typically last one hour.
Self-guided visits
Self-guided visits for groups of 10 or more must be scheduled using our Group Request Form.
Educators are invited to lead their own tours through the greenhouses and gardens or develop materials for students to use in independent exploration. Stools, clipboards and pencils are available for self-guided groups if requested ahead of time.
Bus subsidies
A bus subsidy of up to $200 is available to defray transportation costs. Please submit the Bus Subsidy Reimbursement Form after your visit.
SCMA Visit
Educators often choose to visit both the botanic garden and museum (SCMA). We work collaboratively on hosting visits but ask that teachers fill out both visit forms separately. Note that SCMA tours are available Tuesday–Friday at 10:30 am and 11:30 am, with additional time slots available upon request. Learn more.
To learn more about the collections and resources of the botanic garden go Explore.