Plan Your Visit

We strive to make The Gardens welcoming to all. A wheelchair is available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Our main interior loop (0.55 mile) is paved and wheelchair accessible, and all other pathways are graded for strollers and mobility devices. Service animals are welcome (see Animals tab for details).

Only trained service animals are permitted inside The Gardens and Butterfly House. Service animals must remain under control and housebroken at all times. Emotional support, therapy, and comfort animals are not recognized as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed on the grounds.

Help us keep The Gardens a welcoming and beautiful place:

• Stay on paths and lawns, and avoid climbing structures.

• Ask staff and volunteers questions—we love to share our knowledge.

• Photography for personal use is welcome; see our Photography page for details on professional sessions.

• Please do not pick plants, remove cuttings, or perform gardening work unless volunteering.

• Outside alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and vaping are prohibited.

• Children must be supervised at all times.

Outside alcohol, smoking, marijuana and use of tobacco products is not allowed at The Gardens. Shirts, bottoms and shoes are required for all visitors.

Open flames, glitter, and balloon releases are not permitted at The Gardens. Service animals are welcome.

Read our full list of rules and regulations:

Parking: Free parking is available in our lot off Centre Avenue and along Botanical Lane. Overflow parking is offered for special events.

Bus Groups: Please contact us in advance at gardens@fcgov.com so we can prepare space.

Biking: Bike racks are located outside the Visitor Center, and additional racks open during summer events. Please note bicycles are not permitted inside The Gardens.

Transit: We are located adjacent to a bus stop and the MAX line, and we connect directly to the Spring Creek Trail.

Group Rates: Groups of 10 or more are eligible for special pricing. Rates include $2 off admission per person. Payment for groups must be made through one method (e.g., one check or one credit card number). Two weeks notice is required. To book, email GardensEducation@fcgov.com.

Group Tours: We offer guided walking tours of The Gardens by one of our trained docent or staff members. Tours are tailored to your groups interests and can accommodate a variety of abilities. 

Reservations must be made two weeks in advance. Tours are one and a half to two hours and must have a minimum of 5 people.

• Adult Tour Rates (per person): $7 in addition to your group rate admission ticket.

• Guests requiring the assistance of a caregiver are eligible for the Ability Pass Tour Rate:

  • Clients: $4 plus admission; Caregivers are free

• SNAP Pass: Guests receiving SNAP benefits are eligible for $1 admission. 

Reserving Spaces for Lunch: Lunch spaces are all outdoor; however, there are a variety of covered shelters in our Gardens available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

Casual photos and videos are encouraged for personal use. These may not be used for commercial purposes. Professional and posed photo sessions require advance permission and a permit, and photographers must follow our onsite guidelines.

To learn more about guidelines and to purchase a permit, visit our Photography page:

Food & Drink: Visitors may bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks for picnics during regular hours. Outside alcohol and grilling are not permitted.

Restrooms: The Visitor Center includes men’s, women’s, and a companion-care all-user restroom, plus a water fountain and bottle-filling station.

Nursing-Friendly: A private room for nursing is available upon request at the front desk.

Gathering Spaces: Covered shelters are open on a first-come, first-served basis, with rentals available for a fee.