All subjects can be taught in a garden! Extend your classroom with a journey through Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Downtown Sarasota campus! We offer guided school tours and virtual explorations with complementary curricular packets for school groups from September-May, and self-guided explorations throughout the year. Our signature programs are standards-aligned and offer something for every grade level. For more information, email schools@selby.org.
Signature Guided Programs
Selby Gardens’ guided school tours at the Downtown Sarasota campus consist of a docent-led general Gardens tour along with one of the following hands-on field study options. We are happy to tailor any of the programs in support of unique student needs and interests, or for a different grade level than those suggested. Have a special class project in mind? Email us at schools@selby.org to discuss the possibilities! To book a guided tour, fill out the form below. Please note: Our guided school tour program relies on a cadre of trained volunteers, so we are unable to guarantee docent availability for every date and time requested—please book as far in advance as possible.Â
Signature Virtual Explorations for k -12
Selby Gardens’ virtual explorations consist of pre-recorded virtual tours and complementary curricular packets for area educators who might not be able to travel to the Downtown Sarasota and Historic Spanish Point campuses. They can also be used to augment a self-guided tour. Each curricular packet thoughtfully combines numerous instructional standards in social studies, science, math, and language arts. Virtual explorations can also be used to augment a guided or self-guided tour. Virtual explorations are free of charge. You can find our virtual offerings here. To book a virtual exploration, fill out the form below.
Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided school groups can reach curricular goals, deepen understanding of classroom lessons, and support unique student needs and interests with a visit to explore our gardens. Enhance or build your visit around one of our seasonal exhibits, or choose the date that works best for you to explore and find inspiration in Selby Gardens’ plants, wildlife, and remarkable views of Sarasota Bay. Supplemental self-guiding activities and talking points about the Downtown Sarasota campus are available for download here. To book a self-guided tour, fill out the form below.
School Tour Booking Request
Click Here to Fill Out Form
Complimentary Teacher Resources
Please click the link below to access variety of Complimentary Curricula that can be used in the classroom to further explore topics like mangroves and estuaries, epiphytes, and native Florida plants and history. Resources are tailored by grade level and include project ideas, classroom activities, and related vocabulary.