Tour FAQs
What are the botanic gardens?
The Wellesley College Botanic Gardens consist of the Alexandra Botanic Garden, Hunnewell Arboretum, and Visitor Center. These are all located on the campus of Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. While our new Global Flora greenhouse is under construction, we are only giving tours of the outdoor gardens.
What ages are appropriate for a tour?
We give tours to many different groups:
- School groups and after-school groups - ages K and up. Tours can be customized to reinforce classroom study; please arrange this when booking the tour.
- Garden clubs
- Senior adult groups
- Other adult groups
Be aware that our garden tours contain a fair amount of walking on hills and uneven surfaces.
What educational material is presented in a school tour?
Our school tour program connects to the science standards for K - Grade 6 as laid out in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, with discussions of habitat, plant structure, and life cycle.
What are the minimum and maximum numbers of people in a tour group?
Eight is the minimum number of people required for a group tour. We divide large groups into tour groups of 10 to 15, each led by a trained volunteer docent. We can accommodate up to 60 people on tour at once.
Is there handicap accessibility?
The Alexandra Botanic Garden and Hunnewell Arboretum contain stairs and uneven surfaces. The paved paths through the arboretum are wheelchair accessible.
Whom do we contact to arrange a tour?
Tours are organized and led by staff and volunteer docents of the Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens. Call the WCBG Friends office at 781.283.3094 or email us at wcbgfriends@wellesley.edu. A minimum of two weeks' notice is needed to schedule a tour.
We regret that we cannot accommodate tour groups arranged by commercial tour operators.
What is the fee?
There is no charge for entrance to the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens, and tours are free. Donations to the Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens are greatly appreciated.
Where do we meet for our tour?
You will meet your docent(s) at near the campus's parking garage or at your bus/van dropoff point, which varies depending on the size of the vehicle. You will receive specific parking and dropoff directions when you schedule your tour.