Visit the Gardens - FAQ

• When are the Gardens open? Bookworm Gardens is open to general visitors May 1 - October 31.

• What is the cost? Buy advance tickets online before your visit and save time and money! Advanced online tickets are $10 (Saving $2 per ticket), or day of tickets are available to buy for $12. Membership covers the cost of admission. Visitors aged 2 and younger are no charge. Please be aware that costs shift during special event weeks and programs.

• When are advance ticket sales available? You can purchase advance tickets for your date of visit up to one hour  BEFORE our opening hours or special event start time.

• Is there parking at Bookworm Gardens? Parking is free on a first-come, first-served basis in our lot and additional free parking is available in the UW Green Bay - Sheboygan extension parking lot.

• What is Bookworm Gardens? Bookworm Gardens is a non-profit botanic garden inspired by children's literature and located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Our mission is to inspire the love of books and nature in the young and young at heart. There are over 77 books represented in the Gardens, each with a corresponding laminated book to read and enjoy. We offer experiences for general admission to explore the grounds as well as special events, summer camps, classes, field trips, and a nature-based preschool.

• How long is an average visit to the Gardens? Most visitors choose to stay onsite for approximately two hours. This visit time can vary depending on the ages of those in your group. There are benches for resting located throughout the site (7 acres total, 3.5 acres developed).

• Can we picnic in the Gardens? Yes. Picnic tables are available near the Magic School Bus. We have a carry in, carry out policy. You will need to take your garbage and recyclables home with you. Please plan to bring a filled water bottle - we have a drinking fountain and water bottle filler available onsite. We do not sell water or other concessions onsite. 5/31/24: Our drinking fountain is currently out of order with a new one on the way. Please bring water, or feel free to fill up in the restrooms.

• Are pets allowed on the grounds? No. Service animals are welcome, but please leave pets and emotional support animals at home.

• Do I make a reservation for my group or each person? Pre-registration is recommended to visit the Gardens. Please reserve a slot for each person attending. Tickets must be present (printed or digitally) for admission.

• Do I need to make a reservation for my child that’s under 2 years of age? Yes. There is no cost for learners ages two and younger, but your reservation helps us to keep track of the number of visitors in the Gardens.

• Do you have any discounts? There is no charge for Bookworm Gardens members. Residents of Sheboygan County also receive free admission with pre-registration, excluding event days. You may purchase a membership here. Our membership program is a part of the American Horticultural Society’s reciprocal membership program. If you have a membership to a reciprocal organization, please bring your membership card with you for your visit.

• How does the Sheboygan County admission rate work? Anyone taking advantage of the Sheboygan County admission rate (free with pre-registration or $3 per person at the door) must show a valid form of identification at check in. If you are visiting with a Sheboygan County resident but are not a resident yourself, you must pay the general admission rate.

• What books are represented in the Gardens? We currently have 77 books in the Gardens. Click here to download the complete 2024 book list.

• Is your site wheelchair accessible? Yes. The majority of our site is accessible via wheelchair and stroller. Most paths are made of hardened rubberized mulch (highly useable). Some paths are gravel or flagstone (less easily navigated by wheels). We have a wheelchair onsite that can be used of a first come, first serve basis.

• I’d like to come with a group. How does that work? All non-family groups with 10 or more children are required to have a reservation and program through the Education Department.

• Can I take photographs onsite? Filming / photoshoots (this includes photos or videos of weddings, engagements, quinceañeras, family portraits, senior/graduation portraits, maternity shoots, or the like, and all other commercial photography or videography) are allowed during regular business hours with the purchase of a Photographer’s Fee. Pricing is as follows: groups of 4 or less, $50 for two hours, groups of 6 or more, $150 for two hours. We expect all visitors to be respectful of the grounds, stay on paths, and not block pathways.