Guided Tours
From flowers and fragrance to fruits and textures, the Arnold Arboretum is a dynamic landscape throughout the year! Come for a tour and experience the Arboretum in a new light.
Volunteer to become an Arboretum docent.
Directions to the Arboretum.
Free Walking Tours
Explore the collections on a free guided tour led by our knowledgeable docents. Tours are geared toward the general adult visitor and include Arboretum history and topics of seasonal interest. All tours begin in front of the Hunnewell Building Visitor Center and last approximately 60-90 minutes. For more information or cancellations due to inclement weather, please call 617.384.5209.
General Tour Schedule
Free; no need to register.
The general tour season runs from April 13 through November 3, 2013:
Starting April 13, we will offer tours every Saturday and Sunday at 1:00pm.
From April 30 through May 30, look for these additional tours:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:00pm
- Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00pm
Theme Tour Schedule
Free; registration requested. See our tour listings for specific dates and topics and to register.
June is International Month
In June, 2013, look for ten tours in ten languages—all free! more »
Private Tours
Adult Groups
Our Visitor Education staff will work with you to provide a memorable experience, whether you are a group of avid gardeners seeking to gain horticultural knowledge or simply want a guided stroll through an historic landscape of remarkable beauty.
Walking and bus tours are available—groups must supply their own bus, and bus size restrictions apply. For more information and to request a tour, please fill out a tour request form at least three weeks in advance. If needed, please call 617.384.5209 or email.
Youth Groups
(After-School Groups, Summer Youth Groups, and Student Clubs)
Note: We do not have a formal program for youth group tours but we can help educators prepare for a self-guided visit.
Pre-school through Grade 8: Contact Nancy Sableski, Manager of Children’s Education, at 617.384.5239. For formal school visits see School Programs.
High school: contact the Visitor Center at 617.384.5209.
Academic Groups
As part of its education mission, the Arboretum provides academic walking tours to high school, college, and university groups studying relevant subjects. These tours are free of charge and led by Arboretum staff members whenever possible. To schedule an academic tour, course instructors or academic advisers should fill out a tour request form at least three weeks in advance. On the request form describe the scope of the course or other specifics that would allow us to place you with the most appropriate staff member(s). If needed, please call 617.384.5209 or email.