Tours
Guided and Self-Guided Exploration
Tours are a great way to enjoy Fairchild in a more comprehensive and comfortable way. Tours are led by trained volunteers who will guide you along the way to many different plants, flowers, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The content will vary depending on the departure location and interest of the visitors. Please check at the Information Desk at the Shehan Visitor Center upon arrival or call ahead 305-667-1651, ext. 3388 to confirm availability.
Tram Tours
Enjoy a free, narrated tram tour with one of our expert guides. Year-round tram tours run approximately 45 minutes and offer an introduction to the history, mission, and Fairchild’s plant collections. The tours give an excellent overview of the Garden, after which you can explore on your own. Each tram is fully accessible for individuals with disabilities. Please note that during special events and/or inclement weather, tram tours are suspended to ensure the safety of our guests.
Tram Tour Schedule
Weekdays, hourly from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Weekends, hourly from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tours en Español
Ofrecemos paseos guiados en el tranvía cada sábado y domingo a las 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. y 3:30 p.m.
We welcome groups! If you are bringing a group of 20 guests or more, please call 305.667.1651 x 3366 or email [email protected] in order to enjoy a special group rate. Group reservations are requested at least one week in advance
Private Tours of Fairchild
Whether you’re new to Fairchild or a longtime Member, you can deepen your enjoyment of the Garden by taking an exclusive Private Tour. These informative docent-led tours are offered throughout the day and are available for individuals or small groups of up to seven guests in the comfort of our shuttle carts; larger groups are accommodated in our trams. Guests enjoy the Garden’s 83-acres for approximately 1 ½ hours with our expertly-trained and friendly volunteer docents. Afterwards, explore the Garden at your leisure. Lunch or afternoon tea is available at an additional fee.
In order to provide your party with the best experience, we recommend booking your private tour three days prior to your visit. Depending on availability, we may accommodate any day-of bookings.
Private Tour Pricing (Includes Garden Admission, Garden Exhibits, Wings of the Tropics Exhibit, Special Exhibits, and a Private Tour lasting approximately 1 ½ hours).
Up to groups of 5: $250
Up to groups of 7: $300
Groups larger than 7: $500 (limit 20 guests)
Member Pricing (up to groups of 7): $125
To book a group larger than 7 guests, please contact us at [email protected] or 305.667.1651 x3305 at least 48 hours before your group visit.
Self-Guided Tours
Do you prefer self-exploration? Can’t make it to one of our guided tours? Then, be sure to discover the Garden on your own using one of our many exploration aids. Our visitor map will guide you to the many sights throughout Fairchild. The Kushlan Bird Trail is another wonderful self-guided experience that will help you discover the birds of Fairchild. Be sure to ask for both of these tour booklets when you arrive.
Guided Walking Tours
Guided walking tours are a great way to enjoy Fairchild more in-depth. Tours are led by trained volunteers who will guide you along the way to many different plants, flowers, birds, butterflies and other wildlife. The programs are carefully curated to ensure both an expansive and enjoyable educational experience.The content will vary depending on the departure location and interest of the visitors.
Schedules are subject to change depending on participation or weather. Please check with the Information Desk at the Shehan Visitor Center upon arrival or call ahead 305-667-1651, ext. 3388 to confirm availability.
Weekdays
Discover the Tropics Walking Tours
This is the perfect tour to learn about the beauty and botany of the tropics. Tours may include the following exhibits: Montgomery Palmetum, Simons Rainforest, Geiger Tropical Flower Garden, Tropical Flowering Tree Arboretum, Sibley Victoria pool, Lougheed Spiny Forest of Madagascar and the historic Vine Pergola
When: November through May
Time: 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Departs: Morning tours depart from Shehan Visitor Center; Afternoon tours depart from Cycad Circle.
Exploring the Rainforest
Learn about the importance of rainforest ecology and the critical role of plant, people and animal interactions.
When: Fridays, seasonal. November through May.
Time: 12:15 p.m.
Duration: 45 minutes
Departs: Cycad Circle
Weekends
Early-bird Walks at Fairchild
Discover the diverse avian community in South Florida via the Kushlan Bird Trail at Fairchild. Join us on Early-bird Walks and explore the best birding spots throughout Fairchild and record your sightings in the global database for birds, eBird. Don’t forget your binoculars!
When: Every Saturday and Sunday.
Seasonal, from February through May and September through November
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Departs: South Gate entrance
Note: Free for members; Non-members must pre-purchase their regular admission ticket on-line in order to participate in this activity.