Frederik Meijer Gardens Hours - The Complete Guide for Your Visit

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a 158-acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With its stunning indoor conservatories, meandering outdoor gardens, and thought-provoking sculptures, it's a must-see destination for both locals and visitors to the area. However, to make the most of your trip to this expansive venue, it's crucial to plan your visit around their operating hours.

We'll cover their seasonal hours, how to buy tickets, parking information, tour options, and more. With these tips, you'll be able to craft an amazing Frederik Meijer Gardens experience.

Hours of Operation by Season

While Frederik Meijer Gardens is open year-round, their specific operating hours vary by season. Here's an overview of the gardens' hours during spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Spring Hours

During the spring months of March through May, Frederik Meijer Gardens is typically open:

• Monday - Saturday: 9am to 5pm
• Sunday: 11am to 5pm

Note that the gardens are closed on Easter Sunday. They also sometimes have special extended hours on Tuesdays until 9pm during April and May. Be sure to check the website for any spring break or special event hours.

Summer Hours

Summer sees the longest hours at Frederik Meijer Gardens. For June, July, and August, the regular open hours are:

• Monday - Saturday: 9am to 8pm
• Sunday: 11am to 8pm

The gardens stay open late on Tuesdays, with last ticket sales at 7pm. During June, there are also special Saturday morning opening times from 8-10am for members only.

Fall Hours

As the weather cools down in September through November, hours shift to:

• Monday - Saturday: 9am to 5pm
• Sunday: 11am to 5pm

Fall brings beautiful foliage and Chrysanthemums to the gardens. It's also when their popular exhibition ArtPrize begins, so be sure to check for any extended hours. November hours may vary for holiday lights displays.

Winter Hours

Despite Michigan winters, Frederik Meijer Gardens has plenty to offer from December to February:

• Monday - Saturday: 9am to 5pm
• Sunday: 11am to 5pm

The tropical conservatory and indoor sculpture exhibits make the gardens a great cold weather activity. Holiday Nights runs select dates in December, with special evening hours. Always confirm hours before visiting in winter.

Buying Tickets in Advance

Purchasing your Frederik Meijer Gardens admission tickets online in advance is highly recommended. Ticket prices are:

• Adults: $14.50
• Seniors & Students: $11
• Children: $7

Discounts are available for EBT card holders, military members, and on Tuesday evenings. Buying online helps you skip ticket lines to maximize your time in the gardens.

Parking Information

Finding parking at Frederik Meijer Gardens is easy. The gardens have multiple parking lots surrounding the main buildings, including:

• West Lot
• Tram Lot
• East Lot

Parking is free and available on a first-come basis. The East Lot fills up fastest, so aim for the West or Tram lots if arriving later in the day.

Best Times to Visit

Due to the large size of the indoor and outdoor gardens, it's recommended to arrive early in the day during open hours to make the most of your 2-3 hour visit. The conservatories in particular can become crowded in the early afternoon as temperatures rise.

Avoid visiting on major holidays or during popular events if you dislike large crowds. Tuesday evenings tend to be less busy, making it a great time to visit the gardens.

Accessibility Information

Frederik Meijer Gardens aims to provide an enriching experience for all visitors. The gardens have wheelchair and scooter rentals available at the Welcome Center. Main pathways are accessible, and there are ample accessible restrooms.

Rules and Regulations

When planning your visit, be sure to note the gardens' rules. Prohibited items include drones, tripods, and selfie sticks. Photography and videography for personal use is allowed. Leashed pets are permitted in outdoor areas only.

Tours and Special Events

In addition to self-guided exploration, Frederik Meijer Gardens offers both public and private guided tours. These 60-90 minute tours can focus on the conservatories, sculptures, or holiday displays.

The gardens also host exciting seasonal events like outdoor summer concerts, the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition, ArtPrize, and Holiday Nights. Check their events calendar online for details.

Membership Benefits and Perks

From individual to family options, memberships provide valuable benefits like free admission, reciprocity with other botanical gardens, exclusive hours, discounts, and more. Members can enjoy early entry during Member Mornings and Night Light Hours.

Contact Information

When in doubt about hours, your best resources are the Frederik Meijer Gardens website and calling the Visitor Services office at 1-888-957-1580. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

We hope this comprehensive guide provides all the tips you need to plan a perfect Frederik Meijer Gardens visit. Their hours vary based on day, month, and seasonal events. Be sure to check their website calendar, purchase tickets online in advance, arrive early in the day, and inquire about special member access to maximize your time. With beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces open year-round, Frederik Meijer Gardens is a must-see destination when traveling through Michigan.