Arboretum Etiquette
Arboretum Etiquette
In an effort to help us preserve and enhance the land for conservation and education, please follow these rules while enjoying the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens:
- Visitors are not allowed to remain in or enter the Arboretum before or after operating hours.
- Bicycles, balls, frisbees, drones, skateboards, skates, scooters and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Wheelchairs and other mobility equipment are allowed.
- Dogs must be on a leash; they are restricted to the mulch paths or the International Sculpture Trail around the Pavilion. Dogs are not allowed on garden walkways. Please pick up after your pet.
- No plants, animals or insects may be collected or removed.
- Please do not climb on waterfalls, rocks or in trees in the gardens.
- You must have a permit for portrait photography or videography. Nature photography does not require a permit.
- Alcoholic beverages purchased at Café Celeste may be consumed at designated locations. No outside alcoholic beverages of any kind are allowed on the premises.
- Fires/grilling of any kind are prohibited.
- Please call ahead if you are bringing a school group or would like a guided tour.
Address
8909 W. 179th Street
Overland Park, KS 66013
Phone
913-685-3604
Hours
Daily | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Last entry 30 minutes before closing.
Gates close at 5 p.m.
2024-2025 Holiday Hours:
Dec. 24 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dec. 25 | Closed
Jan. 1 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission
Children ages 5 and under are free.
$2 ages 6-17
$5 ages 18+
Free admission on the first Tuesday of each month.
Photos + Video
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens requires a permit for all portrait or posed photography. You can find information about photography rules and permit requirements below.
Photography Rules
All visitors should read and act according to Arboretum etiquette.
Photography parties larger than 10 people must call the Arboretum in advance, to allow staff to be prepared for the large group.
Be on time. Your session will not be extended without an additional fee, and you will have to exit the Arboretum at closing time, regardless of your arrival time and permit duration.
Garden rentals supersede photography permits. Do not photograph in an area reserved by a private party.
Do not leave props, clothing or personal belongings unattended. The Arboretum is not liable for damage to personal belongings while on site.
Changing clothes in the gardens or on the trails is not permitted.
Dogs or other pets are not allowed in the gardens or any area with concrete sidewalk access.
Failure to follow any of the rules could void photography permits or access to future permits. Any damage to flowers, trees, shrubs, containers, sculptures, etc. will be charged to the permit holder.
Photography Permits
Photography and videography permits for portrait or posed purposes are available for $50 per hour and can be purchased upon arrival at our admissions sales desk.
No more than four hours may be reserved by one permit holder per day. Regular admission fees apply for photographers and all subjects.
Photographers hired for rental events at the Arboretum do not need a separate permit to photograph the event. Nature photography does not require a permit as long as the photos are not for commercial use.
Commercial photography requires a minimum fee of $300 per day. Contact Donna Stringfellow for all commercial photography requests.