By Joe HamwayIn this story:
- 1. Sip and plant in Manhattan
- 2. Build a self-sustaining terrarium in FiDi
- 3. Craft a moss-filled book nook in Brooklyn
- 4. Make an open terrarium in Queens
- 5. Try your hand at a crystal terrarium
- 6. Create a fairy garden on the Upper West Side
- 7. Bring the kids to a mini terrarium class in Midtown
- Find your little jungle in the great big city
Looking for terrarium classes in NYC that can turn your apartment into a lush little urban jungle? Maybe your space is bare of plants and could do with a touch of nature, or maybe you’ve been saving terrarium ideas on your phone for months, and you’re finally ready to make one with your own two hands. Either way, a terrarium workshop is the perfect way to work on your green thumb while mindfully creating a mini ecosystem that makes a great handmade present as well as a wonderful addition to your home.
Not only are terrariums super cute, but they’re also easy to care for! So even if your history with plants is, well, a little sad, you’re still likely to see your little terrarium flourish. Our expert teachers will also give you tips and tricks during the class, setting you up for success on your plant journey. Ready to make friends with nature this season? Let’s dive into 7 classes where you can build your own terrarium in NYC, from Midtown to Sunset Park to Kew Gardens!
1. Sip and plant in Manhattan
Make mini gardens in Wardian cases at this sip and plant terrarium workshop in the Garment District! For those who don’t know, a Wardian case is a sealed protective container for plants. It was essentially the first type of terrarium, created in 1829. Hosted by KraftStories, a studio founded by four friends who immigrated from Turkey, you’ll use Wardian cases to house your creations and keep them safe long after your workshop is done.
Building terrariums is not all you’ll be doing at this workshop. With red wine, a spread of charcuterie and fresh fruit, and sweet Turkish delight on hand, this workshop is as much about storytelling as it is planting. While making your terrarium, you’ll learn how Victorian plant hunters used these glass cases to carry tea plants across oceans, and how the same sealed-ecosystem principles could one day help grow plants on Mars. If you’ve been collecting terrarium ideas with a little sparkle, you’ll love finishing yours with tropical plants, fresh moss, and glowing USB fairy lights.
As one happy guest put it:
“The class was such a fun and relaxing way to create something beautiful.” — Noah T.
Public classes run Fridays and Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 3 pm at 325 W 38th St, an easy walk from the Times Sq–42 St and 42 St–Port Authority stations. Afterward, stroll east to Bryant Park, or wander over to Ninth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen for an early dinner. Let’s not forget that gardening is good for the soul, and building your own terrarium is like gardening but on a smaller scale, so you can still reap all the benefits while dealing with less dirt!
2. Build a self-sustaining terrarium in FiDi
Head downtown to create a tiny living landscape that waters itself! At this self-sustaining terrarium workshop, instructor Fatih Obut will walk you through how closed ecosystems stay balanced as you layer stones, soil, moss, and live plants inside a sleek glass jar with a cork lid.
This class is also a wonderful way to explore the different types of terrarium vessels, since you can choose a medium or large glass jar, a classic Wardian case, or a futuristic Mars Dome (from $99 to $149). Every kit includes living moss, an exotic plant, decorations, fairy lights, and a spray bottle so you can keep your creation happy at home.
One ClassBento student brought a date here and loved how open the studio felt, with every pair getting its own cozy setup that felt like a private experience. She went on in her perfect 5-star review, saying:
“I brought someone here for a date to make terrariums, and it was an awesome experience! The space is really open and thoughtfully laid out, so every group had their own little setup without feeling like you were on top of each other. It made for a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and really felt like a private experience... I highly recommend this class with Colby!” — Stephanie W.
Classes run daily at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm at 93 Pearl Street, just steps from the Whitehall St–South Ferry, Bowling Green, and Wall St stations. Before or after class, grab a bite on Stone Street’s cobblestone dining strip around the corner, then catch a sunset over the harbor in Battery Park.
3. Craft a moss-filled book nook in Brooklyn
If you’re looking for a creative twist on terrarium making, head over to Sunset Park for a miniature enchanted forest book nook class! Less terrarium and more storybook diorama, this unique workshop will see you building a one-inch-scale woodland designed to nestle between the books on your shelf.
It’s a dreamy playground for anyone hunting for moss terrarium ideas, since you’ll layer soft moss, textured branches, sand, and tiny rocks to shape your own forest floor. From glowing fairy lights to little owls and wolves hiding among the trees, there’s something for everyone in this hands-on workshop.
The class is hosted by Craftsman Ave, a locally owned Brooklyn workshop space that has been turning “regular folks” into makers since 2015. Instructors Andi and Brandon walk the room offering advice and hands-on help, and guests can even bring small found objects from home to weave into their tiny world. One regular enjoyed it so much he came back for a second book nook (and tucked a tiny Bigfoot into his forest), leaving a glowing 5-star review of the class saying:
“My second book nook at Craftsman Ave and Andi and Brandon, and just as fun as the first. The procedure was the same but with the addition of a second set of faerie lights.... The rest of the procedure was the same: painting of the floor, laying one set of lights on the bottom, addition of different types of moss, sand and/or small rocks, twigs to represent trees, and then, if desired: various flora and fauna. I chose an owl, wolves, and a small bigfoot hidden in a nook (lol).” — Anthony M.
Not only will you walk away with a magical, handcrafted book nook, but you’ll also pick up approachable techniques for building realistic landscapes on a small scale. Public four-hour sessions ($205) run regularly at 68 34th Street in Industry City, a short walk from the 36 St station on the D, N, and R lines. Make an afternoon of it by grabbing lunch in Industry City’s courtyards, then climbing the hill in Sunset Park for sweeping skyline views.
4. Make an open terrarium in Queens
Embark on a terrarium adventure in Kew Gardens with this open terrarium making class by Terrart NYC. This family-run business began in Caracas, Venezuela, in the mid-1980s, creating miniature gardens in bottles as unique gifts for loved ones. Founder Charly Uzcategui later brought this family tradition to New York City, combining his engineering background with his love of plants to help others create their own little green worlds.
One of the perks of making your own terrarium with Terrart NYC is the freedom to personalize it to your taste. If a DIY succulent terrarium is what you’ve been dreaming of, you’ll love choosing from 12+ succulent varieties, 20+ tropical plants, air plants, and real moss grown by them before arranging it all artistically within your terrarium. With expert guidance, you’ll gain valuable insights into plant care and maintenance, ensuring your terrarium remains healthy and vibrant.
This one-hour class ($75 per person) is booked as a private event for groups of 10 or more, which makes it a wonderful pick for birthdays, bachelorettes, and team outings, and the teacher can even travel to your venue. The exact Kew Gardens address is shared after booking, and the neighborhood is easy to reach on the E and F trains to Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike. Afterward, take a leafy walk through Forest Park or grab dinner along Austin Street in neighboring Forest Hills.
8 years in business
Runs regularly
Garment District
/ Mobile
1 to 45 guests
$99 - $139
5. Try your hand at a crystal terrarium
Let your creativity run wild with this geode crystal terrarium workshop near Madison Square Park! From the same Terrart team, this is one of the most striking terrarium ideas on our list, pairing raw geodes, quartz, and amethyst with moisture-loving ferns or drought-tolerant succulents.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant parent, you’ll find inspiration in the sparkle of the crystals and the lush textures of real moss. Your instructor will teach you micro-landscaping techniques, showing you how to position stones to create depth, shadow, and a sense of wonder inside your 8" glass jar.
Not only is your crystal terrarium visually appealing, but the living moss inside it also brings a calming element to indoor spaces. At this workshop, you’ll not only create beautiful art but also contribute to a healthier and more serene atmosphere at home.
The class runs about an hour, costs $85 to $100 per person, and is currently available as a private booking for groups of eight or more. The exact NoMad/Chelsea address arrives after booking, and the area is a quick hop from the 28 St subway stops. Celebrate your finished piece with a stroll through Madison Square Park and a meal in the nearby Flatiron District!
6. Create a fairy garden on the Upper West Side
Escape to a world of magic with this fairy garden workshop on the Upper West Side! Discover the joy of crafting a miniature fairy garden terrarium filled with tiny plants and enchanting accessories. Your expert instructor will guide you in designing and assembling your own fairy tale garden, adding a touch of whimsy to your space.
Fairy gardens aren’t just for the kids; they’re a whimsical escape for all ages (this class welcomes kids 10 and up with an adult). As you work on your garden, you’ll discover the joy of crafting tiny worlds and creating stories within them. From succulents in a slanted glass bowl to miniature fairies, every detail adds to the charm of your garden.
The class is led by Luludi Living Art, a women-owned studio whose name means “flower” in Greek. Founder Liza Fiorentinos fell in love with the wall gardens she admired while living in Paris, and turned that passion into living art back home. Guests clearly feel the magic even on dates, with one happy reviewer sharing in their 5-star review:
“Me and my girlfriend loved it!” — Jason T.
Whether you envision a woodland retreat or a seaside paradise for your fairies, the team will help you create your dream scene. The one-hour class ($95 per person) is offered as a private event for groups of 10 or more at 710 Amsterdam Ave, about a seven-minute walk from the 96 St station, and the instructor can also travel to venues across all five boroughs. Then, make a day of it with a walk through Riverside Park or Central Park.
7. Bring the kids to a mini terrarium class in Midtown
Looking for a family-friendly way to get green? This mini terrarium workshop welcomes plant lovers ages 8 and up, making it perfect for kids bursting with terrarium ideas of their own. With live moss, lava rocks, driftwood, decorative stones, and a whimsical figurine, everyone gets to design a lush miniature world inside a corked glass jar.
It’s one of the most affordable ways to get your hands in the soil in NYC, at just $69 per person. Classes run daily at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 6 pm, so it’s easy to fit into a busy weekend, and grown-ups can add a cup of Turkish coffee to sip while they build. The instructor is Fatih Obut, the same warm, patient teacher behind the Financial District class above.
One student said it best in their perfect 5-star review:
“Loads of fun, the atmosphere was welcoming and the hosts were very helpful. 100/10.” — Star W.
The class takes place at the same West 38th Street studio as our sip and plant pick, close to the Times Sq–42 St station. Afterward, wander west to the northern end of the High Line at Hudson Yards for a little more greenery in the sky.
Find your little jungle in the great big city
If you’re too into that city life to fathom dealing with a real garden, then get all the benefits of nature without the headaches by building a terrarium near you. Easy to care for, fun to make, and pretty to look at, making your own terrarium is the perfect way to get started on your green thumb without the commitment of a thousand plants or a huge garden. Bring all your favorite terrarium ideas to life and make a small jungle escape in the big city with terrarium classes across New York City!
