Full-Day Field Adventures

Reservation inquiries for the 2022-23 school year are now closed. Inquiries for the 2023-24 school year will open in August.

Class size: Minimum 20 students/Maximum 140 students
Description: Students are given an overview in the classroom followed by a 60-minute guided field experience led by staff naturalists and docents which introduces students to basic ecological concepts. After a picnic-style lunch break, students and teachers explore interactive exhibits in the Discovery Room, enjoy an outdoor self-guided experience, and exercise their imaginations in our Nature Playscape.

Tour Times: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, Tuesday – Friday
Fee: $10 per student; $9 per additional chaperone

THEMES

Sensing Nature
Explore the Arboretum’s ecosystems using your built-in toolbox – your senses! Students will take a nature hike through prairie, woodland, savanna, and wetland habitats. Along the way, make observations of the interacting communities and finish with time to reflect creatively about your nature experience. (Grades K-5)

A Habitat is a Home
Learn how and where living things meet their needs. Children will explore woodland, savanna, prairie, or wetland habitats to learn how organisms survive in their environment. (Grades K-2)

Nature’s Recyclers
Investigate how nature recycles nutrients through the process of decomposition. Explore a rotting log to learn about the organisms that work on the decomposer team. (Grades 1-3)

Pleased to Eat You!
Search for links in food chains by exploring habitats and the organisms that call the Arboretum home. Discover what local animals eat, and how to classify them as herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore. (Grades 2-4)

Creature Features
Discover adaptations that help organisms survive. While exploring the Arboretum’s habitats, students will identify and compare adaptive characteristics of organisms. (Grades 3-5)

EcoExplorers
Identify ways that organisms live and survive in their ecosystem by interacting with the living and non-living elements. Students will explore woodland, savanna, prairie, and wetland habitats to compare physical characteristics and how they support biological communities. Great STAAR review! (Grades 4-5)

  • FAQ:
    • SCHEDULING FOR A PROGRAM

      Please ensure that your Field Trip request has been pre-approved by your educational institution before scheduling.

    • STUDENT COUNT

      An accurate count of attending students is required before submitting a scheduling request.

    • CHAPERONES

      One adult for every 10 students is required to ensure safety and to help supervise your students. Additional chaperones over the requirement are charged $9 per person.

      The program is designed for your students; please ask parents to leave younger siblings at home.

    • DRESS

      Please advise students and parents to dress appropriately for a nature hike and the weather. Students and adults should wear closed-toe shoes for safety. Sandals or high heels are strongly discouraged.

    • LUNCH

      There are no picnic facilities at the Arboretum, however, we provide a lunch area for a full day program. Half day programs may use our building apron if available. Picnic areas can be found within Memorial Park’s picnic loop.

    • BUS PARKING

      Bus parking is available only from our 610 entrance. Please look for bus parking signs. Staff will be present to assist drivers. Address: 120 West Loop North Fwy, Houston, TX  77024

    • INCLEMENT WEATHER

      Programs are conducted rain or shine. Ponchos are provided for light rain. In case of severe weather, we will offer an equivalent indoor program. If cancellation is necessary due to extreme weather conditions, rescheduling may not be possible due to our tight calendar.

    • RESCHEDULING

      Rescheduling requests are addressed at the Houston Arboretum’s availability and discretion. Rescheduling a confirmed program 0-30 days prior to your scheduled date will result in a rescheduling fee of $50.00.

    • CANCELLATIONS

      Program fees are non-refundable.

    • PAYMENT

      Payment is required in advance and in full. Accepted forms of payment are organizational check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. All checks must be made payable to: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Questions about policies? Please click – School Program Payment Policy (pdf).

    • PROGRAM QUESTIONS?

      Email schoolprograms@houstonarboretum.org