On-site Field Trips
Reservations for the 2020-2021 School Year are now closed. If you are looking for activities over the summer, please check out our Summer Discovery Program. We will resume School Year registrations in mid-August 2021.
Expand your science lessons outdoors while safely exploring our 155-acre nature sanctuary as a hands-on laboratory for students. For Spring 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are offering self-guided nature experiences that are tailored to align with grade-level specific science requirements, the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Teachers and chaperones will take students on an interpretive nature hike, explore exhibits in the Discovery Room, and enjoy our brand-new Nature Playscape.
DETAILS
Group Size: 15 students min / 60 students max
Available: 9:30 am – 1 pm, Tuesday – Friday by reservation only
Cost: $8 per student
View our Health & Safety information here.
Complete the Field Trip Request Form below to begin your reservation. Email Tiffany Ritter for more information or program details.
For small groups of less than 15 students, please look into our Private Group Tours.
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 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 $7 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 dining facilities at the Arboretum, however, we provide a lunch area where you can eat picnic style.
BUS PARKING
Bus parking is available only at 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. Please prepare students to dress for the weather. In case of severe weather, due to COVID-19 health and safety precautions, we are unable to offer an equivalent indoor program. If cancellation is necessary due to extreme weather conditions, rescheduling may not be possible due to our tight calendar, but every attempt will be made to do so.
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 payment policies? Please view our School Program Payment Policy (pdf).
QUESTIONS?
