Available June 4 – August 8, 2025

Schedule a half day of hands-on science! Our Summer Discovery Program consists of three 30-minute rotations, with a maximum of 20 people per group (60 total). The stations include a visit to our Discovery Room, a self-guided scavenger hunt on one of our many trails, and an adventure in our Nature Playscape.

Class Size: Minimum 15 students/Maximum 60 students
Tour Times: Wednesday – Friday from 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Cost: $8 per student

Location Descriptions

The Discovery Room is an interactive science classroom – a place to explore and experience Arboretum habitats and the organisms that live here in an engaging and fun way.

  • Hunt for and learn about Arboretum creatures perched on our Discovery Tree, hidden in our Living Log, lurking on the floor, or swimming in our wetland tanks.
  • Explore the Prairie Underground exhibit to discover some of our prairie residents.
  • Learn about our ambassador animals now on display in the Discovery Room!
  • Explore the exhibits including microscopes, animal pelts, skulls, rocks, native plants, etc.

The Nature Playscape is an outdoor playground that invites you to use your imagination as you explore, climb, crawl, build, balance, and connect with the natural world around you. 

Reservation Requests

Step 1: School or Group Information

Address(Required)
Contact Name(Required)
Please note any special needs, accessibility, specific contact information, and requests for multiple trip dates here.

Step 2: Select a Date

1st Choice(Required)
2nd Choice
3rd Choice

Step 3: Payment Estimate

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 the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
Price: $8.00
Per student. Please note that the Field Trip student maximum is 60 students per day. A number higher than 60 will require more than one Field Trip.
Price: $8.00
Additional chaperones may pay on the day of the program.
There is a minimum student requirement for all programs. Should the student count fail to meet the minimum requirement, the reflected total pricing is subject to change to cover the minimum cost necessary to provide the educational program.

FAQ

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

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

One adult for every 10 students is required to ensure safety and to help supervise your students. Additional chaperones over the requirement are charged $8 per person.

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

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.

We have a small area at the back of the building that permits food and drink. If available, your school may use this area. Please make sure to clean up after you eat. Picnic areas can be found within Memorial Park’s picnic loop.

Bus parking is available only at our 610 Entrance. Please look for bus parking signs. 

610 Entrance Address: 120 West Loop North Fwy, Houston, TX 77024

Mosquitoes can be a problem in the summer. Please bring insect repellent for your students.

Programs are conducted rain or shine.  In case of severe weather, 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.

Program fees are non-refundable.

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.

Email [email protected].