This guided outdoor field trip leads students through our diverse forests and themed gardens, offering hands-on learning that supports science standards and encourages curiosity about the natural world. Depending on the season, your group may explore the tropical garden, vegetable garden, herb garden, sensory garden, fern garden, perennial garden, or rhododendron garden.

This is our most popular outdoor field trip for elementary school students, ideal for teachers looking to enrich lessons on plant biology, ecology, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. Outdoor seating and play areas are available if classes wish to stay for lunch at the conclusion of the guided section of the field trip.

During the trip, students will:

—Learn the major parts of plants and their functions

—Discover a wide variety of tree and plant species

—Practice observation and identification skills

—Search for seeds they can bring back to class to grow

Grades: K–5
Duration: 2 Hours
Availability: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October
Format: In-Person Field Trip
Price: $140 per class

During this guided nature-based field trip, students investigate real examples of seed structures and dispersal mechanisms, learning how plants use wind, water, animals, and gravity to spread and thrive. Students will collect, compare, and observe a variety of seed types throughout the program.

This science field trip is well-suited for elementary school groups studying plant life cycles, habitats, adaptations, and ecosystems. It provides students with a meaningful opportunity to engage with the natural world while deepening their understanding of plant reproduction and seed dispersal. Depending on the needs of each group, the experience can be conducted fully outdoors through guided exploration with one of our educators or divided between outdoor learning and station-based activities in our classroom. Outdoor seating and play areas are also available for classes that wish to stay for lunch following the guided portion of the visit.

During the trip, students will:

—Discover the parts of a seed and why seed dispersal is essential for plant survival

—Compare different types of seeds and explore dispersal strategies

—Practice observation skills through hands-on seed collection and investigation stations

—Use microscopes to examine seeds up close (if indoors)

Grades: 2–5
Duration: 2 Hours
Availability: September, October, and November
Format: In-Person Field Trip
Price: $140 per class

During this guided nature program, students will explore our gardens and natural areas, home to a diverse array of blooming flowers and pollinators. Through interactive demonstrations, real-world examples, and structured observation activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of why pollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems and to the plant life cycle.

This environmental education program aligns with classroom instruction in plant biology and ecosystems. It is an excellent option for teachers seeking a curriculum-supported experience that highlights the interconnected relationships between plants and animals. Based on the needs of each group, the program can be conducted entirely outdoors through guided exploration with one of our educators, or split between outdoor learning and station-based activities in our classroom. Outdoor seating and play areas are available for classes wishing to stay for lunch following the guided portion of the trip.

During the program, students will:

 — Identify and understand the functions of different flower parts

 — Learn how pollination works and why it is a critical stage of the plant life cycle

 — Observe flowers and pollinators in action throughout the arboretum

 — Participate in hands-on activities such as pollen transfer demonstrations, pollinator-plant matching, and viewing flower structures up close using microscopes

Grades: 2–5
Duration: 2 Hours
Availability: April, May, June, July, August, and September (pollinator/flower blooming will vary)
Format: In-Person Field Trip
Price: $140 per class

During this guided outdoor exploration, students will investigate a pond and stream using nets, strainers, and magnifying lenses to collect and examine a variety of aquatic organisms. From tadpoles and frogs to dragonfly nymphs, water beetles, and other macroinvertebrates, students will observe animals at various stages of their life cycles and explore how metamorphosis supports survival in freshwater ecosystems.

As students examine predator–prey interactions and pond food webs, they will develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of life within aquatic habitats. Along the way, they may even spot a Great Blue Heron or other wildlife, providing real-world examples of top predators and their role in maintaining ecological balance. Outdoor seating and play areas are available for classes wishing to stay for lunch following the guided portion of the program.

During the program, students will:

— Investigate the organisms in Forsyth Pond and Poorhouse Brook using scientific tools

— Discover reptiles, amphibians, insects, and macroinvertebrates that inhabit freshwater ecosystems

— Learn how predator–prey relationships and metamorphosis influence the structure and stability of pond ecosystems

Grades: 2–6
Duration: 2 Hours
Availability: April, May, June, July, August, September, and October
Format: In-Person Field Trip
Price: $140 per class

Looking for something a little different? We offer a Design Your Own Field Trip option for teachers who have a specific topic, theme, or learning goal in mind. Our educators will work with you to create a customised outdoor learning experience that fits your curriculum, grade level, and interests.

Whether your students are studying ecosystems, habitats, weather, wildlife, nature art, or something else entirely, we can help you build a program that brings your ideas to life. This option is perfect for teachers seeking a flexible, personalised outdoor education program that supports classroom learning while giving students a unique experience in nature.

Possible custom field trip themes include:

—Habitats & Ecosystems: Explore forest, meadow, or wetland habitats in depth

—Tree Studies: Focus on tree species identification and forest ecology

—Seasonal Science: Investigate fall changes, spring growth, or winter adaptations

—STEM in Nature: Try measurement, mapping, data collection, or citizen science activities

Grades: K–12
Duration: 1-3 Hours
Availability: Year-round
Format: In-Person Field Trip
Price: $140 per class