The Houston Botanic Garden offers student groups from primary and secondary schools with field trip experiences that bring lessons from the classroom to life outdoors. Youth programming at the Garden is designed to encourage participating students to develop a deeper appreciation for plants and nature that, in turn, inspires them to be better environmental stewards.
Self-Guided Field Trips – Students and chaperones explore the Garden on their own, with scavenger hunts, maps, and other resources provided by the Garden to enhance the experience.
Guided Tours – Garden guides lead students and chaperones on an approximately one-hour tour of the Garden , making a series of stops tied to each school’s preferred TEKS-aligned theme.
Hands-On Classes – Smaller groups of visiting students have the opportunity to dive deeper into a selected topic, with an experience that combines a guided tour of the Garden with a classroom-style lesson and hands-on craft or educational activity.
Self-Guided Field Trips – $5 per student / chaperone
Guided Tours – $8 per student / chaperone
Hands-On Classes – $20-$35 per student, $6 per chaperone
Guided Tour Themes
Five Senses – Students will learn about and experience the Garden’s living collections with all of their senses.
Ecosystem Adventure – Students will learn about the different ecosystems in the Garden and how various plants adapt to them.
Wonderful Wetlands – Students will explore one the Garden’s wetlands and learn about the plants and animals that rely on these important ecosystems.
Root to Fruit – Students will learn about the functions and various uses of different parts of useful plants found in the Garden.
Hands-On Classes
Insect Investigators – Students will learn about the importance of a certain type or group of insects — such as butterflies, bees, dragonflies, beetles, worms — and the crucial roles they play in our ecosystem. Participants will create and take home a craft related to the specific insect discussed, such as a butterfly puddler, a beeswax candle, or a roly poly habitat.
Flower Power – Students will learn about the life cycle and features of the various beautiful, colorful, and — sometimes even — delicious flowers all around us. Participants will create and take home a mini pollinator garden.
The Story of Water – Students will learn about how wetlands absorb floodwaters and prevent toxins from running off into waterways, while also providing crucial habitat for many aquatic plants and animals. Participants will create and take home a mini terrarium.
Tiny Gardens – Students will use materials provided to create a take-home garden, complete with care instructions for the plants included. Participants can choose to create a whimsical wonderland, a prehistoric world for dinosaurs, or a tropical, arid, or aquatic biome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a field trip?
Fill out the Field Trip Inquiry form. The Garden’s youth program coordinator will then contact you within seven business days. Field trips are not officially booked until you receive a confirmation email and invoice.
How soon can I schedule a field trip?
Guided tours or hands-on classes must be scheduled at least six weeks in advance of your preferred date; self-guided field trips must be scheduled at least four weeks in advance of your preferred date.
Is there a discount for Title I schools?
Grant funding is often available to assist Title I schools. Please indicate your school’s Title I status when completing the Field Trip Inquiry form.
How many chaperones do I need to provide?
The Garden requires that each school provide — and cover the cost of — one chaperone for every 10 students. Anyone not included as a school-sanctioned chaperone in the official count provided to the Garden in advance — including siblings over age 3 who are not currently in school — will need to purchase a general admission ticket at the regular price.
How many students can I bring?
Self-guided field trips can be of any size, assuming the required student-to-chaperone ratio is maintained. The Garden can accommodate guided tours for up to 120 people, chaperones included. Hands-on classes are limited to 20 students at a time.
Can we have lunch at the Garden?
Outside food is not allowed inside the Garden, nor does the Garden have space to store lunches, coolers, etc. during the field trip. Students are encouraged to bring water bottles, which can be refilled at water fountains near the restrooms. There is a Picnic Grove adjacent to the parking area where schools are welcome to have sack lunches. Chaperones should ensure all trash is disposed of properly.
Are field trips cancelled due to the weather?
The Garden is open daily rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather while a field trip is taking place, the Garden will take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone on-site for the duration of the weather event.
Can we reschedule or cancel our field trip?
Field trips can be rescheduled or cancelled as long as the request is received at least three weeks in advance. In cases where the weather forecast requires a last-minute change, the Garden will work with schools affected on a case-by-case basis.
