Houston Botanic Garden field trips bring classroom learning to life through hands-on exploration of plants, ecosystems, and environmental science. From Gulf Coast habitats and global plant collections to food crops and useful plants, students engage in authentic scientific inquiry while discovering the vital roles plants play in supporting biodiversity, culture, agriculture, and human well-being. Whether students explore independently or participate in a staff-led program, every experience is designed to foster curiosity, discovery, and environmental stewardship.
Self-Guided Field Trips Explore the Garden at your own pace using grade-level TEKS-aligned resources developed by Houston Botanic Garden educators. Pre-visit and post-visit teacher guides, student investigation materials, maps, and exploration activities help students make meaningful connections before, during, and after their visit.
Guided Programs & Hands-On Classes Looking for a more structured experience? Garden educators offer facilitated programs that connect directly to classroom learning. Options include guided tours featuring TEKS-aligned themes and interactive classes that combine Garden exploration with hands-on investigations, demonstrations, and educational activities.
K-12 environmental education programs made possible through the generous support of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo.
Field Trip Pricing
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?
Complete the Field Trip Inquiry Form. A member of the Garden’s Education team will contact you to discuss availability and program options. Field trips are not officially booked until you receive a confirmation email and invoice.
How far in advance should I schedule a field trip?
Guided tours and hands-on classes should be requested at least four weeks before your preferred visit date. Self-guided field trips should be requested at least two weeks in advance. Earlier requests are encouraged, especially during peak field trip season.
What grades are field trips designed for?
The Garden welcomes learners of all ages to our outdoor learning environment. Field trip experiences can be adapted to support a variety of grade levels and learning goals.
How many students can I bring?
Self-guided field trips can accommodate groups of any size, provided the required student-to-chaperone ratio is maintained.
Guided tours can accommodate groups of at least 15 participants and can scale to accommodate larger groups. Large groups will learn on a staggered schedule.
Hands-on classes are designed for a maximum of 25 students per session. Larger groups may be accommodated through multiple class rotations based on availability.
How many chaperones are required?
Schools must provide at least one chaperone for every 10 students. Chaperones should be included in the participant count provided before your visit. Additional parents and younger siblings who are not part of the school’s official group must purchase general admission at the regular rate.
Do teachers receive free admission?
Teachers should be included within the required one chaperone-to-10 student ratio and counted as part of the field trip registration.
Is financial assistance available for Title I schools?
Grant funding is periodically available to help offset the cost of field trips for Title I schools and other eligible groups. Please indicate your school’s Title I status when completing the Field Trip Inquiry Form, and our team will share any current funding opportunities.
When is payment due?
Payment is due prior to Garden entry.
Are buses able to park on-site?
Yes. On-site parking is available and included with field trip admission. Bus drivers are always welcome to enjoy the Garden at no additional cost.
Can we have lunch at the Garden?
Yes. Groups are welcome to bring sack lunches and reusable water bottles. Lunch may be enjoyed at available seating areas or on a blanket in designated lawn spaces. To help protect the Garden’s plants, wildlife, and waterways, please dispose of all trash properly and leave your lunch area as you found it.
What should students wear?
Field trips take place outdoors and involve walking on a variety of pathways. Students should wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate attire. We also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle.
What educational resources are included with a field trip?
All self-guided field trips include TEKS-aligned teacher resources, including pre-visit and post-visit activities and a student investigation guide to support learning before, during, and after your visit.
Are accommodations available for students with disabilities?
Many Garden areas are easily accessible for students and adults with limited mobility. Please notify the Education team of any accommodations or accessibility needs when booking your visit.
Can homeschool groups book field trips?
Yes. Homeschool groups are welcome to book a field trip experience with a minimum of 15 student participants. The required one chaperone-to-10 student ratio applies, and additional adults and younger siblings must purchase admission.
Can we visit the Garden Shop during our field trip?
Yes. One group of students accompanied by their chaperone may visit the Garden Shop at a time.
What happens if my final attendance number changes?
Please notify Garden staff of attendance changes as early as possible. Guided tours and hands-on classes may have limited capacity, and advance notice helps us provide the best experience for your group.
Are field trips cancelled due to weather?
The Garden remains open rain or shine. Most field trips can proceed safely during light rain. In the event of severe weather or other conditions that may impact safety, Garden staff will work directly with school representatives to determine appropriate next steps.
Can we reschedule or cancel our field trip?
Requests to reschedule or cancel must be received at least two weeks before the scheduled visit date. When severe weather or emergency situations affect a school visit, the Garden will work with schools on a case-by-case basis to identify available alternatives.
