Arboretum Adventures
Field Trips to Boyce Thompson Arboretum are fun, hands-on, immersive experiences. Learners’ adventures on the trails are full of discovery and connection to the natural world.
Each field trip helps learners improve their science inquiry skills and is tied to Arizona State Science Standards. Plus, they follow the 5 E Instructional Model for deep, high-quality learning.
For more information and to request a booking, please see below.
Guided Field Trips
Learners discover the 4 components of habitat: food, water, shelter, and space.
Stations
- Tag your Habitat: Playing a game of tag, learners will play as birds looking for their habitat components. What happens when there are not enough components to survive?
- AZ Science Standards: K.L1U1.6. K.L1U1.7, K.L2U1.8, 1. L2U2.7, 1.L2UI.8, 1.L4U3.11, 2.L2U1.9
- Graph an animal: Learners will conduct a field investigation to count the animals they see around the Arboretum. After, they will make a bar graph to determine which animals they saw most and least.
- AZ Science Standards: 1.L2U2.7, 2.L2U1.9
- Habitat Scavenger Hunt: Learners will explore the Arboretum while searching for examples of food, water and shelter
- AZ Science Standards: K.L1U1.6. K.L1U1.7, K.L2U1.8, 1. L2U2.7, 1. L2UI.8, 2.L2U1.9, 2.L2U1.10
Learners will explore the structural adaptations of desert plants that help them survive.
Stations
- Desert Leaves: Learners will take data from real life desert leaves to determine which adaptations they have developed to survive in the harsh desert environment.
- AZ Science Standards: 3.L1U1.5, 4.L4U1.11,5.L4U3.12
- Seed Dispersal Investigation: By conducting a series of experiments, learners will determine how different seeds disperse.
- AZ Science Standards: 3.L1U1.5, 4.L4U1.11, 5.L4U3.12
- Adaptations Scavenger Hunt: Learners will explore the Arboretum in search of plants with unique arid environment adaptations.
- AZ Science Standards: 4.L4U1.11, 5.L4U3.12
Learners explore the concepts of food webs and food chains as they observe and investigate the plants and animals of the Arboretum.
Stations
- Owl Pellet Dissection: Learners will dissect a real owl pellet and determine what the owl ate for dinner.
- AZ Science Standards:2.L2U1.9,2.L2U1.10, 3.L2U1.7, 3.L2U1.8, 5.L4U3.11, 6.L2U3.12, 6.L2U1.13
- Skulls and Teeth Investigation: What can teeth tell us about what an animal eats? Learners will look at three different desert animal skulls and determine what it eats by its teeth alone.
- AZ Science Standards:2.L2U1.9,2.L2U1.10, 3.L1U1.5, 3.L2U1.7,3.L2U1.8
- Food Web Scavenger Hunt: Learners will explore the Arboretum while on the lookout for food web components.
- AZ Science Standards:1.L2U2.7, 1.L2UI.8, 2.L2U1.9,2.L2U1.10,3.L2U1.7, 3.L2U1.8
Enjoy a one-hour guided walking tour of the Arboretum to learn about its 100-year history and the fascinating plants within it. Not recommended for younger learners.
Self Guided Field Trips
Explore the Arboretum at your own pace! Enjoy as an entire field trip or as a station on your guided field trip. Bring your own activities or take advantage of ours!
Use pictures and simple words to look high and low for everything on the list!
Explore the Arboretum through the lens of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math concepts. Each garden has a corresponding booklet activity for learners to engage with.
Join us for an Arboretum Adventure.
Homeschool Days
We offer several homeschool specific events throughout the year to take the hassle out of scheduling a field trip. Our Homeschool Days feature curriculum from our high-quality field trips plus extra activities!
Upcoming homeschool days:
Sponsors
Field Trip Pricing
K-12 School (Public, private, charter, etc.
Guided
Learner: $9
Teachers and school staff: $0
Chaperones 1:5 ratio: $0
Extra chaperones: $10
Self-guided
Learner: $7
Teachers and school staff: $0
Chaperones 1:5 ratio: $0
Extra chaperones: $10
*Title One schools may be eligible to receive a discount.
Homeschool/Youth Organization
Scout Groups
Guided
Learner: $9
Chaperones: $10
Self Guided
Learner: $7
Chaperones: $10
Booking Information
- November 12th, 2025 – April 24, 2026, Tuesday through Friday.
- The minimum group size for all field trips is 15 learners. Guided trips can accommodate up to 80 learners. Self-guided trips have a maximum of 150 learners.
- Field trips must be booked at least three weeks in advance. Groups that arrive without a confirmed field trip will not be accepted and must pay full admission.
- Cancellations, rescheduling, and/or changes to your final headcount can be made up to 14 days before your scheduled field trip date. No refunds or rainchecks will be given after the 14-day window.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should we bring with us?
Each learner should bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes. Groups may also bring sack lunches to eat in our picnic area.
Where do we park?
Buses park in the bus parking area on the north side of the parking lot near the exit gate. All other vehicles park in the main parking lot.
Who will we meet in the parking lot?
You will be greeted by an education staff member when you arrive.
What if we are running late?
If you are running late, please call (520)689-4700 to notify the staff. We reserve the right to adjust your field trip to best fit the scheduled timeline.
How many students are in a group?
Depending on the number of learners attending, you will be divided into groups of 10-15
learners.
Can we go into the gift shop?
Yes! We ask that you send small groups of 3-6 students at a time.
How do we pay for our field trip?
We accept day-of payment or payment by invoice. For day-of payments, we accept cash and card. For payment by invoice, we accept cash, card, or check. Please inform our education staff of your preferred payment type. Payments must be received all in one transaction.
Can extra chaperones pay on the day of the field trip?
No. All extra chaperones must prepay the school prior to the field trip. Otherwise, they will be charged full admission at the admissions booth.
Is the $25 deposit refundable?
No, the deposit is not refundable regardless of when you cancel the field trip. Schools may send a purchase order in lieu of the $25 deposit.
What if it rains during my field trip?
Boyce Thompson Arboretum field trips are rain or shine, but you can cancel if you feel your learners are unequipped for the rain. While we will try our best to reschedule your trip, we cannot guarantee another date will be available.
I am a Title I school. Do you offer scholarships?
Yes! Title I schools are eligible for reduced admission as well as transportation reimbursement. Please contact education staff for more information.
Can I bring my dog on the field trip?
In order to support a conducive learning environment, please leave pets at home. Service animals are always welcome.
Do you have a space to eat lunch?
Yes. You are welcome to eat sack lunches in our picnic area, which seats a maximum of 120 individuals.
I use a wheelchair. What kind of trail conditions can I expect?
Our trails consist of unpaved and uneven dirt paths. Many of these paths are navigable by most mobility devices, though some trails may be challenging to access. Please contact our education staff at [email protected] when booking your visit so we can provide detailed information about trail accessibility and assist with any necessary accommodations.
What happens if I bring less than 15 learners?
You will be charged the minimum of $107 for self-guided trips and $135 for guided trips.
How soon should I book?
We require a minimum of 3 weeks’ notice to book a field trip
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or reschedule your trip up to 14 days before your field trip
Questions? Send us a message.
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Whether you`re looking for a place to bring your family and friends this season or a break from the end-of-the-year chaos, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a relaxing escape for everyone. With over 130 acres of gardens, you`re sure to find a perfect outdoor getaway.
We invite you to #OptOutside with us today, and every day. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona #1arb
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving from Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Thank you to all of our guests, members, and supporters. Because of you, we can continue our mission of inspiring appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation.
We are closed today, so our staff can spend time with their loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow for our normal operating hours.
Fall color is continuing to creep in across the Arboretum.
The trees at our suspension bridge are starting to turn, but they have not reached peak color yet. While the rain we`ve received over the past few months is much needed, it makes the leaves take a bit longer to change their color. We suspect peak color sometime in the first two weeks of December.
Follow us to stay up to date on fall color at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona #fallcolors #1arb
Curious about bird watching? Join Boyce Thompson Arboretum for a bird walk on December 3rd or 6th at 9 am. Bird walks are free with admission and first-come, first-served (limit 15).
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona #birding #arizonabirds #1arb
Thanksgiving Week Hours 🍁
We want to ensure your visit to the garden is enjoyable and well-planned. Our hours this week are as follows:
Monday, Nov. 24: 8 am - 5 pm (Last admission at 4 pm)
Tuesday, Nov. 25: 8 am - 5 pm (Last admission at 4 pm)
Wednesday, Nov. 26: 8 am - 5 pm (Last admission at 4 pm)
Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving): Closed
Friday, Nov. 28: 8 am - 10 pm (Last admission at 9 pm)*
Saturday, Nov. 29: 8 am - 10 pm (Last admission at 9 pm)*
Sunday, Nov. 30: 8 am - 10 pm (Last admission at 9 pm)*
*For safety, some trails will be closed from 5 pm - 10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Make the most of the holidays with a visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona #1arb
Every time we get to see Queen Creek flowing is a treat!
This fall has been special, with frequent rains offering many opportunities to see Queen Creek Running. The sound of running water and the beauty of the desert after a rainstorm make for a truly unique visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Experience the beauty of Queen Creek and the surrounding desert. Get tickets at https://btarboretum.org/.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #queencreek #arizonarain #superiorarizona #1arb
The cooler temperatures this week have the fall leaves turning more and more each day. If you`ve been waiting for the best time to visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum, this is it!
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona #fallcolors #1arb
Celebrate the season with Boyce Thompson Arboretum at Holiday Hangout!
On Saturdays and Sundays from December 6th to 21st, the Arboretum will have themed crafts, local vendors, and other festive activities. Join in the fun and find one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones.
Holiday Hangout kicks off with Santa Weekend on December 6 and 7! Stop by the Smith Greenhouses from 10 am - 2 pm to get a photo with Santa. Bring your family (including four-legged family members) for fun holiday photos at the Arboretum.
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, December 6th to 21st
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Location: Boyce Thompson Arboretum
37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, Arizona 85173
Holiday Hangout activities are free with admission! Photos, Treats, and merchandise will be available for purchase. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
#btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona #thingstodoinarizona #1arb