Field trips to Boyce Thompson Arboretum are unique, fun, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to the natural world.
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.
Each field trip helps learners improve their science inquiry skills and is tied to Arizona State Science Standards.
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. By conducting a
field investigation, learners will learn how local plants and wildlife use natural resources to meet
their survival needs.
Arizona Science Standards: 1.L2U2.7, 2.L2U1.9
Learners explore the structural adaptations of desert plants that help them survive. Looking closely, they will compare and contrast plants to determine similarities and differences in adaptations of seeds, stems, and leaf structures.
Arizona Science Standards: 3.L1U1.5, 3.L2U1.6, 4.L4U1.11, 5.L4U3.11
Learners explore the concepts of food webs as they observe and investigate the plants and animals in the Arboretum. Gathering evidence from skulls and owl pellets, they uncover what local wildlife is eating for dinner.
Arizona Science Standards: 3.E1U1.4, 3.L2U1.7, 3.L2U1.8, 6.L2U1.14, 6.L2U1.13
Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Arboretum to learn about our 100-year history and the fascinating plants within it. Not recommended for younger learners.
Self Guided Field Trips
Experience the Arboretum at your own pace. Bring your own materials or take advantage of one of ours! (BTA materials are available upon request).
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.
See more of the Arboretum with the guided hike add-on. Take a deeper look at our expansive plant collection with one of our knowledgeable field trip guides.
Join us for an Arboretum Adventure.
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
- Field trips are available October-April, Tuesdays through Fridays.
- 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.
- 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.
#1Arb
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The perfect weather is calling—whether you’re here for the incredible variety of plants, curious wildlife, or simply a peaceful moment, the Arboretum has it all. Take a stroll and see what inspires you today!
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Reconnect with the soothing sounds and sights of nature. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or a quiet retreat, the Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of peace.
#visitphoenix #visitmesa #explorenature #explorepinalcounty #thingstodoAZ #1arb #visitarizona #visitsuperior
Did you know that milkweed is essential for the survival of monarch caterpillars? Monarchs rely on milkweed as the only food source for their caterpillars, making this plant a critical part of their life cycle.
Milkweed not only provides nourishment for these iconic pollinators but also offers protection. Monarch caterpillars ingest toxic compounds from milkweed, which make them less palatable to predators—a clever natural defense!
Sadly, habitat loss has reduced the availability of milkweed, threatening monarch populations. Planting native milkweed in gardens and green spaces helps create safe habitats for monarchs to lay their eggs and ensures caterpillars have the food they need to grow and eventually transform into butterflies.
Interested in supporting these beautiful pollinators? Consider planting milkweed in your yard and helping preserve their migration journey for future generations.
Experience the tranquility of the Arboretum, where every path offers a quiet moment to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.
#explorepinalcounty #visitsuperior #visitmesa #visitarizona #explorenature #1arb #thingstodoAZ #visitphoenix
Fall Color Update | Our fall colors are about to take center stage! According to the forecast, this weekend should bring a beautiful burst of color. Grab a friend and come experience autumn’s charm!
#explorenature #visitarizona #explorepinalcounty #visitsuperior #1arb #visitmesa #thingstodoAZ
Meet the Coatis, curious creatures that call the desert home!
Found in Arizona’s desert scrub, woodlands, and riparian areas, these playful animals are relatives of raccoons. They are recognized by their long tails and social nature. During the day, they forage for insects, fruits, and small critters, using their strong claws for climbing and digging.
Keep an eye out—you might just spot one on your next visit to the Arboretum!
#visitmesa #explorepinalcounty #visitarizona #1arb #thingstodoAZ #visitsuperior #visitphoenix #explorenature
Bird Week is still soaring until November 15th! With the perfect weather, it`s a great time to head outdoors and explore the Arboretum. Grab your bird checklist, learn about our featured birds, and enjoy a beautiful day connecting with nature. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity—see you on the trails!
#visitarizona #visitsuperior #visitphoenix #1arb #thingstodoAZ #explorenature #explorepinalcounty #visitmesa
🍂 Fall Color Update | We are starting to see some yellows and a few reds appear in the canyon.
Our best estimate, depending on the weather forecast, is peak fall color towards the end of November. We will keep you posted as things change. Stay tuned for more updates! #visitarizona #visitphoenix #visitmesa #explorepinalcounty #thingstodoaz #1arb