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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Peak fall color has passed, but vibrant splashes of color still linger throughout the garden. Come enjoy the beautiful weather, the serene autumn scenery, and the abundant wildlife!
🍂 Watch and discover the tree species at Boyce Thompson Arboretum that transform with stunning colors every fall.
Step into a world of natural wonder. Whether you`re unwinding in a peaceful grove or marveling at a bird in flight, every moment spent outdoors is time well spent. Ready to explore?
Happy Thanksgiving from Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Today, we pause to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation. Because of you, we’re able to continue preserving and sharing the beauty and wonder of the Arboretum.
We’re closed today to spend time with our families, but we look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow during our normal operating hours.
Photo by Tim Lee
If you`re waiting for a sign to visit, this is it. Experience the vibrant beauty of fall color at its peak—don’t miss it!
Relive the excitement of our 2024 Green Gala!
We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy from this year’s Green Gala! From the lively jazz from @TheNash Interns, the showcase of our vivid Spiny Splendor sculptures to the stunning moments of generosity, the night was truly unforgettable. Watch the highlight video provided by @Call to Auction to see the moments that made this gala so special.
A huge thank you to our sponsors @Resolution Copper, @SRP, @HonorHealth Foundation, @Event Rents, @Call to Auction, Joseph and Gail Giacobazzi, American Family Insurance, Matthew Storms Agency, Imre and Lorna Kertész, @Latest Craze Productions, The Lester Family, @Northern Trust and Carol Parrott. Your support enables us to advance our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation.
The Arboretum is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Have you found a favorite spot yet? Drop your recommendations for fellow visitors in the comments!
#visitphoenix #visitmesa #explorenature #explorepinalcounty #1arb #visitarizona #thingstodoAZ #visitsuperior
Step outside and let nature work its magic. From colorful blooms to darting hummingbirds, the Arboretum is alive with wonders waiting to be discovered. Where will your adventure take you?
#explorepinalcounty #explorenature #visitarizona #visitphoenix #visitmesa #1arb #visitsuperior #thingstodoAZ