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 questions, please reach out to [email protected]
Field Trips Offered
SELF-GUIDED | Grades: K-12th
Explore the Arboretum at your own pace! Students can walk through five miles of trails to collections from around the world. Educators are welcome to bring their own activities to add to the adventure!
HOME SWEET HOME | Grades: K-2nd
Students will discover the four essential components of habitats and how animals thrive in the desert that they call home. This program includes two guided activities that allow students to take a closer look at signs of habitats all around them.
This program aligns with Arizona state science standards: K.L2U1.8, 1.L2U2.7, 1.L2U1.8, 2.L2U1.9, 2.L2U1.10, K.L2U1.8, 1.L2U2.7, 1.L2U1.8, 2.L2U1.9, 2.L2U1.1
WILDLIFE DETECTIVES | Grades 3rd – 4th
Students will act as junior biologists to investigate skulls, scat, and signs of animal activity in the arboretum to better understand adaptations of wildlife in the Sonoran Desert.
This program aligns with Arizona state science standards: 3.L1U1.5, 3.L1U1.6, 3.L2U1.8, 4.L4U1.11
HUMANS AND HABITATS | Grades 5th – 6th
Through exploration of features in the arboretum, students will identify the interconnectedness of ecosystems before examining how human activities might impact those systems and the species within them.
This program aligns with Arizona state science standards: 5.L4U3.11, 5.P2U1.3, 6.L2U3.11, 6.L2U3.12, 6.L2U1.13, 6.L2U1.14
ARBORETUM DISCOVERY TOUR | Grades 9th – 12th
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.
Join us for an Arboretum Adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do field trips cost?
Guided field trips are $9 per learner.
Self-guided field trips are $7 per learner.
When are field trips available?
Field Trips are available October-April, weekdays Wednesday through Friday. Some blackout dates apply.
How many students can participate in a field trip?
Guided field trips can accommodate up to 80 students. Self-guided field trips can accommodate up to 120 students. Kindly note that schools wishing to book larger field trips must divide the group and book separate days. Our minimum for a guided field trip is 15 students.
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 many teachers or chaperones need to join?
Boyce Thompson Arboretum requests that groups provide a 1:5 ratio for all guided and self-guided experiences. Teachers are always free; one chaperone per five students is free. Additional chaperones over the 1:5 ratio are welcome to attend but will be charged $10 per adult. For homeschool groups, all adults must pay the $10 chaperone fee.
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.
Can homeschool groups participate?
We welcome you to bring your group out to the Arboretum! Self-guided field trips are the most popular option for our homeschool groups as it allows flexibility of group size and variety of ages. Please note that for all guided field trip bookings, the minimum student registrants is enforced. Students must fall within the selected program grade levels to participate.
How soon in advance do I need to book?
We kindly ask that you request field trips a minimum of four weeks prior to your program date.
Do you offer discounts to Title One schools?
Discounted field trip rates are available upon request, while funding lasts. Funding is prioritized on a first come, first served basis. Title One schools receive a $3 per student discount.
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.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel or reschedule your trip up to 14 days before your field trip
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Due to weather, we are closed for the remainder of the day. We hope to resume regular business hours tomorrow, November 2nd. Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!
Barrel Cacti may be covered in spines, but that doesn`t stop it from being a vital food source for desert wildlife!
Bees, rodents, birds, javelina, beetles, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and jackrabbits all benefit from either its pollen, seeds, fruit, or even the plant itself.
No matter its size, shape, or number of spines, every desert plant has an import role to play in our ecosystem. 🌵
#barrelcactus #ferocactus #cactuslovers #cactuscollection #btarboretum #fishhookbarrel #desertplants
Spending time in nature is a great way to lift your spirit👻
Happy Halloween from all of us at Boyce Thompson Ar-boo-retum! We hope you have a safe (and candy-filled) evening.
#happyhalloween #getoutside #naturelovers #Halloween2026 #aznature #btarboretum #spookyseason #ghostsighting
Due to weather, Boo-tanical Bash has been cancelled.
We hope to see you another time! Until then, stay safe and stay spooky. 👻
If you`ve already purchased tickets for the event, please reach out to [email protected] and we`ll reschedule your ticket to another date.
#bootanicalbash #btarboretum
🌻Sometimes it`s easier to let gravity do the work!
By hanging upside down from stems, Lesser Goldfinches put themselves in the perfect position to catch falling seeds as they peck. This unique feeding behavior gives them a strong advantage, allowing them to reach seeds other birds can`t while saving time and energy.
#lessergoldfinch #goldfinch #birdadaptations #BirdFacts #birdlovers #natureeducation #sunflowers
🕷️🕸️The Arboretum is decorated for Halloween! And we have the funnel web spiders to thank for it.
If you see one of these funnels in our garden, take a peak inside! You might just see a little friend hidden within, waiting for it`s next meal.
#funnelwebspider #funnelweb #spiderweb #arizonaspider #happyhalloween #SpiderFacts #SpiderLovers
Sometimes we are so focused on looking ahead that we forget to pause and observe what`s right next to us. (Or in this case, directly below us!)
There`s wonder in big landscapes and beautiful scenery, but there can also be wonder in a tiny ant carrying something nearly twice its size. The strength and determination is inspiring.
What`s something small and beautiful you noticed today? Let us know in the comments! 👇
#insectlovers #desertinsects #AntLovers #antsofinstagram #entimology #buglovers
There is so much to discover on the Arboretum trails. Enhance your exploration by joining one of our walks or tours!
🛞Cart Tours: Every Thursday | 9:30 - 10:30 am (registration recommended!)
🐦Bird Walks: Every Wednesday | 8:15 - 9:30 am
🦋Butterfly Walk: Nov 14 | 9:30 - 10:30 am
🌲Arboretum Discovery Tours: November to March - Every Friday & Saturday | 10:00 - 11:00 am
🌵Wallace Garden Tours: November to February - Every Saturday | 9:00 - 10:00 am
View more events by clicking the link in our bio!
#naturetour #birdwalks #ButterflyWalk #birdnerds #naturelovers #NatureEducation #naturewalk #btarboretum #thingstodoaz #superioraz