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
Sponsors
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Collecting and directing stormwater is essential for a desert garden`s survival. If left unmanaged, pooling rain can damage plants and nearby buildings. Thanks to the generous support of Water Wise Arboretum donors, we now have several stormwater features around the Smith Greenhouses! It helps protect our historic buildings and guides the water to plants that need it most.
You can spot one of these water capture systems in front of the Smith Greenhouses. Arizona poppies are currently blooming inside, a living proof of its success!
#WaterConservation #stormwaterdrain #waterflow #desertgarden #arizonapoppy
It`s time for another bird walk! Join us Wednesday, September 2 from 6:15 - 7:45 am for a guided walk through the Arboretum with a birding expert. During last month`s walk, we saw more than 30 unique bird species! You won`t believe how much life can be found in the desert.
Our bird walks are free with admission! We hope to see you there.
#birdwalk #birding #AZBirding #birdlovers #naturelovers #birdphotography
It`s National Dog Day! Celebrate this special occasion by giving your dog the spotlight they deserve. We are debuting a calendar highlighting our furry visitors and will fill it with pictures of YOUR DOGS!
Does your furry friend love visiting the Arboretum? Submit your favorite photo of them exploring our garden! We will select 12 of the best photos to be featured in the 2027 Dogs of Boyce Thompson Arboretum Calendar.
If your photo is selected, you will receive a FREE calendar. Anyone will be able to purchase them from our gift shop. They`ll make great keepsakes or holiday gifts to friends and family!
You can find the rules and submission link in our bio. Let us know if you have any questions! We are excited to share your photos with all our visitors.
#nationaldogday #dogcalendar #callforentries #dogphotography #photosubmissions #ArizonaDogs #doglovers
The vibrant color on this caterpillar is a warning sign to any predators: do not eat!
The Pipevine Swallowtail feeds on Pipevine plants as larvae. Because Pipevine leaves are toxic to many animals, consuming them makes the caterpillars toxic as well. Their eating habits make the perfect defense mechanism!
#pipevineswallowtail #pipevineswallowtailcaterpillar #catterpillar #arizonabugs #buglover
The coatis are back!
This family of coatis has recently been spotted exploring the Canyon Region. We`re happy to report that in all our observations of them, they seem happy, healthy, and safe.
As a reminder, if you see coatis (or any wildlife) on the trails, keep a distance of at least 50 feet and refrain from giving them any food. They have plenty of delicious snacks growing right here at the Arboretum. By respecting their space, we can ensure safety for the coati, humans and pets enjoying nature.
And of course - if you take any photos, don`t forget to tag us so we can see them!
#coati #coatimundi #arizonawildlife #desertlife🌵 #jujube #boycethompsonarboretum
There`s nothing quite like walking through our hummingbird garden on a quiet summer morning. Flowers are in bloom, butterflies flutter across your path, and hummingbirds stop to sip nectar from nearby firecracker plants. It feels like walking through a magical portal that leads you deeper into the Arboretum.
When you visit us next, we hope you pause to really take in your surroundings. Observe the plant life growing around you and notice how the wildlife interacts with it. See what flowers are in bloom and notice their vibrant color. Let your curiosity guide you to the next wonder of the garden.
Check the link in our bio to plan your visit today!
#boycethompsonarboretum #1Arb #hummingbirdgarden #desertbutterflies #natureimmersion #aznature #plantlovers
This kettle of vultures wants to remind you that Saturday, September 5th is Vulture Awareness Day!
Celebrate with us from 6:30 am - 12:00 pm. We`ll be doing vulture themed activities, bird watching, and more. We`d love to see you there!
#VultureAwarenessDay #turkeyvultures #familyactivities #birdingevents #azbirding
This is the last month to take advantage of our summer pricing! From now until the end of August, enjoy the Arboretum for only $16 a person.
Tickets go back up to $24.95 in September.
See the link in our bio to plan your visit!
#btarboretum #familyactivities #1Arb #summeractivities #thingstodoaz #aznature