Arboretum School Programs
Let Nature Be Your Classroom.
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers hands-on, K - 6 science standards-based school programs that use plants and Nature as inspiration. Reserve a coveted spot in a seasonal, experiential and memorable school program with the Arboretum!
View the Arboretum's School Services report card to see our teacher feedback.
2023-2024 Scholarships are available for qualifying schools, quantities are limited.
Self-Guided Visits for student groups
Available Monday-Friday only
2023: April 24-Oct. 31, between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
2024: April 15-Oct. 31, between 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
(Grades PreK-1) Fall in the Forest Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: Sept. 18-Oct. 5, 2023
Times: 9:30-10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or 1-2:15 p.m.
(Grades 1-6) Apple Harvest Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: Sept. 18-Oct. 13, 2023
Times: 9:30-10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or 1-2:15 p.m.
Homeschool Day: Apple Harvest (Grades 1-6)
Date: Friday, Sept. 29, 1-2:15 p.m.
(Grades 1-3) It’s a Pumpkin’s Life Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: Oct. 6-Nov. 12, 2023
Times: 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:15-2:15 p.m.
Homeschool Day: It’s a Pumpkin’s Life (Grades 1 - 3)
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 18, 12:15-2:15 p.m.
(Grades K-2) It’s a Bulb’s Life Field Trip in-a-Box
Select a 2023 ship date*:
Oct. 30 OR Nov. 27
*This kit must be completed within a month of receipt due to the perishable nature of the bulbs
Maximum: 29 students per box.
Duration: We estimate approximately 1 to 2 hours total to complete the included activities, worksheets and videos with your class. Customize the duration by dividing the included items over several periods or days.
(Grades 1-3) Green Grocery Field Trip at the Arb: “Did You Eat a Plant Today?”
Available select dates: Nov. 8-Dec. 8, 2023
Times: 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:15-2:15 p.m.
Homeschool Day: Green Grocery “Did You Eat a Plant Today?” (Grades 1-3)
Date: Friday, Dec. 8, 12:15-2:15 p.m.
(Grades K-2) Exploring the Desert Plantmobile
Available select dates: Jan. 22-March 20, 2024
(Grades 2-6) Plants & Their Habitats Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: Feb. 1-29, 2024
Times: 9:30-11:30 a.m. or 12:15-2:15 p.m.
(Grades PreK-1) Sprout! Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: Feb 5-27, 2024
Times: 9:30-10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-2:15 p.m.
Homeschool Day: Plants and Their Habitats (Grades 2-6)
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 14, 12:15-2:15 p.m.
(Grades 1-3) Grow it, Eat it: Roots to Shoots Field Trip in-a-Box
Select a 2024 ship date:
Monday, Feb. 26, OR Monday, March 25
Maximum: 29 students per box.
Duration: We estimate approximately 1 to 2 hours total to complete the included activities, worksheets and videos with your class. Customize the duration by dividing the included items over several periods or days.
(Grades 1-6) Maple Syrup Trail: Exploration Station Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: March 5-22, 2024
2-hour program: 9:30-11:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. or noon-2 p.m.
What is an exploration station field trip? Our maple exploration stations will consist of multiple structured learning stations where students actively engage in hands-on maple activities and investigations. Please note that it is possible for your group to overlap with another while working your way through the trail.
(Grades K-3) Pollinators & their Habitats Field Trip in-a-Box
Select a ship date*:
Ship April 8 OR May 6, 2024
Maximum 29 students per box.
Duration: We estimate approximately 1 to 2 hours total to complete the included activities, worksheets and videos with your class. Customize the duration by dividing the included items over several periods or days.
(Grades PreK-1) Ready, Set, Grow! Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates April 16-May 31, 2024
Times: 9:30-10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m., or 1-2:15 p.m.
(Grades 2 - 6) Pollination Investigation Field Trip at the Arb
Available select dates: Apr. 30-May 31, 2024
Times: 9:45-11 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., or 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Homeschool Day: Pollination Investigation (Grades 2 - 6)
Date: Thursday, May 23, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Homeschool Day: Ready, Set, Grow! (Grades PreK-1)
Tuesday, May 28, 1-2:15 p.m.
The Arboretum is committed to making its educational opportunities accessible for all school audiences. With the generous support of the foundations and donors, we are pleased to offer a menu of scholarship opportunities for our schools.
School Programs sponsored by
Support for the Arboretum's School Programs generously provided by
International Paper Foundation
Karen A. Nelson
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
J.A. Wedum Foundation
Donald Weesner Foundation/Yellow Bus Fund
Helpful information - Education
Cancellations & Exchanges for educational programs
Review the cancellation policies prior to purchasing a class.
Waitlist
The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the "waitlist" button or link next to the class and complete the form. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional sessions may be added.
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About Arboretum Education
Meet the team behind the programs that inspire scientific curiosity and a love of nature.
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