School Field Trips at Fairchild

Our school field trips are designed to encourage exploration while applying STEM concepts. They build students’ critical thinking, foster a better understanding of the important role plants and animals play in our ecology, and provide real world application of the science knowledge they’ve learned during their in-person or virtual visit to Fairchild.

We offer in-person, self-guided, and virtual field trips.

In-Person Guided Field Trip Programs
Allow 3 hours
$10 per student; Complimentary admission for one chaperone per 10 students. $24.95 additional chaperones

Clever Conservation: Grades K – 12 
Available October – May
Journey through the only tropical rainforest in the continental United States and discover the wonders of this biodiverse ecosystem. We’ll discuss the clever roles of plants and how changing factors impact their health. You’ll learn first-hand what it takes to protect tropical butterflies, in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit.

Flowering Fruits: Grades K – 5
Ever wonder how the produce at the grocery store ends up on the shelves? Join us on an exploration of the Tropical Flowering Tree Arboretum to identify important culinary plants! Then, go behind-the-seeds to learn about the parts of a plant and how pollinators play a role in their growth.

Orchid Odyssey: Grades 6 – 12
Available October – May
Shrink down to the size of an orchid seed and take a trip through our state-of-the-art Million Orchid Project Micropropagation Lab. Learn about how we pioneer orchid conservation research that can be done almost anywhere, including schools! Discover how science can be done using various tools, techniques, and most importantly: good questions!

In-Person Self-Guided Field Trip Program
Allow 3 hours
$8 per student; Complimentary admission for one chaperone per 10 students. $24.95 additional chaperones

Explore Fairchild: Grades K – 12
Available Year-round
Create your own Garden adventure! As part of your Self-Guided Field Trip, you’re free to explore Fairchild during your visit. The program includes a welcome orientation and self-guided maps for your group. We encourage you to enjoy lunch during your visit.

Teachers: Download the Self-Guided Field Trip Guide

Virtual Field Trip Programs
Hourly 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Allow 45 minutes
$100 per class (limited to 30 students per class)

Flowering Fruits: Grades K – 5 
Available October – May
Ever wonder how the produce at the grocery store ends up on the shelves? Join us on an exploration of the Tropical Flowering Tree Arboretum to identify important culinary plants! Then, go behind the seeds to learn about the parts of a plant and how pollinators play a role in their growth.

Determined Deserts: Grades 3 – 12
Available October – May
Extreme challenges lead to ingenious solutions, and desert plants are experts at surviving in tough environments. Discover the out-of-this-world plants that live in the Desert Gardens! Understand how nature tries to beat the heat, conserve water, and live sustainably.

Clever Conservation: Grades K – 12 
Available October – May
Whether in person or virtually, journey through the only tropical rainforest in the continental United States and discover the wonders of this biodiverse ecosystem. We’ll discuss the clever roles of plants and how changing factors impact their health. You’ll learn first-hand what it takes to protect tropical butterflies, in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit.