Across the vast 409-acres that make up Planting Fields, our Education Department offers individuals of all ages and abilities the opportunity to explore, imagine, design, and play in a vibrant natural and built environment.

We offer place-based learning for schools, organizations, and visitors through our interactive and immersive spaces, dynamic field trips, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Our K – 12 offerings align with NYS and national standards in Art, Social Studies, English, and Science. If you are interested in a private group visit, ages outside of K – 12, or accommodations for individuals with special needs, please contact our Education Department to discuss options.

Celebrating the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of landscape architecture who laid the groundwork for America’s National Park system, and the Olmsted Brothers Firm, our outdoor spaces serve to keep with the natural scenery and intent of the historic Olmsted-designed site, utilizing and respecting the “genius of the place” concept and ensuring that we live into the Olmsted principle of “parks for all people.”

For all field trips and group visits, please contact our Education Department at education@plantingfields.org

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Junior Rangers: Complete Your Missions, Earn Your Badge!
Suggested Grade Level: PreK – 4
120 minutes
Available spring, summer and fall

Students will hone their natural observational skills as they explore Planting Fields’s historic grounds. They will investigate our famous gardens, complete five nature-based missions and a citizen science project. Students in our Junior Rangers program will bring home additional activities to continue their learning! Come back year after year to earn your updated badge based on grade level!

Curriculum Standards: Follows NYS Standards and is differentiated for specific grade levels PreK-4th (Contact for more information)

*Please note that only 75 students max allowed at a given slot for Junior Rangers (3 groups of 25 students)

“Our field trip to Planting Fields was wonderful! The educators kept our students engaged, yet gave them the freedom to explore what interested them. It was perfect for those who have been to the site before, and those who have not. We will definitely be back for another program!”
– Cassie W., Sparks Homeschool Collective

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Coe Kids: A Historical Treasure Hunt!
Suggested Grade Level: 4 – 8
120 minutes
Available all year-round

Students will be led throughout the inside of the Main House on an immersive treasure chest hunt where they will learn what life was like in the early 1900s for children, such as the Coe Kids. Engaging with a variety of artifacts, students will experience the time period in a hands-on way, and relate them to the Matinecock People, the Coe Family, and the societies in which they lived. At the end of the trip, students will engage in a Time Capsule Letter Writing Activity and get to read real letters from the Coe Kids!

Curriculum Standards: Contact for more information!

*Please note that only 30 students max allowed at a given slot for Coe Kids (3 groups of 10 students)

“We enjoyed the field trip to Planting Fields. We have a bigger and better appreciation, not only of Mr. Coe’s design and desires but also of the beautiful grounds of nature on the Gold Coast of Long Island. We love all the little symbols and secrets the house offers The educators made the activities in the house, engaging and relatable. We all can’t wait to return next year for another field trip!”
– Melanie M., Locust Valley Intermediate School

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Natural Sensory Adventure: Inclusive Exploration!
Suggested Grade Level: PreK – 12
120 minutes
Available spring, summer, and fall

Students will explore the grounds of Planting Fields through hands-on, inclusive nature activities using their five senses. Activities include planting, movement, scavenger hunts, and more. Accommodations can be arranged for students of all ages and abilities!

“Bringing my students on this field trip was a memory I will not forget. My students loved being able to walk around and use their 5 senses to explore. The leaders in our groups accommodated our students spot on and were caring and considerate of our significant needs. After talking to my principal and the other teacher who attended with us also, that this will most likely be an annual trip for our 2 self-contained classes. It was fun for the students and even the adults!”
– Stephanie C., Glen Cove Central School District

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High School Field Trips
Suggested Grade Level: 8 – 12
120 minutes
Seasonally available

We offer a range of engaging field trip experiences for high school students, many of which are available year-round. Our programs are primarily tour-based, each centered around a unique theme and lasting approximately two hours. Tours can be shortened to accommodate additional hands-on activities such as landscape photography, observational drawing, landscape sketching, or letter-writing.

Seasonal Landscape Tour: Explore the gardens with a focus on what’s currently in bloom.
Landscape Design & History Tour: Discover the history and design of the Planting Fields grounds.
Museum Tour: Learn about the rich history of the museum and surrounding estate.
Greenhouse Tour: Dive into the world of tropical plants and the design and history of the Main Greenhouse (December – March only)

“Our recent visit to the Planting Fields was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. The staff went above and beyond to make our day meaningful, welcoming, and smooth. The clear communication and attention of the staff to detail ensured that everything was in place for a successful trip. The generosity and care created a welcoming environment that allowed our students to fully immerse themselves in the experience. We are truly grateful to the entire staff at Planting Fields for helping create such a memorable and inspiring day for our art students. It was a perfect blend of nature, creativity, and community!”
– Kelly I., Baldwin High School

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Planting Fields Comes to You!
Suggested Grade Level: 1 – 8
90 minutes
Available all seasons
Maximum of 30 Students, $200 flat fee*

Bring Planting Fields to your classroom with our In-Center field trip! Students will learn about the history and horticulture that make our grounds so very special through a variety of hands-on activities.
*Price may vary based on location.

“This workshop was wonderful. Hands-on activities for the kids were a great way to keep them engaged in throughout the session. Members especially enjoyed making their greenhouses and are excited to watch their seeds sprout.”
– Milky A., Boys and Girls Club

Rates and Registration
Students: $10 each ($200 for 20 or less students)
Teachers, Group Leaders, and Adult Chaperones: Free (max 5 per 25 students)

Bus Parking
• Free Weekday Bus Parking Labor Day to Memorial Day
• Weekday Bus Parking Fee Memorial Day to Labor Day (Summer season): $35 (non-profit) / $75 (commercial)
• Note: Vans that fit in normal parking spots do not require bus fee

Grant and State Aid Programs
Planting Fields Foundation is a proud participating vendor in several programs offering state aid to schools and organizations coming to Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park for a K-12 Group Visit. Please refer to the information and links included on the attached pdf below for additional information and to apply for free or reduced admission for a K-12 Group Visit. Planting Fields Foundation makes no guarantee that your school group or organization will be granted aid. Click here for more info.