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
Greenhouse Explorer
Suggested Grade Level: K – 8
120 minutes
Available December – March
Explore the Main Greenhouse with us this winter in a special field trip experience! Based on grade level, engage in an exciting botany scavenger hunt, art projects, science experiments, and more!
Curriculum Standards: Differentiated for specific grade levels PreK-3rd (Contact for more information)
*Please note that only 60 students max allowed at a given slot for Junior Ranger (3 groups of 20 students)
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)
Coe Kids: A Historical Treasure Hunt!
Suggested Grade Level: 4 – 12
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)
Underground Kingdom: Become a Soil Scientist!
Suggested Grade Level: 4 – 12 (Grades 9 – 12 TBA)
120 minutes
Available spring, summer, and fall
Students will discover what soil is using hands-on demonstrations and observation skills. They will discuss the properties that make soil unique and why soil is so important to ecosystems. They will get the opportunity to collect soil samples from throughout the park, make compost, and plant!
Curriculum Standards: Connect with the Education Department to learn more.
*Please note that only 75 students max allowed at a given slot for Underground Kingdom (3 groups of 25 students)
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!
Landscape Photography: Explore and Snap!
Suggested Grade Level: 9 – 12
120 minutes
Available spring, summer, and fall
Discover the beauty of Planting Fields! Join us as we tour the park for the most picturesque spots and discuss the history of each location! This is a favorite for Art and Photography students. Cameras are not provided.
Olmsted Garden Design: Design Your Own Garden!
Suggested Grade Level: 6 – 12
120 minutes
Available spring and summer
Students will learn about garden science, the father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted, Olmstedian principles, and design their very own gardens, inspired by the grounds and garden spaces of Planting Fields. This trip is very popular with middle school and high school garden clubs!
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.
