Environmental Education: School Field Trips
Fernwood’s gardens and natural areas are the perfect setting for students to observe, explore, and learn about nature! We offer a variety of engaging and interactive programs throughout the year for preschool-5th grade students. Each on-site program lasts for 1-2 hours and may consist of a nature hike, an educational game, and a creative activity or stewardship activity.
PROGRAM FEES:
STUDENTS - $4 EACH
1 ADULT PER 10 STUDENTS (GRADES 1-5) - FREE
2 ADULTS PER 10 STUDENTS (PreK-K) - FREE
ADDITIONAL ADULTS - $8 EACH
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Fernwood partners with The Chicago Field Museum, using their Mighty Acorns curriculum for 3-5 grade students.
As part of this program, pre and post lesson plans are available for teachers to use in their classroom before and after their field trip.
These lessons work in tandem with students’ outdoor learning experience at Fernwood, connecting and expanding on key environmental topics.
Let us know you’re interested in receiving these free plans when filling out the inquiry form below.
View our seasonal program offerings:
We are happy to create custom programs for all grade levels and seasons.
Things to know before your Fernwood visit:
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Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the predicted weather and outdoor activities. Apply sunscreen and bug spray if needed. Whenever possible, programs are held outdoors, rain or shine.
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If a student in your group has a severe allergy, please notify Fernwood staff on or before the date of your field trip. If medication/an EpiPen is needed, please make sure that an adult from your group has authorization to carry and administer that medication.
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After field trip programming is complete, school groups are welcome to explore Fernwood’s grounds and enjoy a picnic-style lunch on The Green or South Vista, located just outside the Visitors Center. Sack lunches and picnic blankets may be stowed in the Visitors Center while programming is in progress. Please remember to remove all trash and recyclables before leaving the outdoor lunch areas.
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To enter the garden, ramps are available on the north and south sides of the Visitors Center and a small elevator may be used to access the three levels of the building. If a wheelchair or stroller is not needed, it may be stowed in the coatrack area of the Visitors Center, across from the restrooms. Fernwood’s major gardens and structures are connected by paved paths, while nature trails consist of natural dirt or wood chips. Not all natural paths may be appropriate for wheelchairs and strollers. A limited number of golf carts are available for staff to transport visitors that need special assistance getting to and from locations on the property.
Ready to schedule your field trip? Fill out the form below to get started!
Field Trip Inquiry Form
*Field trip dates fill quickly. Please reach out to us with your preferred visit day/time today!
