Field Trips

Students adventure outside learning on 149 acres of rolling hills, streams, prairies, ponds, and woods. Starting from the Pavilion, elementary kids join in 2-3 rotation-style programs. Please have kids wear sturdy shoes, bring a water bottle, and dress appropriately for the weather. Modern bathrooms are now available. Middle and High school student field trip information here.

Current Activity Options (20-30 minutes each, expert orienteering 45-60 minutes):

  • Insect Safari- Through our preserved insect collection and insect safari, students explore the amazing world of insects. They also learn about the lifecycles of butterflies and dragonflies.
  • Pond Dip- Join us at Lake Homestead for an interactive investigation using dipping nets and specimen viewers. Study the life cycles of frogs and dragonflies, discover other fascinating macro-invertebrates.
  • Orienteering- Learn the basics of navigation using compasses and maps and learn to follow close directions. The beginner course takes 15 minutes. The advanced course takes 45 minutes.
  • Hooves, Leaves, and Buffalo Chips-Role play a board game trivia style game in an interactive relay style true/ false trivia on native Iowa natural history and ecological world.
  • Guided Hike
  • Oak Forest-Role play population dynamics of an oak population. Classroom supplement here.
  • Nature Play- Visit our O’Brien Nature Play ground.

Click to Book a School Field Trip during the academic school year. School field trips are free.

Click to Book a Summer Field Trip. Summer care facilities, homeschoolers, camps, churches, etc. can book a field trip for $3/ head; minimum $50.

Important Field Trip Details

  • Be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN you share this Bus Route Map with your bus driver!
  • Modern plumbed restrooms are now available at the Pavilion.
  • For chaperones:
    • Ensure that chaperones driving separately know that they need to go to The Brenton Arboretum; 25141 260th Street; Dallas Center, IA 50063 (we are often confused with the Iowa Arboretum, which is 45 minutes away).
    • Chaperones will meet the field trip at the Pavilion – see map
    • Chaperones are expected help maintain appropriate field trip behavior

Non-field Trip Program Options

If you need the flexibility of a choose-your-own adventure at the Arboretum check out our free Self- Guided Activities.

Not able to travel? We can bring the Arboretum experience to your classroom or facility. Book a Classroom Visit or Summer Off-Grounds Program for $3/ head; $50minimum.