Field Trips
At the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, education is at the heart of our mission. Each year, we welcome thousands of K–12 students from across Northwest Arkansas for immersive, hands-on learning experiences in the living classroom that is our Garden.
For many students, a field trip to BGO is their first real connection to nature. In an age of screen time and indoor learning, this chance to get outside, get their hands dirty, and experience science in action can be truly transformative—deepening understanding, igniting new passions, and nurturing a sense of belonging in the natural world.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Garden is not a city park and receives no taxpayer funding. We rely on the generosity of our members, donors, and community partners to keep our education programs low- or no-cost, so that every child—regardless of background—has access to high-quality, nature-based learning opportunities. Your support helps us ensure that the next generation grows up with not only knowledge of the natural world—but also a deep appreciation and sense of responsibility for it.
Self-Guided Field Trip
- $2 per student
- At your own pace
- Guided by tour pamphlet
- Walk your group through the Garden using the provided map and tour pamphlet to learn about each of the 12 theme gardens.
Guided Field Trip
- $3 per student
- 60 – 90 minutes
- 1 – 3 classes
- Guided by tour guide
- Subjects may cover vegetables, plant adaptations, life cycles, butterfly gardening, native plants, and cool plant facts while enticing the senses and walking through the 12 theme gardens.
Station Field Trip
- $5 per student
- 90 minutes
- 3 – 4 classes
- Classes will rotate through stations at the garden
- Students will learn different Earth Science and Environmental Science activities and lessons throughout each garden. Lessons and activities cover caterpillar camouflage, freshwater resources, animal habitats, greenhouses, and more!
Butterfly Field Trip
- $5 per student
- 90 minutes
- 3 – 4 classes
- Classes will rotate through stations at the Garden
- Similar to our station field trip, one station is the Butterfly House. The Butterfly House station will cover the butterfly life cycle, host and nectar plants, and then walk through the Butterfly House. Other stations will be over caterpillar camouflage, pollination/pollinators, animal habitats, and more.
- Butterflies are active during the months of May – September.
Butterfly Days
- $8 per student
- 90 minutes
- 1 – 6 classes (Limited # of spots for field trip event)
- Classes will rotate through butterfly stations at the Garden
- Each station is a butterfly lesson. The Butterfly House station will cover the butterfly life cycle, host and nectar plants, and a walk through the butterfly house. Other stations will be over monarch migration, caterpillar camouflage, butterfly defenses, pollination/pollinators, and more.
- Specialized field trip offered late September or early October
FAQ
Get your questions answered about scheduling, payment, arrival, and more!
BGO Meets AR State Standards
View the Arkansas State Standards that BGO field trips meet
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