Field Trips & Youth Education Programs

Cultivate curiosity

Give growing minds a naturally inspiring place to learn. Embark on epic plantventures, explore the Garden and dig into hands-on learning for students of all ages with classroom programs and field experiences at Mounts Botanical Garden.

Reservation Request Form

Treasure Trek

Part scavenger hunt, part nature quest, the Treasure Trek is an interactive way to explore the Garden’s diverse plant life. Guided by a map and clues, guests uncover species from around the world while learning the stories and science behind them.

Garden exploration
Self-guided; no time limit
Group Rate: $5 per student (minimum of 20 students)
Appropriate for all ages

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Ambassador of the Wetlands

Dive into Everglades ecology learning about restoration efforts, identifying aquatic life in Lake Orth and experiencing firsthand how human actions ripple through Florida’s ecosystem.

Classroom program and field experience
Duration: 3 hours
Group Rate: $20 per student (minimum of 20 students)
Appropriate for ages 9+

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Clean Clear Water

Discover the importance of water conservation and environmental stewardship through aquifer demonstrations, water footprint lessons and practical ways to save water at home.

Classroom program
Duration: 1 hour
Group Rate: $10 per student (minimum of 20 students)
Appropriate for ages 8+

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Flower Dissection Lab

Examine and label the different parts of a flower using hand-held microscopes and discover what purpose the different plant structures serve in the reproductive process of plants.

Classroom program
Duration: 1 hour
Group Rate: $10 per student (minimum of 20 students)
Appropriate for ages 8+

Guided Garden Tour

Explore the Garden with a guide from the Mounts staff and uncover fascination facts and characteristics about a variety of plant species.

Field experience
Duration: 1 hour
Group Rate: $10 per student (minimum of 20 students)
Appropriate for all ages

Wicked Plants

From carnivorous species to poisonous plants, learn about all of the “wicked” adaptations that play a part in some plants’ survival, and how they can give humans a very helpful advantage.

Classroom program and field experience
Duration: 1 hour
Group Rate: $10 per student (minimum of 20 students)
Appropriate for ages 5+

Get the Teacher Guide

Sensory Backpacks

From noise-cancelling headphones, to polarized sunglasses and a variety of fidget devices, Sensory Backpacks are available to assist visitors with sensory sensitivities adjust to new faces, new activities, bright lights, a range of noise levels and so many other sensory experiences.

Growing the next generation

We believe all budding explorers deserve the opportunity to connect with nature. If your school is interested in scholarship opportunities to visit the Garden, please reach out to Aynari Garcia at [email protected].

FAQs

Where can school buses park?

School buses should enter the overflow parking area oﬀ Military Trail. Please see map with directions.

Where can chaperones park and check-in?

Chaperones must check-in with their school’s group, and not at the Welcome Center. If chaperones are driving in their own vehicles, they should also enter the overflow parking area oﬀ Military Trail. Please see map with directions.

Are there lunch options?

Mounts does not provide lunch or snack options. Schools are more than welcome to use the outdoor event field as a lunch space and to store coolers while on property. Please make sure to dispose of your trash in garbage cans located around the Garden and in the main buildings.

Can school groups go into the gift shop?

We do not permit school groups to enter the gift shop. The gift shop is a small area and cannot accommodate the amount of students in school groups.

When should attendance be finalized?

We ask that numbers for attendance be finalized at least one week in advance of your arrival.

Does the Garden have wheelchair access?

All main pathways around the Garden are paved and wheelchair accessible. There are handicap parking spaces at the Garden entrance.

What time is arrival and departure?

We accept the arrival of schools by 10:30 am into Mounts with departure time being 12:00 pm, but we will accommodate alternate times based on school and bus schedules as needed and when scheduled in advance.

What should the group bring?

We recommend bringing a hat, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, bug repellant, a refillable water bottle, healthy lunch or snacks and an umbrella or poncho in case of rain.

What Garden etiquette should be followed?

We are open to the public during school visits, so we ask that students and teachers treat everything around them with respect. Please do not pick leaves or flowers from plants, as they are living exhibits and some have specialized adaptations such as poison or thorns. Be sure to dispose of all trash properly while on the grounds. Be mindful of the bees! If allergic, please have necessary care, like epi-pens, readily available.