Guided Programs

At Arbor Day Farm and Tree Adventure, learning doesn’t sit still. It climbs, it explores, it gets its hands dirty.

Students step into real ecosystems, connecting classroom concepts to the natural world through hands-on discovery and guided exploration. The Arbor Day Foundation’s mission to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees comes to life in the orchards, forests, and prairies they explore.

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Three children and an adult walking on a wooden suspension bridge connected to small treehouse cabins in a forested area.

A group of people standing together on a wooden bridge, surrounded by greenery and natural scenery.

WHY EDUCATORS CHOOSE ARBOR DAY FARM

Arbor Day Farm delivers more than a day outside the classroom. It offers measurable learning outcomes, meaningful movement, and mission-driven education in one immersive experience.

Curriculum-aligned programs tied to history, science, and environmental literacy standards
Active, hands-on exploration that reinforces STEM concepts
Structured programs designed for student groups
The credibility of the Arbor Day Foundation’s conservation leadership

GUIDED PROGRAMS WITH A NATURE INTERPRETER

Each guided program includes one hour with a knowledgeable Nature Interpreter, plus full Tree Adventure admission. Designed specifically for student groups, these experiences combine structured learning with active exploration.

Choose from the guided programs below to match your curriculum goals.

Minimum group size: 15
Cost: $10/student, $12/adult, teachers and school staff receive complimentary admission
Additonal hour: $2/person

TREE ADVENTURE TOUR

YEAR-ROUND | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES K-12

Learn about some of the plants and animals that call Arbor Day Farm home, the history of Arbor Day, and the mission of the Arbor Day Foundation.

BEES & BLOSSOMS

SPRING ONLY | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES K-12

Discover how apple blossoms become fruit and the essential role pollinators play. Students explore orchards, learn about honeybees, and connect plant science to real-world agriculture.

WILDLIFE DETECTIVE

YEAR-ROUND | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES K-12

Wildlife leaves clues everywhere. Students hike the South Table Creek Trail and learn to identify tracks, signs, and habitats using observation and critical thinking skills.

APPLE HARVEST

FALL ONLY | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES K-12

Visit the orchard during peak season to learn how apples grow, how they’re harvested, and the essential role pollinators play in the process. Tour the Apple House Market to see how apples are washed, sorted, and packaged, see how cider is made, and enjoy a fresh cider sample.

ECOSYSTEMS EXPLORER

YEAR-ROUND | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES K-12

Explore prairie, creek, and forest ecosystems in one visit. Students build food webs, examine camouflage, and investigate producers, consumers, and decomposers through interactive activities.

ARBOR LODGE MANSION VISIT

YEAR-ROUND | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES K-12

A meaningful extension of the Tree Adventure experience. Visit the historic Arbor Lodge Mansion and gardens and enjoy a scavenger hunt during your visit. Students learn about J. Sterling Morton, the origins of Arbor Day, and the conservation legacy that continues today.

TERRIFIC TREES

YEAR-ROUND | CUSTOMIZABLE FOR GRADES 3-12

Dive into tree biology and seed dispersal. Act out tree parts and functions, explore dendrochronology (tree rings), and visit the Lied Greenhouse to see growth in action.

A group of people cross a rope bridge among lush green trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves, conveying a sense of adventure and joy.

SELF-GUIDED GROUP VISITS

Explore Tree Adventure at your own pace with access to scenic trails, interactive exhibits, and outdoor exploration, offering educators flexibility while students engage in hands-on discovery.

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Here, learning is active, immersive, and rooted in purpose. Our team makes planning simple and experiences meaningful -- so you can focus on what matters most: your students.

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