Q: What should students bring on a field trip?
A: A water bottle, a hat, walking shoes, and be dressed appropriately for the weather.
Q: Can chaperones bring along other children or small children in strollers?
A: We depend on chaperones to devote their full attention to the school group. Only enrolled students are permitted on a guided field trip.
Q: Can we have a snack or meal at the garden?
A: There are no picnic areas on the Desert Botanical grounds. Our Garden Café cannot accommodate groups. Picnic grounds are available at nearby Papago Park, 602-256-3220.
Q: How long are guided tours?
A: The Copycat Desert Plant Safari (preschool aged) tour is 1 hour and 15 minutes. All other guided tours are 2 hours from the time you arrive to the time you depart.
Q: How much do School Tours cost?
A: Guided tours are $5 each per student, teacher and chaperone. Self-guided tours and Independent Study visits are $3 per person. There is an additional entrance fee of $1 in the Fall and $2 in the Spring for all visits to the Butterfly Pavilion. Title I Schools are free October through February (bus transportation excluded).
Q: Can memberships or coupons be used to cover the School Trip fees?
A: Memberships and coupons may not be used towards school trips. Our guided tours are considered a special event, such as Luminaria.
Q: Will there be time to visit the Gift Shop?
A: We are unable to fit in a stop at the Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is open 7 days a week, so teachers and families are welcome to come back and visit on another day. Teachers may want to visit the Gift Shop before their tour day using their Preview Pass.
Q: Will I be able to walk around with my class on our own prior to or at the conclusion of a guided tour?
A: There are hundreds of school children at the Garden each day, we prefer that all groups be escorted by a Desert Botanical Garden guide so that each group has a successful field trip.
Q: Are discounts available for Title I schools?
A: At times we are able to secure funding to allow select Title I schools to visit the Garden at reduced rates. October through February all Title I Schools will be admitted for free (bus transportation excluded).
Q: How do I pay for a group visit?
A: Purchase orders, cash, checks, and credit cards are all acceptable forms of payments. You may mail or fax a purchase order to the Education Department in advance. When you arrive, please have your final count of students, teachers, and chaperones ready along with the entire payment.
Q: Where does our class go when we arrive?
A: Your school guide will meet you in the bus zone. If you are arriving by car, your school guide will meet you at the flagpoles adjacent to the parking lot. Self-guided visitors should check-in at the Admissions Booth.
Q: What are the guided tours?
A: Guided tours are themed tours that provide highly interactive and hands-on experiences on our outdoor trails. Guides lead students through a series of engaging activities and a culminating experience designed to support the theme of the tour. The students are divided into small groups and develop a meaningful rapport with their guide. All materials are provided.
Q: Do the guided tours meet Arizona Academic Standards?
A: Yes! These tours meet many of the standards – and not just science! Visit the Arizona Academic Standards page for more information.
Q: Are the guided tours available in Spanish?
A: Tours for small groups may be available in Spanish. Please let us know when you register if you require this service and if possible, we will accommodate your group.
Q: I teach students with special needs, can I sign them up for a tour?
A: Yes! for goups of 10 or more students. Take a look at the tour descriptions and recommended grade levels to determine which tour would best meet the needs of your students. School guides are trained to adapt tours to meet the abilities and interests of the groups they guide. Please let us know when you register if you have select students or an entire group of students with special needs, then we can better plan to accommodate your group.
