Our field trips are interdisciplinary, supplementary, environmental and conservation education programs, emphasizing native flora and fauna. Our programs were developed with an elementary audience in mind, but they are valuable for all ages. Our programs emphasize wildlife and their habitat and attempt to instill the knowledge, awareness, skills and commitment in our youth that will help them grow into responsible members of our ecosystem.

Field trips are offered Tuesday through Friday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. We ask that you are on time as this affects the schedule of other groups that day!

The program will last approximately 2 hrs. Depending upon the theme, the trip will include a short video and/or presentation, a guided nature walk in our urban park, a knowledge hunt in the exhibit hall.

Read through this brochure first. It will answer many of your questions and make booking your trip easier. Check your school calendar and make note of any conflicting activities (test dates, special programs and holidays). Call the Valley Nature Center and book your date and time. This is most important! We must have a reservation to be able to set aside that day for your trip.

Reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance.  Click here to send an email.

We would like to limit the group to a manageable size, and would like to keep the group to less than 100. However, larger groups can sometimes be accommodated with prior notice.

Yes, the charge is $3.00 for students and adults. Payment can be made in the form of cash, check, Visa or MasterCard and Purchase Orders.

The field trips are environmental educational trips. Although meant to be fun they are not just “a day at the park.” Students should be prepared to be in a learning environment. Please prepare your students to be respectful of the habitat and the animals therein. This means that they must stay on the designated paths, walk quietly and carefully, and do not touch the animals or plants unless directed otherwise. Your students should be dressed appropriately, including pants and sensible shoes. You might want to bring insect repellent.

We ask that there is one adult per 10-15 students along on the field trip. During the video presentation, you can sit back and relax, but once we enter the exhibit hall, nature park, and gift shop, you will need to help direct your children to the right places, and keep them focused. We like to maintain a 1:10 teacher to student ratio.