Accessible K–12 Garden Discovery Program

Plan Your Visit

• Educator-Guided Field Trips 

  
  

  Educator-Guided field trips are available select dates in Fall (September–November) and Spring (March–June).

  We offer two program times per day: 
  AM Program: 10:30–11:30 am 
  PM Program: 12:00-1:00 pm

  
  

• What is Included in a Educator-Guided Field Trip?

  
  

  Free admission provided for:  
  School groups with 15 or more students in grades Pre-K through 12 (ages 4–18). 
  1 adult chaperone (ages 19+) for every 10 students attending the field trip. 
  School Paraprofessionals and/or Nurses 
  School Bus Drivers

  60–minute guided educational program led by Longwood Educators.

  Free reservations in the Café Tent, located inside the Gardens, for students to eat bagged lunches.

  We are delighted to make field trips accessible to all, keeping with our mission of bringing joy and inspiration to everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation and learning. 

  
  

• Group Size & Capacity

  
  

  A minimum of 15 students is required to receive free admission. Groups with fewer than 15 students may visit by purchasing individual timed tickets prior to arrival. 

  Schools may bring up to 360 students per academic year (September–June).

  Daily Capacity for Educator-Guided Programs

  Standard Programs (Grades Pre-K–12)

  AM Program 10:30–11:30 am: 90 students
  PM Program 12:00-1:00 pm: 90 students 
  Total: 180 students per day

  Groups with more than 90 students may choose to be split across program times on the same date or attend on multiple dates. Your may indicate your preference on the field trip request form. 

  Discovering GIS In the Gardens (Grades 9–12)

  AM Program 10:30–11:30 am: 45 students
  PM Program 12:00-1:00 pm: 45 students 
  Total: 90 students per day

  Groups participating in the Discovering GIS In the Gardens program with more than 45 students may choose to be split across program times on the same date or attend on multiple dates. You may indicate your preference on the field trip request form. 

  
  

• Choosing an Educator-Guided Program

  
  

  For groups with 15 or more students in specific grade bands, Longwood’s educator-guided programs are tailored to meet the developmental and educational needs of the following grade bands: Pre-K, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

  For groups with students across multiple grade levels, we recommend the Benefits of Nature program. This program can accommodate mixed-age groups in grades 3–12 (ages 8–18).

  The K–12 Accessible Garden Discovery Program is designed to be tailored to whole classrooms who need slower-paced instruction, learning accommodations or supportive services. For additional information, contact School & Youth Programs at schoolandyouth@longwoodgardens.org or 610-388-5377.

  Please note: With the exception of the Pre-K Superpower Senses program, we are not able to accommodate children under four to participate in or accompany educator-guided programs during the 60-minutes of instruction.

  
  

• Student Groups for Educator-Guided Programs

  
  

  Students are divided into groups of 15 for the 60-minute program; each group will be led by their own Longwood Educator. The number of groups is determined by the final student count. 

  Each group can have up to three adult chaperones (19+), including teachers.  School paraprofessionals and nurses are exempt from this ratio.

  Each group will be led by their own Longwood Educator. Our Longwood Educators are individuals with educational expertise and possess the required clearances.

  
  

• Free Adult Chaperones

  
  

  Longwood Gardens requires one adult chaperone (19+) for every 10  students attending the field trip. 

  Longwood Gardens provides one free adult chaperone admission for every 10 students. The number of free admissions is dependent on the number of students attending the field trip. 

  Free adult chaperone admissions may be used by any teacher, parent or adult (19+) attending the field trip.  

  
  

• Additional Paid Adult Chaperones

  
  

  Additional Chaperones

  Additional adult chaperones (19+) must purchase timed tickets prior to arrival at tickets.longwoodgardens.org. 

  Additional adult chaperones (19+) may use their Longwood Membership to enter the Gardens. Member Reservations may be required. Visit Member section additional details. 

  Sell-out is possible. 

  
  

• Transportation

  
  

  School groups must travel by bus or 15–passenger van.

  
  

• Longwood Grant for Title I Schools

  
  

  Longwood Gardens offers a Title I school grant to support field trip transportation costs. The grant provides reimbursement of up to $500 per school bus and return coupons for students. 

  An additional application is required. Funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis. For complete details and eligibility requirements, visit: Title I Grant Information

  
  

• Lunch Options for Educator-Guided School Groups

  
  

  Café Tent  
  The Café Tent is a covered lunch space inside the Gardens, adjacent to the Café. There is no fee to reserve the Café Tent, but reservations are required, capacity is limited. 

  Bagged lunches are permitted in the Café Tent. Bagged lunches will be transported from the bus lot to the Café Tent by Longwood staff. Additional instructions about how to prepare bagged lunches for transport will be provided prior to the field trip date 

  Café Tent reservation times are assigned based on the time of your educator-guided program: 
  AM Program 10:30–11:30 am: Café Tent 12:15-12:45 pm 
  PM Program 12:00-1:00 pm: Café Tent 11:30 am-12:00 pm

  The Café 
  Food may be purchased from the Café, located inside the Gardens.  Purchased food must be eaten in the Café and may not be brought into the Gardens. To view current menu options: Café Menu

  Picnic Area 
  The picnic area is located outside the Gardens, across the street from the main parking lot, a two-minute drive for Longwood visitors. The picnic area is available seasonally, mid-April through late-October. Bagged lunches are permitted in the picnic area. If using the area, plan on having your lunch before or after your field trip, as re-entry to the Gardens is not currently permitted. 

  Delivery of food to the Gardens is not permitted. Personal water bottles are permitted.

  
  

• Weather

  
  

  Field trips occur rain or shine. In the event of predicted severe weather, Longwood may cancel field trips for safety. Cancellation notice will be sent up to one day in advance. Field trips will be re-scheduled based on availability. 

  
  

• Cancellations

  
  

  Cancellation of a field trip less than three weeks prior to a reserved date may affect a school’s ability to receive complimentary field trips in the future. 

   

  
  

• FAQ's

  
  

  What if I have less than 15 students?

  15 students in attendance are required on the date of the field trip to receive free field trip admission. Groups arriving with less than 15 students may enter the Gardens by purchasing individual timed tickets. To view current Gardens Admission Availability, visit: Tickets

  To explore additional community programs and accessibility initiatives, visit: Community Programs

  The educator-guided program times don’t work with our school schedule. What are our options?

  If a flexible schedule is required, consider requesting a Self-Guided Field Trip, which allows groups to choose arrival and departure times.

  Is there a limit to how many adults can accompany the 60-minute educator-guided program?

  Yes. Each student group can have up to 3 adult chaperones (19+). School paraprofessionals and/or nurses are exempt from this ratio. Additional adults can accompany the students before and after the guided program.

  Self-Guided Field Trips allow as many adults as the group requires to accompany the students while visiting the Gardens.

  Can we explore the Gardens before or after our educator-guided program?

  Yes, groups are welcome to explore the Gardens until closing.

  How do I arrange accommodations for individual students in my group?

  If a student or students participating in an educator-guided program requires accommodations, reach out to us prior your field trip to discuss your students’ needs. Contact School & Youth Programs at schoolandyouth@longwoodgardens.org or 610-388-5377.

  To learn more about our accessible options available to you, for both before and during your visit: Accessibility

  Do you offer mobility devices?

  Yes. Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a self-service, first come, first served basis inside the Visitor Center Lobby.  

  Strollers and electric scooters are available to guests on a first-come, first-served basis at the Rentals area in the Visitor Center. Photo ID is not required, but scooter drivers must be 18 or older. Strollers are free to Longwood Gardens members. To learn more, visit: Wheelchair, Scooter, and Stroller Rentals

  Can attendees bring their own water bottles?

  Yes, personal reusable water bottles are encouraged.