Grades 9–12 Self-Guided Field Trips

Plan Your Visit

• Self-Guided Field Trips Fall 2025

  
  

  Self-Guided field trips are available September 22-October 31, 2025.

  Self-guided field trip arrival times are availabe 10:00 am–2:00 pm. 

  To view current availability, visit: Self-Guided Availability Calendar 

  
  

• What is Included with a Self-Guided Field Trip?

  
  

  Free admission  for school groups with 15 or more students in grades Pre-K through 12 (ages 4–18). 

  Complimentary admission for:   
  Students (ages 4–18) 
  1 adult chaperone (ages 19+) for every 10 students attending the field trip 
  School Paraprofessionals and Nurses 
  Bus Drivers

  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 and Capacity

  
  

  A minimum of 15 students are 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 400 students per academic year (September-June).

  Daily Capacity for Self-Guided Field Trips

  Total: 170 students per day

  Groups with more than 170 students may attend on multiple days. 

  
  

• Student Groups for Self-Guided Field Trips

  
  

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

  Students (ages 4–18) must always be accompanied by an adult chaperone (19+).

  
  

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

  
  

• Additional Paid Adult Chaperones

  
  

  Additional adult chaperones (19+) must purchase timed admission tickets prior to arrival at tickets.longwoodgardens.org
  
  Additional adult chaperones may use their Longwood Membership to enter the Gardens. Member Reservations may be required, see the Member section of our website for more 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. 

  Application required. Funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis. For compete details and eligibility requirements: Learn More

   

  
  

• Lunch Options for Self-Guided School Groups

  
  

  Picnic Area 
  The picnic area (located outside the Gardens) is 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 picnic area, plan on having your lunch before or after your field trip, as re-entry to the Gardens is not currently permitted. 

  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

  Picnicking, bringing in outside food or beverages, or delivery of food to the Gardens is not permitted. Personal water bottles are permitted.

  Due to limited seating, The Café Tent (located inside the Gardens) cannot accommodate self-guided field trips.

  
  

• 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 current 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.

  To cancel a field trip reservation, visit: Field Trip Visit Information

  
  

• 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 with fewer students are welcome to visit by purchasing individual timed tickets. To view current Gardens Admission Availability, visit: Tickets

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

  Do my students all have to be in the same grade level?

  No. School groups with students of various grade levels are welcome to request a self-guided field trip.

  Do students need to stay with an adult chaperone while exploring the Gardens?

  Yes. All students (4-18) must be with an adult chaperone (19+) at all times. All guests must observe our visiting guidelines. Adult chaperones are responsible for communicating these guidelines to ensure the safety of all guests, exhibit and plant collections.

  What if I have school paraprofessionals or nurses that are required to accompany students?

  We provide free admission to school paraprofessionals and nurses required to accompany individual students. Please include these staff members when making your reservation or updating the school group numbers.

  How long can schools groups explore the Gardens?

  The Gardens open at 10:00 am. You are welcome to enjoy the Gardens until close. To view hours by date, visit: Longwood Gardens Hours

  I have students with special needs. How do I ensure their needs are met?

  We strive to ensure that every guest has an excellent experience when visiting our Gardens. If students require special accommodations, please alert us to the student needs contact Group Visits prior to your arrival at k12@longwoodgardens.org or 610-388-5223.

  Do you offer mobility devices?

  Yes. Complimentary wheelchairs are self-service and available in the Visitor Center Lobby, first come, first served.

  Strollers and electric scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Rentals area in the Visitor Center. A valid photo ID is required to rent strollers or electric scooters. To learn more, visit: Wheelchair, Scooter, and Stroller Rentals

  Can attendees bring their own water bottles?

  Yes, personal reusable water bottles are encouraged.