Field Trip Visit Information
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After submitting a field trip request form you will receive an automatic email from "k12@longwoodgardens.org". This email confirms that we have received your request and it is under review. Please allow up to three business days to process your request.
If a field trip has been reserved for your group, you will receive two emails. One from "call@longwoodgardens.org" confirming that a field trip has been reserved for your group and one from "k12@longwoodgardens.org" with the field trip order number and reservation details.
If your requested field trip dates are not available, you will receive an email from "call@longwoodgardens.org" to let you know that your requested field trip dates are not available. You may submit a new field trip request form with new dates here
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Complete the confirmation form here
Confirm your reservation within 10 business days of receiving the email with the field trip order number and reservation details.
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To request changes to a field trip reservation, email k12@longwoodgardens.org
All requests will be processed in the order they are received. Changes are subject to current availability.
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The Longwood Grant for Title I Schools offers Title I schools grants to support field trip transportation costs. The grant provides reimbursement of up to $500 per school bus and return coupons for students.
A Fall 2026 field trip reservation is required prior to completing an application for the Longwood Grant for Title I Schools. Grants are limited. Eligibility and documentation requirements apply. To learn more: Title I Grant Information
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Complete the cancellation form here
Cancellation of a field trip less than three weeks prior to a reserved date may affect a school’s ability to receive free field trips in the future.
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We recommend collecting permission slips up to four weeks prior to the field trip. The final group count is due three weeks prior to the field trip.
A minimum of 15 students is required on the date of the field trip to receive free admission.
If the number of students falls below 15 after submitting the final group count, groups may elect to cancel the field trip or purchase general admission tickets by credit card for the number students and adults attending with the group.
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Longwood Gardens provides one free adult chaperone admission for every ten students attending the field trip.
Longwood Gardens requires one adult chaperone (19+) for every ten students attending the field trip.
The number of free admissions is determined by the final student count.
School groups will determine how to distribute the free adult admissions they receive. They may be used by any adult attending, including classroom teachers, school staff, and parents/guardians.
We do not provide additional free admissions for classroom teachers above the 10:1 student to adult ratio. Classroom teachers are considered adults and can be included in the total adult count.
Students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times.
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Additional adults may visit by purchasing timed general admission tickets or making a timed membership reservation prior to arrival.
Admission price varies by date. To view general (M-TR) or weekend (F) admission pricing or to purchase tickets: Visit Longwood Gardens
Sell-out is possible.
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Field Trips are held rain or shine, and most of the Gardens are outdoors. Dress for the predicted weather forecast. We recommend:
- Wearing comfortable walking shoes
- Bringing water bottles
- Applying sunscreen and bug spray
Field Trips include all-day admission on the date of the field trip. Groups may stay as long as they wish after the program, however, re-entry is not permitted. To view hours by date, visit: Hours
Preparing for Your Field Trip
- Assign one teacher to act as lead for the group and be responsible for the group’s check-in upon arrival to the Gardens.
- Create nametags for students with their first name and assigned student group number.
- Prepare a student group list for each chaperone and include the lead teacher’s phone number for emergencies on the day of the field trip.
Day of the Field Trip
Collect all bagged lunches in large boxes or bags before leaving school. Individuals may not carry bagged lunches into the Gardens.
Distribute prepared nametags to students.
Count the number of students, free adult chaperones, and paraprofessional and/or school nurses attending.
Travel to the Gardens
Longwood Gardens and the Visitor Center open at 10:00 am.
- School buses or 15-passenger vans should park in the bus lot located at the front of the Visitor Center parking lot. For directions, visit: Directions and Parking
Running late? Alert us at schoolandyouth@longwoodgardens.org or 610-388-5377. Late arrival may affect the total program time.
Group Check-In
- Lead teacher will check-in upon arrival. Students should remain on the bus until check-in is complete.
- For check-in, provide the following information: school name, number of students, free adult chaperones, personal care attendants and bus drivers.
Longwood will not store any personal belongings.
Restrooms are available inside the Group Visits entrance.
Entry to the Gardens
- Student admissions will be on one ticket. All students must enter the Gardens as a group.
Lead teacher will distribute tickets adults in the group. All adults will scan their individual tickets to enter.
Mobility Devices
- Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a self-service, first come, first served basis inside the Visitor Center Lobby.
- Strollers and electric scooters are available 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. To learn more, visit: Wheelchair, Scooter, and Stroller Rentals
Program Schedule
AM Program
10:00 –10:15 am: Group Check-In
10:30 –11:30 am: Guided Program. Longwood Educators will meet groups in the bus lot to begin the program.
11:30 am – 12:15 pm: Garden Exploration
12:15 –12:45 pm: Lunch in Café TentPM Program
10:00 –11:00 am: Group Check-In
10:00 –11:30 am: Garden Exploration. Lead teacher will escort the group into the Gardens.
11:30 am –12:00 pm: Lunch in Café Tent
12:00 –1:00 pm: Guided Program. Longwood Educators will meet groups at the Café Tent to begin your program.
Student Groups
Students will be divided into groups of 15 or less for the 60-minute guided program.
- Maximum group size is 15 students with three adults, including classroom teachers. School paraprofessionals and/or nurses are exempt from the adult ratio and may join the student group as required to support students’ needs.
- Additional adults can enjoy the Gardens during the 60-minute guided program.
The number of student groups is determined by the final student count and will be confirmed by email a minimum of one week prior to the field trip.
- Each student group will be assigned their own Longwood Educator. All our Longwood Educators are individuals with educational expertise that possess the required clearances.
Café Tent
The Café Tent is reserved for educator-guided student groups and accompanying adults. Bagged lunches are permitted in the Café Tent. Advance reservation required; capacity is limited.Bagged Lunches
Students may not carry individual bagged lunches into the Gardens; they will be transported by Longwood staff to the Café Tent. To prepare bagged lunches for transport to the Café Tent:Collect large disposable boxes or plastic bags to accommodate all lunches.
Clearly label all large disposable boxes or bags with the School and Teacher's name. Bringing reusable containers, such as hard-sided coolers or cooler bags, is not recommended. If you bring reusable containers, you will be responsible for transporting them to the bus lot after lunch.
Collect the students’ bagged lunches before they leave school.
Collected lunches can be placed on the benches in the bus lot for transport to the Café Tent.
Lunches will be placed on tables inside the Café Tent. Multiple groups may be using the Café Tent.
Other Lunch Options
A Picnic Area is located across the street from the Visitor Center parking lot, a two-minute drive for Longwood visitors. Picnic Area is open September 14-October 30, 2026. Bagged lunches are permitted in the picnic area. The Picnic Area has 70 picnic tables and restrooms but is not covered. Please arrange alternative plans in the event of inclement weather. The area may be used by groups before or after their field trip; re-entry to the Gardens is not permitted.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. The Café accepts cash or credit card payments; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. view the current menu, visit:
Café MenuLongwood Gardens does not provide lunch for field trips. Delivery of food to the Gardens is not permitted. Personal water bottles are permitted.
Exploring the Gardens
Groups are welcome to explore all open areas of the Gardens. Students (ages 4–18) must be always accompanied by an adult chaperone (19+).
All guests must observe our visiting guidelines. Chaperones are responsible for communicating these guidelines to ensure the safety of all guests, exhibit and plant collections.
Student Accessibility
If individual students participating in an educator-guided program require learning or mobility accommodations, alert us prior to your arrival at School and Youth Programs.Groups participating in the K-12 Accessible Garden Discovery program will be contacted prior to the field trip to discuss the group's needs.
To explore accessible options, visit: Accessibility
Cancellations
If severe weather is predicted, Longwood may cancel your field trip up to one day prior for safety. Field trips will be re-scheduled based on availability.
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.
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Field Trips are held rain or shine, and most of the Gardens are outdoors. Dress for the predicted weather forecast. We recommend:
- Wearing comfortable walking shoes
- Bringing water bottles
- Applying sunscreen and bug spray
Field Trips include all-day admission on the date of the field trip. Groups may stay as long as they wish after the program, however, re-entry is not permitted. To view hours by date, visit: Hours
Preparing for Your Field Trip
- Assign one teacher to act as lead for the group and be responsible for the group’s check-in upon arrival to the Gardens.
- Create nametags for students with their first name and school name.
- Prepare a student group list for each chaperone and include the lead teacher’s phone number for emergencies on the day of the field trip.
Day of the Field Trip
- Distribute prepared nametags to students.
- Count the number of students, free adult chaperones, and paraprofessional and/or school nurses attending.
Travel to the Gardens
- Longwood Gardens and the Visitor Center open at 10:00 am.
- School buses or 15-passenger vans should park in the bus lot located at the front of the Visitor Center parking lot. For directions, visit: Directions and Parking
- Self-guided group check-in is available 10:00 am-2:00 pm. With the exception of 10:00 am reservations, groups may enter the Gardens 30 minutes before or after the designated reservation time. Entry may be delayed until the next available time slot for groups arriving more than 30 minutes after the designated reservation time.
Group Check-In
- Lead teacher will check in upon arrival to the Gardens. Students should remain on the bus until group check-in is complete.
- To check in, provide the following information: school name, number of students, free adult chaperones, personal care attendants, and bus drivers.
- Longwood will not store any personal belongings.
- All student admissions will be on one ticket, and students must enter the Gardens as a group.
- Lead teacher will distribute tickets to each adult in the group. All adults will scan their individual tickets to enter.
Mobility Devices
Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a self-service, first come, first served basis inside the Visitor Center Lobby.
Strollers and electric scooters are available 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. To learn more, visit: Wheelchair, Scooter, and Stroller Rentals
Student Groups
- Longwood Gardens requires one adult chaperone for every 10 students attending the field trip.
- Students (ages 4-18) must be always accompanied by an adult chaperone (19+).
- If a student becomes separated from the group, alert Longwood Security staff, identifiable by their bright yellow shirts.
- 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.
Lunch Options
- No outside food and/or beverages, including bagged lunches carried by individuals or groups, are permitted inside the Gardens.
- Delivery of food to the Gardens is not permitted
- Bagged lunches may not be stored inside the Gardens, or eaten in the bus lot.
- Water bottles are permitted.
- Due to limited capacity, the Café Tent, located inside the Gardens, is reserved for educator-guided school groups.
Picnic Area
September 14 – October 30, 2026: Self-Guided school groups may use the Picnic Area to eat bagged lunches. The Picnic Area is located outside the Gardens, a two-minute drive from the Visitor Center. Seating in the area is available first come, first serve. The Picnic Area has 70 picnic tables and restrooms but is not covered. Please arrange alternative plans in the event of inclement weather. Use of the picnic area is limited to before or after the field trip, as re-entry to the Gardens is not permitted.
November 4 - 6, 2026: Picnic area is closed. The area is not available for use by guests during this time.
The Café
Food can be purchased in the Café, located inside the Gardens. The Café accepts cash or credit card payments; seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. Food purchased in the Café must be eaten in the Café seating area and cannot be brought into the Gardens. To view current menu, visit: The CaféExploring the Gardens
Self-Guided Activities
Download and Print Curriculum-Based Activities to Use During Your Field Trip
Flower Power and the Map (Grades K-8)
Build a Tree Poem (Grades 3-5)
Pollinator Math in the Gardens (Grades 3-8)
Field Journaling at Longwood (Grades 3-12)
Cartooning in the Gardens (Grades 3-12)
Cancellations
If severe weather is predicted, Longwood may cancel your field trip up to one day prior for safety. Field trips will be re-scheduled based on availability.
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.
