School Field Trips

We believe that field trips are an important way for students to make connections between the classroom and the real world, and to deepen their learning across subject areas. We are here to provide an exciting and educational experience for your group, and look forward to helping you plan an engaging and meaningful self-guided field trip to our facility.

Update as of 2/28/2022: 

Effective for visits starting March 2, 2022, face coverings and the vaccine requirement will be lifted and visitors will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or wear a mask in order to use indoor park facilities.

While face coverings are not required, we strongly recommend that individuals continue to wear face coverings if they are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, or if they are interacting with people that are unvaccinated, including children under the age of five. Additionally, visitors may choose to continue to wear a mask, and we fully encourage and support that decision. All Conservatory staff and volunteers will respect and accept all individual preferences with regard to face coverings.

Virtual field trips are still available for booking!

We have an array of resources developed and compiled with teachers like you in mind! We know that you’ve got more than enough to do without creating specialized activities for field trips, so we’ve done some of the work on your behalf.

Peruse the options in the links below and choose what works best for you and your students. And remember: studies show that the best way to get the most out of a field trip is to connect it to your classroom curriculum through pre- and post-visit activities!

All of our free, self-guided field trips include:

  • A choice between different science themes, depending on grade band
    • Intro to Plants, PreK – 3rd
    • Decomposition, K – 8th
    • Pollination, 1st – 5th
    • Plant Adaptations, 3rd – 12th
  • A pre-reading sent before the trip to familiarize students with the topic
  • An orientation based on the science topic of your selection with a staff member upon arrival
  • A themed activity to do in the plant collection
  • Possibility of a free picnic lunch outside or renting our lunch room for a small fee (currently unavailable)
  • Free parking for buses
  • The opportunity to deepen student learning across subject areas in one of Chicago’s most beautiful institutions!

Check out the Themed Resources page to learn more about the science themes and to preview the resources.

This project was made in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Additional funding provided by PNC.
Institute of Museum and Library Services LogoPNC Logo

 

 

 

 

Taking a field trip at the Conservatory is easy! Book your trip by clicking the big green button.

 

Please note: If your desired trip time and date are not visible, that means those dates and times are already booked by other groups. Please choose a different date and time. School group visits currently must be booked at least two weeks in advance.




Frequently Asked Questions

How does the proof of vaccination requirement impact our field trip?

Students ages 18 and younger who are visiting the Conservatory through a school organized field trip are not required to show proof of vaccination. Chaperones must show proof of vaccination.

How many participants can we bring?

You can bring up to 50 students and 7 chaperones, or a total of up to 57 if you would like a larger adult to student ratio.

When can school groups visit?

School and camp groups can visit Wednesdays from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Advance reservations are required.

How long should we plan on staying?

Due to capacity restrictions, all reservations are currently 90 minutes. This allows enough time for groups to explore the Conservatory rooms and grounds, and even fit in a themed activity or scavenger hunt.

Where can the bus park?

All buses can park in the back of the Visitor’s parking lot just south of the building.

All parking is free.

Where can my group eat lunch?

If you choose not to reserve a lunch room in advance, we have outdoor picnic space available on a first come first served basis.

To reserve a lunchroom click the green “Book Now” button above.

Lunch Room Rates

Up to 25 – $30
26+ – $60

Can we buy lunch for our group at the Conservatory?

We do not have a cafeteria or restaurant located in the Conservatory. Most days there are a limited number of small snacks available for purchase in the gift shop.

Can my group store our coats and lunches somewhere?

Yes, we are able to hold coats for registered groups.
Lunches will only be stored for those groups who reserve a lunchroom.

What kind of sports equipment can we bring to the Conservatory?

Absolutely no sports are allowed to be played at the Conservatory.  Groups interested in playing sports should book a trip across the street at Garfield Park.

Balls, frisbees, balloons, kites, and confetti are prohibited on Conservatory grounds and inside Conservatory spaces.

Are bus scholarships available?

Bus scholarships are not currently available.

Do you have resources for different grade levels?

We have themed field trips with age appropriate activities for different grades. Learn more about them on the Themed Resources website.

  • Intro to Plants, PreK – 3rd
  • Decomposition, K – 8th
  • Pollination, 1st – 5th
  • Plant Adaptations, 3rd – 12th

More themes to come!