School Groups

Let the JC Raulston Arboretum become your living classroom! A field trip in the Arboretum's gardens gives students a chance to increase their understanding, make real-world connections, and have fun together while exploring the natural world around them. In short, it's an unforgettable experience! 

Field Trip Offerings

Each field trip is an interactive, outdoor experience designed to engage your students with hands-on explorations in a nationally acclaimed garden on the campus of NC State University. Led entirely by JC Raulston Arboretum staff and volunteers, all educational content aligns with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Science by grade level.

To request an In-person Field Trip, please complete the online Tour and Field Trip Request form or contact Joy Burns, our school program coordinator, to discuss possible alternatives that will serve you and your students.

General Details

$5.00 per student
1½ hour tour
Chaperones required
No fee for adults
No fee for parking
Picnic areas available

Kindergarten – Five Senses in the Garden

Students are divided into small groups and encouraged to use their five senses to explore a diverse selection of plants as they tour the garden with a guide. Limited to 75 students per trip.

First Grade – Living Things

Students explore how the garden provides the basic needs of living things while discovering the ins and outs of recycling and composting. Each class takes home seeds planted in recycled materials to grow in their classroom. Limited to 70 students per trip.

Second Grade – Life Cycles and Weather

Students review the life cycles of plants and animals in the garden and visit two weather stations to learn about the instruments gardeners use. The tour includes four self-directed garden walks. Limited to 100 students per trip.

Third Grade – Plants and Soil

Plant science lessons come alive as students watch seeds germinate, dissect a plant, investigate soils, and learn about photosythesis. Limited to 60 students per trip.

Up to Grade 12 – Private Tours

Field trips for higher level grades may be arranged according to the needs of the teacher and classroom. Scheduling will be based on staff availability, content, and the type and length of tour desired. Please note the fee for these tours ranges between $5.00 and $10.00 per student.

For more information or questions, please contact Joy Burns, our school program coordinator.