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Field Trips

A group of children and two adults admire a garden of tulips.

Field Trips & Youth Tours 

Please note: At least 3 weeks advance notice is needed for guided tours. Email tours@morrisarboretum.org to schedule an outdoor educational experience to enhance your students at home or hybrid school instruction. 

Choose from the following field trip tours: 
General Tour (All Ages) 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Explore our 92-acre living museum 

  • See the tree highlights 

  • Learn about the Arboretum’s history 

  • Meets PA Academic Standards: 3.3 Biological Sciences, 4.6 Ecosystems and Their Interactions 

What Tree Am I? Tour (3rd Grade and up) 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Morris Arboretum is home to some of the oldest, rarest and largest trees in Philadelphia 

  • Take a closer look to discover the amazing variety of the trees around us 

  • Examine the unique characteristics of trees and discover which tree you are most like 

  • Meets PA Academic Standards: 3.3 Biological Sciences, 4.6 Ecosystems and Their Interactions 

Scout Tour (All Ages) 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Morris Arboretum provides the perfect resource to help complete many nature-themed Boy and Girl Scout badge requirements, including Forestry, Nature, Flowers, Trees, and more. 

  • When scheduling your tour, please feel free to include your particular project needs. We’ll be happy to tailor our many tours and activities to help fulfill specific badge requirements, making your trip to Morris Arboretum both fun and productive. 

  • Scout groups with tour reservations will receive the Morris Arboretum Fun Patch! 
4 Seasons Through the 5 Senses Tour (PreK through Kindergarten) 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Take a sensory journey through the Arboretum 

  • Learn the natural characteristics of each season 

  • Collect plant material to bring back to the classroom 

  • Meets PA Academic Standards: 3.3 Biological Sciences 
Tree Adventure Tour I (K - 3rd Grade) 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Learn responsibility from a tree 

  • Leaves are responsible for producing food 

  • Bark is responsible for protecting the trunk 

  • Roots are responsible for absorbing water and storing food 

  • People are responsible for taking care of trees in their neighborhoods 

  • Meets PA Academic Standards: 3.3 Biological Sciences, 4.6 Ecosystems and Their Interactions, 4.8 Humans and the Environment 

Teacher’s Guide: Download the Pre and Post Visit Guide and Activities  

Our Connected Environment (4th – 8th Grade) 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Identify ways in which trees, animals and humans depend upon each other 

  • Learn about oxygen and other gifts we get from trees 

  • Observe PA hardwood trees and discuss their ecological and economic importance 

  • Learn ways to practice good stewardship at home, school and in the community 
Wetlands Exploration Tour (K - 7th Grade) 

Available September through June only 

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Explore The Morris Arboretum Wetland on foot 

  • Discover the function of wetlands and why they are so vital to nature 

  • Observe and record the different plants and animals that thrive in a wetland 

  • Explain the environmental and economic consequences that can arise with the loss of wetlands 

  • Brainstorm ways we can help safeguard wetlands for the future 

  • Meets PA Academic Standards: 4.3 Environmental Health, 4.7 Threatened, Endangered and Extinct Species, 6.3 Scarcity and Choice 
Historic Mill Tour (5th grade and up) 

Limited availability -- please email tours@morrisarboretum.org for more information

Duration: 60 minutes 

  • Travel back in time by walking in the shoes of a Miller’s apprentice 

  • Discover how cutting edge technology from the 1850s used simple machines to harness water power 

  • Learn how nearby Flourtown got its name 

Teacher’s Guide: Download the Pre and Post Visit Guide and Activities