A group of kids gather outdoors on green grass, surrounded by lush trees on a field trip. They wear casual clothes and backpacks. The atmosphere is lively and social.

field trips & outreach

SCHOOL GROUP TOURS

School groups can schedule a guided tour to explore the Garden with a docent.
• Students: $7
• Teachers with ID: Free (1 teacher for every 10 students)
• Additional Chaperones: $10 (Maximum: 3 adults for every 10 students)
• Guided school tours are offered September-May, Tuesday-Friday, and last 60-75 minutes.
• Guided tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance with a $50 deposit.
• Maximum group size: 40

School groups can schedule self-guided visits to explore the Garden without a docent. Teachers will receive an activity resource packet to use during their visit but are free to bring their own materials (ex. books, clipboards, sketchbooks, etc.) Plan to give yourself at least an hour to create your own adventure.
• Students: $5
• Teachers with ID: Free (1 teacher for every 10 students)
• Additional Chaperones: $10 (Maximum: 3 adults for every 10 students)
• Self-guided school tours are offered January-December, Tuesday-Saturday
• Self-guided tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
• Maximum group size: 150

school group presentations

Presentations are designed for larger school groups. Observe, engage and interact with nature in a program under our pavilion! Then take a self-guided walk around the gardens. The self-guided walk will include a teacher resource packet with activities. Presentation options include Garden Explorers, Plant Needs and Habitat Investigation.

  • Students: $7
  • Teachers with ID: Free (1 teacher for every 10 students)
  • Additional Chaperones: $10 (Maximum: 3 adults for every 10 students)
  • Offered September-May, Tuesday-Friday at 10 am and 11:15 a.m.
  • Presentation duration: 45 minutes.
  • Only one grade level can come on a single day.
  • Presentation minimum group size: 30; maximum group size: 60

guided school tours & group presentation topics

Get an introduction to plants in the garden while using your sight, sound, touch and smell. Come ready to explore, observe and plant a seed. (Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards, 48 – 60 Months: CD-SC1.4, CD-SC3.4, Georgia Standards of Excellence: SKL2)(Planting seed not included with Group Presentation.)

The Garden has thousands of plants from around the world. Explore how plants are living things with specific needs to survive. Plant a seed, care for it at home and watch it grow! (Georgia Standards of Excellence: SKL2, S1L1, S2L1)

(Planting seed not included with Group Presentation.)

This program investigates the garden as a habitat, particularly in the forest. It also explores how human interaction has changed the ecosystem over time. (Georgia Standards of Excellence: S3L1, S4L1, S5L1)

GUIDED SCHOOL TOUR FOR ALL AGES

Explore the food production area at the Gardens. Learn about the needs and growth process of various fruits, vegetables and pollinating plants. (Georgia Standards of Excellence: SKL2, S1L1,S2L1, S3L1, S4L1, S5L1, S6E5, S7L1, SEV4)

The Gardens are full of art! Learn about the permanent sculpture collection, elements and principles of art, and techniques used by artists to create their work. (Georgia Standards of Excellence: Visual Arts K-12)

Enjoy a docent-led tour through the gardens featuring art, history and nature. Get up close and personal with the plant collections.

GARDEN ON THE GO! SCHOOL OUTREACH OPTIONS

Bring the Gardens to your classroom! School outreach options include Garden Explorers, Plant Needs and Habitat Investigation

  • Schedule Smith-Gilbert Gardens staff to come to your classroom for one of the program options.
  • Fees: $175 for 30 students, max. and $90 for each additional class on the same day, same topic.
  • We offer outreach programs September-December, Tuesday-Friday. Each program lasts 45-75 minutes.
  • Outreach programs must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance with $50 deposit.
  • Maximum group size per program: 30
  • Teachers must stay with the class for the entirety of the program.

*Title 1 schools may apply for a discounted rate on all programs, while funds last*

SCHEDULE YOUR TRIP

To check availability and request a field trip, please send the following information to info@smithgilbertgardens.com
  • Name
  • Grade Level
  • Number of students
  • School
  • Preferred date
  • Best phone number to reach you