Field Trips

Get your students outside this year! By making The Hudson Gardens your field trip destination, you’ll enter a world of leaping frogs, towering trees, and chocolate plants abound, all amidst our 30 acres of spectacular gardens.

Our children’s education program is highlighted by the Hudson Explorers program, which consists of six different activities. Each activity comes in the form of a Hudson Explorer Pack, complete with hands-on materials such as “tree cookies,” spy glasses, UV detection bracelets, and insect eye lenses. Hudson Explorers activities are geared toward preschool and lower-elementary students. The program curriculum aligns with both National Science Education Standards and Life Science academic standards set by the Colorado Department of Education.

A little more about the Hudson Explorers program:

• The activities are led by the chaperones in your group, allowing you to set the pace.

• Each activity bag can satisfy up to ten students (although we recommend a ratio of 6-7 students per bag).

• One chaperone per bag is required.

• Multiple bags of each activity are available.

• Each activity lasts approximately an hour and a half.

• Picnic lunches are always welcome. We have several on-site picnic facilities which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here’s what else you need to know:

• Cost: $20 rental fee per Hudson Explorer activity bag, which includes admission for all students and chaperones. One $10 refundable deposit per school is required to ensure that all Hudson Explorer Pack contents are returned.

• Financial Assistance: Program fee discounts and full transportation scholarships are available for low-income schools and organizations (those with 50% or more of their students eligible for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program). Transportation scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis for these groups.

• Reservations: Reserve your date and time by using our online reservation form or by phoning 303-797-8565 ext. 306.

• What to Expect: Download the Education Visit Procedures and the Chaperone Guide.

The following Hudson Explorers programs are available:

Frog Hunt

A series of frog-based scavenger hunts lead students through the Water Garden as they observe real frogs in their natural habitat. Guided by a book narrative and an interpretive model of the frog life cycle, children work in groups to discover how frogs grow, what they need to survive, and how they protect themselves from enemies. Preschool – Grade 2. (Available May- August)

Want to preview Frog Hunt? Click here to download the activity guide.

Colorado Academic standards addressed:

• SC09/GR.PK/S.2/GLE.1-2

• SC09/GR.1/S.2/GLE.2

• SC09/GR.3/S.2/GLE.1

Secret Spaces

By examining various animal habitats and adaptations, students uncover why wildlife seeks refuge and how they survive in the “secret spaces” of an urban habitat. Grades Kindergarten-6. (Available May – October)

Want to preview Secret Spaces? Click here to download the activity guide.

Colorado Academic standards addressed:

• SC09/GR.PK/S.2/GLE.1-2

• SC09/GR.1/S.2/GLE.2

• SC09/GR.2/S.2/GLE.1-2

Making Sense

Using their five senses as a guide, students discover the array of colors, noises, scents, and textures that make up the plant world. From a search for smells to a sound mystery, students strengthen their detection skills and uncover the - sensory characteristics associated with several features of The Gardens. Preschool – Grade 2. (Available May – September)

Want to preview Making Sense? Click here to download the activity guide.

Colorado Academic standards addressed:

• SC09/GR.PK/S.2/GLE.1-2

Woodland Wonders

Have you ever wondered what Dr. Seuss had to say about trees? Choose this in”tree”active journey to find out! Exploring real tree specimens and products from trees, your students will discover the basics of tree anatomy and gain an understanding of the important role that trees play in our everyday lives. Grades 2 and up. (Available April – October)

Want to preview Woodland Wonders? Click here to download the activity guide.

Colorado Academic standards addressed:

• SC09/GR.PK/S.2/GLE.1-2

• SC09/GR.1/S.2/GLE.1-2

Leaf Lookout

Searching the Gardens for leaves of all shapes, sizes, and colors, students learn why leaves change color and why they are important to plants. This fall journey concludes with a visit to the Pumpkin Patch! Grades Kindergarten-4. (Available September – October)

Want to preview Leaf Lookout? Click here to download the activity guide.

Colorado Academic standards addressed:

• SC09/GR.PK/S.2/GLE.1-2

• SC09/GR.PK/S.3/GLE.2

• SC09/GR.1/S.2/GLE.2

• SC09/GR.2/S.3/GLE.1

Pollination Investigation

Surrounded by thousands of flowers in the Oval Garden, students take an in-depth look at the process of pollination from the vantage point of a pollinator. Armed with a variety of spy tools, small groups hone their observation skills as they explore the world of pollinators and the flowers they are attracted to. The investigation concludes with a flower observation in which students test their knowledge and watch pollination happen. Grades 3-6. (Available May – August)

Want to preview Pollination Investigation? Click here to download the activity guide.

Colorado Academic standards addressed:

• SC09/GR.PK/S.2/GLE.1

• SC09/GR.1/S.2/GLE.2

Additional Activities

Looking for a different type of activity? Download an activity below, bring enough copies for your students, and enjoy! Reservations are required; cost is regular Garden admission for all students, teachers, and chaperones. Call (303) 797-8565 ext. 306 to secure your date and time.
Pictorial Scavenger Hunts (reading ability not required)
Scavenger Hunts (reading ability required)
Name that Needle!