Field Trips

 

Tower Grove Park is an urban park registered as a National Historic Landmark, lies on the Great Missouri Birding Trail, and has earned a Level II Arboretum status due to our impressive historic canopy. We encourage local schools and youth organizations to take advantage of the unique features of the Park and learn what makes it special to the city of St. Louis through our hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.

Field Trip Information

  • Thanks to funding from the U.S. Forest Service Urban Connections program, field trips are currently offered at no cost. However, groups must provide their own transportation to and from Tower Grove Park.

  • Generally, field trips start at 10:00am and last approximately 3 hours.

  • Tower Grove Park can accommodate groups of up to 80 students, depending on the program. Groups of more than 80 students must be split and visit over multiple days.

  • Students may be divided into 2-4 smaller groups (up to 20 students per group) depending on size and rotation needs. If necessary, your field trip may include 1 or more teacher-led activities.

  • One teacher/chaperone is required for every 10 students. Student supervision is the responsibility of teachers and chaperones.

  • Please ensure students are prepared with appropriate clothing, shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray.

  • If desired, your group may eat lunch at the park before, during, or after your field trip. If having lunch on-site, prior approval is required to reserve a pavilion or picnic site for your group.

  • Our field trip programs are primarily outside. Please dress for the weather! We will only reschedule field trips if hazardous conditions are forecasted (heavy rain, lightning/storms, hail, snow/ice, excessive heat/cold, etc.).

Availability

  • Field trips are available for schools and other organized groups (e.g. Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, etc.).

  • Field trips are generally available on weekdays, excluding holidays and other select days.

  • Weekend availability may be possible for organizations operating on weekends.

  • Field trips are limited in availability and priority will be given to public schools within the city of St. Louis.

If you are interested in a field trip or other educational program, please navigate below to browse through our field trip offerings, view our Field Trips and Programs Brochure, and fill out a request form. A member of the Education Team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the details of your visit.

For any questions, please contact the Education Program Coordinator at education@towergrovepark.org.

 

Field Trip Programs

+ Living in Harmony

  • Grades 1-5
  • October - December, March - May
  • Length is 2-3 hours, depending on group size

There are countless interactions between plants, animals, and people every day at Tower Grove Park. How does nature strike a balance? Using dramatic play, animal artifacts, and an Osage Culture Traveling Trunk, let's observe these interactions up close at the Park's East Stream (Nee Kee Nee). Together, we will learn about indigenous connections with flora and fauna and discuss how we still depend on each other today.

This field trip is presented jointly with Tower Grove Park's Education Team and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Availability is limited, and priority booking will be given to schools within SLPS.

+ Watershed Wonders

  • Grades 3+
  • October - December, March - May
  • Length is 2-3 hours, depending on group size

How does water connect us all? Take a trip along the restored East Stream (Nee Kee Nee) in Tower Grove Park to learn about watersheds, the water cycle, native plants, and the history of this land through hands-on activities, guided hikes, and more.

This field trip is presented jointly with Tower Grove Park's Education Team and the Missouri Department of Conservation. Availability is limited, and priority booking will be given to schools within SLPS.

+ Birding Adventure

  • Grades K+
  • Offered year-round
  • Instructor-led or Self-guided

Located in the heart of the Mississippi flyway, Tower Grove Park plays host to hundreds of bird species during spring and fall migration. Participants will learn about bird anatomy, ecology, and field identification, as well as practice their birding skills with personal birding kits curated with help from the St. Louis Audubon Society and the Saigh Foundation.

Each birding kit contains:

  • Binoculars with case
  • Field guide
  • Bird flash cards

Birding kits can accommodate groups of up to 30 participants or can be checked out individually. Please contact the Education Program Coordinator at education@towergrovepark.org to learn more or to reserve a kit for your next visit!

+ Collaborate

Work with the Education Team at Tower Grove Park to align your classroom curriculum with natural world experiences not often found in the classroom. We love collaborating with educators who are looking to tailor a current offered program or simply design a one-of-a-kind visit. We want the experience to be relevant and enjoyable for all. Please direct all inquiries to the Education Program Coordinator at education@towergrovepark.org.

Review the list below for some ideas of topics that might complement your classroom learning:

  • Victorian architecture and Park history
  • Urban gardens and greenhouses
  • Native trees, plants, and wildlife
  • Insects and pollinators
  • Aquatic ecosystems and water quality
  • Habitats and natural communities

Field Trip Requests

Requests for Spring 2025 field trips will open in January. Please check back later.

Thank you for your patience!

Field Trip Inquiry Form