School Field Trips

This page is for schools. If you want a guided hike for your community organization, please visit this page.

Field trips in Phil Hardberger Park are 1.5 hours, then enjoy a picnic lunch at the playground. We have two formats, the Walking Lesson and the Split Lesson.

Walking Lesson

  • Morning Hike (1.5 hours)

  • Lunch & Playground (optional)

Split Lesson

  • Short Morning Hike + Planned Activity (1.5 hours)

  • Lunch & Playground (optional)

All lessons are developed with TEKS-based topics. Learn about the native flora and fauna while discussing life cycles and the interconnectivity each organism has with the elements in its environment.

The routes can be tailored to your group. Long hikes often go to the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge. Other routes are available.

Starting points can be at the NW Military HWY entrance or the Blanco Road entrance.

We have several points of interest worth visiting on both sides, including Phil's Tree, our Butterfly Learning Center garden, the Savanna Restoration Area, and our Wildscape Demonstration Garden.

Request a Field Trip

What to Expect

  • Field Trips last 1.5 hours. The length of the walk can be tailored to the group’s specific abilities. 

  • We begin with a welcome and introduction to the park, expectations and trail safety, and a restroom break before heading out onto the trails.

  • Students will walk with the guide, stopping at points of interest.

  • Many schools choose to have lunch at the park. Both sides of the park have shaded picnic tables and playgrounds for kids to burn off a little energy before returning to the bus.

Guidelines

  • Field Trips are scheduled during the week.

  • The visit can begin as early as 8:30 a.m. and as late as 10:30 a.m. (please be aware that mid-day from May to September can be very hot.)

  • Field Trips are limited to 60 students per day. For groups larger than 60, please split the group into multiple days.

  • Large groups will be split into smaller groups on the trail. One chaperone, or teacher, per 15 students, is required.

  • Please book at least two months to ensure we can schedule staff and volunteers.

  • All participants should wear closed-toe shoes.

  • Each participant should bring water.

For more information, email programs@philhardbergerpark.org

or call the Conservancy at 210-492-7472.

Grants for transportation are available upon request.