Seasonal Field Trips
Grades TK - 5th
Discover the magic of the seasons at Connolly Ranch, where each field trip is an adventure filled with learning, exploration, and unforgettable experiences! Our seasonal field trips invite students to immerse themselves in a dynamic environment that changes throughout the year, offering endless opportunities for discovery.
Here’s what students can look forward to:
Meet the Animals: From goats and sheep to chickens and pigs, students get up close and personal with our ranch animals, learning about each animal’s unique personality and important role on the ranch. With hands-on activities, they’ll gain firsthand experience in animal care and understand the role of animals in sustainable farming.
Garden Adventures & Seed Planting: In our educational garden, students plant seasonal seeds and explore fresh produce, learning about where food comes from and the basics of composting. They’ll gain insight into how healthy soil and plants support our entire ecosystem—and maybe even spot some of our hardworking pollinators in action!
Guided Hike to the Labyrinth & Mindfulness: A hike through our beautiful oak forest leads students to our labyrinth, where they’ll pause to practice mindfulness in nature. Surrounded by the beauty of towering oaks, students have the chance to connect with themselves and the natural world, grounding their field trip experience in peace and reflection.
Seasonal Nature Highlights: Each season brings new wonders—gather acorns in the fall, spot wild mushrooms in the winter, observe vibrant pollinators in the spring, and so much more! Students will explore these seasonal changes, gaining an appreciation for the cycles of nature and how each season supports the next.
Whether planting seeds, meeting animals, or soaking in the serenity of our labyrinth, Connolly Ranch field trips are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong connection to the natural world. Each season brings new opportunities to explore, learn, and grow, nurturing young minds as they develop a sense of responsibility for the environment. See below for more information on our seasonal focuses.
Seasonal Focuses:
Fall (September - December):
A fall field trip to Connolly Ranch immerses students in the magic of the harvest season! They’ll collect acorns and watch vibrant leaves fall in our oak forest while learning about seasonal changes and the vital role trees play in our ecosystem. Students will also observe migrating birds and discover how these patterns signal the arrival of winter. In the garden, they'll harvest fresh produce and learn how crops come full circle. With hands-on activities and a peaceful mindfulness session in the labyrinth, a fall trip to Connolly Ranch celebrates the beauty and abundance of the season!
Winter (January - March):
Visiting Connolly Ranch in winter invites students to explore the unique beauty and resilience of nature! They’ll discover fascinating fungi and learn about their essential role in the ecosystem during the colder months. A guided hike through our tranquil, frost-kissed landscape will reveal the hidden wonders of the season, including animal tracks and signs of life. With engaging activities and exciting exploration, this winter field trip inspires students to appreciate the incredible transformations that occur in nature during this time of year!
Spring (April - June):
Spring field trips to Connolly Ranch celebrate the season of renewal! Students will explore our vibrant pollinator garden, buzzing with life and blooming flowers, while learning about the essential role of pollinators in our ecosystem. They'll also meet our adorable chicks and observe new life along the trails, including blossoming plum trees. With engaging activities and hands-on learning, spring trips at Connolly Ranch inspire students to appreciate the unique wonders of nature as it awakens from winter!
Booking Details:
We have dates available from September 2024 through June 2025.
Field trips take place Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm and include lessons, activities, and time for outdoor free play, a snack, and lunch.
All scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations must be done through Appointy, our online booking website. You may cancel up until 28 days out from your scheduled visit. The booking party may be responsible for part, or all, of the field trip cost if canceling within that 4-week window. You may reschedule your field trip up to 2 weeks before your date.
All dates are first come, first serve. If the date you were hoping to book is no longer available, we hope you can find another date that does work for your class!
Pricing Structure:
Title 1:
1-20 Students: $325
21-50 Students: $750
51-75 Students: $1,125
All Other Schools:
1-20 Students: $450
21-50 Students: $1,000
51-75 Students: $1,500
Payments:
Once your date is confirmed, you will receive a welcome letter and an invoice.
The total balance is due upon arrival via check or cash.
Questions about program and curriculum can be sent to amy@connollyranch.org
Questions about cost and invoices can be sent to ap@connollyranch.org
Benefits of Our Seasonal Field Trips:
Our seasonal field trips offer a dynamic, immersive experience designed to engage children with the changing rhythms of nature. Tailored to different seasons, age ranges, and various sectors of the ranch, each trip provides unique lessons that inspire curiosity and foster a deeper connection with the environment.
Benefits of Our Seasonal Field Trips Include:
Seasonally-Themed Lessons: Each trip aligns with the seasons, allowing children to explore the natural world in its various stages, from spring blooms to autumn harvests.
Focus on the 4 C's of 21st Century Learning Skills: Our objectives emphasize critical learning skills—communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity—ensuring children are prepared for the challenges of the future.
Alignment with Next Generation Science Standards: Activities are carefully designed to meet Next Generation Science Standards, making learning both fun and educational.
Inspiring Connection to Nature: Our program encourages kids to be "In, With, and For Nature," empowering them to understand their role in the ecosystem and promoting stewardship of the environment.
With our seasonal field trips, children gain firsthand experience in nature, developing skills and values that will last a lifetime. Perfect for educators and parents seeking enriching, hands-on learning experiences, our trips create lasting memories while instilling a love for the great outdoors. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of nature throughout the year!
