Take a walk on the wild side!
Move your classroom outdoors and plan a field trip your students will remember for a lifetime. The Living Desert welcomes field trips year-round, introducing thousands of school children to desert ecology each year.
School Field Trip Program
We’ve got you covered.
The Living Desert offers educators the Field Trip program – a self-guided field trip that gives teachers and their students a fascinating walk through the Zoo. Students will embark on an adventure in search of several interpretive and interactive stations attended by volunteers. Experience a variety of fascinating events, programs, exhibits, and desert animals. To make the most of your field trip, Teacher Resource Guides and Field Trip Guides are available for all grade levels, which are aligned with California State Curriculum Standards and The Living Desert’s mission.
For more details or to book a field trip contact us (760) 346-5694 or email SchoolFieldTrips@LivingDesert.org.
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Required Downloads for Field Trips
School Field Trip Information
Chaperone Guide to The Living Desert (English)
Chaperone Guide to The Living Desert (Spanish)
Driving Instructions to The Living Desert
Map of the Park Grounds
Teacher Resource Guides
1st - 2nd Grade NGSS Field Trip Worksheet
1st - 2nd Grade NGSS Field Trip Teacher Example
3rd - 5th Grade Field Trip Worksheet
3rd - 5th Grade Field Teacher Example
Middle School and High School Worksheet
STEM Field Trip Scavenger Hunt
For more Educator Resources click here.
Field Trip FAQs
What are the field trip prices and availability?
Self-Guided Field Trips (available to groups of 10+) are available Monday – Friday from 9am – 4pm. There is a maximum of 400 students per day.
$8 per student PreK –12th grade
$12 per teacher and adult chaperone (One adult chaperone per five students required)
How long can we visit?
There is no time limit; you are welcome to stay until park closing.
What are our options for lunch and snacks?
There are multiple picnic areas available throughout the Zoo. In addition, there are food and beverage outlets that offer options for purchase.
What teacher resources and guides are available?
We offer teachers resource and field trip guides. Educators may make arrangements to visit the park in advance to finalize lesson plans at no additional charge. To view all teacher resources, click here.
What should we do on our field trip and what events are scheduled for the day of our visit?
There are numerous options to make sure your field trip is one to remember. See our Daily Schedule.