General Information
School groups, including public, private, homeschool classes, and scout groups can schedule tours and educational programs Tuesdays through Fridays during the Academic Year (August 1 to May 31). Each day has a morning or afternoon option, with the option of enjoying lunch in The Gardens after or prior to the program. Groups larger than 20 students will be split into smaller groups.
Educational Programs typically last about 1.5-2 hours, and will include walking for about half a mile and a lesson/activity. The Gardens are wheelchair accessible.
Tours and activities will be completely outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. We recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen. Comfortable clothes and walking shoes are recommended. If severe weather is expected, we will be in contact with the organizer of your group to discuss options for cancellation or reschedule.
Supervision Information
Groups visiting the Gardens should have a minimum of supervision ratios as outlined below in the graph. Because The Gardens are open to the public, it is our policy that parents who are not school-sanctioned chaperones are not allowed to interact with their child, or any other children participating in the school program. This is for the safety of your students. We also ask that name tags are provided and worn by students and adults with the group to help The Gardens staff identify who is a part of the designated program.
| Grade Level / Age Range | Ratio of Adults (Guardians, Staff, or Chaperones) to Students | ||
| Pre-K & Kinder (ages 5 and younger) | 1 : 6 | ||
| Grade 1 – 5 (ages 6-10) | 1 : 8 | ||
| Grades 6 – 8 (ages 11-13) | 1 : 10 | ||
| Grades 9 – 12 (ages 14-18) | 1 : 12 |
At least 2 adults with the group must be registered through the Texas A&M University Code Maroon Emergency Notification System. You can find more information about Code Maroon, and learn how to sign up here: Code Maroon
We truly appreciate those guardians, staff, and chaperones attending for their assistance with the group and ask that they:
- Dress appropriately for the weather (including comfortable walking shoes)
- Remain with the group at all times
- Role-model appropriate behavior and garden etiquette
- Know the purpose of the field trip
- Assist with activities when needed
- Help students make observations when appropriate
Scheduling & Payment
- To request a field trip or program, please read through these guidelines and then fill out The Gardens School Group Request Form.
- Field trips and programs should be requested at least 3 weeks in advance of desired date, but dates will fill up quickly so please submit requests as soon as possible.
- Payment must be made to confirm your date and time.
- If you must cancel, we require that you alert the Garden’s team at least 24 hours in advance. You can email gardens@ag.tamu.edu or call (979)314-2357. If you decide to reschedule, you must submit a new tour request form.
- The Gardens team will do their best to accommodate a reschedule if needed, or warranted due to severe weather, otherwise we do not offer refunds.
Pricing
Educational programs are $6 per student. Adults (guardians, staff, or chaperones) attending as part of the supervision requirements attend at no cost.
*Revenue generated from our programs goes towards educational programming and general maintenance for the Gardens.
Parking Information
All options for parking can be found on The Gardens Parking and Transportation webpage.
School groups that will be bringing buses can drop students off at the AGLS circle drive located at 600 John Kimbrough Blvd. They will need to contact Transportation Services at 979-862-7943 to arrange parking for the buses.
Checking In & Garden Etiquette
A member of The Gardens Team will meet you a few minutes prior to your tour start time. They will be wearing a TAMU Gardens nametag and/or a green vest.
Please mind the following guidelines during your visit to help us keep The Gardens beautiful:
- The Gardens are for everyone to enjoy! Please leave flowers and plants as they are. Do not collect or remove seeds, flowers, labels, etc.
- Please stay on pathways and designated lawns and walking areas.
- Be mindful of trash and items you bring into The Gardens. We care about the environment – please dispose of all waste in trash bins conveniently located around The Gardens.
- Confetti, glitter, and similar materials are harmful to the plants and animals of The Gardens and are strictly prohibited.
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
- No climbing on trees or structures. No wading into water features.
- The Gardens are a tobacco-free environment.
- Please note that during events, photographs may be taken and used for promotional purposes.
Lunch & Picnics
There are currently no dining or food/drink purchasing options at The Gardens. School groups are encouraged to bring packed lunches to enjoy in The Gardens. We kindly ask that you use the proper trash receptacles and stay on the designated pathways, lawns, and walking areas.
Contact Information
| The Gardens Gardens@ag.tamu.edu 979-314-2357 | Kathryn Grier Education & Outreach Coordinator Kathryn.grier@ag.tamu.edu 979-314-2357 |
