Seasonal Field Trips
Grades TK - 8th
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 invites students to explore the Ranch as it transitions into the harvest season. Students will tour our gardens and observe the seasonal changes taking place throughout the landscape, including the crops and produce being harvested in the fall. They’ll visit and learn about our animals, explore the Ranch’s hiking trail, and have opportunities to slow down and notice the sights, sounds, and seasonal rhythms of the natural world around them. With hands-on exploration, time outdoors, and plenty of opportunities for curiosity and discovery, a fall visit to Connolly Ranch offers students a meaningful way to connect with the land, animals, and seasonal abundance of the Ranch.
Winter (Feburary - March):
A winter field trip to Connolly Ranch invites students to experience the Ranch during a quieter and cooler season. Students will explore our gardens and observe what’s growing, changing, and resting throughout the winter months. They’ll visit our animals, learn about how the Ranch community cares for them, and spend time exploring our hiking trail and natural surroundings. Along the way, students will have opportunities to slow down, observe closely, ask questions, and notice the seasonal changes happening all around them. A winter visit to Connolly Ranch offers a hands-on opportunity to connect with the land, animals, and rhythms of the season.
Spring (April - June):
A spring field trip to Connolly Ranch invites students to experience the Ranch as the landscape comes alive. Students will tour our gardens and notice the new growth, blooming plants, and seasonal changes happening throughout the Ranch. They’ll visit our animals, explore the hiking trail, and discover the many signs of spring emerging in the natural environment. With time to observe, explore, and ask questions, students will experience the energy and abundance of the season while building a deeper connection to the land, animals, and natural world around them.
Booking Details:
We have dates available from September 2026 through June 2027.
Field trips are offered on Fridays from September through December, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from February through June. Each visit runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and includes seasonal garden and animal lessons, hands-on activities, outdoor free play, plus time for 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:
We gladly accept payment by card through our digital payment options.
If you prefer to pay in person, we also welcome checks or cash payments.
Questions about program and curriculum can be sent to riley@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.
Hands-On Learning Experiences: Every activity is thoughtfully designed to engage students in hands-on exploration, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections with the natural world.
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!
