Home School Days
2021
Want to get hands-on plant science into your home-school curriculum? Consider an Arboretum learning experience. For individuals or homeschool groups, the Arboretum offers hands-on plant experiences that showcase cool science concepts in a unique and engaging educational setting.
NEW for Fall 2020!
Field Trip in-a-Box Classroom Activity Sets
Sets will be announced Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Based on our popular Arboretum Fall-season Field Trip and Plantmobile themes, these mailed-to-you sets provide Arboretum style hands-on plant experiences this fall no matter whether you are in-person, on-line, or in a hybrid learning model.
Want to be the first to know about updates, launch, and scholarship opening information? Subscribe to receive Arboretum Teacher Resources emails (select any/all options that apply under Teachers & Schools heading).
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Home School Days for individual home school students:
Come for any one or all of our Home school days offered during the school year. Tuition includes adult admission for home school educators. Siblings are welcome. All participating siblings should be registered. |
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FALL 2020
In-Person Homeschool Days
September - December 2020
In-Person Arboretum School Programs are temporarily suspended through December 31, 2020
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Homeschool Day: Apple Harvest
Suggested ages: Grades 1 - 6
Registration for this in-person program has been temporarily suspended
Monday, September 21
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Homeschool Day: Fall in the Forest
Suggested ages: Grades PreK - 1
Registration for this in-person program has been temporarily suspended
Monday, September 21, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
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Homeschool Day: It's a Pumpkin's Life
Suggested ages: Grades 1 - 2
Registration for this in-person program has been temporarily suspended
Monday, October 19, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
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Homeschool Day: Plant-Works, Water-Works
Suggested ages: Grades 2 - 4
Registration for this in-person program has been temporarily suspended
Monday, November 16, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
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WINTER & SPRING 2021
In-Person Homeschool Days
January - June 2021
Regular on-site school programs are open for registration!
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$6 per student*
*A processing fee of $7.50 will be applied to each order
NOTE: Final adjustment count for # of students and all field trip fees are due at least 30 days in advance.
Minimum/Maximum Students
- Minimum 12 students/session
- Maximum is 3 classes/96 students per session
Chaperones
- Chaperones are free up to 1 adult:5 students
- Minimum requirement is 1 adult:10 students
- Adults beyond 1:5 pay $15 admission
- Note: these numbers do include the teachers attending, though do not include paras or nurses accompanying special needs students.
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Watch a video about Arboretum Field Trips |
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Homeschool Day: Pollinator Partnerships
Suggested ages: Grades 3 - 5
Registration is open!
Monday, January 18, 1-2:30 p.m.
Flowers are designed to fit pollinator bodies in a unique partnership that benefits plants, pollinators, and people. Learn more about the critical relationships between pollinators and plants, and find out what role people play in helping these relationships remain productive and healthy.
- Taste-test honey, a gift from the hive!
- Use microscopes to discover honey bees’ special adaptations for working with plants
- Plant your own pollinator-friendly plant to take home!
- Explore the Pollinator Center interactive exhibits
Limit 20, Bee Center
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, January 18, 1-2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Homeschool Day: Green Grocery: "Did You Eat a Plant Today?"
Suggested ages: Grades 1 - 2
Registration is open!
Monday, February 15, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Let your students in on a HUGE secret, most of our groceries come from plants! Learn all about plant parts, food plants, and photosynthesis during this action packed field trip.
- Observe a photosynthesis food factory at the giant leaf exhibit
- Locate 22 different food plants from all over the world in the Greenhouse
- Plant take-away garlic bulbs for food tasting after the field trip
- Taste garlic toast in the Harvest Kitchen
Limit 30, Learning Center
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, February 15, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Homeschool Day: Plants and Their Habitats
Suggested ages: Grades 3 - 6
Registration is open!
Monday, March 15, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Discover plants from all around the world as you become a plant researcher in real time at the Arboretum! Student scientists learn about different plant adaptations from three key habitats: desert, tropical rainforest, and bog.
- Identify diverse plant adaptations in the Mixed Up Plant Lab
- Explore the Greenhouse and locate countless plants from each habitat
- Create your own take-away terrarium with tropical rainforest plants
Limit 30, Learning Center
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, March 15, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator. *NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Homeschool Day: Maple Syrup Time
Suggested ages: Grades 1 - 6
Registration is open!
Monday, March 15
Select a session
MORNING 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
AFTERNOON 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Join us during Maple season at the Arboretum! Say goodbye to winter and sample the sweet flavor of photosynthesis.
- Hike into the woods to tap a maple tree
- Visit the sugarhouse where sap is cooked to syrup, try a syrup taste test
- Learn about maple sugaring traditions of different cultures through time
Limit 30, Maple Sugar House at Frog Hollow
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, March 15 MORNING, 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Monday, March 15 AFTERNOON, 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Homeschool Day: Sprout
Suggested ages: Grades PreK - K
Registration is open!
Monday, April 19, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
What if plants could tell us their stories? Engage your senses while learning about different plant parts and their purpose. Allow curiosity and imagination to blossom as we explore the plant kingdom!
- Identify plant parts and life cycles during an introductory puppet show
- Explore the Greenhouse with two different scavenger hunts
- Plant a set of take away seeds for continued learning after the field trip
Limit 30, Learning Center
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, April 19, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Homeschool Day: Ready, Set, Grow!
Suggested ages: Grades K - 1
Registration is open!
Monday, May 17, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
The word of the day is... habitat! Plants, people, wildlife, everything lives in a habitat.
- Learn the importance of habitat during an introductory puppet show
- Identify and explore habitat clues on a silent bird walk outdoors
- Observe aphids and ladybugs up close and hard at work in the Greenhouse
- Plant a set of take away seeds that provide food for butterflies and caterpillars
Limit 30, Learning Center
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, May 17, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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Homeschool Day: Spring to Life
Suggested ages: Grades 1 - 3
Registration is open!
Monday, May 17, 2021 1:15-2:30 p.m.
Lengthening days and warming temperatures bring fast changes to the plants in our world. Seeds sprout. Buds open and reveal the leaves, flowers, and stems bundled up inside.
- Search the gardens for plants springing to life all around
- Plant seeds of a "one-summer" plant (annual) and a "many-summer" plant (perennial)
- Leave with two plants to grow anywhere you choose!
Limit 30, Sensory Garden
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COUPON
save $2 per program!
with the purchase of 3 or more Homeschool Day Programs
Use coupon code 2OFF at checkout.
3 or more Homeschool Day registrations must be purchased at the same time in the same order, not valid on previous purchases or with other discounts. No cash value.
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Monday, May 17, 1:15-2:30 p.m.
$8 member/$10 non-member
includes program registration and supplies for one student & accompanying adult educator.
*NOTE that this program takes place on Free Third Monday, so there is no charge for Arboretum gate admission
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You may also be interested in
Distance Learning
Summer Day Camps
Chidren's Garden
Family Programs
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FAQs
Can I bring a non-participating sibling?
If the sibling will be using any supplies (eating snacks, planting projects, etc), then they should pay and register. If the sibling is purely accompanying, will not be using any supplies, nor will be a distraction to the group, they are welcome to attend for free.
To reserve a private Field Trip for your home school group:
Browse and register using our Field Trip Guide and online request form.
(12 or more paid participants required for a private group booking)
Email Subscriptions
Subscribe here to join Arboretum mailing lists that interest you, and be among the first to know about what's happening at the Arb!
Questions?
Arboretum Education Office Hours
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sat - Sun, noon - 4 p.m.
Email Arboretum Education at
arbedu@umn.edu
Call Arboretum Education at
612-301-1210
Helpful Info
Cancellations & Exchanges
Cancellation policy
COVID-19 Class Cancellations & Updates
Member Perk!
Arboretum Members may invite non-members to attend a class with them at the discounted member rate! Simply register for all participants at the same time in the same order and select the "member" rate for each person at checkout.
Waitlist
The best chance of being enrolled in a sold out class is to add your name to the waitlist. Click the orange "waitlist" button and complete the form, or call 612-301-1210. There is no obligation to register if a spot opens. If the waitlist shows enough demand, additional class sessions may be added.
YOUTH & FAMILIES
Summer 2020 Kids ProgramsUpdate
Drop-in Activities
ONLINE!PlantMaker Studio@Home
ONLINE!StoryTime@Home
Youth+Adult Programs
PeaPods for Preschoolers
Family Programs
Homeschool Days
Scouts
Youth Programs
NEW! Summer Activity Kits To-Go
Kids Night Out
ADULTS
Special Access Experiences
Special Access Tours & Experiences
Special Access Photography
Gardening & Horticulture Classes
ONLINE!Online & @Home Classes
Gardening - General
Edible Gardening
Landscape & Design
Special Access Experiences
Pollinators
Special Access Tours & Experiences
Pollinators
Fine Art & Crafts Classes
ONLINE!Online & @Home Classes
Painting & Drawing
Jewelry & Wearable Art
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Open Art Studio
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Photography
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Food & Wine Classes
Dine with a Chef
Cooking Classes
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Signature Guided Walks
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Instructors
Arboretum Staff
Education Department Statistics
Share your feedback
Your opinions are important!
The Arboretum strives to create classes that are relevant, useful and provide value. Use this form to share anonymous feedback about educational programming with the Arboretum Education Team.
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