Educational Field Trips

Interactive, guide-led programs and fieldtrips bring curriculum goals to life! Classes are about 30 minutes and $2/student fee. Maximum group size: 90 students. Larger groups will rotate between multiple stations or activities and may require 1 ½ - 2 hours. E-mail Ambur Gossen here.

Favorite Topics include: 

• Butterflies and Lifecycles – camouflage; defense; ecology; native, nectar and host plants
• Plant Parts and You – the plants we eat and use; photosynthesis; plant reproduction
• Seeds – plant reproduction and dispersal; importance of pollinators
• Plant Superpowers – How plants adapt to survive in unique environments; ecosystems; special plant structures and characteristics of plants
• Alien Invaders – Invasive species – non-native plants, animals, diseases and insects that negatively impact our environment and agricultural systems

Other topics may include: pollinators, ‘Green’ buildings and landscapes, Missouri habitats, plant ID

Groups of 30 or more are required to schedule visits to the park in advance. Please help us manage the crowds and provide a good experience for all even for self-guided activities. Arrangements can be made to reserve the Nathanael Greene or Japanese Picnic Pavilion by completing the group request form.

The Gray/Campbell Farmstead schedules programs especially for 5th grade and includes a full day within our historic buildings. Discover more here.

Speaker’s Bureau

Staff and volunteers are available to speak to garden clubs, civic organizations or other community gatherings on a wide variety of topics specifically about the Springfield Botanical Gardens, plants, nature, seasons, garden maintenance and plant care, landscape design, floral arranging, gardening for wildlife and more. E-mail Katie Keith here. A $25 honorarium or rental of Botanical Center meeting space is appreciated. Mileage fees may apply.

Garden Tours

Walking Tours can be scheduled with a guide Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tours last about 45 minutes. Group size: 25 and $25/per guide. Favorite areas include: Butterfly House, Master Gardener Demonstration Garden, Rose/White/Hosta and English Gardens and The Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden has an additional $3/person adult group rate admission charge.

Tram tours for groups of 14 or less with a guide Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. A 15th person in a wheelchair can also be accommodated. Tours last about 1 hour and cover most of the park property. Fee is $50. Email Ambur Gossen for more information.

A single, self-guided electric scooter is available first come, first served, to rent from the Botanical Center front desk for $15. Call 417-891-1515 ex 2 for more information.