The guided portion of the field trip will begin and end outside the Graham Visitors Center, located in the Washington Park Arboretum (2300 Arboretum Drive E. Seattle WA 98112).

We currently offer two start times for the guided portion of the field trip: 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m.

The guided portion of K – 6th grade trips is 90 minutes, with trips running from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., or 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

For pre-K programs, we have 60 minute programs, running from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Yes. Public restrooms are located in the Graham Visitors Center and are accessible from the outside.  

There is a lot adjacent to the Graham Visitors Center, in addition to two gravel lots located a short walk away. These lots are suitable for private vehicles, vans, and smaller buses.

Yes. We can provide parking for up to two school buses. Buses should pull up to the white gate on Arboretum Drive and wait to be guided by UWBG staff. Please note that charter buses cannot turn around on Arboretum Drive.

There is no lunch or snack break built into the guided portion of the trip, and UWBG does not provide food to field trip groups. You are more than welcome to bring lunch and/or snacks to enjoy in the park before or after your field trip.  

Your group can have lunch in any available space that you choose as the park is open for the public. We encourage you to review our Lunch Spots Map ahead of arrival for suggestions on lunch spots.

While many groups like to eat in the patio area attached to the Graham Visitors Center, this space is frequently reserved for private events. Please speak with a UWBG staff member on the day of your trip to inquire about patio availability.

No, We do not have the ability to accommodate field trip groups in any of our indoor spaces.  

UWBG staff can help you store your lunches upon arrival. If you plan to store your lunches, please let UWBG staff know before the day of your trip. If possible, please consolidate lunches into a few large containers as opposed to loose, individual lunches.

All materials for field trip activities will be provided during your visit. Please come dressed in weather-appropriate clothing, including layers. Your group is responsible for your own lunches and/or snacks. Nametags are appreciated but not required. 

Yes. Please remind students to dress for the weather as best as they can. This is not the place to wear your favorite, cleanest pair of shoes. Layers and closed-toe, waterproof shoes are ideal. We do our best to avoid the muddiest areas.

We run field trips rain or shine! If it’s raining on the day of your trip, we will still be fully outside for field trip activities.

Program cancellation may occur due to inclement weather or poor air quality. UWBG staff will be in touch with you prior to your trip if any of these things present a concern.

We currently offer three field trip themes: Plants, Wetlands, or Forests. You can read more about them here.

The cost is $8.50 per student. There is no additional cost for teachers and adult chaperones.

Yes, we have funds to help with the cost of the field trip and for buses to get to Washington Park Arboretum. Funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis, are based on a sliding scale, and are contingent on the funding available. You will have the opportunity to apply for financial aid during the registration process. If you missed that step, you can find our scholarship and bus fund applications here. 

We accept payment by cash, check, or credit card (online). Online credit card payment can be completed through Ideal-Logic, where you registered for your field trip. Checks made out to UW Botanic Gardens Youth and Family Programs can be mailed in advance or given to UWBG staff on the day of your trip.

If mailing a check please send to:

UW Botanic Gardens

Attn: Education

2300 Arboretum Drive

Seattle, WA 98112

Our field trip cancellation and refund policy can be found on our Education homepage. Please scroll down to the refund policies section near the bottom of the page.

Yes. The park is public and you are welcome to spend more time here. If you arrived by bus(es), please communicate your departure time with UWBG staff in advance. There is a space to indicate departure time when you register for your trip.  

Yes. We would love to hear from you. We will send a short field trip feedback form after your trip.