Field Trip Programs
Program Options
Choose programs from this list based on the age of your students. Click on the name of the program for more information.
| Program | Pre-K—2nd | Elementary (3rd-5th) | Middle (6th-8th) | High School (9th-12th) | College / Adult |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Guided/Park Welcome | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Introduction to the Park and Facilitated Scavenger Hunt | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Nature Walk | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Reading with a Ranger | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Junior Ranger badge | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Educational Game | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Animal Adaptations and Touch Table | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Introduction to Birding | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Aquatic Science | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Service Project | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Self–Guided / Park Welcome
This option is for those who wish to explore the park on their own or have special plans. Notify us ahead of time and a park interpreter can greet the group and answer your questions. No program accommodations (such as vehicle entry to the park) are available with this option.
Introduction to the Park and Facilitated Scavenger Hunt
This program allows participants to explore a portion of the park using a Scavenger Hunt as a guide. A ranger will escort the group in, answer questions about the park, and help identify local wildlife.
Science TEKS
Elementary
K.1(C), 1.1(C), 2.1(C), 3.1(C), 4.1(C), 5.1(C)
K.1(E), 1.1(E), 2.1(E), 3.1(E), 4.1(E), 5.1(E),
Middle School
6.1(C), 7.1(C), 8.1(C)
6.4(C), 7.4(C), 8.4(C)
High-School
B.1(C)
Nature Walk (30 minutes)
Join a ranger on a short walk around the group area on a quest to see some of the local wildlife and the unique habitats of the park.
Science TEKS
Elementary
K.12(B)
3.11(B)
3.12(C)
5.12(C)
Middle School
8.12(A)
8.12(B)
Reading with a Ranger (30 minutes)
It’s story time with a park ranger! Listen as the ranger tells a story about parks and local wildlife. Then there will be a chance to ask all your questions about life in the park. Contact us for more information on story options.
English and Language Arts TEKS
Elementary
K.1(A), 1.1(A), 2.1(A), 3.1(A), 4.1(A)
Earn a Junior Ranger Badge
This self-guided option goes well with other guided programs. Each student gets their own Junior Ranger activity book. Complete the book and get sworn in as a Texas State Park Junior Ranger, complete with an official badge!
Download the TEKS alignment guide for the Junior Ranger booklet.
Educational Game (30 minutes)
Students can be active while learning about the natural world around them. Rangers will select a fun game featuring topics such as habitats, predator/prey interactions, etc.
Science TEKS:
Elementary
1.12(C)
2.12(B), 3.12(B), 4.12(B), 5.12(B)
Animal Adaptations and Touch Table (30 minutes)
Students can connect with wildlife though interaction with real and simulated animal objects such as furs and bones. Learn about what makes animals similar, different, and uniquely suited to survive.
Science TEKS:
Elementary
K.12(B)
K.13(B)
1.13(A)
2.13(B)
3.13(A)
5.13(A)
Middle School
7.5(F)
Introduction to Birding (1 hour)
Learn about what makes birds special and why so many people enjoy birdwatching. Explore the area with a ranger and look for some of the unique birds that make the park their home.
Science TEKS:
Elementary
3.11(B)
5.12(C)
5.13(A)
Middle School
7.5(G), 8.5(G)
High School
B.13(A)
B.13(D)
Aquatic Science (1 hour)
Why is one body of water different from another? Students can learn about the properties of water, water chemistry, and the puzzle that is water “health” through interactive science experiments and exploration.
Science TEKS:
Middle School
6.4(C), 7.4(C), 8.4(C)
7.5(G), 8.5(G)
7.11(B)
Service Project
Help the park out and teach students to be good stewards of nature through volunteer work. Contact us about available opportunities. This can be an independent program or can be done in conjunction with other park programs.
