Fort Richardson offers TEKS-aligned, exploratory learning experiences for your students!

Scheduling a field trip

Learn how to schedule a ranger-led or self-guided field trips at our park. The earlier you contact us, the more likely we can accommodate your request.

Ranger-led field trips

Rangers lead field trips on Wednesdays and Thursdays. We do not offer ranger-led field trips during Spring Break or other major holidays.

Here’s how to schedule:

• Choose from the list of standard programs. 
• Be ready with three preferred dates and times for your field trip.
• Provide at least two months’ notice to secure your trip.
• Contact the park interpreter with questions and to schedule your ranger-led field trip.

If your group needs to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible so we can release your date for another group.

Field trips may be cancelled for inclement weather. Discuss alternate dates or activities in the event of bad weather. Changes or cancellations to the program will be made jointly between the group and park staff.

Texas State Parks follows the Leave No Trace principals. Please discuss what this means with your group members.

Self-guided programs

Already have a lesson plan to use at the park? Email our interpreter to schedule a self-guided field trip at Fort Richardson!

Costs

With advance notice, educational groups enter at no cost, and ranger-led programs are also free.

If your group wants to reserve the group pavilion or is planning to camp, additional fees will apply. Make those reservations by calling our Customer Service Center at (512) 389-8900. Or ask about renting our air-conditioned dining hall by calling park headquarters.

Note: Don’t have the funds to get your class to the park? No worries! Apply for a CO-OP grant to cover the cost of transportation.

Teachers and chaperones

We require a minimum of one teacher or chaperone per 12 to 15 students.

We expect chaperones to help with classroom management.

Members of the group must arrive together and always remain together.

Time management and planning

Allow enough time before your program to find the park and take care of bathroom breaks and other needs.

Consider after-program options such as free time, a visit to the park store, etc. We have a large open picnic area, playground and restrooms next to the group pavilion.

What to bring

• A sufficient supply of drinking water. Water spigots are available at the group pavilion area for refilling water bottles. Water is not available at the historic fort area.
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Weather-appropriate clothing, hats, and closed-toed shoes (please, no sandals or flip-flops)
• Snacks and/or lunch
• Student medications including allergy medications such as EpiPens.

Facilities

Bathrooms are located at headquarters (single person bathrooms), near the group pavilion, in the west camping loop, and at the Interpretive Center.

The park gift shop is at headquarters. Only 10 students are allowed in at a time.

Special needs and accessibility

Notify the park as early as possible with any special needs or accommodations. You can also visit Accessibility — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department for more information.