The best classroom is the great outdoors! McKinney Falls State Park offers TEKS-aligned learning experiences in nature with ranger-led and self-guided visits.

Schedule in advance to request an entrance fee waiver, which allows free entry for your group.

Scheduling

Ranger-led field trips

We offer ranger-led field trips for up to 60 students Tuesdays through Thursdays, February through May and mid-September through December.

• We do not offer ranger-led field trips during Spring Break or other major holidays.
• Groups with more than 60 students will need to schedule a self-guided trip, due to staff/volunteer limitations.

Email McKinney Falls State Park with questions and to schedule a ranger-led field trip.

• Be ready with three preferred dates and times for your field trip.
• Provide at least two months’ notice to secure your trip. Available dates are limited.
• If your group needs to cancel its trip, please notify us at least one week before the field trip date.
• We will send an email confirmation once your trip is booked.

Self-guided field trips

Already have a lesson plan to use at the park or a group larger than 60? Self-guided field trips are available year-round. We provide the space; you provide the activities.

Email McKinney Falls State Park with questions and to schedule a self-guided trip.

Planning

Keep weather in mind and plan accordingly! Most field trips will take place outdoors.

Field trips are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Costs

With advanced notice, we can issue an entrance fee waiver for all teachers, students and chaperones on a self-guided or ranger-led field trip. 

Chaperones

We require at least one adult for every 15 students. If you are leading self-guided hikes, please bring enough adults for one at the front of each trail group and one at the back.

Chaperones must remain with students during the entire trip.

For general information about field trips with TPWD please visit: Field Trip Information — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Can’t Come to Us?

TPWDiscover is Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's free, TEKS-aligned distance learning program about the wild things and wild places of Texas. We offer free, interactive and on-demand resources for students in early childhood through 12th grade as well as educator training.

• Explore our Classroom Resources page. There you'll find a downloadable, searchable spreadsheet along with many more resources.
• Visit our YouTube channel for a collection of TEKS-aligned videos from across the state.
• Create a free account with Connect2Texas to register for virtual, educational programs. To view upcoming events, click the "Events” tab on the Connect2Texas website and search for "Texas Parks and Wildlife Department." You can also request a recording of a virtual program.

Check out a wildlife-themed educational trunk and materials free of charge. Trunks or tubs include hands-on activities, presentations and instructions. The trunks are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so request one early!