Palo Duro Canyon State Park

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Field Trip Programs

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 to 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 no no no no
Junior Ranger no yes yes no no
Skins and Skulls no yes yes no no
Service Project no no yes yes yes

Self–guided / Park Welcome

Group of girls hold up empty trashbags.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.

We suggest familiarizing yourself with the park and its trails for this option. Contact us if you need help with suggested hikes!

Introduction to the Park and Facilitated Scavenger Hunt

Explore an area of the park using a Scavenger Hunt as a guide. Our park interpreter will meet you, answer questions about the park, and help with the scavenger hunt on a short hike.

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 (30-60 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 reads a story about parks and local wildlife. Then students can ask 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)

Junior Ranger

This self-guided option goes well with other guided programs. Each student gets their own Junior Ranger activity book. They complete the book to be sworn in as a Texas State Park Junior Ranger, complete with an official badge!

Download the TEKS alignment guide for the Junior Ranger booklet.

Skins and Skulls (45 minutes)

 Students can connect with wildlife through 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)

Service Project

Help the park and teach students to be good stewards of nature through volunteer work. Contact us about available opportunities. This can be a stand-alone program or can be done along with other park programs.