Before Your Field Trip

Riverbend offers standards-aligned programs designed to connect students with the natural world and bring nature-based science to life through the lens of our preserve. Riverbend’s environmental educators are trained to deliver developmentally appropriate programming that is relevant to children from all backgrounds and abilities.

Explore science concepts in person

Ever wonder what it's like to come face to face with a crawfish? Search under fallen logs or build your own investigation about water? Students can do all of this and more, all year round, at Riverbend.

Students will learn through participating in hands-on, inquiry-based activities at stations around Riverbend’s 30-acre preserve. Sites to explore include our pond, stream, meadow, forest, and Aquaponics Greenhouse. With the help of Riverbend Educators, your students will learn to navigate the natural world and investigate environmental concepts, building from their own curiosity.

Field Trip Include:

Riverbend Environmental Educators to welcome your group, provide an introduction to the experience and guide your group throughout your visit.
Free bus parking
Space for your group to enjoy lunch
Indoor space for your group to place backpacks, lunches
Restrooms
Ask about adding pre and post visits to the experience. A Riverbend educator can lead in-class activities to continue exploring program topics with your group ($300/visit/30 students).

Curriculum Alignment:

All programs support:

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Development of critical learning skills

Field Trip Pricing and Registration

Price per field trip is $750 for up to 50 students
$12 for each additional student, Max 75 students
The Amazing Race Field Trip is $1050 for up to 50 students and $15 for each additional student up to 75 students
The Service Learning Field Trip is $1250 for up to 50 students and $20 for each additional student up to 75 student
Price per Winter field trip (December 1-March 31) is $450 for grades K-2 up to 50 students and $500 for grades 3-5 for up to 50 students

To register, please visit Explorable Places, our registration platform, to find available dates for your field trip. If you have any questions about programs or the registration process, please email Suzanne Safranor call 610.527.5234 ext. 112 today!

Please Note:

As an outdoor education facility, Riverbend closely monitors weather conditions. Student safety is our top priority.

Riverbend programs run rain or shine. However, in the event of unsafe weather conditions, Riverbend staff will determine if a program can safely operate and notify schools of cancellations by 7:30 on the morning of the program. In the event that a program is canceled due to weather, we will work with schools to reschedule within the same calendar year.

All other cancellation/reschedule requests must be received in writing at least 3 weeks before the originally scheduled program date. Riverbend cannot provide refunds for canceled programs.

Information for your field trip:

1) Field Trip Guide - Please read. This document has all the important specific information for your field trip.

2) Riverbend's Guide to Outdoor Learning - This is an optional add-on with specific information to help you work with students outdoors both at your school and at Riverbend.

3) BEETLES Guide for Chaperones - this is another optional piece of information because we often get questions about chaperones. Please share the short (3-5 min) information with your chaperones so they will be really prepared to help on the trip.

4) Riverbend Accessibility Guide - This guide will help you understand the terrain at Riverbend for Accessibility needs. It includes pictures of the preserve, bathrooms, etc.

5) Spanish Language Guide - This guide will help prepare your Spanish-speaking students for their Riverbend Field Trip.

Let us know if you have any other questions. We look forward to working with you and your students!

Suzanne Safran

Director of Education