Plan A Field Trip

kids getting off bus
Students arriving for a visit at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center

NPS Photo

Welcome educators! Rock Creek Park offers a unique opportunity to enhance the learning experience of your students. This page gives details on how to make a field trip request, explains our curriculum-based programs we currently offer, and prepares you and your students before visiting.
If you and your students are looking to experience the following, then a field trip to Rock Creek Park may be right for you!

  • Explore a woodland trail using your five senses.
  • Learn about the planets and stars in our galaxy.
  • Discover what creatures live in the park and how the forest grows.
  • Find constellations in the night sky.
  • Investigate Rock Creek's water quality.
  • See how history, nature, art, and technology come together at Peirce Mill.

Visit our Planetarium Education page for more information about our planetarium films.

Reservations
At this time, we are only accepting reservations for Thursdays through the end of December 2024.

To request a field trip reservation form, please
contact us via e-mail. Reservations cannot be made over the phone. If you have questions, call us at 202-895-6070. We are available Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
 

Curriculum-based programs

Our curriculum based programs are free, but must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Please keep in mind that Rock Creek Park Nature Center is closed Mondays through Wednesdays.  Not able to visit the park? That's ok, a ranger can come to your classroom! Outreach programs are only available on Wednesdays and are for schools located in Washington, D.C.
We offer curriculum-based programs in the following themes:
  • Beginner naturalist
  • Environmental education
  • Ranger-led hikes in history and nature
  • History, culture, and technology
  • Night sky and space exploration
Use the drop down menu below to expand each theme and find more information about the programs we offer. This information should help you choose the program best suited for your group. Please let us know if you need further information about a program.

 

Know before you go

Parking

  • Parking for cars, vans, and busses is available at the Nature Center.
  • Limited parking is available at Peirce Mill.

Food

  • There are no food facilities in the park. If you plan to visit Peirce Mill or the Nature Center, it is best to bring your lunch.
  • There are limited uncovered picnic areas nearby.

Weather

During inclement weather, particularly snow storms and hurricanes, federal offices in the district may be closed. To check if we are open visit the OPM website. Also check local television and radio broadcasts for announcements.

Where to meet?

For field trips at the Nature Center, plan to meet the ranger at 5200 Glover Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20015.
For field trips at Peirce Mill, plan to meet the ranger at 2401 Tilden St. NW, Washington, DC 20008.

Visit our Directions page for more information.

Running late? Need to change or cancel your reservation?

Call us at 202-895-6070. We're available Thursday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm.

Last updated: September 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

5200 Glover Rd, NW
Washington, DC 20015

Phone:

202 895-6000
Rock Creek Park's main phone line.

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