Planning a Self-Guided Field Trip to Rock Creek ParkSelf-guided field trips are a great way for teachers and school groups to explore Rock Creek Park while maintaining the flexibility to customize their visit and schedule. Whether you're investigating the park's forests and streams, exploring historic sites, or connecting classroom learning to the outdoors, a self-guided visit provides students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Self-Guided Field Trip ResourcesWhile many teachers request ranger-led field trips, limited staffing and high demand mean they are not always available. To help every class have a meaningful visit, Rock Creek Park offers Self-Guided Field Trip Materials featuring grade-level activities, observation guides, and student worksheets that connect classroom learning with hands-on exploration of ecology, history, geography, archaeology, and environmental stewardship. These resources will be coming soon! Hours of OperationRock Creek Park is open daily; however, operating hours vary by location. Visitor Facilities such as the Nature Center and Planetarium, Old Stone House, Peirce Mill, and other historic sites have seasonal schedules and may be closed for maintenance, special events, or holidays. Let Us Know You're ComingTo help us prepare for your visit and better understand school group use, all school groups are encouraged to register their self-guided field trip in advance by sending us an email. A ranger will follow up (if necessary). Please let us know you'll be here at least 2 weeks in prior to your visit. While You VisitTeachers and chaperones play an important role in helping students have a safe, enjoyable, and educational experience. Before arriving, review expectations with your students and divide large classes into smaller groups whenever possible. Encourage students to observe carefully, ask questions, record their discoveries, and practice respectful behavior toward other visitors and the park's natural and cultural resources.
Rock Creek Park preserves nationally significant natural, cultural, and historic resources. Please help us protect these special places by following these guidelines:
School groups are welcome to enjoy lunch during their visit to Rock Creek Park. Please review the following guidelines to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience while protecting park resources.
Lunch StorageRock Creek Park does not provide refrigerated or secure storage for lunches. Students, teachers, and chaperones should either:
Recommended Picnic AreasRock Creek Park offers several beautiful outdoor spaces suitable for lunch. Groups are encouraged to use designated picnic areas or open grassy spaces where they will not interfere with other visitors or park operations. Popular locations include:
Places Where Eating is Not PermittedTo help protect historic structures, museum collections, wildlife, and visitor facilities, please do not eat lunch:
Indoor Lunch OptionsRock Creek Park does not have indoor lunch facilities available for school groups. In the event of inclement weather, groups should plan to eat lunch on their buses or make alternative arrangements before arriving at the park.Food ServiceRock Creek Park does not have restaurants or consession stands available. Students should bring their own lunches, snacks, and reusable water bottles.Help Keep Rock Creek Park BeautifulBefore leaving your picnic area, please:
A successful self-guided field trip encourages students to become scientists, historians, artists, and stewards. As you explore, encourage students to:
For tips on teaching outdoors, visit the Teaching Outdoors page.
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Last updated: September 20, 2026