Free Fields Trips Provided by Your Metroparks

Adventure, explore, education and free go perfectly together at your Metroparks. Our Interpretive Services Department provides opportunities for schools to expand their classroom learning through field trips. Classes can come out to a Metropark for various adventures to explore different and unique ways to learn new things and best of all they can do it for free.

In 2020, we are proud to again offer Get Out and Learn Scholarships for qualifying schools in southeast Michigan. Scholarships cover the cost of transportation and field trip programming fees to the Metropark Interpretive Center of your choice.

Pamela Cox, Kindergarten teacher at Ann Visger Preparatory Academy was able to bring her class out to Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center in 2019 because she received a Get Out and Learn Scholarship.  She said, “As a classroom teacher, I can tell you that our students were thrilled with the hands-on activities. Most of our 90 students have never had the opportunity to experience nature and its wildlife so up close. While Michigan’s weather wasn’t the most cooperative, it didn’t diminish their enthusiasm for the animals, bugs, or out hike in the rain. What a perfectly fun and educational field trip.”

In addition, to an exciting day outside of the classroom, all Metropark field trip programs support the Michigan Science Standards curriculum in content, methodology, and technology use. A wide variety of programs also support Common Core curriculum and STEM.

“Going to the wetlands and nature center meets our standards and makes the learning impactful. Many of our students aren’t always able to get out for the trips. This is a fantastic opportunity,” said Yvonne Beauchaine, third grade teacher at Peck Elementary.

To qualify, schools must have 50% of students eligible to receive the federal free and reduced lunch program. To learn more and to apply for a Get Out and Learn Scholarship visit www.metroparks.com/getoutandlearn.

“We love to share our knowledge with students through hikes, experiments, hands-on activities, and unique adventures, explorations and experiences. Our goal is give students the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in a meaningful and impactful way,” said Jennifer Jaworski, Chief of Interpretive Services.