Engaging School Field Trips & Educational Programs at Rooterville


Bring your curriculum to life with an unforgettable experience at Rooterville Animal Sanctuary! Our School Field Trips Animal Sanctuary Florida offer dynamic, hands-on learning experiences designed to engage students of all ages. Through our educational programs for schools FL, students connect directly with rescued farm animals, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of animal welfare, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Partner with us to provide your students with a truly unique and impactful educational adventure they'll remember for years to come.

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Why Choose Rooterville for Your Field Trip?


Rooterville Animal Sanctuary is more than just a destination; it's an outdoor classroom where compassion and learning go hand-in-hand.


  • Hands-On, Experiential Learning: Students don't just observe; they engage! Our programs involve direct interaction with our animals and the farm environment, providing tangible learning experiences. This is truly experiential learning Florida at its best.
  • Curriculum Alignment: Our programs are thoughtfully designed to connect with various educational standards, enriching lessons in science, biology, social studies, and even character development.
  • Fostering Empathy & Animal Welfare: Students learn directly about the lives of rescued animals, understanding the importance of kindness, responsibility, and advocating for all living beings.
  • Unique Farm Setting: Provide your students with a unique perspective on agriculture and animal care outside of a traditional classroom, offering farm field trips for kids unlike any other.
  • Experienced Educators: Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about both animals and education, ensuring a safe, engaging, and informative visit.
  • Safe & Supportive Environment: We prioritize the safety and well-being of all students, providing clear guidelines and support throughout your visit.

Our Educational Programs & Learning Objectives


Our diverse programs cater to various age groups and learning objectives, making Rooterville an ideal choice for environmental education programs Florida and animal science field trips.

Target Age: Pre-K to 2nd Grade


Learning Objectives:


  • Identify common farm animals and their unique characteristics.
  • Understand basic needs of animals (food, water, shelter, kindness).
  • Develop empathy and respect for all living creatures.

Activities: Gentle animal interactions, story time, sensory exploration of animal habitats, simple feeding demonstrations.


Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours


Target Age: 3rd to 5th Grade


Learning Objectives:


  • Explore the connection between farm animals and our food system.
  • Learn about humane animal agriculture vs. sanctuary life.
  • Understand basic concepts of sustainability and responsible choices.

Activities: Guided farm tour focusing on different animal roles, discussions on plant-based vs. animal-based foods, observation of animal behaviors, interactive questions.


Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours


Target Age: 6th to 8th Grade


Learning Objectives:


Explore how farm sanctuaries support biodiversity and sustainable land use.


Understand ecosystems, food webs, and the role of animals in maintaining balance.


Learn how human choices impact the environment and animal welfare.


Activities:


Guided sanctuary tour with a focus on ecosystems (ponds, gardens, and animal habitats).


Interactive discussion on pollinators, composting, and sustainable farming.


Hands-on activities like observing wildlife in the butterfly garden, feeding fish/turtles, and exploring the roles different animals play in healthy ecosystems.


Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours

Have specific curriculum goals or a unique theme? We can work with you to Build Your Own Field Trip! From hands-on learning farm activities to discussions on animal behavior or veterinary science, our team can tailor a program to meet your needs.

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Planning Your Visit: Logistics for Educators


We're here to make planning your youth group animal visits as easy as possible.

Pre-Visit Materials: Download our comprehensive Field Trip Program Guide , which includes suggested pre-visit activities, vocabulary lists, and discussion points to prepare your students.


Curriculum Connections: Our programs align with various Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for science and social studies. Specific alignments can be found in our guide.


  • Arrival & Departure: Clear instructions for bus parking and group check-in/out procedures.
  • Bag & Lunch Storage: Dedicated areas for storing backpacks and lunches.
  • Lunch Options: Designated picnic areas are available. Guests are welcome to bring their own packed lunches, drinks, and snacks to enjoy after their activities.
  • Restroom Access: Easily accessible and clean restroom facilities.
  • Gift Shop: A small gift shop offers educational souvenirs and items supporting the sanctuary.

Learn more

Our program guide also includes suggested post-visit activities and reflection questions to extend the learning back in the classroom.


  • Minimum Group Size: 15 students
  • Maximum Group Size: 100 students (larger groups may be accommodated with advance notice and special arrangements)
  • Chaperone Ratio: 1 adult chaperone for every 8 students (Pre-K to 5th grade); 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students (6th-8th grade). Chaperones are free of charge within these ratios.

  • Safety Protocols: We have clear safety guidelines for animal interactions and navigating the sanctuary. All interactions are supervised by Rooterville staff.
  • Accessibility: Our main pathways and facilities are generally accessible. Please inform us of any specific accessibility needs when booking so we can best accommodate your group.

Pricing & Booking Your Field Trip


Investing in an educational experience at Rooterville is an investment in compassionate learning.


Program Pricing:


  • Please contact us for current rates and customized program options. Pricing is based on group size and program selection.


Booking Process:


  1. Inquire & Check Availability: Fill out our online inquiry form or call us directly.
  2. Confirm Details: Our Field Trip Coordinator will work with you to finalize your program, date, and time.
  3. Receive Confirmation: A confirmation packet with all logistical details will be sent to you.
  4. Payment: A deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance due upon arrival.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Educators (FAQs)

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  • What should students wear?

    Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential. Dress for the weather, as programs involve outdoor time.


  • Is food available for purchase?

    We have a small selection of snacks and drinks. We recommend bringing packed lunches.

  • What is your weather policy?

     Programs run rain or shine with appropriate modifications for light rain. In case of severe weather, we will contact you to reschedule.


  • Are there opportunities for students to pet animals?

    Yes, supervised, respectful animal interactions are a core part of our programs.


  • Can we combine a field trip with a birthday party?

    Yes! Please contact our events team to discuss options for combining educational programming with a birthday celebration.


- Mrs. Peterson, 3rd Grade Teacher, Gainesville, FL

9 months ago

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"Rooterville provides the best farm education field trip we've ever had! The students were so engaged, and the lessons on animal welfare truly resonated with them."

- Mr. Jenkins, Science Teacher, Ocala, FL

7 months ago

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"An incredibly impactful animal care lessons experience. My middle schoolers were fascinated by the rescue stories and the ethical discussions. Rooterville is a gem!"

- Ms. Davis, Homeschool Group Leader

6 months ago

Haunted fun or heartfelt weddings—Rooterville events bring the extraordinary to life!

"Easy to book, well-organized, and truly memorable. The kids loved the hands-on opportunities with the animals. A must-do for any school looking for a unique field trip!"