Farm Field Trips in Florida: Engaging School Field Trips & Animal Education Programs

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.

Program 1: Farm Animal Care & Compassion (Pre-K to 2nd Grade)

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

Program 2: Where Does My Food Come From? (3rd to 5th Grade)

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.

Activities:

• Guided farm tour that shows different animal roles.
• Discussion about plant-based and animal-based foods.
• Observing animal behaviors.
• Asking interactive questions.

Duration: 2 - 2.5 hours

Program 3: Sanctuary Stewards & Ecosystems (6th to 8th Grade)

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.

Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours

Preparation Resources

Pre-Visit

Materials:

Download our Field Trip Program Guide. It has suggested pre-visit activities, vocabulary lists, and discussion points to help 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.

During Your Visit

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.

Post-Visit Activities

Our program guide includes suggested activities and questions to help continue learning in the classroom after your visit.

Post-Visit Activities

Group Sizes & Chaperone Ratios

Minimum Group Size: 15 students

Maximum Group Size: 100 students (larger groups may be accommodated with advance notice and special arrangements)

Chaperone Ratio: There should be 1 adult chaperone for every 8 students in Pre-K to 5th grade. For 6th to 8th grade, there should be 1 adult chaperone for every 10 students.

Chaperones are free of charge within these ratios.

Safety & Accessibility

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.

"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."

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

"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!"