Field Trips at Prairie Loft
At Prairie Loft in Hastings, Nebraska, we firmly believe that learning doesn't have to be confined to the four walls of a classroom. With a sprawling natural landscape as our backdrop, we offer engaging and educational field trips that allow students to discover the wonders of the outdoors.
Nature is Your Classroom
Prairie Loft field trips offer a unique, immersive learning experience in nature. Students actively engage with their surroundings, using their senses to observe and learn. The trips align with and enhance the core curriculum, reinforcing lessons across multiple subjects. Book a trip today and open the door to educational possibilities beyond the classroom.
90-minute field trip for 10–25 students = $4/student (minimum of $40 if fewer than 10 students). Longer field trip programs are available, and we may be able to accommodate larger groups. Please ask.
GRADE SPECIFIC
FIELD TRIPS
All Field Trips at Prairie Loft align with Nebraska education state standards. Select your experience based on grade, or based on topic.
TOPIC-FOCUSED
FIELD TRIPS
Pre-K to adult offerings are available in Prairie Loft’s outdoor classroom! Whether your group is looking for team building, a new experience, or a day out in nature, we’ve got something for you!
SCHOOLYARD
LESSONS
Visiting the Prairie Loft site is an incredible and unique experience, we understand that traveling here is not always possible, so let us come to YOU!
Field Trip Themes
By Grade
Our knowledgeable educators serve as guides and facilitators, leading students on immersive explorations of the natural world. From identifying native plants and studying animal tracks to understanding the delicate balance of an ecosystem, our field trips are designed to kindle curiosity and spark a lifelong passion for learning.
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1ST GRADE | CAMOUFLAGE
Explore how plants and animals use mimicry to adapt to their surroundings. Play a game where the prey try to outsmart the predators and identify the different ways camouflage can be used.
(Supports Nebraska state standard SC.1.6.2.A)
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
2ND GRADE | POLLEN & SEEDS
Let’s go on a hike to find some pollinators. Then, we will discover how they move the pollen and create our own seed-dispersing animals!
(Supports Nebraska state standard SC.2.7.2.B)
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
3RD GRADE | SURVIVAL IN DIFFERENT HABITATS
What is a habitat? How do animals decide where to make their homes? Explore different areas of prairie loft to find out which organisms could survive in each habitat!
(Supports Nebraska state standard SC.3.7.2.C)
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
4TH GRADE | ADAPTATIONS
Look for animal signs to discover who lives where and how physical adaptations aid in their survival. Play a game to determine which bird beak is best suited for different food sources!
(Supports Nebraska state standard SC.4.6.3.B)
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
5TH GRADE | ENERGY THROUGH FOOD
Where does energy goes after decomposers release it? Scout the Prairie Loft site to track an organism’s source of energy through the food web.
(Supports Nebraska state standard SC.5.8.2.C)
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
6TH GRADE | SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON AN ORGANISM'S GROWTH
Compare the growth of the same organism by exploring different areas of Prairie Loft to hypothesize which environmental factors are the most helpful and the most hurtful to their growth.
(Supports standard SC.6.9.3.B)
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES.
Field Trip Themes
By Topic
Field trips at Prairie Loft also encourage collaboration and teamwork. Participants get the chance to work together, problem-solve, and communicate effectively as they navigate the outdoor environment. They gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature and its importance in our lives.
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FALL ON THE FARM
Fall On The Farm | All-Ages
Explore the changing leaves, animal habits, and harvest time during the months of autumn. Look for animal signs, collect colorful leaves, or explore the farm fields. Only available in the fall.
*There are no farm animals on site.
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
FARM, FOOD, FUN
All-Ages
We’ll read stories, explore the fields and gardens, and learn about the path that food takes from the farm to the table.
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
PLANT PARTY
All-Ages
We’ll dissect the parts of the plants and learn what they need to grow. We will discuss what parts of the plants we eat every day. May include a plant part taste test!
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
SMALL WORLD
All-Ages
Who and what lives under our feet? Study a few square feet of ground and use the scientific method to draw conclusions about relationships between plants and animals in this tiny world. Discover a new world!
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
SPRING ON THE FARM
All-Ages
Plants and animals are warming up again! Take a scavenger hunt hike to discover the many ways spring emerges at Prairie Loft. We might even pretend to be a spring rainstorm and an emerging seed! Only available in the spring.
*There are no farm animals on site.
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
WATER IS LIFE
All-Ages
Learn about the water cycle and the ways in which water sustains life on earth. Includes interactive lessons, a discovery hike, and water relay activities.
Best during warm seasons.SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
WHO LIVES HERE
All-Ages
Discover the many places on a farm that provide habitats for wild animals. We’ll be nature detectives, finding clues to discover what animals live where in the fields and pasture.
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES.
Schoolyard
Lessons
We aim to make Prairie Loft as accessible as possible, so in some situations, we can come to your schoolyard or a nearby park to give your students the opportunity to focus on a theme of your choice through exploration, active learning, and creative projects. Schoolyard lessons are perfect for students in Pre-K through 8th Grade and for schools within 20 miles of Prairie Loft. Destinations beyond 20 miles of Hastings will be considered with an increased rate to cover travel.
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BIRDS & BUGS
Insects and birds are important to each other, and both are important to humans!
Explore connections, discover habitats, and study animals to learn more!
Supports State Standards SC.K.7.2.A, SC1.6.2.A, SC.2.7.2.C, SC.3.9.3.A, SC.4.6.3.B&CSEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
FARM & FOOD
What’s in your lunch? Study favorite foods and learn about soil, systems, farming, and the path that food takes from the field to the table.
Emphasizes Standard Structure of Nebraska Connections specified towards the intended grade level’s concepts.SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
FOOD WEBS & ECOSYSTEMS
Producers, consumers, decomposers…how do they create energy flow to sustain life? Look into food chains and webs and explore our surroundings to find evidence in nature.
Supports State Standards SC.3.9.3.A, SC.5.8.2.A&C, SC.6.9.3.B
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES. -
PLANTS & POLLINATORS
Study parts of a plant and their important functions– for plants, for pollinators, and for people. Explore symbiotic relationships and how pollinators are key to growing food.
Supports State Standards SC.1.6.2.B, SC.2.7.2.B, SC.3.9.3.C, SC.4.6.3.B, SC.6.9.3.A
SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
FOR AVAILABLE DATES.
Our Mission
Our mission is to teach agriculture appreciation, outdoor education, cultural connections, and the wise use of natural resources.
Get Involved
Prairie Loft offers unique and exceptional education programs that connect people, food, and the land. From field trips and community events to workshops, summer camps, and private gatherings Prairie Loft takes learning outside!
SIGN UP FOR A PROGRAM
Interested in hands-on and active programs for your group or organization? Prairie Loft serves schools, summer programs, home school groups, daycares, adult learning associations, senior centers and more!
Volunteer
Would you like to contribute your time and talent to Prairie Loft’s mission? Are you part of a group looking for service learning or volunteer opportunities? We’d love to talk with you!
Donate
Prairie Loft is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. By supporting our mission, you’re ensuring people of all ages have access to outdoor and agricultural learning opportunities.
