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.

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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.

FIELD TRIP PACKET
BOOKING CALENDAR
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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

FIELD TRIP PACKET
BOOKING CALENDAR
  • Three children playing in a wooded area, with one boy climbing on a tree and two girls watching and talking.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Hands holding yellow seeds outdoors with dry grass and twigs visible on the ground.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Child with curly red hair pointing at a nature walk scavenger hunt sheet outdoors by a tree.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Children exploring nature in a wooded area, with one girl sitting on a tree, smiling, and others walking along a trail.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Young boy observing large green leaves on a plant in a garden.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A girl in a leopard print coat is planting a small seedling near a makeshift fire pit made of sticks and logs in a forest.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY

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.

FIELD TRIP PACKET
BOOKING CALENDAR
  • Two children exploring the woods, one looking through binoculars and the other walking with a leash, surrounded by trees and greenery.

    OUTDOOR EXPLORATION

    NEW | All-Ages

    Interested in just getting your group outside and in nature? This field trip focusses on exploring the different areas of Prairie Loft and becoming familiar with local plants and wildlife, while discovering the joy of just being outdoors!

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A red-headed woodpecker perched on top of a weathered tree stump with green leafy branches nearby against a clear blue sky.

    MUSIC IN NATURE

    NEW | All-Ages

    Learn how animals and plants create unique sounds that come together to sound like music. We will tune in to bird songs, insect rhythms, rustling leaves, and whatever else we can hear. We may even make our own nature instruments!

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Black and white photo of a large barn with a crowd of people and horses outside.

    PRAIRIE LOFT HISTORY

    NEW | All-Ages

    Did you know that Prairie Loft was once part of a working farm that fed thousands for over 80 years? The barns and surrounding fields and prairie are a major piece of Hastings History. Tour the barns and land to learn how understanding the past can lead to a better present and future.

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Young girl with a name tag labeled 'Jade' sitting at a table, smiling, holding a paintbrush, with arts and craft supplies and a flower craft project in front of her.

    NATURE ART

    NEW | All-Ages

    Discover how nature inspires creativity! Participants will explore the textures, colors, and patterns found at Prairie Loft and create artwork by using leaves, sticks, rocks, and other found objects. Activities will blend science and art, encouraging students to notice details in plants, animals, and landscapes while getting in touch with their inner artists.

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Children observing a rain garden demonstration with informational signs and a lush garden setting.

    ECO-ADVENTURE

    NEW | All-Ages

    Let's explore our environment while learning about conservation and ways we can help our ecosystem thrive. Tour Prairie Loft to discover what methods are used to encourage sustainability and brainstorm and implement new ideas!

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • An older woman with glasses looking through a monocular telescope in a rustic indoor space with wooden beams, alongside young people at a table with supplies.

    CUSTOM

    All-Ages

    Learning about weather, soil, bees, nature-based poets, or something else? Let us know what you would like us to cover, and we are more than happy to work with you to design a theme that meets your needs.

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Three children, two girls and one boy, are walking through a cornfield during daytime, holding hands with each other, with clear blue sky and clouds above.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A young boy holding a fuzzy orange caterpillar on a green stick in a garden with yellow and orange flowers in the background.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A young boy in a blue t-shirt and gray cap is decorating a flower cross with small flowers and leaves on a checkered green and white tablecloth, with other children sitting at tables in the background.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A young child with blonde hair wearing a red shirt and black shorts crouches on cracked dirt ground, touching the soil with their right hand.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A young child with curly hair smiling and holding a yellow and green leaf in front of their face outdoors.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Six young girls gather around a table, crafting with dried corn husks and fake corn cobs, under a pavilion outdoors.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Three children, two girls and one boy, outdoors near a fallen tree, studying and pointing at a worksheet with pictures of insects and plants, in a grassy and wooded area.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY

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.

Schoolyard Lesson Packet
  • Close-up of a bumblebee on a purple flower with spiky petals, surrounded by green buds and leaves.

    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&C

    SEE BOOKING CALENDAR
    FOR AVAILABLE DATES.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A young boy holding multicolored Indian corn in a field of dried corn stalks.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • Young girl smiling while holding up two large, white, freshly picked mushrooms outdoors.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY
  • A butterfly with orange, black, and white markings perched on a purple flower in a green leafy garden.

    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.

    REGISTER TODAY

Our Mission

Our mission is to teach agriculture appreciation, outdoor education, cultural connections, and the wise use of natural resources.

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A young boy with short dark hair holding a dandelion flower near his lips outdoors.

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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION
  • Logo for Nebraska Early Development Network with colorful abstract figures and the tagline 'Babies can't wait'.
  • Logo of the Hastings Community Foundation with a stylized rainbow in blue, green, yellow, and black colors above the organization's name.
  • Logo of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands featuring colorful curved lines and text
  • Americorps Navy Blue Logo.
  • Snow-Redfern Foundation logo