Field Trip Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I fill out a field trip request form?

Our staff will receive the request form and email you back (typically within one week) with possible dates and how to proceed with booking your field trip. If you request a field trip for a season that is already filled, we will encourage you to fill out our field trip waitlist form.

If field trips are booked up to 18 months in advance, how am I supposed to know classroom numbers when filling out a field trip request form?

We understand that you might not have the exact number of learners while filling out a field trip request form—that is alright! Do your best to give us an estimated size of your class. We require final numbers to be confirmed (via email) 14 days in advance of your field trip experience. It is vital for Bookworm Gardens to get an accurate count so we can adequately staff your field trip and provide you with the best possible experience.

In the case of a significant number decrease within two weeks of your field trip Bookworm Gardens reserves the right to charge the original amount invoiced.

Can I bring my homeschool group on a field trip?

No, our field trips are reserved for traditional school groups. However, we have Homeschool days that offer a self-guided experience for homeschool families. This program allows families to participate in hands-on activity stations set up throughout our outdoor garden spaces. Homeschool days are targeted for homeschool learners (ages 2 - 18) and their grown-ups to explore and learn together.

How many chaperones can I bring on a field trip?

Per 20 learners, we require two chaperones (including educators). Bookworm considers chaperones to be educators, aides, school staff, parents or guardians. Chaperones must be 18+ years of age.

For example, if you are bringing a class of 60 learners, we would require you to have 6 chaperones. We also confirm the number of chaperones allowed to come when you receive our invoice.

If you choose to bring additional chaperones, they would each need to pay $10. This money must be collected by the school and paid with the field trip balance. We will not individually collect money from each chaperone on the day of the field trip.

Please note that we have noticed the more chaperones in a group, the harder it is for the learners to focus and engage on the field trip.

Bookworm Gardens allows chaperones and educators necessary for travel to attend for free.

Can I have a self-guided field trip with my school group?

We do not allow self-guided field trips at Bookworm Gardens for the safety of both the gardens and its visitors. All non-family groups of 10 or more people must have a field trip reservation. Bookworm Gardens reserves the right to refuse entry to any groups that show up without a field trip reservation.

We also do not allow groups to explore independently prior/after a field trip at Bookworm Gardens.

Can my group eat lunch onsite?

Yes! Educators can request a 30 minute picnic slot for their learners to eat. Picnic locations are chosen by Bookworm Gardens' staff members and are outdoors. We cannot guarantee picnic locations are shaded.

We do not have any cooler/fridge space for your classroom lunches. You are welcome to keep lunches in your specified picnic area. However, none of these spaces are locked or secured. Bookworm Gardens is not responsible for any missing or damaged property left unattended.

Bookworm Gardens has a carry in, carry out trash policy. All garbage and recycling must be taken back out with your school group. Any trash left behind or thrown into Bookworm Gardens private dumpsters will be fined $100.

It’s raining! Do we still have our field trip?

Yes! Bookworm Garden field trips are rain, snow or shine! Please make sure your class is dressed appropriately. We encourage rain boots, waterproof jackets/ponchos on rain days.

Please check the weather prior to arriving to make sure students are dressed appropriately. Oftentimes it is colder or windier due to the lakefront in Sheboygan. When in doubt, encourage learners to wear layers.

In the case of inclement or severe weather, we will cancel your field trip. We will try our best to reschedule the experience for your learners but cannot promise that we can make a date work for your group. If the weather is extreme by your school, please call and cancel if it is dangerous to drive. We will do our best to reschedule your field trip.

Is Bookworm Gardens wheelchair accessible?

Yes! Restrooms and paths are handicap accessible.

How many restrooms do you have onsite?

We have two family-style restrooms—not separate men and women restrooms. Therefore restroom capacity is limited! Large groups, please plan to take children out a few at a time to use the restrooms.

Where should our buses park?

There is parking available for vans and buses. Groups can be dropped off at the entrance to the Gardens and park in the open areas of the parking bays.

Bookworm Gardens FAQs

Please check our FAQs on our Plan Your Visit page for our hours and other visitation related questions.