Bring your class to the Humber Arboretum in North Etobicoke for a full- or half-day of outdoor, hands-on environmental education. Our engaging curriculum-connected programs also get kids active and help foster character development.
Our programs are designed to meet specific Ontario curriculum expectations. Program descriptions below identify the grades for which direct connections are available, however we may be able to adapt programs for other grades. We can also customize a program to fit the needs of a certain subject being covered by teachers.
Outdoor education is important in all seasons! Here are some of the "cool" programs that are winter favourites at the Arb:
The Arb even has extra outdoor clothing available for students who arrive under-dressed, over-the-boot cleats for especially icy trails, and a fort-building area beside the Centre for extreme days when outdoor exposure should be limited.
Attention: Cancellation Policy Waived for Cancellations due to Rotating Walk-Outs
The Humber Arboretum is temporarily waiving our standard cancellation policy of 14 days notice (as outlined on this page and in confirmation documents sent when a trip is confirmed) for the duration of Ontario school board job actions. We ask that for a confirmed trip, you simply let us know as soon as you find out if the scheduled trip date will be a strike day for your school. If it is possible to reschedule, we will do our best to work with you to make that happen, but otherwise there will be no penalty for cancellation due to the job action.
Nature Walk
All grades
A Nature Walk will make up one half of all full-day bookings, but even if you're only coming for a half-day you can choose to keep it simple with a guided walk through the trails of the Arboretum. Your group will explore fascinating habitats bursting with life such as the Carolinian forest, the Humber Valley, an oxbow swamp, a meadow, ponds, and the botanical gardens. Search for wildlife such as chickadees, hawks, and deer. Let us know if you'd like us to focus on a specific area such as insects, pollinators, trees, or birds.
Art and Ecology
All grades, Visual Art
Come learn about nature by making art! Art & Ecology is about giving students creative freedom to explore, discover, and create works of art using natural materials found onsite. Infinitely adaptable, this program can engage the youngest minds and challenge the more mature.
Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives
Grades K-8, Social Studies
Explore concepts that are fundamental to the study of People and Environments while also exploring a wonderful urban greenspace. Learn how our actions affect the health of the planet and of all life on earth through interactive games and activities. Expand existing knowledge in such areas as recycling, ecological stewardship and environmental monitoring. This program encourages students to take better care of the environment in ways applicable to their own communities. Let us know if you would like to focus on a topic such as urban greenspaces or pollinators.
Sensational Senses
Pre-K
Use all of your senses to explore the wonders that nature has to offer! Focusing on one sense at a time, students will stimulate and enhance their perception of urban wildlife. Activities are designed to help students better understand how humans and animals use their senses to engage with their surroundings.