Ready to see Fossil Rim through a different lens? Join us inside of our “Living Classroom” and come face to face with the topics that go beyond a regular lesson! We have something for everyone with 4 program layouts to choose from, each varying in length of time, cost and themes available.
READY TO BEGIN?
Join us for one of our exciting experiences as we explore the science of conservation!
- Ensure you are a qualifying group
- Choose from one of 4 program formats that works best for your group
- Select a program theme
- Submit a reservation request form
Join us for one of our exciting experiences as we explore the science of conservation!
Group program formats
Fossil Rim Group Programs are available in 4 different formats that vary by length of time, size of your group, available days and cost.
Discover
Focus Tours
This is the perfect introduction to Fossil Rim for younger audiences, groups short on time, or anyone just wanting to get a taste of what Fossil Rim has to offer. This program focuses on one of Fossil Rim’s largest and most diverse pastures which houses our Giraffes and Cheetahs!
Time: Up to 1 hr
Group Size: 10 - 100
Recommended Age: 5+
Price: $20 per person
Available: Mon-Fri
Discovery Tours
With over 1,000 animals and 4 pastures to explore, Guided Tours are a great way to engage with our staff as they discuss various scientific and wildlife themes! These programs begin to delve deeper into nature, wildlife, and conservation topics through engaging themes. Afterward, feel free to explore the Overlook area or even bring your lunch for a picnic.
Time: 1.5 - 2 hrs
Group Size: 10 - 100
Recommended Age: 8+
Price: $35 per person
Available: Mon-Fri
Engage
Day Programs
Dive a bit deeper into Fossil Rim and our interactions with the natural world. Spend
the day full of guided, themed activities, a tour, and enjoying the outdoors!
Time: 4.5 hrs
Group Size: 10 - 80
Required Age: 3rd Grade+
Price: $50 per person
Overnight Programs
Spend the day exploring the nature of conservation and spend the night in our rustic bunkhouses overlooking the Texas Hill Country. Our most immersive, themed experience will provide you new ways to see and experience Fossil Rim!
Time: 24 hrs
Group Size: 10 - 56
Required Age: 5th Grade+
Price: $110 per person (includes dinner & breakfast)
Group Program Themes
Swipe left and right to see full table
Header | Focus | Discovery | Day | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservation Conversations (11+ yrs old) | Cell | Cell | ||
Scouting With A Texas T.W.A.N.G. (Juniors/Cadettes, Bears/Webelos)) | Cell | Cell | ||
Citizen Science Academy (11-13 yrs old) | Cell | Cell | ||
Texas Showdown (8-10 yrs old) | Cell | Cell | Cell | |
Sense Of Discovery (5-8 yrs old) | Cell | Cell | Cell | |
Animal Abilities: Nature's Mighty Superpowers (7-10 yrs old) | Cell | Cell | ||
World Wild Web (7+ yrs old) | Cell | Cell | ||
Herd Mentality (8+ yrs old) | Cell | Cell | ||
Fossil Rim Fundamentals (9+ yrs old) | Cell | Cell | Cell | |
In The Field: Industry Insiders (18+ yrs old) | Cell |
It's game on! Get ready to advocate and step into the shoes of our team! Learn what it takes to run a world-renowned conservation center and get the inside scoop about how places like Fossil Rim impact the future of wildlife. Participate in various activities, compete in challenges and have the ultimate conversation to choose a species that best matches our criteria for joining our Fossil Rim herd.
Program Format: Day Program (4.5 hrs) or Overnight Program (24 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: 11 years and up (6th-12th Grade)
Topics Covered: Animal Husbandry, Animal Welfare, Diet & Nutrition, Carrying Capacity, Captive Breeding Programs, Enrichment, Veterinary Science
Scouts are notoriously known for being problem solvers and environmental stewards, making them perfect candidates for Fossil Rim's S.W.A.T.T. Program! Throughout your time at Fossil Rim your troop will participate in a park-wide citizen science project along with immersive activities aimed at creating lifelong environmental stewards and advocates. Includes official T.W.A.N.G. patches upon completion of the Post-program activity.
Program Format: Day Program (4.5 hrs) or Overnight Program (24 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: Juniors & Cadettes (Girl Scouts); Bears & Webelos (Scouts BSA)
Topics Covered: Citizen/Community Science, Environmental Ethics, Environmental Technology
Finishing Fossil Rim’s Become a Citizen Scientist! Post-Program also qualifies:
- Girl Scouts for the complete Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey
- Cub Scouts for parts of the Fur, Feathers and Ferns Adventure (Bears) and Into The Wild
(Webelos) - Boy Scouts for parts of several merit badges: Environmental Science, Exploration, Fish &
Wildlife Management and Mammal Study
You don’t need a white coat and a lab to be a scientist because science is everywhere! Collect data and delve into the scientific method as you help Fossil Rim with one of our park-wide science projects. Learn how to create and participate in projects that benefit the environment of Texas and the world as a whole with our Environmental Engagement Staff!
Program Format: Day Program (4.5 hrs) or Overnight Program (24 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: 11 - 13 years (6th - 8th Grade)
Topics Covered: Citizen/Community Science, Scientific Method Practices, Environmental Technology
What makes you a Texan? Is it the way you put up with the summer heat? Is it the way you walk and talk? Find out what makes Fossil Rim's animal residents, both native and exotic, model Texans. Do you have what it takes to champion various Texas Native wildlife in a hands-on learning experience to explore the eco-regions of Texas and the adaptations these animals use for survival. Compete to gain tokens by participating in various challenges around the park, which will be used to put those adaptations to the test in our Ultimate Texas Showdown!
Program Format: Day Program (4.5 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: 8 - 10 years (3rd - 5th Grade)
Topics Covered: Habitats, Regions, Adaptations, Native Texas Wildlife
This isn’t just a drive; it's a thrilling expedition where you’ll use your senses and sharpen your observation skills. Along the way we will observe the captivating patterns, unique shapes, and intriguing behaviors of the animals that call Fossil Rim home. Join us on this fun-filled adventure where we’ll not only marvel at the beauty of these creatures, but also discover the similarities and differences in their lives here versus in the wild. From the power pattern on a zebra to the majestic stride of a giraffe, there’s so much to uncover! Let your curiosity lead the way as we explore, learn, and create unforgettable memories together!
Program Format: Focus Tour (1 hr)
Recommended Age Range: 5 - 8 years (K - 3rd Grade)
Topics Covered: Patterns, Observation Skills, Adaptations
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s an amazing world of animal adaptations! Adaptations are the awesome animal abilities’ that are tailored to help them combat and thrive in even the most outrageous environments. From the enhanced hearing of the cone-like ears of the Rhino to the super sight of the Ostrich. Every animal has its very own 'superpower' worthy to be a part of any league! Join us as we ‘marvel’ at the super animals of Fossil Rim and their ‘fantastic’ abilities! Take a closer look at how these adaptations influence our efforts in captive care and the world of conservation, these wildlife heroes may not wear capes or have secret identities, but they all have a special role to play.
Program Format: Focus Tour (1 hr) or Discovery Tour (1.5 - 2 hrs) - Focus tour recommended for 2nd grade and younger
Recommended Age Range: 7 - 10 years (2nd- 5th Grade)
Topics Covered: Habitats, Adaptations, Animal Needs
Can wildebeest build homes for elephants? What do giraffes have to do with trees? Our world is one big wild web that connects people, plants and animals. Untangle the mysteries of nature and learn about the ways this web impacts conservation efforts in the wild and here at Fossil Rim.
Program Format: Focus Tour (1 hr) or Discovery Tour (1.5 - 2 hrs) - Focus tour recommended for 2nd grade
Recommended Age Range: 7+ (2nd and up)
Topics Covered: Food Webs, Natural Resources, Ecology, Habitats
Zebras dazzle in the sun and giraffes tower over the savannah, but what really is needed to live in a herd? Explore the fascinating lives of animals, where we will study animal behavior and learn about some of the unique interactions we see in the herds at Fossil Rim. Join us to explore the captivating lives of animals at Fossil Rim, where we'll examine their unique social structures and parenting styles. For those looking to dive deeper we will look into the fascinating impacts of herd behavior on human care strategies. Join our herd and see firsthand how these social dynamics play a crucial role in conservation efforts.
Program Format: Focus Tour (1 hr) or Discovery Tour (1.5 - 2 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: 8+ (3rd and up)
Topics Covered: Animal behavior, Herd management
Are you ready for an adventure into the heart of Fossil Rim? Want to learn what it takes to raise herds of endangered species? Join us on an exciting journey where you’ll not only discover the daily lives of our amazing animals but also witness the incredible teamwork that goes into their care. From veterinary care procedures, husbandry practices, and even release programs you’ll hear inspiring success stories about the real challenges conservationists face every day.
Program Format: Discovery Tour (1.5 - 2 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: 9+ (4th Grade +)
Topics Covered: Animal Husbandry, Herd management
Professional and pre-professional organizations in the conservation, animal, education, environmental, and related fields can gain a tailored insight into the operations at Fossil Rim. We can focus on various aspects of Fossil Rim's efforts to create a better future for wildlife, including animal care, conservation breeding, interpretation, animal health, digital media, and more! Choose from one of our prepared timelines, and let’s work together to provide you with behind-the-scenes access and insightful professional presentations. Discover how Fossil Rim’s dedicated efforts are making an impact, and be inspired to take your own contributions to the next level!
Program Format: Discovery Tour (4.5 hrs), Day Program (4.5 hrs) or Overnight Program (24 hrs)
Recommended Age Range: For ages 18+
Inquire for pricing
FAQ
Is your group a good fit? Qualifying groups must be:
- A school, scout troop, day care, college or university, homeschool group, assisted living facility,
extracurricular organization, or non-profit organization. - Curious about conservation and willing to explore the outdoors
- Booking for a minimum of 10 people
- Planning at least 2 - 3 week in advance
All of them! Every program we offer includes at least one visit to f the park, many of our overnight programs include multiple.
Yes! All guided experiences include feed for the animals in the park.
None of the programs include lunch, however, you are welcome to bring packed lunches to enjoy at our Overlook picnic area. For Overnight and Day programs we do schedule a break time for lunch.
While a break to visit our Nature Store and Animal Discoveries Center is not included in all of our program scheduling, most of the programs do begin/end at our Overlook area, which is open to the public free of charge from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We advise to plan in advance for any free time that you would like to offer to your group to explore!
We do require a deposit at least 3 weeks prior to the program although we can take payment in full instead of the deposit. If this poses an issue for your group, please note in your reservation request, and we can work with you for alternative payment plans.
We can book groups under 10 that meet all other qualifying factors, however, we will charge for a minimum of 10 participants.
Our Scouting with a Texas T.W.A.N.G. program includes official T.W.A.N.G. patches upon completion of the Post-program activity.
Depending on your program, our standard start time is set between 9 AM to 12 PM. This is dependent on weather, program type, as well as preferred end time for your group. Arrival time and the beginning of your program will be confirmed two weeks prior to your program and note that any late arrival may result in your program being cut short.