Where Nature & Play are Elevated!
Iowa Arboretum & Gardens is a great destination for group visits of all ages and sizes. Whether learning about gardens and trees or engaging with nature in our special spaces like the Children’s Garden, Prairie & Woodland Trails or in Treehouse Village, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Group Visits & Tours
Bring your group to the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens for a day of exploration, learning, and fun!
Groups planning to visit the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, including Treehouse Village, must reserve in advance to receive group admission rates. To make a reservation, contact our Venue Coordinator:
Email: groupvisit@iowaarboretum.org
Phone: 515-795-3216
Walk-in groups do not qualify for Group Visit rates.
Educational programs and guided tours must be reserved at least two weeks in advance.
What Qualifies as a Group Visit?
Group Visits & Tours are designed for formally organized groups of 10 or more participants with designated leaders or teachers. This includes camps, youth groups, scout groups, after-school programs, church groups, public and private schools, homeschool cooperatives, adult and senior groups, tour groups, and other organized groups that reserve in advance.
Group admission must be paid in one transaction.
Birthday parties have separate policies and require a special reservation.
Click here for Birthday Party Information
Group Visit Admission Rates
Advance reservations are required. One payment is made for the entire group.
- Adults, age 18+: $10
- Youth, ages 13–17: $8
- Children, ages 3–12: $5
- Children, age 2 and under: FREE
- Educational Program: $3 additional per student
- Guided Tour: $5 additional per person
Free Admission
- During the school year, one teacher per class receives free admission.
- During the summer, one lead program staff member per group receives free admission.
- Paraprofessionals and designated 1:1 support staff receive free admission.
Group admission includes access to all areas of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, including Treehouse Village and the Prairie & Woodland Trails on the east campus, as well as the Children’s Garden, Tree Groves, and Trial Gardens on the west campus.
Picnic & Lunch Options
Planning to eat during your visit? Let us know when you make your reservation so we can help reserve an appropriate space for your group.
Picnicking is not permitted inside Treehouse Village.
Group Visit Supervision
The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens offers experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities. All minors must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Treehouse Village is best suited for children ages 5–12. Younger and older children are welcome to enjoy Treehouse Village. Additional adult supervision is recommended for children under age 5.
Treehouse Village also features supplemental experiences, including the Forest Floor Creation Station, Nature Fort Building Area, and Woodland & Prairie Trails.
Recommended Supervision Ratios
- Children ages 12 and under: 1 adult per 10 children recommended
- Children under age 5: 1 adult per 4 children recommended
- Youth ages 13–17: 1 adult per 20 youth recommended
Educational Programs
Take learning outdoors with a staff-led educational program!
Our educational programs engage students through hands-on experiences, guided inquiry, and exploration of the Arboretum’s diverse natural environments. Participants are encouraged to observe, discover, and connect with nature in meaningful ways.
Educational programs must be scheduled when booking your group visit and reserved at least two weeks in advance.
Program fee: $3 per student, in addition to group admission.
Garden Tours
Explore the beauty of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens with a guided tour. Choose from a walking tour of our gardens and grounds or enjoy a ride aboard our battery-powered Oak Leaf Express.
- Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance
- Available to both members and non-members
- $5 per person, in addition to group admission
Group Visit Arrival
Upon arrival, group leaders and tour contacts should check in at the Hughes Education Center.
Bus parking is available in the east lot.