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Field trips - summer programs

Group of kids with insect nets near urban field

Field trips - summer programs

Plan your summer field trip

Summer field trips to the Outdoor Adventure Center combine Michigan's outdoor resources and hands-on learning for all ages in a climate-controlled, historic building, with an option to add an outdoor activity.

Field trips include the following:

  • A 2.5-hour, self-guided visit for up to 150 campers.
  • Time to explore hands-on exhibits.
  • Time to visit live animals in the Habitat Lodge.
  • Access to lunch room.
  • Time to shop in the gift shop.

View our complete guide to planning your summer field trip:

Summer field trip guide »

Format and pricing options

To secure a field trip, advanced registration is required at least three weeks prior to the preferred date. A $50 nonrefundable deposit is due no later than two weeks after permit approval for all reservations. The deposit will be applied to the group admission fees, which are due as one lump sum payment on the date of the visit. Activity or session fees (if applicable) are also due no later than two weeks after permit approval.

The following format options are available for a field trip:

Self-guided indoor field trip only

  • $3 per person admission fee for everyone (campers, leaders, counselors).

Self-guided indoor field trip with self-led outdoor activity

  • $3 per person admission fee for everyone (campers, leaders, counselors).
  • $60 activity fee for gaga pit reserved for one hour just for your group.
  • Activity fee is due two weeks after permit approval.
  • With this option, your group will have a gaga pit set up outside on the front lawn. This section will be reserved for just your group for one hour.
    The game of gaga ball takes only a few minutes to learn and doesn’t require the mastery of specific skills, so it creates a level playing field for children of all athletic abilities, including boys and girls in coed sports as well as kids with attention deficit disorders, social skills challenges and others who haven’t participated in traditional sports. Because the game of gaga ball has so much unpredictable action, it gives the nontraditional athlete an equal chance of winning. This does absolute wonders for their self-esteem, even the very first time they play.

Self-guided indoor field trip with educator-led outdoor sessions

  • $3 per person admission fee for everyone (campers, leaders, counselors).
  • $90 session fee for each group of 20-30 campers. (Example: For a group of 90 campers; three sessions would be provided at a cost of $270).
  • Session fees are due two weeks after permit approval.
  • With this option, you will select age-appropriate session options from the menu below. An educator will guide groups of campers through themed exploration and activities at scheduled times throughout the visit. These sessions will take place outdoors along the Dequindre Cut alongside the OAC and/or Milliken State Park across the street.

Educator-led outdoor session add-on

Add an outdoor experience to your visit. All programs include educator-led, age-appropriate activities and hands-on learning components incorporated into outdoor games.

Program descriptions are separated by age group:

  • Nature's Colors and Shapes (45 minutes) – ages 3-6

    A walk in nature can reveal a variety of colors, shapes, sounds and textures! We'll explore the surrounding area and the riverfront with a nature "I spy" activity.

    Maximum 30 campers

  • Nature on the Riverfront (1 hour) – ages 6-plus

    Nature is everywhere! We’ll search for animal habitats large and small, signs of wildlife, birds flying overhead and more on a guided scavenger hunt along Detroit’s Riverfront and Milliken State Park. This program will include a short walk, hands-on components and a group activity.

    Maximum 30 campers

    Insect Investigation (1.5 hours) – ages 6-plus

    Nets, bugs, investigations and discovery!  After an introduction to insects and their important roles in our ecosystems, participants will search high and low for the different types of insects found in our local wetland/urban habitat at Milliken State Park.  We will take an up-close look at their characteristics and what makes them an insect (or not!).  

    Maximum 30 campers

  • Michigan Predator-Prey (1 hour) – ages 8-plus

    Meet some Michigan mammals!  We’ll spend some hands-on time getting up close and personal with some of Michigan’s wildlife and learn what makes them specialized as a predator or a prey species.  Then we’ll play an active game that illustrates the importance of predator-prey relationships to wildlife populations. This program will take place in an open area outside, adjacent to the OAC.

    Maximum 30 campers

    Let’s Go Fishing (1 hour) – ages 8-plus 

    Discover the rich fish biodiversity on the Detroit River with a fun and educational Outdoor Adventure Center fishing experience! Participants will learn how to identify fish with a fun game, learn how to cast a fishing rod in a safe environment and lastly try their hand in a fishing derby at the Milliken State Park harbor.  Participants will also learn how to identify various species of fish and find out how they, as anglers, can help the fight against aquatic invasive species. All fishing equipment is included with the cost of the program.

    Maximum 25 campers

    Camping 101 (1 hour) – ages 8-plus

    Come discover the wonder of camping in Michigan’s great outdoors with a fun, hands-on learning-experience. Participants will learn about the essential gear for an outdoor campout/hike and discover how to choose a good campsite, pitch and break down a tent, survive the elements and make the most out of a camping trip. These lessons give campers the opportunity to partake in fun and educational games, allowing the children to practice creative thinking, problem solving and survival skills. This program will take place in an open area outside, adjacent to the OAC.

    Maximum 30 campers

    Wetland Investigations (1.5 hours) – ages 8-plus 

    During this outdoor program, campers will visit the wetland area at Milliken State Park to discuss and observe the characteristics and benefits of wetland habitats for people and for wildlife. This will include hands-on components and an interactive activity.

    Maximum 30 campers

Sensory/special needs dates

We have a few select dates reserved for groups with special or sensory needs, where the Outdoor Adventure Center will be closed to the public, the building capacity will be limited and our minimum group size will be reduced to 20 participants.

Please mention on your application that your group would benefit from one of our special or sensory needs dates, and we will do our best to accommodate the preferred selection. Don’t forget to include any accommodations, requests or other information that will be beneficial for our staff to know ahead of your group’s visit or classroom session.

2026 summer dates: June 23, July 7 and Aug. 11

Registration

Preregistration is required – please allow at least three weeks for processing.

Register for a summer field trip »

Other local opportunities

To extend your day in Detroit, check out other opportunities at nearby locations*:

*Please note that these organizations have their own booking processes, prices and availability and are separate entities from the Outdoor Adventure Center.