The George Ranch Historical Park

More than 100 years of Texas History

School Field Trips

During the first 180 years of its existence, those who lived at the George Ranch participated in several milestones in Texas history, including settling the hardscrabble frontier, raising cattle and the discovery and cultivation of oil and natural gas. For the last 20 years, the George Ranch Historical Park has added to that list a tradition of educational excellence by providing innovative and memorable learning opportunities for students and teachers alike. Whether you bring your students each and every year--or if this is your first time at the Park--we're sure your journey into learning will be time well spent.

Let us bring your classroom lessons to life with our unique brand of living history. Our programs offer an immersive experience that encourages hands-on, interactive learning. Bring your students back in time with us, so they can fully understand their 21st century reality.

If you seek information not noted below or in the School Programs Catalog, please e-mail Alexis Brooks or call (281) 343-0218 x.220.

2011-2012 School Programs Catalog

2011-2012 Reservation Request Form


Title I Schools may be eligible for grant funds generously provided by Waste Corporation of Texas. Title I Letter

Field Trip Options

Structured Programs

Structured Programs at the Ranch bring students back in time with hands-on activities and period demonstrations led by experienced, professional interpreters. These programs are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays. Mornings are set aside for these structured programs, with self-guided opportunities available after lunch for schools that want to extend their learning journey.

  • Recommended Grades Pre-K-5
  • Dates: September-April: Tuesdays-Thursdays
  • Times: 9am or 11am
  • Length: 1.5 Hour Experience
  • Cost: $7.00/student; One chaperone free for every 10 students. Extra adults: $8 per person.

Role-Playing Programs

Role-Playing Programs at the Park are fully immersive, student-led programs that encourage participants to take on period roles as they relive a historical scenario. These programs are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays. Mornings are set aside for these structured programs, with self-guided opportunities available after lunch for schools that want to extend their learning journey.

  • Recommended Grades 5-12
  • Dates: September-April: Tuesdays-Thursdays
  • Times: 9am or 11am
  • Length: 1.5 Hour Experience
  • Cost: $11.00/student; One chaperone free for every 10 students. Extra adults: $8 per person.

High School Program

The High School Program allows for an in-depth and comprehensive look at the park for older students with an interest in art and architecture. These programs are offered Tuesdays through Thursdays. Mornings are set aside for these structured programs, with self-guided opportunities available after lunch for schools that want to extend their learning journey.

  • Recommended Grades 9-12
  • Dates: September-April: Tuesdays-Thursdays
  • Times: 9am or 11am
  • Length: 1.5 Hour Experience
  • Cost: $11.00/student; One chaperone free for every 10 students. Extra adults: $8 per person.

 

Program Locations Grade Level Type
Farm Animal Fun 1830s Jones Stock Farm and 1930s George Ranch House K-1 Structured Program
Pioneers in Texas 1830s Jones Stock Farm 1-5 Structured Program
Old Prairie Home 1860s Ryon Old Prairie Home 1-5 Structured Program
Victorian Life 1890s Davis Mansion 1-5 Structured Program
The Ryon Farm and Pasture Company 1890s Ranching and Farming Complex 1-5 Structured Program
Ranching in the 1930s 1930s Cowboy Complex 1-5 Structured Program
Gone to Texas 1830s Jones Stock Farm 5-12 Role-Playing Program
Trail Boss Trials 1890s Ranching and Farming Complex 5-12 Role-Playing Program
Architectural Tours Entire Park 9-12 High-School Program

Self-Guided Tours

Customize your visit to the Ranch with a Self-Guide Tour. Self-guide tours give educators the freedom to tailor their visit to their specific learning objectives. The 1830s Stock Farm, the 1890s Sharecropper and Blacksmith Shop and the 1930s Cowboy Demonstration are recommended sites for all groups.

Please note that historic home tours are given by trained interpreters approximately every half-hour. If a tour is in progress, the self-guide group must wait for the next tour. Tram service is available, but not guaranteed to seat every child. It is recommended that large groups split into groups of 30 or fewer. Reservations required.

  • Grades Pre-K-12
  • Dates: September-April - Fridays Only, May- All Month
  • Times: 9am-5pm
  • Length: Open--3 to 4 hours recommended for a complete experience
  • Cost: $5.00/student; One chaperone free for every 10 students. Extra adults: $8 per person.

TEKS

Educational programming is designed to touch on TEKS curriculum threads. Check out the attached PDF for specific TEKS applications. Contact us for more information.

TEKS Curriculum Applications

Tales of Texas

February 24, 2012. Geared specifically for grades 2-5, this one day celebration focuses on Texas colonization and independence. Before we celebrate the 76th anniversary of Texas independence, come learn about Texans who certainly made an impression. Visit each historical time period and learn about the people who helped make this state great! Book early as space will be limited.

Texian Market Days

October 21, 2011. Open to all grade levels, the Texian Market Days field trip day is a learning opportunity you won't want your students to miss! Activities are designed for middle school students and feature nearly 200 years of Texas history with exciting learning experiences including historical re-enactments, hands-on activities, cooking demonstrations, old-fashioned games, musical entertainment and historic house tours.