Learn together on the farm with Urban Roots!
Through experiential learning, educational farm tours demonstrate the importance of land stewardship and the Austin food system. On-site activities excite the senses and encourage appreciation for the land, farmworkers and the greater food system.
Our tour calendar for the 2024-25 school year will open soon! Sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date, and email us or directly to register your interest or get more information.
Who can
take a tour?
Homeschool groups
Pre-K through 12th-grade school groups
Other groups interested in learning about agriculture and sustainable farming!
When are
tours available?
From September to May, tours are available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Questions and Answers
Where are tours?
Tours are currently available on our East Austin farm.
How long are tours? How many people can go on a tour?
Tours will be suggested to suit your group’s needs; typically 1 to 2 hours in length.
We can host up to 40 people at once for educational tours. If larger groups wish to participate, we can offer segmented tours throughout the day. We require one chaperone for every 10 students for fifth grade and up; two chaperones for every 10 students for pre-K to fourth grade.
How much do tours cost? Are there grants or scholarships available?
Educational Tours are $100 per hour. Fees are waived for Title I schools, or schools that are primarily serving Title I students.
How do I request a tour?
Requests for the 2024-25 school year will open soon! In the meantime, you an sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date, and email questions or requests to our programs team today.
How to prepare for the tour?
DRESS APPROPIATELY:
Everyone MUST wear closed-toed shoes for safety reasons. Participants wearing open-toed shoes will not be allowed to participate. Wear clothes that can get dirty, will be comfortable for the weather, and protect skin from sun and other elements. We also have insect repellent and sunscreen that your students can use. Note: We walk through fields, so avoid bare arms and legs if you have plant allergies/sensitivites.
Our soil is clay-heavy, which means it can stick easily to a student’s shoes after rain or being watered. We highly recommend that your students wear rain boots or shoes that they don’t mind getting muddy and having a dry pair of shoes for when they get back to school. Please note that your transport (i.e., bus or van floors) may get muddy and plan accordingly.
WATER BOTTLES:
Please have all participants bring a reusable water bottle. We have potable water available for refills, but we do not have disposable cups or bottles to distribute.
WHERE:
The East Austin farm is located at 7651 Delwau Lane, Austin, TX 78725.
PARKING:
For chaperones and other people who will be providing additional transport to the farm: please park on the road outside the farm gate on the north side of the street, right next to the train tracks and walk down the driveway to the farm. Observe all signage and park as far onto the shoulder of the road as possible. (We need to ensure accessibility for large trucks and emergency vehicles.) Please do not block our neighbors’ driveways.
Benefits of touring the farm:
Taste locally grown vegetables (as seasonally available)
Smell the herbs in our herb terrace
Learn about the parts of the plant
Spend the day getting your hands in the soil
Learn about food sovereignty (the right for people to decide what they eat and where it comes from) and why we farm
