Guided Programs at The Leaf
The Leaf makes learning come alive!
Enjoy hands-on, curriculum-connected adventures that spark curiosity and creativity in students from Pre-K to Grade 12, year-round.
Program Fees
Students and Registered Childcare: $10.75 +GST/child
Maximum group size: 45 students
Minimum program fee: $150.00 +GST
Groups may have 30 min of additional time in the biomes, either before or after their program. Please note: member admission and discounts do not apply to School & Group Programs. Prices and programs listed are valid until August 31, 2026. Bookings for the 2026/2027 school year will start September 8, 2026.
Supervising adults within the ratio of 1 adult per 10 students (rounded to the nearest 10) in grades Pre-K through 12 are included free of charge. Please see additional info below.
Programs
A Tree For Every Season | Pre-K - Grade 1
Grades Pre-K – Grade 1 | 90 minutes
When we use our senses, we are fully engaged in nature rather than just passing through it. Our journey will take us through the Leaf and the outdoor gardens as we explore what makes trees so terrific! We’ll engage our entire bodies as we use dramatic play to understand the vital role trees play in our lives and in our environment and how they change throughout the seasons.
Subject areas: Science & Social Studies
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Plant Pals | Grades 2 - 3
Grades 2 - 3 | 120 minutes
Students will learn all about the life cycles of flowering plants, from seed to flower. They will discover how plants use clever ways to make sure their lifecycles happen again and again. Seed dispersal, flowering times, pollination, and fruit growth will also be covered with fun interactive games.
Subject areas: Science
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Mashkiki Babaamose: Medicine Walk | Grades 4 - 6
Grade 4 - 6 | 120 minutes
Come explore in the Indigenous Peoples’ Garden where we learn about the four Sacred Medicines, and many other plants that are culturally significant to Indigenous peoples on these lands and how they have been used since time immemorial. We will also discuss the diversity that exists between different Indigenous cultures, and our collective responsibility to care for the land we live on, the water, and those we share it with (including plants!). Our indoor portion will explore the biomes to observe plants that are significant in other Indigenous cultures around the world and learn how the responsibility of stewardship is connected to protecting biodiversity globally.
Subject areas: Social Studies, Indigenous Languages and Cultures, Science
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Leaf Photography | Grade 3 - 7
Grades 3 – 7 | 90 minutes
Photography is a great way to connect with nature and take a closer look at the environment around you. Discover nature through the lens of a camera and learn basic techniques that will help you take great outdoor photographs. Cameras are provided.
Subject areas: Social Studies and Visual Art
Location: Inside and Outside The Leaf
Maximum students: 30
Available September - June
diverCity | Grades 6 - 7
Grades 6 - 7 | 120 minutes
Through science inquiries and art expression, students will develop a deep appreciation of how cultural diversity is rooted to biological diversity. Biodiversity provides culturally significant foods, art inspiration, languages, and a sense of self and community. Climate change has been linked with biodiversity, which has been declining at an alarming rate. Together, we will examine ways to support biodiversity so nature and culture can continue to thrive.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, and Education for Sustainable Development
Location: Inside and outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
S’no Problem – The Leaf in Winter (Snowshoe Science) | Grade 6 - 8
Grade 6 - 8 | 120 minutes
Winter is s’no problem for hardy animals, plants, and intrepid, inquiring explorers like your students!
For thousands of years, travel was made easy in the winter using snowshoes. This winter, give your students hands-on experience in ecology as we check out Assiniboine Park’s urban biodiversity. Explore and embrace the insulating power of snow, as we use snowshoes to check out riverside forests. We then warm up in the Biomes at the Leaf for a tour of the botanical world.
If you want to get science out of the classroom and into the woods on snowshoes, this is the perfect opportunity!
Subject areas: Science and Physical Education
Location: Outside The Leaf (please dress accordingly)
Maximum students: 40
Available January 30, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Bananas, Avocados, and Chocolate, Oh My! | Grades 7 - 9
Grades 7 - 9 | 120 minutes
Not each food story is a happy one. This program will delve into the political, social, environmental, and economic implications of some very popular plant-based food items. Through a series of hands-on activities, we will focus on examining the production of bananas among other food crops, their environmental impacts, and the ramifications for global communities.
Subject areas: Science, Social Studies, Education for Sustainable Development
Location: Inside The Leaf
Book Your Program
When submitting a request for a program, please provide a minimum of three dates that work for you and your school schedule. Our Education & Programs team will reach out to confirm your program.
REQUEST A PROGRAM
Supervising Adults
- Supervising adults must be responsible teachers, volunteers, or parents. Group control is NOT the responsibility of Assiniboine Park Conservancy staff or volunteers.
- Supervising adults within the ratio of 1 adult per 10 students (rounded to the nearest 10) in grades Pre-K through 12 are included free of charge.
- Additional supervising/accompanying adults will be charged $15.50 + GST each. All chaperones must be paid with the school. (NOTE: Membership discounts do not apply to guided school programming at Assiniboine Park, The Leaf, or Assiniboine Park Zoo)
- We recommend no more than one supervising adult to five students. This keeps group sizes manageable, and allows all participants to fully engage in our programming.
Policies for Schools and Groups
Booking Policies
- Space is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure availability, please contact us at least 3 - 4 weeks in advance for non-peak months and 3-4 months in advance for the peak months of April, May, and June.
- All programs are subject to a minimum charge of $150 + GST, regardless of the number of participants.
- An invoice for the balance owing will be emailed before your visit date. The total amount is due upon arrival and can be paid by business cheque only. If paying by EFT, Visa, or Mastercard, it must be paid at least 2 business days prior to your arrival.
- All prices are subject to change.
Cancellation and Weather Policies
- Programs cancelled 15+ days in advance of the program date will be 100% refunded. A 50% refund will be issued for programs cancelled within 14 days of the program date. This includes programs for which the group fails to arrive.
- All programs will run in all weather, with exceptions for dangerous weather conditions. Programs will be modified to provide a safe, more enjoyable experience.
- We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule any program. A full refund will be issued if the Education Department cancels your program.
Click to see full weather policy
Field Trip Tips
- For guided programs led by our Education staff, please bring the confirmation e-mail that you received in advance of your visit.
- We strongly encourage all visitors to bring filled water bottles.
- We do not offer lockers or storage and are not responsible for visitors’ personal belongings.
Lunches
- Lunches are eaten outdoors at The Leaf, Park, and Zoo. During the winter months (November – April) indoor lunch spots may be available by prior request ONLY, subject to availabilty.
- Outside food is not allowed in any restaurants. Food can be purchased in the restaurant and at various concessions located within the Park.
- Picnic tables can be found throughout the Park, and Gardens at the Leaf. There is a covered eating space available at Nature Playground.
After Your Program Has Been Booked
- A confirmation of the date and time will be sent to the booking teacher within five to ten business days of submitting the booking request.
- An invoice will be sent to the booking teacher, based on the numbers you have provided closer to your visit date.
- We understand that numbers can change. If you need to make adjustments, you can do so up to two business days prior to your visit.
- To adjust your numbers, please contact us by email and include your invoice number. Otherwise, you will be charged for the numbers on your original booking form.
Please note: additional students and chaperones beyond your confirmed amount will incur extra charges. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee accommodation for extra participants in the guided program.
Assiniboine Park is a gathering place for all in our community and we want to ensure we are providing spaces and experiences that make everyone feel welcome, safe, and respected. To that end, please see our Safe Spaces for All statement. This statement shares our values and the expectation that the creation of safe spaces in the Park is a responsibility shared by all Park users. The statement also outlines a behavioural code of conduct and some limitations on activities in the Park.
For more information please contact:
Phone: 204-927-6070
Email: education@assiniboinepark.ca
