School Programs

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Nature Play | JK-Grade 4 (Year-round)
Using natural and human-made materials, students explore a naturalized area and engage in free play. This program encourages communication, imagination and exploration. Please note this is an unstructured program and encourages a hands-off approach from adults. 

Nature Detectives | JK-3 (Year-round)
Become a nature detective and uncover the secret world of plants and animals. Students explore the urban forest to learn about the natural world.

Sap Walk | JK-Grade 4 (March)
Learn about sap through a late winter nature walk. Students get a chance to taste some sap and syrup while learning about how trees produce this delicious treat. Please note that this is a sap-focused program and not a sugar bush program. 

Creepy Crawlers | JK-Grade 4 (Fall/Spring)
Ever wonder about the insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Downsview Park home? Students will dig in the mud, explore logs and use magnifying glasses to see the secret world below their feet and on the plants around them. 

Pollination Exploration | JK-Grade 4 (September-October, May-June)
Learn about the role of butterflies and bees in pollination. Students will explore pollinator habitats in Downsview Park and learn what they can do to help our planet. 

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Sap Walk | JK-Grade 4 (March)
Learn about sap through a late winter nature walk. Students get a chance to taste some sap and syrup while learning about how trees produce this delicious treat. Please note that this is a sap-focused program and not a sugar bush program. 

Creepy Crawlers | JK-Grade 4 (Fall/Spring)
Ever wonder about the insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Downsview Park home? Students will dig in the mud, explore logs and use magnifying glasses to see the secret world below their feet and on the plants around them. 

Pollination Exploration | JK-Grade 4 (September-October, May-June)
Learn about the role of butterflies and bees in pollination. Students will explore pollinator habitats in Downsview Park and learn what they can do to help our planet. 

Nature Detectives | JK-3 (Year-round)
Become a nature detective and uncover the secret world of plants and animals. Students explore the urban forest to learn about the natural world.

Forest Games | Grade 1-6 (Year-round)
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and survival (of people and animals) through a variety of games and activities.

Nature Play | JK-Grade 4 (Year-round)
Using natural and human-made materials, students explore a naturalized area and engage in free play. This program encourages communication, imagination and exploration. Please note this is an unstructured program and encourages a hands-off approach from adults. 

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Sap Walk | JK-Grade 4 (March)
Learn about sap through a late winter nature walk. Students get a chance to taste some sap and syrup while learning about how trees produce this delicious treat. Please note that this is a sap-focused program and not a sugar bush program. 

Creepy Crawlers | JK-Grade 4 (Fall/Spring)
Ever wonder about the insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Downsview Park home? Students will dig in the mud, explore logs and use magnifying glasses to see the secret world below their feet and on the plants around them. 

Pollination Exploration | JK-Grade 4 (September-October, May-June)
Learn about the role of butterflies and bees in pollination. Students will explore pollinator habitats in Downsview Park and learn what they can do to help our planet. 

Nature Detectives | Grade 1-3 (Year-round)
Become a nature detective and uncover the secret world of plants and animals. Students explore the urban forest to learn about the natural world.

Forest Games | Grade 1-6 (Year-round)
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and survival (of people and animals) through a variety of games and activities.

Nature Play | JK-Grade 4 (Year-round)
Using natural and human-made materials, students explore a naturalized area and engage in free play. This program encourages communication, imagination and exploration. Please note this is an unstructured program and encourages a hands-off approach from adults. 

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Water World | Grade 2 (Year-round)
Take a water walk through Downsview Park to explore this important resource. Learn about the Earth’s water cycle and the importance of water conservation. 

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Mindfulness in Nature | Grade 3-4 (Year-round)
Focusing on the Ontario mental health curriculum and social emotional learning (SEL) skills, students participate in a variety of activities to explore emotions, well-being and how the connect to the outdoors. Meet a tree, take a moment to breath, and have a great time outdoors while strengthening mindfulness. 

Sap Walk | JK-Grade 4 (March)
Learn about sap through a late winter nature walk. Students get a chance to taste some sap and syrup while learning about how trees produce this delicious treat. Please note that this is a sap-focused program and not a sugar bush program. 

Creepy Crawlers | JK-Grade 4 (Fall/Spring)
Ever wonder about the insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Downsview Park home? Students will dig in the mud, explore logs and use magnifying glasses to see the secret world below their feet and on the plants around them. 

Pollination Exploration | JK-Grade 4 (September-October, May-June)
Learn about the role of butterflies and bees in pollination. Students will explore pollinator habitats in Downsview Park and learn what they can do to help our planet. 

Nature Detectives | Grade 1-3 (Year-round)
Become a nature detective and uncover the secret world of plants and animals. Students explore the urban forest to learn about the natural world.

Forest Games | Grade 1-6 (Year-round)
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and survival (of people and animals) through a variety of games and activities.

Nature Play | JK-Grade 4 (Year-round)
Using natural and human-made materials, students explore a naturalized area and engage in free play. This program encourages communication, imagination and exploration. Please note this is an unstructured program and encourages a hands-off approach from adults. 

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Plants and Soils | Grade 3 (September, October, May, June)
Get your hands dirty and learn more about the plants and soil in Downsview Park. Explore an endangered ecosystem, examine soil, and get to the “root” of how plants and soils interact in urban environments.

Structure Building | Grade 3-5 (Year-round)
All living things need strong and stable structures for safe habitat. Using naturally found materials, students explore structures in nature and create their own. Grade 5’s will further their learning by understanding how natural forces can impact stability and safety of structures in nature.

Winter Tree Identification | Grade 3-12 (November-April)
Learn the importance of trees in an urban environment. Students explore Downsview Park’s forest and learn to identify some common native trees (without leaves), and then compete in a forest challenge.

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Mindfulness in Nature | Grade 3-4 (Year-round)
Focusing on the Ontario mental health curriculum and social emotional learning (SEL) skills, students participate in a variety of activities to explore emotions, well-being and how the connect to the outdoors. Meet a tree, take a moment to breath, and have a great time outdoors while strengthening mindfulness. 

Sap Walk | JK-Grade 6 (March)
Learn about sap through a late winter nature walk. Students get a chance to taste some sap and syrup while learning about how trees produce this delicious treat. Please note that this is a sap-focused program and not a sugar bush program. 

Creepy Crawlers | JK-Grade 4 (Fall/Spring)
Ever wonder about the insects, reptiles and amphibians that call Downsview Park home? Students will dig in the mud, explore logs and use magnifying glasses to see the secret world below their feet and on the plants around them. 

Pollination Exploration | JK-Grade 4 (September-October, May-June)
Learn about the role of butterflies and bees in pollination. Students will explore pollinator habitats in Downsview Park and learn what they can do to help our planet. 

Forest Games | Grade 1-6 (Year-round)
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and survival (of people and animals) through a variety of games and activities.

Nature Play | JK-Grade 4 (Year-round)
Using natural and human-made materials, students explore a naturalized area and engage in free play. This program encourages communication, imagination and exploration. Please note this is an unstructured program and encourages a hands-off approach from adults. 

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Structure Building | Grade 3-5 (Year-round)
All living things need strong and stable structures for safe habitat. Using naturally found materials, students explore structures in nature and create their own. Grade 5’s will further their learning by understanding how natural forces can impact stability and safety of structures in nature.

Winter Tree Identification | Grade 3-12 (November-April)
Learn the importance of trees in an urban environment. Students explore Downsview Park’s forest and learn to identify some common native trees (without leaves), and then compete in a forest challenge.

*Sustainability and Natural Resources | Grade 4-8 (Year-round)
This program focused on sustainability explores natural resources and the material origins of everyday objects.

Predator vs. Prey | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn about ecology by becoming a part of the natural food chain in this educational survival game. 

Urban Biodiversity | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn the importance of biodiversity and explore the Park to discover some of the local plants and animals that call Toronto home. 

Winter Campfire Program | Grades 4-12 (December-March)
Keep warm by the campfire during winter at Downsview Park. Students help build a fire, make survival tea and roast marshmallows.

*These programs are virtual field trip programs that can also be delivered in-person at your school (if you’re located in Toronto and accessible by TTC or GO Transit). Please read through the FAQ for more information. 

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Forest Games | Grade 1-6 (Year-round)
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and survival (of people and animals) through a variety of games and activities.

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Structure Building | Grade 3-5 (Year-round)
All living things need strong and stable structures for safe habitat. Using naturally found materials, students explore structures in nature and create their own. Grade 5’s will further their learning by understanding how natural forces can impact stability and safety of structures in nature.

*Sustainability and Natural Resources (Session 1) | Grade 4-8 (Year-round)
This program focused on sustainability explores natural resources and the material origins of everyday objects.

*Can be done as a standalone program, but best combined with Session 2 (below).

*Watershed and Natural Resources (Session 2) | Grade 5-8 (Year-round)
This is a hands-on workshop about natural resources and watershed development. This program emphasizes the many viewpoints that are involved in natural resource uses.

*Can be done as a standalone program, but best combined with Session 1 (above). 

Winter Tree Identification | Grade 3-12 (November-April)
Learn the importance of trees in an urban environment. Students explore Downsview Park’s forest and learn to identify some common native trees (without leaves), and then compete in a forest challenge.

Predator vs. Prey | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn about ecology by becoming a part of the natural food chain in this educational survival game. 

Urban Biodiversity | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn the importance of biodiversity and explore the Park to discover some of the local plants and animals that call Toronto home. 

Winter Campfire Program | Grades 4-12 (December-March)
Keep warm by the campfire during winter at Downsview Park. Students help build a fire, make survival tea and roast marshmallows.

Electricity Transformation and Renewable Resources | Grade 5 (November-March)
Gather around the campfire and watch energy transform. Classes will learn about energy and resources while sitting by the fire.

Photo Orienteering | Grade 5-12 (Year-round)
Take your compass skills to the next level in this program! This program takes students on an adventure around the Park using images and a compass to find hidden locations. 

Compass Navigation | Grade 5-12 (Year-round)
Learn how to use a compass and compete in a high-energy compass code breaking activity in the field.

*These programs are virtual field trip programs that can also be delivered in-person at your school (if you’re located in Toronto and accessible by TTC or GO Transit). Please read through the FAQ for more information. 

Art in the Park | JK-Grade 6 (Fall/Spring)
Creativity is at the heart of this program! Participants explore elements and principles of art by looking to the animals/plants in Downsview Park. Students will create their own art using a variety of natural materials.

Forest Games | Grade 1-6 (Year-round)
Learn about the importance of biodiversity and survival (of people and animals) through a variety of games and activities.

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Winter Tree Identification | Grade 3-12 (November-April)
Learn the importance of trees in an urban environment. Students explore Downsview Park’s forest and learn to identify some common native trees (without leaves), and then compete in a forest challenge.

*Sustainability and Natural Resources (Session 1) | Grade 4-8 (Year-round)
This program focused on sustainability explores natural resources and the material origins of everyday objects.

*Can be done as a standalone program, but best combined with Session 2 (below).

*Watershed and Natural Resources (Session 2) | Grade 5-8 (Year-round)
This is a hands-on workshop about natural resources and watershed development. This program emphasizes the many viewpoints that are involved in natural resource uses.

*Can be done as a standalone program, but best combined with Session 1 (above). 

Predator vs. Prey | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn about ecology by becoming a part of the natural food chain in this educational survival game. 

Urban Biodiversity | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn the importance of biodiversity and explore the Park to discover some of the local plants and animals that call Toronto home. 

Winter Campfire Program | Grades 4-12 (December-March)
Keep warm by the campfire during winter at Downsview Park. Students help build a fire, make survival tea and roast marshmallows.

Photo Orienteering | Grade 5-12 (Year-round)
Take your compass skills to the next level in this program! This program takes students on an adventure around the Park using images and a compass to find hidden locations. 

Compass Navigation | Grade 5-12 (Year-round)
Learn how to use a compass and compete in a high-energy compass code breaking activity in the field.

Electricity and Energy Transformation | Grade 6 (Year-round)
Turn your class into a “human power plant” and explore various ways that buildings at Downsview Park can conserve electricity.

Flight in Downsview Park | Grade 6 (Year-round)
Explore the science of flight – both in nature and industry. Observe the flight of birds in Downsview Park and learn about the Park’s rich aviation history. 

Invasive Species | Grade 6-12 (Fall/Spring)
Explore how invasive species are changing Canada’s ecosystems and learn how you can help prevent invasions in your neighbourhood.

*These programs are virtual field trip programs that can also be delivered in-person at your school (if you’re located in Toronto and accessible by TTC or GO Transit). Please read through the FAQ for more information. 

Human Impacts on the Environment | Grade 1-12 (Fall/Spring)
Participate in stewardship activities around Downsview Park and gain an understanding of the positive and negative impacts that humans have on their environment. Stewardship activities may include: tree planting, invasive species removal, planting, citizen science project, or other projects depending on the season or need.

Outdoor Cooperative Games | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Challenge your class with a series of fun outdoor activities that encourage teamwork, creative thinking and problem solving.

Hangar Sports | Grade 1-12 (Year-round)
Get active at the Hangar Sports Centre! Students play a variety of age-appropriate field sports led by Park staff. This program is only available as part of a full day field trip. There is an additional cost for this program. Subsidies do not apply. 

Winter Tree Identification | Grade 3-12 (November-April)
Learn the importance of trees in an urban environment. Students explore Downsview Park’s forest and learn to identify some common native trees (without leaves), and then compete in a forest challenge.

*Sustainability and Natural Resources (Session 1) | Grade 4-8 (Year-round)
This program focused on sustainability explores natural resources and the material origins of everyday objects.

*Can be done as a standalone program, but best combined with Session 2 (below).

*Watershed and Natural Resources (Session 2) | Grade 5-8 (Year-round)
This is a hands-on workshop about natural resources and watershed development. This program emphasizes the many viewpoints that are involved in natural resource uses.

*Can be done as a standalone program, but best combined with Session 1 (above). 

Predator vs. Prey | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn about ecology by becoming a part of the natural food chain in this educational survival game. 

Urban Biodiversity | Grade 4-12 (Year-round)
Learn the importance of biodiversity and explore the Park to discover some of the local plants and animals that call Toronto home. 

Winter Campfire Program | Grades 4-12 (December-March)
Keep warm by the campfire during winter at Downsview Park. Students help build a fire, make survival tea and roast marshmallows.

Photo Orienteering | Grade 5-12 (Year-round)
Take your compass skills to the next level in this program! This program takes students on an adventure around the Park using images and a compass to find hidden locations. 

Compass Navigation | Grade 5-12 (Year-round)
Learn how to use a compass and compete in a high-energy compass code breaking activity in the field.

Invasive Species | Grade 6-12 (Fall/Spring)
Explore how invasive species are changing Canada’s ecosystems and learn how you can help prevent invasions in your neighbourhood. 

*These programs are virtual field trip programs that can also be delivered in-person at your school (if you’re located in Toronto and accessible by TTC or GO Transit). Please read through the FAQ for more information.

Teachers/educators/administrators of:
•    Classes
•    Homeschool groups
•    Learning pods

If you’re unsure about eligibility, please send us an email at downsvieweducation@clc-sic.ca. 

2023-2024

$9/participant/half day (Pick 1 program)
​​​​$11/participant/full day (Pick 2 programs)
$14/participant/full day (Pick 1 program AND Hangar Sports)

A minimum of 15 participants or the equivalent fee is required.

Although we don’t have a minimum number of participants, we do have a minimum cost, which is the equivalent fee for 15 participants. 

The maximum number of participants will depend on the season, program(s) chosen and the age of participants.

Our typical schedule for school programming is below, but we can accommodate different start and end times upon request.

Morning program: 10:00-11:30am
Lunch break: 11:30am-12:30pm
Afternoon program: 12:30-2:00pm

We want our programs to be as inclusive as possible. We offer a limited number of subsidies each year to the top 150 elementary schools on the Toronto District School Board’s Learning Opportunities Index as well as the top 30 high schools. However, we do make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Schools that are eligible for a subsidized program will be able to go on a full-day trip at the half-day cost (please note that the Hangar Sports program cannot be subsidized).

You are welcome to come to the Park as often as you would like! Visiting the Park in different seasons allows your students to participate in a variety of programs. Please contact us at downsvieweudcation@clc-sic.ca to inquire about discounts for repeat bookings.

Yes, we are able to deliver some in-school programming to students in Toronto, at schools accessible by TTC or GO Transit. Please read below for more information.

The following virtual field trip programs can also be delivered in-person for grade 4 to 8 students:

Sustainability and Natural Resources: The program is $125/class plus a $50 travel fee. We require a minimum of two (2) sessions booked per day.

Watershed and Natural Resources: The program is $250 for a 2.5 hour session, plus a $50 travel fee. Groups that book 2 programs in a day (i.e. AM for one class and PM for another) would be a total of $550, as they would not have to pay the travel fee twice.

Please contact us directly at downsvieweducation@clc-sic.ca if you would like to book an in-person program at your school.

Yes, most of our programs can be modified to reach all abilities. Please contact us at downsvieweducation@clc-sic.ca to discuss options that would be best for your students.

Downsview Park has and will continue to follow all public guidelines related to COVID-19. The health and safety of our staff and participants is our top priority. Please note that as guidelines change, we may need to adapt our programming. Any changes will be communicated as early as possible.

Yes, all our programs can be provided in French upon request.