Some of our favorite memories growing up were made during summer camps and field trips. They provided a chance to step out of the classroom and away from the everyday routine to explore museums, zoos, plays, and workshops in a safe and nourishing environment. Now, as adults, we have the opportunity to help cultivate these experiences for future generations—and there’s no better place to do that than Newfields.

Newfields is a place of community, creativity, and life-long learning. This year, more than 13,000 students from nearly 50 Indiana counties visited Newfields to explore art, nature, and new ways of thinking. For many, it’s their first time seeing a museum up close, making art in a studio, or discovering that a place like this is meant for them, too.

Newfields offers free General Admission on field trips for public schools within Marion County, with reduced rates for private and non-Marion County Schools. Student groups can participate in docent-led tours or take advantage of self-guided tours. Our education team crafts engaging lessons that students are excited to talk about at the dinner table. The STEM + Art tour connects creative thinking and problem-solving through hands-on creation. During Art Investigators participants focus on the clues found in either faces, places, or the practice of looking more closely. Sketching in the Galleries invites teachers to bring students of all ages, equipped with only a graphite pencil and paper, to explore and interpret gallery artworks through their own creative perspectives.

In post-tour surveys, teachers express gratitude for the safe space for students to gather to learn about different cultures and for the opportunity for creative outlet. They also consistently report on the lasting impact on their students and that they look forward to returning.

From the moment field trip forms are submitted to the final student pick-up, Newfields’ staff works behind-the-scenes to ensure every visit is seamless, engaging, and memorable. Our education team collaborates closely with docents, guest relations, and security to prepare the entire Newfields campus for each group’s arrival.

Student safety, learning, and adventure remain our highest priorities. Whether answering questions via email, crafting tailored educational programs, ensuring crayons never run out, or coordinating bus schedules, Newfields staff is dedicated to creating a welcoming experience where every student feels encouraged to explore, discover, and connect.

Teachers in neighboring counties shared their thanks for a safe space for their students to gather and be shown all the different outlets for creativity and culture available through Newfields’ tours. They foresee a lasting impact on their students and welcome the opportunity to partner with Newfields.

At Newfields, learning extends far beyond a single visit. From in-school classroom experiences and field trips during the academic year to summer camps that spark creativity and curiosity, our arts education programs nurture creativity and inspire life-long learning for students and families alike. Throughout the year, we welcome guests back for engaging experiences in the galleries and across The Garden, offering a dynamic calendar of events and classes for all ages. From Wee Wonders and Greenhouse Classes to hands on activities during First Thursdays, Community Days, and more—each year brings new and exciting adventures.

Newfields opportunities don’t end when you graduate high school. We are proud to offer complimentary student admission to Indiana college and university students. In 2026, we had over 7,000 college students participate in this program, with the number continuing to grow.

“When I visited Newfields' immersive Van Gogh exhibition in 2021, I fell in love with the IMA Galleries. I wanted to give other young adults the same opportunity to have unique and transformative experiences with art and nature, and luckily, serving as the Advancement Membership Intern allowed me to do just that! During my time, I got to work on the first Newfields College Night. It gave student members the opportunity to see Newfields in a completely different way."

"They not only connected with the Newfields campus but also formed connections with each other. It was amazing to hear that people left with new friends from different universities.” - Sydney Coyne, Advancement Membership Intern

As we prepare for the next school year, your support today helps make these moments possible for the next generation of students, teachers, and families. Your gift helps sustain another year of arts education programs, expand access through our complimentary college student admission program, and create more opportunities for kids and families to connect with exceptional experiences in art and nature.

If you appreciate the impact of Newfields on young, inquiring minds, we invite you to keep the learning going!