Environmental based science education nonprofit
School and Group Programs
New for 2026-27 School Season!
Introducing YSI Program Bundles
Take your students’ learning even further with our new YSI Program Bundles! Thoughtfully designed to create richer, more immersive educational experiences, each bundle combines two complementary programs into one seamless learning adventure.
Available in both 60-minute and Extended 2-hour experiences, every Program Bundle also includes exclusive bundle pricing.
Save $40 on all 60-minute Program Bundles
Save $50 on all Extended 2-hour Program Bundles
Nature Immersion Bundles
Available at YSI Vasona Park and YSI Alum Rock only
Experience YSI’s outdoor classrooms through a combination of live animal encounters and guided nature exploration.
Junior Explorers — Animals + Nature Walk
Creekside Discoveries — Life in a Pond + Nature Walk
Critter Quest — Insects + Nature Walk
Anywhere Experience Bundles
Available at YSI Vasona Park, YSI Alum Rock, or At Your School
Bring YSI’s hands-on science experiences to your classroom or enjoy them at one of our YSI locations.
- Creature Connections — Animals + Insects
Wildlife & Water — Animals + Life in a Pond- Hidden Habitats — Life in a Pond + Insects
Ready to Book?
Continue below for booking instructions, then select your preferred program location to explore available Program Bundles and individual educational experiences.
Select Your Program Location Below
Important Notes & Reminders
Please be absolutely sure of your booking details before you register.
A $50 change fee will apply if any changes need to be made after your booking is completed, including date, time, program type, or participant numbers.
We strongly recommend confirming any transportation services prior to booking your YSI program to avoid needing changes after registration.
Response Times During Peak Season
At the start of the school year, YSI receives a very high volume of booking requests and grant funding applications. We answer all emails in the order they are received, and response times may take up to one week depending on volume and the details of your request.
If you are applying for Title 1 grant funding, please note that each application requires a personalized review and set of instructions based on your specific program selections. We appreciate your patience as we work carefully to ensure every request is processed accurately.
Once communication has begun, additional follow-up may still take time as we balance multiple requests and technical questions at once. Your patience allows us to give each booking the attention it deserves — and helps us serve all schools and groups as efficiently as possible.
Booking Instructions
Please read through instructions carefully before booking. Mistakes during the registration process can be difficult to correct.
A $50 fee will be applied to any cancellations or changes made after registration is completed.
Choosing Your Location
Select your desired location store button at the bottom of the booking instructions:
Vasona Park, Alum Rock Park, Sanborn Park, or At School.
Please note
Not all programs are available at all locations.
Selecting Your Program
Once within your location specific store, scroll through the available programming.
Select your date of choice on the calendar displayed within each program page.
Available dates will be displayed in bold.
Select your date and a time slot that works best for your program to begin, and add your program to your cart.
Please note
You will need to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the start of your program, please take this into consideration when selecting your time slot.
Class Capacity
Programs Fall into Two Categories:
Single-Class Programs (30-min, 1-hr, Aquatic) run one class at a time with 1 instructor. These have no special capacity restrictions.
Multi-Class Programs (Ohlone, Moving Exploding Earth, Physics of Sight Sound & Motion) have limits depending on where you book:
Program | At School | At YSI |
|---|---|---|
| Ohlone (1.5 hr) | 1 class, max 34 students | 2 classes, max 70 students |
| Ohlone with Hike (3 hr) | Available at YSI Only | 4 classes, max 115 students |
| Moving Exploding Earth (1.5 hr) | 1 class, max 34 students | 2 classes, max 70 students |
| Moving Exploding Earth with Hike (2 hr) | Available at YSI Only | 3 classes, max 105 students |
| Physics of Sight Sound & Motion (1.5 hr) | 1 class, max 34 students | 2 classes, max 70 students |
All multi-class programs require a minimum of 2 instructors (1 per 17–25 students depending on program).
Please note
Not all programs are available at all locations.
Adding Multiple Programs
Once your first program is added to your cart, you can return to the same program page for additional classes to be added with the same program or you may return to the main store homepage to select other programs to be added to your cart.
Please Note: Certain classes allow for an “additional class” option where multiple classes can be held within the same timeslot.
For clarification & assistance with how many programs should be booked, please reach out to us directly at: programs@ysi-ca.org
Checkout & Payment
Once all programs have been added to your cart for their appropriate date and timeslot please proceed through the checkout process.
If you are paying by check, please select the “offline” payment option.
This will allow your booking to be completed with payment being sent via mail to our Vasona Park location: 296 Garden Hill Dr., Los Gatos, CA 95032; at least 30 days prior to your scheduled program date.
Failure to provide payment prior to the 30 day period may result in a cancellation.
If you are receiving grant funding, please input your grant code when prompted at the beginning of checkout when prompted for a discount code.
Questions or Clarifications
For questions, clarification, and assistance with booking please reach out to us directly at: programs@ysi-ca.org
Please note
It may take up to a week for our team to reply during high booking periods. We greatly appreciate your patience and support of YSI 🌱
Find the Right Program for Your Grade
Not sure which program best fits your curriculum?
Our NGSS-aligned Program Guides organize every YSI program by grade level and Next Generation Science Standards, making it easy to find experiences that support your classroom learning goals.
Choose the guide that’s right for you:
Quick Program Guide
A one-page overview organized by grade level.
Full-Length NGSS Program Catalog
Detailed program descriptions, standards alignment, recommended grade levels, pricing, and learning outcomes.
👥 Program Capacity Guide
Planning a field trip with multiple classes? See how many classes can participate simultaneously for each program and location.
Interested in Title 1 Grant Funding?
Please click the button below to fill out our YSI Title I Grant-Funded Program Application
School & Group Program FAQ’s
Any Questions?
Feel free to reach out over email or give us a call
Does YSI offer discounts for Title I schools?
Yes! Thanks to grant funding, Title I schools may qualify for:
Free or discounted programs
Transportation reimbursements
Transportation funding is not included in all grant programs provided and must be specifically requested.
To check the eligibility of your school, please submit a grant funding application found here:
Are YSI locations and programming accessible?
Accessibility:
Any YSI programming that does not involve a hike is fully accessible to most individuals with special needs.
Alum Rock: Mostly paved, can be modified for accessibility
Sanborn: Limited paved paths; difficult for accessibility
Vasona: Mostly paved, routes can be modified for accessibility
What is YSI’s Cancellation and Change Policy?
When booking a program, you agree to the following terms:
$50 change fee for any changes made after booking (date, time, program type, or participant numbers).
$50 cancellation fee if cancelled more than 30 days before the program date.
$100 cancellation fee if cancelled within 30 days.
$175 cancellation fee if cancelled within 14 days.
$200 cancellation fee if cancelled less than 14 days before the program.
Full program fee if cancelled within 72 hours or for no-shows.
Please double-check all details before finalizing your registration.
What is YSI's weather / rain policy?
We conduct all our programs rain or shine. We ask that program participants come dressed and prepared for the weather.
Layers are recommended, and closed-toed shoes are required, especially for participants attending a program that includes a hike.
In cases of extreme weather, program rescheduling may occur on a case-by-case basis.
Please reach out to us directly at programs@ysi-ca.org if you feel weather will be a concern for your programming.
Are there any issues with large buses and vehicles getting in and out of the park?
Alum Rock Park has an 11 ft. bridge clearance.
Buses taller than this cannot access the Nature Center.
If your transportation is larger, please plan for a long walk from the bridge to the facility.
When should payment be provided?
Payment is required at least 30 days prior to your program date.
Failure to provide payment at least 30 days prior to your date may result in a cancellation.
For questions and concerns regarding payment, reach out to us directly at: programs@ysi-ca.org
What forms of payment does YSI accept?
Our preferred payment method is credit card via our online registration system.
We also accept checks sent by mail: Your check must be received at least 30 days before your program date.
To pay by check, select the “Offline” payment method during your checkout process.
If payment is not received on time, your program may be cancelled and subject to a $50 cancellation fee.
Please make checks payable to: The Youth Science Institute
Checks can be sent directly to our YSI Vasona Park Location
296 Garden Hill Dr. / Los Gatos CA 95032
Other forms of payment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
When should we arrive for our program?
Arrival time: Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to unload and split into groups if needed for your programming.
The front gates to Vasona Park, Alum Rock Park, and Sanborn Park all open at ~8:00 a.m.
Is there a limit on chaperones?
Chaperone Limit:
We have a limit of 10 chaperones per class unless parent drivers are being utilized for transportation.
If your class plans to have more than 10 chaperones per class due to transportation needs, please contact us directly so YSI can plan for an increase in audience volume.
Am I allowed to take photos during the program?
You most certainly are allowed to take photos during your YSI program!
If you’d like to share, we’d also love to see them!
Send your YSI program photos to: programs@ysi-ca.org
Are parking passes provided for YSI locations?
Parking passes are sent out a week prior to your program date.
Passes can be printed and distributed as needed to teachers, parent drivers, bus drivers, etc.
If your pass is needed sooner than a week prior to your program, please reach out to us at programs@ysi-ca.org
Is there a space we can store food and have snack / lunch before or after programming?
Food storage: Indoor storage is available for snacks/lunches.
Picnic areas: Each location has public picnic areas that you and your group are more than welcome to use. Please be sure to pick up and dispose of any trash to help keep our parks clean.
Is there a snack break during your longer programs?
Snack breaks:
Standard: 15-minute break for back-to-back programs & groups.
Life of an Ohlone (3-hour): snack break must be requested during registration
Moving, Exploding Earth: includes a snack-based activity.
Is there bathroom access at each YSI location?
All three YSI locations have accessible restrooms that can be used at any time as needed.
Does YSI hold programs during specific times of the year?
YSI School & Group Programs run September – May in coordination with the yearly school calendar schedule.
Some programs are better suited for certain seasons.
Contact programs@ysi-ca.org for recommendations.
What time will the instructor arrive?
Instructors arrive 30 minutes before start time.
Example: 9:30 a.m. program → instructor arrives by 9:00 a.m.
What materials are required for YSI programs?
Life of an Ohlone, Moving Exploding Earth, or Physics:
A table is required for materials
Animal-based programs:
Tables optional but helpful
Please provide a spacious area for the instructor and materials, with room for students to sit in a half-circle
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