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40+ Fantastic Field Trips for Kids

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40 fun and educational field trips . Check out these fantastic field trips ordered by category. Find likes and resources available in communities all over the US and virtual field trip resources too!

Ready to get your kids excited about learning? Take them out for a field trip! Check out these fun field trips listed by category:

• Art and Music

Virtual Field Trips

Science field trips.

1.Science Museum – Get hands-on with science at your local science museum or science center. Check for shows and special tours for kids.

2. Natural History Museum – See the history of science and learn about plants, animals, and the history of our natural world.

3. Planetarium – Look up for a tour of the starts and learn all about outer space with IMAX movies projected onto a dome.

4. Aquarium – Get up-close and personal with a variety of sea creatures at an aquarium.

5. Botanical Garden – Tour a beautiful botanical garden to see local and exotic plants.

6. Local Animal Sanctuary or Zoo – Animal lovers will love to visit their local sanctuary or zoo. Be sure to ask about demonstrations and animal feeding times!

7. Visit Local, State, or National Parks – Your park system has a lot to offer! Check the websites of your local, state, and national parks to find out about programs, tours, and the natural and historical landmarks you can visit.

Art and Music Field Trips

8. Art Museum or Gallery – Start here to get kids interested in art and culture. You’ll find everything from ancient artifacts to today’s contemporary art.

9. Art Walk or Outdoor Craft Fair – When the weather is nice, take a walk around a local art walk or craft fair. A great time to meet local artists and talk to them about their craft.

10. Orchestra – Don’t miss a trip to the orchestra or children’s orchestra. A field trip that both a budding musician and music novice will love.

11. Ballet, Play, or Concert  – Whether you’re watching community theater or seeing a Broadway show, a field trip to a performance is a must!

12. Tour Urban Art or Music – Search for urban art, street musicians, and outdoor art. A great way to explore and learn about your city.

13. Local Music Festival – Hit a festival and enjoy some music from your local musicians.

History Field Trips

14. Presidential Library – A fantastic field trip if you have one near you! Learn all about the president’s life and work. 14 Presidential Libraries

15. Renaissance Fair – What a fun way to get your kids into history! Look for local Renaissance or Medieval Fairs. List of Renaissance Fairs by State

16. Reenactment – Do you live by a historical reenactment site? Check your local tourist attractions to find all kinds of reenactments from Civil War battles to early American daily life.

17. Native American Historical Sites – Delve deeper into US history by visiting a Native American historical site near you. A list of sites from the National Park Service

18. Holocaust Museum – Learn about the history of the Holocaust and how the events still impact us today at one of our nation’s Holocaust Museums .

19. African American History Museum – Tour an African American History Museum in the US to learn about civil rights, culture, and history of black Americans.

20. Local Landmarks and Historical Sites – Learn this history of your town or city by finding local historical sites. A great place to start is your city or town’s library or visitor’s center for information.

21. Visit your State Capitol – Make a trip to your state capital to visit the Capitol Building and your state’s historical sites. Request information from the city’s tourism website for free guides and details about what to visit.

22. Memorials or Monuments – Do you have a National Memorial near you? Visit memorials or monuments to learn about the people and events that changed our country’s history.

Community Field Trips

23. Fire or Police Station Tour – A great way to learn about our community helpers and safety for young children.

24. Library Tour – Go behind-the-scenes in your local library to see how books are processed and repaired.

25. Farm – Learn about life on the farm, the food we eat, and farm animals when you visit a local farm and meet a farming family.

26. Farmer’s Market – Check out local produce grown by farmers in your area. A great time to meet a variety of people and learn about different jobs in your community.

27. Grocery Store Tour – Contact your local grocery store for a tour of the store! You’ll meet your local butcher, baker, see the big freezers, and the loading dock where deliveries are made. A great field trip to pair with the farm or farmer’s market to learn where our food comes from.

28. Recycling Center or Local Dump – A surprisingly fun and interesting tour. Learn all about where our trash goes after you put it in the bin. Also, check out our Garbage and Recycling unit !

29. Local Factory Tours – Contact a local factory for a tour. You’ll meet the factory employees and see how things are made, by hand or by machine.

30. Sporting Events – Root for your local teams or make a trip to a professional sporting event. Learn about all types of sports from baseball and basketball to swimming or rowing.

31. Dentist, Hospital, or Veterinarian Office Tour – Take a tour or schedule a presentation with your group at a local dentist’s office, hospital, or vet’s office. A great way to learn about these careers.

32. College Campus Tour – Checking out college campuses isn’t only for seniors! Tour your local campus, take a look at student exhibits or displays, or catch a game while you’re there!

33. Television or Radio Station Tour – Contact local stations or colleges for a tour of their studios.

If you want to travel somewhere a little more exotic, you can find a slew of virtual field trips free online.

Through Google Arts and Culture you can visit places all over the world including:

• 34. The White House
• 35. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
• 36. The Colliseum
• 37. The Eiffel Tower

38. You can also tour the Presidential Libraries through their individual websites. List of 14 Presidential Libraries from the National Archive

Head on over to Google Streetview to tour historical and natural sites around the world including:

• 39. Australian Parks and Wildlife
• 40. International Space Station
• 41. Machu Picchu
• 42. The Amazon River

Ashley helps parents who want to homeschool find the resources they need to successfully teach their children. Ashley is a former teacher, current homeschooler, published author, and designer behind Circle Time with Miss Fox printables as well as the creator of this website, The Homeschool Resource Room.

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42 Homeschool Field Trip Ideas + Planning Tips & Printable Log

Are you looking to get out of the field trip rut of zoo and science museum? This article has unique field trip ideas to add zest back into your day trips! 

Not sure how to get started with field trips for preschoolers, how often to take field trips, how to plan them, or where to get a printable homeschool field trip log? This article has you covered! 

Are field trips good for students? 

Field trips are great for students! They are an extension of learning and one of the biggest perks of being a homeschooler. After all, how many field trips can a public school class have each year? Maybe two at best, right? They take an inordinate amount of planning for a school: boxed lunches, buses, permission forms, chaperones, etc. But as a homeschool family , you can pick up and go with much less preparation. In fact, many homeschoolers take a field trip nearly every week! 

What are the benefits of a field trip?

Since you’re reading this article, you probably don’t need convincing, but here are eight concrete advantages that field trips offer your children (and you). Yes, they’re fun, and that’s reason enough! But they offer additional perks, too!

1. Real Life Learning Beyond the Books

Books are great! They are the foundation of the literature-based Sonlight curriculum . But there’s an entire world out there that can be experienced firsthand— beyond the books. While books make far off cultures and distant histories accessible to our children, there are many topics we can see, touch, and hear for ourselves either instead of (or in addition to) a book. 

• So don’t only read about Native Americans. Visit an Indian mound museum and go deeper! Attend a public pow wow to observe and ask questions. 
• Don’t just read about plant root systems. Visit a local nursery or botanical gardens and get pointers from the professional gardeners who serve there.

2. Socialization

One of the best parts of homeschooling is being able to open our front door and use our community as a classroom. So much for the stereotype of unsocialized homeschoolers ! No way! Homeschoolers are out and about in the community, going on field trips, and interacting with all kinds of people . 

3. Motivation

Getting outside the house, exploring new places, and immersing yourself physically in a topic is an ideal way to erase monotony. When you find you’re falling into a boring rut with your homeschool schedule or attitudes are getting prickly, take a field trip! Mix things up! Take an adventure with your kids and experience the wonder of the larger world alongside them. 

Field trips raise spirits, renew zest for learning, and give kids a break from the challenging tasks of pencil-to-paper work.

Field trips can be used as a culminating activity after a unit of study—a reward after a period of challenging academic work .

4. Retention

The more senses that are engaged when learning something, the more likely it is to be retained. Field trips are memorable , so kids tend to retain what they soak up on these outings.

5. Family Bonding

Field trips can smooth over the normal annoyances of homeschool family life. Instead of fussing about folding laundry, leave the chores and go explore the zoo! You’ll laugh at the antics of the animals instead of crying over math. 

You and your children will create lasting memories of shared moments . When they are adults, these field trips (no matter how simple) are the things they will remember and cherish! So make more happy memories by taking more field trips.

6. Exercise

Many field trips involve quite a bit of walking. Some may even include climbing, leaping, and other physical exertion. In our tech-driven world, let’s not forget that we have bodies that need to move for optimum health! Field trips provide an ideal catalyst for meaningful movement . 

Experiencing a sense of awe is a remedy to depression and anxiety. What a gift for our children, and one that we parents need as well! 

God’s creation is amazing! So the potential for awe awaits you at any nature-focused field trip destination. Go! And then look, smell, listen, and feel. Let your senses absorb the wonder of God’s creation. The mindfulness and delight will lift your spirits ! 

8. Small Steps of Career Exploration

In some cases, a field trip gives kids a window into possible career fields. They can get a feel for workplaces and ask questions of the professionals who work there. 

What are the disadvantages of a field trip?

The advantages of field trips practically negate the possible downsides, so don’t let these discourage you! But field trips can be a disruption to your normal routine (a feature , not a bug!). 

There are field trip logistics that can be possibly annoying: driving distance, parking, where to eat a picnic on premises, rough terrain that makes pushing a stroller a challenge, finding diaper changing facilities, etc. Again, pushing to find solutions is worth the benefit your family gets from the outing!

Some field trip destinations can be pricey, but free homeschool field trips exist! Be sure to ask your desired venues about family passes, special discount days, or community events that are free of charge. Alternate free homeschool field trips with paid field trips to keep costs low, and carpool with another homeschool family to save on gas. Skip the gift shop and take a picnic instead of eating at the kiosks. There are ways to make field trips doable even with a tiny budget. 

Bad weather can ruin an outside field trip, but you have the flexibility to move that trip to a prettier day! 

There aren’t really any disadvantages inherent in field trips for homeschoolers. But there are small irritations of life that come along with any kind of day trip. 

What are good field trip ideas?

The sky's the limit, but here are forty-two suggestions to get you started with homeschool field trips for all ages and grades. Start with lower cost local field trips, and then expand out to more distant destinations as your children mature. 

• theater, opera, or ballet performances
• local house of worship, especially of a faith that is not your own (Muslim mosque, Hindu temple, Jewish synagogue, Greek Orthodox church, etc.)
• factories (like a bakery or an automotive factory)
• fish hatchery
• orchard, farm, or farmers market
• local power plant
• bike trails, hiking trails, or river canoeing
• space centers
• water treatment facility
• cemetery tours
• city capitol or state capitol, including the courthouse
• historic landmarks like battlefields or birthplace museums (think famous artists, musicians, athletes, writers, presidents, etc.)
• archaeological dig
• fire station, ambulance, or police station
• the post office
• historic reenactments
• Native American pow wows
• festivals 
• county fairs
• science museums
• college tours
• science lab tours (could be industry or educational)
• planetarium
• observatory
• dams and bridges
• arboretum, botanic gardens, or greenhouse
• aquarium, zoo, or wild animal park
• local or county parks
• state parks and forests
• national parks
• recycling center
• animal shelter or veterinarian’s office
• food bank, homeless shelter, or other charity organization
• semi-professional sporting events
• amusement parks
• military bases
• TV station or radio station
• music recording studios

What are the types of field trips?

The weather will influence your choice between indoor field trips and outdoor field trip s. Your budget impacts your decision between free field trips and trips that cost money. 

And your own preferences for planning will affect whether you go for easy field trips or those that take more advance preparation. For example, venues like zoos, galleries, and museums are already optimized for easy field trips. But there are a myriad of other locales that can make for a great field trip when you connect with someone who can arrange it for you—think local newspaper, the fire station, a historic house of worship, or a local factory. 

There are local field trips and more distant trips . Typically a field trip is a day trip —you return home the same day and sleep in your own bed.

Free Family Travel Guides from Sonlight

But some field trips expand into complete family vacations like these two East Coast destinations for American history buffs. 

A Family Travel Guide to Historic Williamsburg

One ticket. Five parks. Seven days. An unforgettable trip. Virginia is home to some of the greatest historical landmarks of colonial America. The Historic Triangle provides a peek into America's journey from English settlement to the independence of a new nation. When you are ready to visit, make the most of your time with these practical, tried-and-true tips.

Navigating Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Enjoy a day or a long weekend exploring Monticello and the surrounding area.   Visiting this estate can be a wonderful addition as you study American History. Download this full-color free digital travel guide today to help you navigate Monticello and all the additional historical locations surrounding Monticello.

What are the most popular field trips?

The most popular homeschool field trips are those locations that are already set up for large groups with ample parking, pre-designed tours, clearly defined hours, and even amenities like picnic areas or shuttles/trains. 

These family pleasers have rotating exhibits or frequent workshops/events that deliberately cater to homeschool families. Examples are 

• nature preserves
• botanic gardens
• art galleries
• history museums
• historic sites
• and national or state parks

These locales are typically large and well-established. Visit their websites to see what they offer. Sign up for their email newsletters so you’re always in the know about special events, bargain days, and new exhibits.

Field Trip Planning, Preparation, and Printables

Some field trippers spontaneously jump in the car and head off for an unscripted adventure. But most moms probably prefer to set the stage with some basic groundwork. In fact, field trip planning can be part of your annual curriculum shopping as you lay out a course for your school year.  

Free printable homeschool field trip log

A homeschool field trip log can pull double duty as a place to record your plans beforehand and/or a place to document the trips you took afterwards. If you’re required to keep a homeschool portfolio or verify a certain number of school days, a homeschool field trip log is essential! (Don’t rely on your memory alone. Record those field trips!)

Download a free homeschool field trip form here to use as you work through the seven steps below.

(This free page is taken from the larger Sonlight Planner .) 

PRO TIP : Print multiple copies (or sets)—one for planning and one for recordkeeping. 

How do you plan an educational field trip?

For those of you who like to plan ahead, here are seven steps for making a comprehensive field trip plan for your homeschool.

1. Brainstorm fun homeschool field trip ideas

This is the fun part! Looking at the list of 42 suggestions above, jot down the ones that seem appealing to you and your children. 

Alternatively, consider your curriculum . What are you studying this term or year? What field trips can you plan to go along with the science and history topics you’ll be covering? What Readers and Read-Alouds have field trip tie-ins?

Don’t rule out field trips for teens! Advanced courses mesh well with learning excursions! Here are some examples:

• Biology field trip ideas : a butterfly vivarium, an Audubon Center , a wolf preserve
• Chemistry field trip ideas : a manufacturing laboratory, a college research lab, fire department, wastewater treatment plant

2. Look for specific locations

Head to Google and input your desired type of field trip. For example, when you search TV station tour , your local station will likely pop up with contact information to get started! Or search for planetariums near me . Yelp and Tripadvisor are two great apps for reading user reviews of many field trip destinations. 

3. Outline the logistics

Once you have specific venues in mind, start charting out the details like hours of operation, ticket costs, special tours/exhibits/workshops, etc.

4. Contact the specific venue for insider information

Don’t be nervous to send an email or pick up the phone to inquire about details. Even established venues like museums and zoos may be able to offer you special accommodations or workshops as long as you let them know you’re coming. 

Directly ask for insider tips: “Is there anything else that I should know before we come? Anything that’s not on the website?” 

5. Make a field trip calendar for the year 

Now you have the information you need to start filling out an annual field trip calendar. Pencil in your ideas based on your curriculum , the weather, and other family events. It’s common to have a monthly field trip, but you may want excursions more or less frequently.

6. Consider providing structure to the trip—or not!

There are different approaches to taking a field trip. Some families drop all the academics and simply enjoy the experience, letting the fun unfold naturally. 

Other families read about the place beforehand and assign homeschool field trip activities . These activities provide structure to the trip by giving kids a task to focus their exploration:

• a worksheet to fill out
• a journal for sketching
• a scavenger hunt

If your children tend to race through an exhibit without truly appreciating anything, an on-site assignment can help slow them down and center their attention on key facts. 

Check with the venue ahead of time because many of them already offer these activities either in hardcopy when you enter the destination or in digital format for you to print at home. 

P RO TIP : If you expect your child to do a written activity at the field trip, bring clipboards or bring homeschool field trip journals with a cardboard backing.

There’s no right or wrong here, but realize that you don’t have to add anything school-ish to justify a field trip. It’s enough to simply soak in great works of art or wander around an arboretum. Your kids are learning! 

7. Consider review or documentation—or not!

Once you’re back home, you may want to document the trip or review what you experienced. Again, this step is optional and doesn’t have to be formal or burdensome. 

How to write a homeschool field trip report

For upper elementary ages, middle schoolers, and high schoolers, it’s appropriate to assign a written project. This homeschool field trip report can take the format of a notebooking page, a journal entry, a scrapbook page , or a short composition. 

Here are the basics to include in a field trip report:

• the date of the trip
• the full name and address/location of the destination
• the significance of the location (if historic)
• the primary places/exhibits/topics that were experienced along with a brief description of each
• insights, opinions, and reflections

Add these extras to add to the field trip report to make it more of a homeschool field trip journal:

• diagrams and sketches made at the venue
• photographs or postcards
• actual items from the site (where allowed, of course) such as leaves, moss, feathers, etc.

You could help your kids write a review of the location to post on Google, Yelp, or Tripadvisor. 

Or maybe you simply have a discussion about what you experienced. Here are a few discussion starters:

• What was your favorite part of today? Why?
• What surprised you today?
• If we do that field trip again, what would you like to spend more time doing?
• Tell me 3 facts about [topic, person, place].
• Imagine you have to convince someone to go on a field trip to that place. What would you say to them?
• Quiz me/your sibling by asking me three questions I should have the answer to after our field trip today.

What to carry with you on a field trip?

If you’re not sure what to take along on your field trip, call the venue and ask! Find out what kinds of amenities they offer and what they suggest.

Aside from that, you already know the basics: snacks, wipes, a few adhesive bandages, drinking water, sunscreen, hats, etc. 

Unique field trip ideas

Because field trips have the potential to be so powerful, and because we have such an abundance of resources in our communities, it’s important to think beyond the norm to get our kids—and ourselves—out there, gaining fresh experiences and better understanding. Nearly any place that’s not unsafe for kids has the potential to be a field trip destination.

Any process, any job, any business has fascinating aspects to uncover on a family field trip for homeschool. Simply drive around your community with an open mind. Nearly every business you see is potential fodder for a field trip! 

• That locally owned coffee shop? Yep! 
• The beauty parlor? Why not? 
• The dentist’s office. For sure.
• That manufacturing plant? Probably!

Start with your connections. Ask friends about their place of work, their family businesses, their connections. Having a contact smooths the path to set up a family tour and an unlikely field trip destination. Most folks are thrilled to show off what they do to a handful of kids (and an interested parent). So don’t be afraid to ask! 

Your community is full of experiences, and those experiences can easily be tied to your curriculum. Here are four examples to get you started with fun homeschool field trip ideas:

1. Small Engine Repair Shop Field Trip

Kids (and adults) of all ages will be fascinated to see what goes into maintaining and repairing the many machines we use every day. Lawnmowers, chainsaws, generators, and scooters all fall under the small engine category.

The history of these machines is intriguing, and it’s a great introduction to more complex engines, too! This field trip ties in nicely with any of these books (or programs):

• Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day
• Sonlight’s Science H- Technology
• A History of US
• The Story of Eli Whitney

2. General Aviation Airport Field Trip

Even better than flying on a commercial airliner is the experience of walking and talking with the pilot of a General Aviation (GA) plane. These smaller models operate under the same principles, and are in much wider use than the jumbo jets we board to fly cross country. You may be able to arrange to tour the actual facility or even take a short flight! If you’re reading these books, a field trip to an airport fits well:

• The Wright Brothers
• Around the World in 80 Days
• Catching Their Talk in a Box

3. Ethnic Food Market Field Trip

Pick a country, and find a shop! From the delicacies of Asia to the exotic (to us) foods of the Middle East, chances are excellent that you’ll have a market hidden somewhere in your community that specializes in foods of other lands. While you can order individual items online, nothing beats walking the aisles, smelling the smells, and seeing what’s on offer on the shelves.

There are so many Sonlight books that tie in to this field trip, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that HBL F: Eastern Hemisphere is crying out for a whole year of such outings!

4. Radio Station Field Trip

If you’re reading Catching Their Talk in a Box or Window on the World , or your child is studying physics, definitely make time for a trip to a local radio station . Choosing a smaller, local station to tour means the chance to walk into booths and likely get an up close and personal glance of the inner workings of a broadcast in progress. Missionaries of the past and present have utilized radio as an evangelism tool, and the science behind it is fascinating.

Where to get the best homeschool field trip ideas

Need inspiration for field trip ideas for kids? Marry books and field trips as often as you can to cultivate an adventurous learning environment. Here are examples: 

• Visit an aquarium after Dolphin Adventure .
• Tour an art museum after From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler .
• Trek to a farm after Mountain Born , Thimble Summer , or The Year at Maple Hill Farm .

Getting out and seeing firsthand the elements of a story or work of nonfiction cements it in our understanding. Not only do children hear how the mail system works in Richard Scarry’s What Do People Do All Day , but then they see it in action when they visit the post office. All the senses are engaged!

The details that may have escaped them in the book are suddenly prominent and yes, maybe even a door is opened to a new occupational calling. You just never know!

Suggested Field Trips by Age

The list of 42 ideas above are for all ages, stages, and grades, but admittedly some destinations are more suitable for younger or older students. Here’s how to work out your field trip decisions based on ages or grades.  

Field trips for toddlers & preschoolers

Since toddlers and preschoolers are probably still napping, you want local field trip ideas that won’t require lots of driving. Thanks to the mid-day pause for nap time, you’ll choose trips that can be done in the morning or afternoon but don’t demand a full day.

Avoid stodgy venues where quiet is expected and children can’t touch things. Instead opt for field trips with lots of hands-on, active exploration and frequently changing things to observe. 

Your best bets are anything related to animals:

• animal shelters and preserves
• butterfly gardens

Or any venue that has a nature or science slant:

• children’s museum
• arboretum or botanic gardens
• science museum

Call ahead or scour the website to find programs or exhibits especially designed for very young children to touch and physically experience the content. 

Children at this age are still developing vocabulary, so exposing them to new experiences and talking about what you see is invaluable. 

Outdoor or large open spaces where it’s okay to run are ideal for little kids. And you’ll want to consider field trip spots where strollers can drive easily when little legs finally tire. 

Keep field trips short in duration and leave while everyone is still happy!

Homeschool kindergarten field trip list

Although some parents consider kindergarten their first year of formal schooling , there’s no need to restrict yourself to learning at the kitchen table with books, pencil, and paper. Field trips are rich learning experiences for 5-year-olds since so much of the world is brand new to them! 

During grades K-2, think of field trips as opportunities to expose your child to the larger world and don’t worry about retention or academic tie-ins. Just get out there and immerse yourself in the joy and awe of all the field trip options in your local area. 

Save the elaborate, far-off destinations for later years when your child has more maturity and physical stamina. At the kindergarten through second grade level, you’re still enjoying repeat visits to the places you frequented during the toddler and preschool years: 

Now your visits may last a bit longer (no need for that daily nap!) and may include more actual academic material. For example, you may stand and listen to a zoologist give a short talk or show your child key facts on a display board. 

You’ll want field trips at this stage to still be very tangible. For example, touring a cave where a child can touch the damp stone, smell the wet air, and hear water dripping is more age appropriate than an opera, a tour of a house of worship, visiting the county courthouse, or a science lab excursion where the experience is more abstract or passive.

Opt for trips where you can get your kindergartener involved:

• picking strawberries at a farm
• making gravestone rubbings in a cemetery
• making a sculpture in a special kids room at the art museum 

How often should you do field trips in kindergarten homeschool? As often as you and your kindergartener would like to! Aim for at least monthly at this age, giving yourself a few mulligans to skip a month here or there depending on other family dynamics, health concerns, etc. Your kindergarten field trips could be as often as weekly if your family is up to it! 

Field trip ideas for elementary students

Grades 3-5 are a sweet spot for homeschool field trips! These children have the physical stamina for full day trips and are growing in the mental maturity to appreciate more abstract types of experiences. They generally have the self-control not to touch what shouldn’t be touched. They are curious and can ask great questions of docents and guides. You’ll see children at this stage start to make connections between their book-based lessons and what they experience on field trips. 

So basically, anything from the 42-item list above that interests your elementary students is fair game! Even if some of the content goes over their heads, it’s still exposure to new ideas! If a field trip seems a bit too advanced for your elementary student, just cut it short or inject additional context to make it more understandable for them. 

Virtual field trips for homeschoolers

What can you do instead of field trips? The pandemic has taught us all the value (and yes, limitations ) of virtual experiences as a substitute for in-person events. Sometimes a field trip is simply out of reach. In those situations, turn to virtual field trips to meet the need.

How does a virtual field trip work?

With a virtual field trip, you use the magic of the internet to explore a place you can’t visit in person. You rely on live cams, 360° virtual tours, virtual reality tours, and even live online video conferencing sessions held on-site. 

If these tools are new to you, here are fun homeschool field trip ideas that are totally online:

• Old Faithful Geyser live webcam
• The giraffe cam at the San Diego Zoo
• The Louvre online tour
• National Museum of Natural History virtual tours
• California State Parks Home Learning Programs
• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration programs

What are the best virtual field trips for students?

Large and well-known zoos, science museums, art galleries, and history museums make for the best virtual field trips simply because they tend to have top-notch websites with the video tours and live webcams you’ll want to access. State and national park systems are good options as well. Smaller venues, while fascinating in person, often don’t have the digital resources to provide a great virtual field trip experience to online users.

Here’s a list of virtual field trip favorites:

• Virtual Tour of the Great Wall of China
• San Diego Zoo
• Mars (via NASA)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams
• Farm Food 360
• Boston Children’s Museum virtual tour
• Paris Catacombs virtual visit
• The Vatican virtual tour
• Virtual tours: Buckingham Palace
• Anne Frank House
• The White House 360 virtual tour
• Virtual Field Trip to the Butterfly Conservatory
• Metropolitan Museum interactive map

How do I create a virtual field trip for students?

1. Choose a website (or a series of related ones). 

The education departments of zoos, museums, and parks strive to make their facilities accessible to the maximum number of users, so scan their websites first for all the resources they have to offer: curriculum, printables, videos, virtual tours, live web cams, live and recorded workshops, lesson plans, etc. 

2. Set your child loose on the website to freely explore.

You will likely want to be nearby to enjoy the discovery process alongside them.

3. Or give your child an activity to do while exploring.

This step is totally optional. But if you feel the need to document the learning , there are plenty of ways to do it! Provide more structure with printables, worksheets, scavenger hunts, or notebooking pages. 

Choose a curriculum that does the planning for you so you can spend more time on field trips with your kids. 

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30+ Awesome Homeschool Field Trip Ideas Kids Will Love

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Homeschoolers get to take the best field trips.  We are not limited to only places that can accommodate massive groups of children and we can usually work more than 1 or 2 into the annual budget . . . especially because many of these field trip spots are FREE!

I can recommend these homeschool field trip ideas because I have personally taken my kids to many of these places. Many of these homeschool field trip ideas can even accommodate babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Field trips are great because there is almost always something for every grade level. Homeschool students of all ages love to go on field trips!

Gather your homeschool group or a few friends and make a day of it!

If you can’t get out on a field trip, a virtual field trip is a great idea! You can actually see more in one day because you are not limited by location.

30+ Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Zoos are a favorite spot for many children, making them one of the top homeschool field trip ideas.  Kids can observe animals they might not otherwise see in the wild.  Kids can learn map reading skills, animal facts, and even a bit of geography as they read the descriptive plaques.  

Bring along one of these zoo scavenger hunts to keep everyone focused.

Can’t get to a local zoo? Try a virtual zoo field trip instead!

Check out our field trips to the National Zoo and the Woodland Park Zoo .

2. Aquarium

Aquariums let kids observe aquatic animals that they couldn’t see otherwise.  After all, it is difficult for humans to view aquatic animals in their natural habitats. Kids learn to care about protecting our planet when they see the wide range of animals impacted by their choices.  

Check out these aquariums that are all offering free aquarium webcams .

Working farms are amazing places for kids to visit.  Some local farmers have farm animals and others focus on growing produce. Our summer with a CSA taught my children so much about life on a farm and where our food comes from. They were able to pick fresh produce right when it was ripe!

They learned that things grow in seasons and that sometimes hard work is involved in getting food to our table.   Find a nearby farm here .  

4. Nature Center

Nature centers frequently host kid-friendly educational opportunities.  The employees are an excellent resource for learning about your environment. Outdoor field trips are a great way to get some fresh air while also learning about your local environment. I love adding in related books, either before or after, our nature center visits.

5. Historical Site

I highly recommend checking out the historic sites near your home.  My kids love history and I think that is in part due to all of our field trips.  We have moved around the country a bit and every time we move I search for more historic homeschool field trip ideas. There are field trip spots that focus on American history all around the United States.

Field trips to historic spots allow your children to really get a feel for what people of the past struggled with in their daily lives. Every historic site is a little different, but my family always enjoys seeing historic houses.

Check out our field trip to Williamsburg .

Factories are excellent places to learn about manufacturing and assembly lines.   Touring the Seattle Chocolates factory was one of our favorite field trips last year.  

You can even tour an Amazon fulfillment center !  Tours are offered virtually or in person at a select few locations.

7. Planetarium

A planetarium is an excellent spot for a homeschool field trip if you are studying the solar system or constellations. The light displays are amazing. This is one of the best homeschool field trip ideas if you are studying astronomy!

It does get dark right before the show starts, so it might not be the best field trip idea if your child is afraid of the dark.    

Be sure to ask around your community though.  You might find smaller planetariums in specialty high schools.

8. Recycling Center

If you have a child who is fascinated with trash trucks, I highly recommend a visit to a recycling center.  You can even take a virtual field trip tour of a recycling center online.

9. Great Wolf Lodge

A water park might not be at the top of your homeschool field trip ideas list, but P.E. totally counts! This is a great place to burn off some extra energy during the months spent inside due to the weather.  

Some locations even host homeschool weeks.

10. Fire Station

You know how important I think it is to teach fire safety to kids .  Taking a field trip to visit a fire station is an important part of that lesson.  

Kids can tour the station, but most importantly, they can see a firefighter wearing all of the gear.  That can look kind of scary and kids have been known to hide from firefighters during rescue attempts.  

Seeing a fully dressed firefighter in a safe setting helps prepare them.  Here is a great field trip response worksheet to help kids process everything they learned.

This is one of those homeschool field trip ideas that I can really make a difference in terms of safety.

11. Police Station

Police stations are a natural fit for any child learning about community helpers or the criminal justice system.  I recommend setting up a field trip with your local police station AND the helicopter unit.  

My kids thought the police station was interesting, but they really gained useful information from the helicopter unit tour.  These are the officers who respond to situations such as lost children and catastrophic injuries, so they reinforce safety tips, like always wearing a bike helmet when riding on wheels.

12. Grocery Store

Grocery stores provide another piece of the ‘where does my food come from’ puzzle.  Kids also learn about point of sale, bakeries, and delis.  Some grocery stores even offer nutrition lessons.  

Print out this grocery scavenger hunt and kids can find items and compare prices.

13. Pet Store

Pet stores are one of the easiest homeschool field trip ideas if your child loves animals. Many pet stores sell a very limited variety of animals, but they do sell everything needed to care for a pet.  

Use this pet scavenger hunt at the pet store to lead a discussion about proper pet care.

14. Art Museum

Even young kids can enjoy art museums if they have the right preparation and their parents have the right expectations.  

Plan to keep the visit fairly short if your kids are young or high-energy.  We found it worked well to focus on one exhibit each visit until Hannah and Ben were older and had longer attention spans.  

Choose 1 or 2 pieces to analyze with this handy guide.

Check out our field trip to the Portland Art Museum .

15. History Museum

History museums make the list of homeschool field trip ideas because they can tie in with history curriculum lessons.  These museums come in a range of sizes and cover a plethora of topics.  

You might even find small local history museums located in little old towns.

16. Science Museum

Science museums usually contain a wide range of science topics so you are almost guaranteed to find something that correlates with a lesson.  These museums are usually full of hands-on exhibits and experiments to keep little learners interested and engaged.  

Be sure to check out the online exhibit guide before you go, so you can see everything you want to see. Here is a list of science centers in the US .  Sort it by state to search it a little easier. Hopefully, you can find an interesting exhibit near you to add to your homeschool field trip ideas list.

17. Children’s Museum

Children’s museums are a great place for the 3-8 crowd to burn off a little energy while learning a bit too. Typical exhibits include building with large blocks, water play, light tables, and make-believe. Interactive exhibits are always a hit with kids.

Many children’s museums offer discount nights every so often.

18. Fish Hatchery

Fish hatcheries are perfect if your kids have any interest in fish.  

We toured our local fish hatchery as the salmon were returning to spawn and were able to see gorgeous salmon in all stages of life.  

My kids care a little more about keeping our streams healthy because they have seen salmon fighting their way back to the hatchery.

19. Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patches feel like one of the iconic homeschool field trip ideas. I am partial to pumpkin patches that actually grow pumpkins instead of the fall entertainment centers that seem to be common.

Some pumpkin patches host a homeschool day each year with discounted entrance and educational classes.  

20. State Parks

State parks frequently host seminars led by park rangers.  Some of these seminars are open to the public and some are special requests.  Check out the state park website for your state and see what is available.

21. National Parks

National parks tend to either have gorgeous scenery or historical sites.  Kids can even take part in the junior ranger program.  Be sure to check out the visitor center.  

Many National Park Service visitor centers display exhibits that explain what the children will see in the park.   Find a national park near you here.

Check out our field trip to Fort Clatsop .

22. Post Office

Post offices are busy places with lots of moving parts.  Schedule a behind-the-scenes tour and see how mail gets from one part of the country to another.  

Print out this copy of Post Office I Spy and keep toddlers entertained while their older siblings learn all about the mail process.

23. Military Base Museum

Military bases can be tricky places to visit, so I hesitated to add them to this list of homeschool field trip ideas, but if you have access to a military base museum I recommend you arrange a visit. The exhibits will be specific to the base.  When we were in Barksdale, LA, we saw old bomber planes.  The base in Quantico, VA featured marine involvement in various wars.

24. State Capitol

Touring your state capitol building is a great way to garner interest in state politics.  

Every state capitol follows a different protocol for setting up field trips, so you will need to check with your state officials to find out how to set up a tour.

25. Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are beautiful enchanting places.  We like to just walk around and enjoy all of the gorgeous plant life.  If you have an artist on your hands, be sure to bring a sketchbook.

Check out these reasons why visiting a botanical garden is important .

26. Symphony

Attending a symphony or concert is a great way to foster a love for music . Many symphonies perform special concerts for children.  They are shorter in length and play more recognizable tunes.  

Some even host instrument petting zoos so the kids can get up close and personal with the instruments.

27. Restaurant

A restaurant might seem like a weird addition to a list of homeschool field trip ideas, but they can be great! Gather a few friends and call up a local restaurant to schedule a homeschool field trip.  

Restaurant field trips often include a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen. You might even be able to get a little snack.  Here is a list of restaurants that offer field trips.

28. Movie Theater

My family is a big fan of heading to the movie theater after we finish reading a book.  

Read the book, watch the movie, and compare which you liked better.  My kids start looking forward to this as soon as they start seeing the new movie trailers.

29. Performing Arts Center

Live performance homeschool field trip ideas include puppetry arts shows, plays, and dances, just to name a few.  Kids seem to love watching live performances.

Follow all of the coupon and local mom blog/Facebook pages for your area because they usually have the inside scoop on performance dates and reduced-price tickets.

30. Storytime

Story times are often hosted by libraries or bookstores and they are perfect for young children.  Many times the story times have themes.  It is great when you can coordinate the theme with a lesson or unit study, but listening to stories is always educational in its own right.

31. Civil War Battlefields

Civil War battlefields are scattered all throughout the Southeast portion of the United States. Visiting these fields can be a great addition to a United States history curriculum. Check out Battlefields.org to see if there are any sites near you. If not, try their virtual tours.

32. Governor’s Mansion

Many states allow visitors to the Governor’s Mansion, however, this is definitely a field trip that requires advance planning. The website for each state’s executive mansion typically explains the field trip procedure.

If you live near DC, or will be in town, consider planning a field trip to the White House !

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschool Field Trips

How do homeschool field trips work?

Every homeschool field trip is different, but generally, they work the same way any family trip works. Choose when you want to go and make reservations if necessary.

You can go on the field trip alone or with multiple families. Sometimes there are discounts available for large groups, so it might be worth a little extra planning work to coordinate.

What are good field trip ideas?

Good field trips are anything that keeps your kids interested and learning. I think the homeschool field trip ideas listed above are great educational experiences.

What is the best homeschool field trip?

The best homeschool field trip is one that:

• Is interesting to your family
• Is affordable for your family
• Is in your area

Every family will have a different opinion about the best field trip and that is okay. My personal favorites have been Colonial Williamsburg and the Seattle Chocolate Company.

Should field trips be educational or fun?

Ideally, a homeschool field trip will be educational and fun. They are a unique learning experience. If a child isn’t having fun, they are likely tuning out anything educational.

What if I don’t live near many field trip locations?

Virtual field trips are a great option if you don’t live near many traditional field trip opportunities. Taking a virtual tour can be even better sometimes because you don’t have to stand in any lines.

Need field trip inspiration? Check out these posts:

• 8 Homeschool Field Trip Planning Tips
• Favorite Seattle Field Trips
• 20+ Free Virtual Field Trips
• Field Trip Scavenger Hunt Bundle
• 15 Fun Virtual Zoo Field Trip Options
• Tips for Williamsburg Homeschool Days
• Homeschool Field Trips That Are Perfect for Winter

What are your favorite homeschool field trip ideas?

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Welcome! My name is Jennifer. I am a teacher at heart. Before my children were born I was a public school teacher. Now, I am a homeschooling mom of two.

We took a behind-the-scenes your of a local racing speedway and drag strip for a homeschool field trip. It was so much fun!

That sounds like a great field trip!

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Field Trip Ideas

Field Trips for Preschool and Kindergarten

Field trips are not only lots of fun but they can also be very valuable learning experiences for young children.

They can help build background knowledge and vocabulary that are important for success in school and life.

Free Field Trip Ideas for Preschool and Kindergarten

Some field trips will require an entrance fee, but others may be free. Check with your local places of business to find out if they would be willing to offer your class a free “tour”.

• Fire Station
• Grocery Store
• Home Improvement Store
• Nursing Home
• Animal Shelter
• Beach (if nearby)

Fun Field Trip Ideas for Preschool

The following are popular places for field trips that usually charge a fee for entrance.

• Apple Orchard
• Children’s Theater
• Pumpkin Patch
• Science Museum (designed for children)
• Ice Skating
• Roller Skating
• Kid-Friendly Bowling Alley

The ice skating, roller rink, and bowling alley trips could all be tied to academic science objectives.

Regional Field Trip Ideas

Different parts of the world may offer unique opportunities for field trips such as:

• Coastal: Beach
• Coastal: Lighthouse
• Southwest: Rodeo
• Wildlife Sanctuary
• Planetarium

Field Trips that May Come to You

Some field trips may even come to your location if travel isn’t possible or in your budget.

• Agricultural Outreach Center (cows or other livestock)
• Rodeo History and Education Center
• Petting Zoo
• Wildlife Outreach Center (exotic animals)
• Animal Shelter, ASPCA, or other animal group to teach about caring for pets

How to Plan a Field Trip

The following are some steps you can follow to help you plan for your field trip.

• Check your school field trip policy and read it thoroughly before scheduling any field trips.
• Determine the educational benefits of this particular field trip.
• Check your school policy on field trip chaperones. The general rule of thumb is, the younger the child, the more chaperones you will need.
• Calculate the distance from your school to the location you would like to visit.
• If a fee is involved, calculate how much the field trip will cost per child. Don’t forget to take into consideration any additional costs such as transportation or meals.
• Ask permission from school administrators to book the field trip
• Notify the parents of the date and cost of the field trip. Also let them know if you need chaperones and the procedure for signing-up.

Field Trip Questions

There are lots of questions to take into consideration when planning a field trip for young children. Here are some of the most common questions to consider.

• What type of travel is allowed? Will you need to hire a school bus or can parents drive?
• Can parents take their children home after the field trip, before returning to the school? (this will happen!)
• What paperwork is needed for parents to volunteer as chaperones?
• How many adults will you need to help chaperone the field trip?
• Will this trip help your students meet academic goals? List the specific academic standards that this trip will help your students meet. Remember, most field trips will help develop vocabulary, which in turn supports reading.
• How long will you be away from school? Calculate the travel time to and from your destination into your final number.
• Will students be eating lunch on the field trip? If so, will they be bringing their own lunches, will the school be providing them, or will they be purchased on-site?
• Do any students in your classroom take medication that will need to be administered on the field trip? If so, provisions will need to be made.
• Can parent chaperones bring their younger or older children along on the field trip? If so, how will those children be transported to and from the location? How will payment be handled- if any?

Field Trip Preparation

While field trips are fun for the students, they often require extraordinary amounts of extra preparation and effort on the teacher’s part. If something goes wrong you need to have a plan in place to occupy your students.

Every single minute of your trip has to be planned out in advance or chaos will reign. Expect the unexpected and prepare for delays such as waiting for a bus, waiting in lines, waiting for others to finish lunch.

As you can see, preparing for the trip in advance is only half the battle!

Preparing for Field Trips

Having something on hand to occupy your students on a field trip is a lifesaver.

Field trip recording sheets or scavenger hunts are a great way to keep your students alert and on-task as they look for the items listed.

You can give these forms to your students to complete during the trip or pass them out when needed.

Field Trip Scavenger Hunt Printables

These activities will provide students with practice paying attention to details, recalling events, and vocabulary development.

Picture cues are provided for non-readers so no reading is necessary to complete the activities.

Volume 1 of the 8 page Field Trip Recording Sheet packet includes scavenger hunts and recording sheets for the following field trips:

More Teaching Tips from Pre-K Pages

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36 Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers

Field trips are a great way to break up the days in your homeschool and make learning come alive. Anything can be educational and you might find  local gems you didn’t even know existed. These 36 field trip ideas for homeschoolers (one per week) will cover all the bases and can be used for multiple ages.

What Makes a Good Field Trip? 

Good field trips will be engaging and allow the kids to get up close and personal with some aspect of your local area. As a homeschool mom you already have plenty of responsibilities on your plate so the best field trip ideas are also simple – don’t overcomplicate it. Like most anything you plan there will be unexpected detours and complications. Try your best to go with the flow – sometimes the best field trips are the ones that don’t go according to As you are brainstorming field trip ideas for homeschoolers, ask the kids to help. You might be surprised what interests them.

How Do You Organize a Field Trip?  

When I first started homeschooling I tried a co-op, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I wanted some socializing for both me and kids. Our homeschool activities needed be educational, but I also wanted it to be fun! I made friends with 2 other homeschooling moms and between the three of us we had 17 kids. We took turns planning a field trip. Every Friday we would just meet at the specified location. If one mom was having a tough week and couldn’t plan we would trade duties. Sometimes it was more of a park day than a field trip and that was great, too! 

Planning the field trip will help keep everyone engaged. Plan the logistics such as time of day and transportation. Don’t forget the snacks! (My kids always joke, “we just came along for the snacks!”) Not everyone will love field trips (snacks or not) and planning it out beforehand will help everyone, including the host, know exactly what to expect. Parents can work together with other families as well. Communication is key. It might work best for one parent to stick with the older kids and another parent to stay with the younger ones, for example. 

Good communication with your host will also improve your experience. Be open about the size of  the group, your desire for engagement, age range of kids, and any accommodations your group might need. Always confirm the field trip the day before just in case something last minute has come up for you or your host.

One last note about how to planning field trip ideas for homeschoolers – be sure to take turns being the organizer. For example, if you have three families in your group (like I did) you can take turns organizing or turns bringing snacks. However you arrange it, make sure all the work is being delegated to spread out the load of responsibility.

@givemomaminute Favorite homeschool Field trip. Enstroms Candies. #secularhomeschool #small #toffee ♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K

What are the Benefits of a Homeschool Field Trip?

Field trips can be a great way to build relationships with other homeschoolers in your area. Keep it as structured or as open as you want. Depending on how you organize the field trip, you will most likely find great friends who have similar habits as you.

You will also get acquainted with others in your community, including small businesses, local leaders and your neighbors.  Most people are thrilled to share their expertise and experience with the next generation. 

You and your kids will be more aware about local challenges, resources and history. You never know what passions or service opportunities you might discover!

36 Ideas for Your Homeschool Field Trips

The majority of these are free homeschool field trip ideas and a few can even be turned into a virtual field trip!

• Bank – Ask your host to let you see the inner workings of the bank. All those pneumatic tubes are fun! The bank might also let you practice counting money or see the top-secret safes. For older kids this would be a great opportunity to learn about investing and personal finance as well.
• Potter – Local potters will be happy to show you the basics of ceramics work and take you through the process from start to finish. It might also be a great opportunity to learn about local clay deposits and how they affect the final coloring. 
• Fire Station – This is a great opportunity to learn about fire safety as well as what it takes to have a career in firefighting. Ask if you will be able to sit inside the trucks or try on the equipment. 
• Fish Hatchery – Fish hatcheries are so fun because you get to see the fish in all stages of life and usually there is an opportunity to feed them as well. I’ve never paid to get in to a fish hatchery but check locally. 
• Dairy Farm – This can be a corporate/commercial dairy farm or a smaller operation. If you have the choice, I strongly recommend going for the small mom and pop version.
• Outdoor Museums – Take a tour through a local outdoor museum. These are usually themed around the local history and run by volunteers who can fill your heads with local lore. 
• Stadium Tour – Take a tour of your local football stadium. There’s all kinds of behind-the-scenes opportunities with this one. 

8. Audubon Center – If you are lucky enough to live near an Audubon Center you can learn about birds, migratory patterns and conservation efforts. These centers often host bird banding days during migratory periods.

• Theater Presentation – Is a local high school or college doing a theater presentation. Many times they will let local groups come in to watch the dress rehearsal or have a reduced rate for a shortened matinee performance.
• Animal Shelter – This could be done as a tour or as a volunteer opportunity. Your local animal shelter staff can give a presentation about pet care or what to do if you find a lost animal. And who doesn’t enjoy seeing all those cats and dogs?

• Local Co-Op or Orchards – As farmer’s markets and local co-ops become more popular this might be a great one to check out. Time your field trip to coincide with a favorite seasonal product such as tomatoes, peaches or cherries. Some co-ops will allow you to help with the planting, weeding or even harvesting.
• International Festivals –  If you live near a university or in a location with strong cultural representations see if there is an international festival near year. It’s a great way to see dances, music, clothing and sometimes food from places all over the globe.
• National Park – National Parks usually have great visitor centers and interpretive sites. Don’t forget 4th graders get in free! The Rangers will also often lead hikes or teach classes about local flora and fauna according to the season.

• Historical Museum – A specific historical museum can be a great way to learn about a specific topic. Some examples might include a dinosaur museum, Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Trains, etc.
• Courthouse – Where do you sit in a courtroom? What do the judge’s quarters look like? What happens in all the departments? Civic engagement lessons are in abundance at the courthouse.
• Planetarium – Seeing the night sky up close and personal is magical. Universities often have planetariums but if there isn’t one nearby you might want to contact a local astronomy club.
• Factory – Do you have any local factories? A good tour will include explanations of the machines, safety protocols and distributions. If there is no large factory nearby you can  contact a local small business that makes its own products and take a lesson in entrepreneurship. 
• Houses of Worship – Learning about world religions is a great way of promoting understanding and empathy with others around us. If a religious leader is not comfortable having your group in the worship place see if there is a free library room or outdoor space for community use.
• Art Gallery – Focus your tour on one style, artist, or time period. Several art galleries, including the Met , also have virtual galleries and lesson plans.
• Hike – Wherever you live there is most likely a hiking or walking trail nearby (don’t forget those snacks!). You can focus your hike on foraging, tracking animals, bird watching, landscapes and ecosystems. 
• Water Treatment Plant – You might need to bring a clothespin for your nose but learning how the water treatment process works is a great way to learn about conservation and water processing.
• Local Indigenous Cultural Center – Whose land are you on ? Not every area will have a Cultural Center but make the effort to learn about local indigenous cultures. Learn from a historical perspective but also how they are thriving today. The Ute Museum in Colorado is a great example of indigenous history being retold by members of the Ute tribe. 
• Alpaca Farm – Unlike a dairy farm most alpaca farms are specialty operations. They will be smaller and your chance for  a hands-on experience. You can enjoy the animals themselves and also learn about the shearing and weaving  processes.
• Architecture Tour – Ask a local architect to take you on a tour of your downtown or lead your group through a modeling activity indoors if the weather isn’t cooperative.. A scavenger hunt could also be an engaging way of learning about local history and architecture. This can be easily adapted for all ages.
• Taxidermist – Obviously this isn’t going to be for everyone 🙂 and if you have sensitive kiddos be cautious. However, taxidermy is an interesting occupation and there’s a big educational opportunity here.
• Arboretum – Plan this around Earth Day or spring planting season. You might even end up with a free or affordable sapling to take home!
• Library – I’m sure you and your kids have been to a library before so at first glance this might not be the ultimate thrill. However your local librarian might be willing to show you how books are sorted, what other services are available at the library or even let the kids “volunteer” and shelve a few books.
• Park – This is more about having the space and location than the park itself. Give your excursion a theme – what will you do at the park? Learn about the fish in the pond? A kickball tournament?  Play with stomp rockets? Fly kites? Plan your activity to be something that you don’t have the space or people to do at home. 

• Geocaching – You look for a mystery box by following coordinates. There is a free and paid version of the Geocache app and it teaches kids about navigation, compass skills and more! (If you decide you love geocaching, the paid version is worth it.) This doesn’t require a host so it could be done last minute as well.
• Local Clubs – Do you have local clubs that meet regularly? Would they consider hosting you for a field trip? Examples might be a quilting club, a chess club, a model train club, an aviation club, etc. These groups are usually organized by older folks in your community who are eager to pass on their knowledge. 
• Glass blowing – If you are lucky enough to have a glass blower in your community definitely inquire about a tour. When we lived in a tiny town in South Dakota there was a local glass artist who let people watch her work every day. It was a great experience! If you don’t know a local artist, try inquiring at the local college. If there is a glass blowing class they are usually open to hosting a field trip.
• Landfill or Recycling Center – What happens to everyone’s trash anyway? You will want to communicate with the landfill due to safety issue rather than just trying to take a group out on your own. If the landfill is not an option try to take a tour of a recycling center.
• Homeless Shelter – Consider a service opportunity as a field trip. Your group could volunteer to work in the food pantry or serve food. 
• Radio or TV Station – All those buttons to push! I have found local media personnel to be so welcoming and willing to teach kids about their jobs. They might even let you say “HI”  live on the air!
•   Capitol Building – Even if your state’s capitol isn’t nearby it is worth the trip. There is just something awe inspiring about walking the halls where your state’s leaders have walked before. There’s usually a fun tale or two about some mischievous lawmaker. If you visit the Unicameral in Nebraska while the legislature is in session they will actually recognize your group. It’s a pretty cool experience.
• Airport – Contact your local airport to see what exactly a field trip tour might look like. Due to safety regulations some areas will certainly be restricted. If you can get a tour explaining the process of where the bags go, how they are sorted, how they make it to the next plane or how an air traffic tower works – that would be amazing! If you can’t get too much of behind-the-scenes then it is still fun to see airplanes arrive and depart. You can also use it as a lesson in learning to read time tables and how to navigate an airport so it isn’t overwhelming when they take their first trip. 

Phew! Writing this list makes me want to go on an adventure! Hopefully these tips and list have given you a better idea how to organize your homeschool field trip and now you have a few ideas of where to go, too! Have fun experiencing something new in your community and don’t forget to come back and tell me where you went. 🙂

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25 Fantastic Field Trip Ideas

Fuel Your Imagination and Planning

Nothing captivates students and youth groups more than the thrill of FIELD TRIPS! These special excursions give kids a chance to encounter new experiences, expand their horizons, cultivate fresh interests, and revel in fun with friends. Below, we’re sharing 25 of our favorite field trip ideas to fuel your imagination and planning.

Terrific Tips for Field Trip Planning 

Wherever you decide to venture, remember these tips to ensure a safe and splendid experience for everyone: 

Align field trips with educational objectives or significant milestones in the school year.

Choose age-appropriate venues and activities, and come prepared with a game plan and instructional materials.

Provide enough chaperones to ensure the safety of all students/group members. ( Pro Tip:   Use SignUp to recruit parent volunteers! )

Follow school/group guidelines for arranging transportation, collecting permission slips, organizing buses, carpooling, etc. 

Communicate expectations for bringing or buying snacks, lunch, and beverages.

For elective and costly field trips, provide  fundraising opportunities  to enable more students to participate.

Educate both children and chaperones on safety measures and emergency procedures.

Fantastic Field Trip Ideas 

Art Museum:  Ignite creative expression and cultivate an appreciation for cultures, history, and identity by visiting a local museum. Many offer curriculum tailored to specific age groups, along with knowledgeable guides and engaging activities for your class or group.

Aquarium:  Dive into the world of ocean life and ecosystem conservation by exploring an oceanarium or aquarium.

Bank : Extend financial literacy lessons with a visit to a main bank branch, offering insights into opening savings accounts, understanding money flow, and even a glimpse into the vault.

Bakery or Candy/Ice Cream Factory : Arrange a tour of a local bakery or industrial food production site to discover the intricacies of food production, complete with delicious samples!

Botanical Garden : Embark on a journey through diverse plant species, learn about local ecosystems, and marvel at the beauty and wonders of nature.

Civil Rights Landmarks : Explore historical sites related to civil rights to enhance students' understanding of the enduring struggle for racial and social equality .

College Campus : Introduce students to the college experience, sparking excitement about higher education and future possibilities.

Cultural Neighborhood Tour : Roam through culturally vibrant neighborhoods to gain insight into various traditions, cuisines, and customs.

Environmental Cleanup Expedition:  Participate in a cleanup event at a local park, lake, or trail promoting environmental awareness and community engagement.

Farm or Dairy:  Gain hands-on knowledge of sustainable agriculture, interact with farm animals, and learn about the farm-to-table process.

Government : Foster civic participation with a tour of local, state or national houses of government, complete with an introduction to elected representatives.

Graveyard : Pay a visit to the resting places of local heroes and significant historical figures to pay respects, and to discover their life stories and the influence they've had on your community.

Historical Reenactment:  Immerse in living history at reenactment events while giving students an experiential understanding of the past.

Local Business/Factory : Take a revealing tour of a prominent local business or factory to learn about their products, manufacturing processes, and community impact.

Nature Photography : Organize a nature photography expedition where students can capture the beauty of the outdoors and showcase their creativity.

Performing Arts Showcase : Attend a theater performance, dance show, or concert to foster an appreciation for the performing arts and encourage creative expression.

Preserve or Park : Explore local green spaces to study wildlife, conduct nature walks, and emphasize the importance of nature conservation.

Pumpkin Patch:  Embrace fall with a visit to the nearby pumpkin patch where students can enjoy hay rides, corn mazes, face painting, and the delight of picking their own pumpkins. 

Science or Innovation Center:  Explore a science or technical innovation center where students can participate in interactive exhibits, conduct science experiments, and learn about exciting future technologies.

Skating : Mark a school year milestone with a party at your local (ice or roller) skating rink, complete with beginner lessons, pizza, and treats.

Stadium or Sports Arena:  Visit the home of your local sports team and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the venue, complete with team autographs. 

Theme Park:  Celebrate hard work with a recreational outing to a local amusement park, water park, or other entertainment center. 

Virtual Reality Tours : Transport students to renowned museums and iconic sites around the world through virtual reality, offering a unique way to explore art and history.

Volunteer Experience : Dedicate a day to community service at a local nonprofit, teaching students the importance of supporting their community and offering insight into nonprofit operations.

Wilderness Surviva l: Collaborate with a local guide or company to arrange a wilderness survival camp that teaches students essential skills like shelter construction, fire-making, foraging for food, water purification, and more.

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Field Trip Ideas

Field trips are something I’m passionate about, and that’s why I’m sharing all of my best field trip ideas today.

When I first began homeschooling 17 years ago, there were fewer resources for homeschoolers, so I just created what I had grown up — school at our kitchen table. But I wanted our homeschool to be better than what I had grown up with, only I couldn’t really define better. I thought and researched, and the only I idea I could come up with for “better” was more rigorous.

So I bought mountains of textbooks and curriculum, overjoyed at the thought that we’d all be speaking Latin and solving multivariable equations by Christmas!

I laugh about it now!

The one thing I did do right that year was join a field-trip group full of more experienced homeschoolers. 17 years ago is a little blurry for me, but I do remember attending their first meeting, where they were organizing field trips for the year, and thinking to myself, “We can’t take off school every Friday!”

I was probably wondering how it would affect our Latin syllabus.

During that first meeting the group leaders assigned out dates for field trips (each mom had to plan and execute two field trips during the year) and I received an assignment. And then I talked with a few other moms about their ideas, which sounded fantastic. How I could not join?  

Why Field Trips Matter to Your Homeschool

That decision ended up drastically influencing my homeschool for the better — and not just because we attended field trips every Friday. That field trip group helped me to see, through experience, that my kids learned more from a fascinating, two-hour, Friday morning tour of a water treatment plant than from an entire Geological study of the water cycle.

It was our first foray into delight directed learning!

Children are born with boundless curiosity. They want to learn about and make sense of the world around them. You can only stop them by, well, forcing them to sit in a desk in a classroom.

When you take a child someplace interesting (I call interesting place question-pullers) you are opening a whole new world of rabbit trails for that child. To you, it might look like your child is hopping back and forth, criss-crossing a landscape in no particular order.

But your child is learning all about everything to do with that new place, digging deeper into the things that particularly interest him, just scratching the surface in others, and just generally creating an immense file in which to organize all of the things he is learning about this wide, wondrous world — all the things that help him to make sense of it.

My kiddos weren’t all that excited about their textbooks, but they would ask five million questions before, during and after each Friday field trip. Those questions always led to voluntary research and learning, followed by more questions, and more research and learning.

We once visited a beaver farm. While visiting, we learned that Beavers particularly enjoy wood from fruit trees. My kiddos wanted to run right home and chop limbs off our fruit trees to bring back for the cute beavers, so we were able to discuss proper pruning techniques and learn about how fruit trees grow and why we prune them, which led to a discussion about blossom pollination and bees and other pollinators.

When we closed the books after school M-Th, they stayed closed until the next lesson. But Friday field trips would lead to continuous, voluntary and joyous, nonstop learning. It was truly the kind of learning that can be described as passionate.

One of the best parts of homeschooling is seeing that “ah-ha moment” when our children truly understand the importance of what we are teaching them. It’s like the circuit is finally connected and the light goes on. That was happening as a result of our field trips, and not as a result of our day-to-day learning.

Luckily, I was able to see the difference in the two types of learning, and make necessary changes to our M-F homeschool. That’s not to say we gave up our Latin. I might still be a little obsessed with Latin declensions.

Nothing will make learning come alive for your kiddos like field trips. It’s one thing to learn about the history of the U.S. by reading about it, it’s another thing entirely to take a US History Road Trip and visit those historical sites in person.

While field trip opportunities will vary from place to place, every family has access to unique field trip opportunities. So use the list below to brainstorm as you are deciding what field trips to add your homeschool schedule.

How do you get started?

First, you need someplace interesting to visit.

25 Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers:

Here are some field trip ideas that will help inspire a love of learning in your homeschool.  

1. Visit Historical Sites

As you learn history together, you’ll find historical sites (either local or not) to visit that pertain to the current curriculum you’re studying at home. We’ve visited battlefields and monuments all over the United States, but some of the very most interesting historical sites we’ve visited ( Mesa Verde , Chaco Canyon , Hovenweep and Dun Angus ) are from ancient history rather than modern history — so don’t forget all the historical periods.  

2. Attend A Reenactment

Bring history to life by attending a war reenactment or renaissance fair. My state, Utah, has a Golden Spike (the transcontinental railroad meeting) reenactment, a mountain man rendezvous and so much more. One year, we visited Boston April 19, which is the anniversary of the ‘shot heard round the world’, and watched their incredible Patriot’s Day reenactment . Google the events you are interested in (historical events you’ve studied) coupled with the word reenactment to see if something is available.  

3. Visit a Birthplace or a Cemetery

Visit the birthplace of a famous person from your state. Google settlers, presidents, politicians, military heroes, inventors, artists, musicians or any person who correlated with your own interests.  

4. Tour Your State Capitol

Most State Capitol buildings offer free tours. The public can even observe legislation sessions, if you schedule your field trip accordingly. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how government works and some historical facts about your state.  

5. Take a Civic Field Trip

Tours of your local police or fire department, post office, airport, or campaign headquarters can usually be arranged for groups of a certain size. It’s fun to team up with other local homeschoolers to have access to these tours. We like to bake homemade cookies in advance to thank our civil servants.  

6. Visit a Museum

Science museums are fun because they typically provide so many hands-on exhibits for kids, which will really get your kiddos thinking and asking questions. Natural history museums, art museums, and historical museums all over the place. Our local children’s museum has a reciprocal agreement with other children’s museums, so we can get free admission other places with our annual pass to our own museum. Just Google Museum+your city for a list of all the available museums. I’m always surprised at the number of museums in my are I haven’t even heard of!  

7. Watch a Star Show in a Planetarium

We have a big planetarium with displays and all sorts of star shows (and IMAX shows) but our local university also has a small planetarium with a very nice telescope and star shows. The university planetarium is staffed by enthusiastic astronomy students who want to share everything they have learned and who are willing to spend hours (okay, that’s an exaggeration) helping my kids find things with the telescope.  

8. Explore Your Community

Call around to local restaurants, eye doctors, dentists, and veterinarians and ask if they give tours. Once we took a tour of a local pizza place, and they let each of the kids make and bake a pizza to take home. Be sure to consider unusual community offerings, too, such as mining operations, movie studios, newspapers and such. Many business owners love to talk with children about what they do and your students just might discover a future career.  

9. Visit a Farm

We live on a farm, and my kids have their daily farm chores, so they are not particularly enthralled with farm animals. But before we bought our farm, one of their favorite places to visit was a local farm with a small petting zoo. It’s funny how kids want to milk cows until they have to.  

10. Visit the Zoo or the Aquarium or a Pet Store

Kids and animals just go together, don’t they? Our local zoo has several free days during the winter, and the aquarium has one homeschool day each year when homeschoolers can get in free with an affidavit. If you don’t have a local zoo or aquarium, even the pet store can make a really fun and educational field trip.  

11. Learn About Bees

Speaking of animals, wouldn’t it be interesting to visit a beekeeper and learn all about bees?  

12. Learn About Your City’s Public Works (Water, electricity, sewage…)

I don’t know if all water treatment facilities are as interesting as ours, but we really enjoyed touring our local water reclamation facility. Some more favorites have been touring the hydroelectric dam below Lake Powell and the Bonneville Lock, dam and fish hatchery on the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon.  

13. Factories are Fascinating

Factories will often offer educational tours. We’ve toured several, from Sweet’s candy factory and Don Julio’s tortilla factory (both give out free samples!) to an Intel factory that produces computer chips, to the Waterford Crystal factory in Waterford, Ireland.  

14. Try to Visit All the Parks in Your County

I don’t know about you, but we have some awesome parks nearby. One is a giant reservoir where we can swim, canoe and paddleboard during the summer and ice skate and sled during the winter. A couple of our parks have phenomenal rope climbing equipment. We have skate parks and bike parks, and a few of our parks have amazing splash pads. Parks can be just as interesting during winter as summer.  

15. Hike in a National Park

As a resident of Utah, National Parks are one of our favorite places to learn. It’s amazing how much you can learn from hanging out in a national park!  

16. Tour a Bank

We toured the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. once, and watched their process for creating and destroying money. That was interesting. But it could be really interesting to tour a local bank, too. They probably won’t show you their vault or anything that requires security clearance, but they can show you how the tellers work, how the automated tellers work, and talk about the jobs all of the employees do. It would be fun to let your kiddos open a savings account at the same time.  

17. Shop for Groceries

Touring the grocery store is one of our favorite homeschool field trips EVER. They took us back into the bakery to watch their big mixers at work and taste bread samples, then through the refrigerator where the kids learned about produce and picked out an apple, then through the freezers where all the kids got to sample some ice cream. If your kiddos help you menu plan (learn about good nutrition), budget (learn about personal finance), and actually purchase your groceries (they learn about money and arithmetic) this can be an incredibly educational field trip!  

18. Learn How Your Favorite Foods are Made

Speaking of groceries, wouldn’t you like to learn how your favorite foods are made? Is there a creamery near you? How about a bakery? Or maybe you’d like to visit a cheese factory and see how cheese is made. We visited a fascinating maple syrup farm in Vermont a couple of years ago.  

19. Visit a Hospital

This is especially meaningful if you have a friend or loved one in the hospital. But make sure you call ahead and see whether a nurse will have time to show you around. The hospital has really cool machines they can tell you all about!  

20. Base Your Field Trip on Your Children’s Interests

Do you have an animal-lover in your house? Call your local animal shelter for a tour. Do you have a young artist? Visit an art gallery or two. Young thespians will be inspired by the theater and young cowboys by the rodeo. Don’t forget to check sports venues — I know most of the big ones offer paid tours. Or find an active archaeological site and volunteer to help dig! Using your child’s interests to generate field trip ideas guarantees a successful field trip.  

21. Don’t Forget the Library!

After all, isn’t the library a homeschoolers best friend? I’m sure your local librarian would be happy to give your family a tour of the library and show your kiddos how it runs.  

22. Check out Science and STEM festivals

Here in Utah, all of the STEM-related industries get together and put on a STEM fest every October. Each company hosts a booth where they explain and demonstrated something related to their business. There are always hundreds of booths, each with hands-on experiments, demonstrations, cool gadgets and lots and lots of information for your kiddos to wonder about. Both of the major universities in my area also host science weeks. One holds a chemistry week and invites the public to view classes and displays put on by the students, another holds a biology week and even opens the cadaver lab to families who sign up in advance. Google will help you look for things like this in your area.  

23. Look for School Days at Cultural Events

You can often find discounts to the symphony or to see musicals or plays. We’ve been to the symphony for free, and we were also able to go backstage and see several instruments and talk with the musicians. We also had the same experience at the ballet. Just google a local event with school days (e.g. ballet+west+school+days) because most of those events have time set aside for schools. Homeschools are schools and are able to reserve free tickets as as such.  

24. Look for Discounts to Try New Things

If you search Groupon locally, you’ll find all kinds of things you never even knew were things. Maybe not all of them are worth your time, but some of them could make really fun, educational field trips!  

25. Worldschooling Field Trip Ideas

Okay, this field trip idea is not even close to cheap, let alone free. But it will be well worth the investment! Plan a vacation around something your family is studying. After studying Geology and volcanoes, we visited Mount St. Helens, Crater Lake , and bowling ball beach . After studying Marine Biology, we visited various tide pools in California. After studying Chinese history and culture, we visited China . Because these field trips are more costly, you probably can’t take them as frequently, but they sure are fun to intersperse with local, free field trips!

Pin these fun field trip ideas for later!

Please share your field trip ideas in the comments below!

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21 Fun Free Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Field trips are one of the best parts about the flexible homeschool schedule! They are a great way to experience real world situations and allow kids to explore extracurricular interests.

Field trips do not have to cost a lot of money! By getting creative, you can turn pretty much any location into a fun and unique learning experience. Most of these trips are possible in hometown communities, even in more rural locations.

Some of these trip ideas are better suited for a larger organized homeschooling group, such as your local co-op. This would be considerate for the larger businesses where a visit would need to be scheduled in advance and someone on staff would be taking the time to speak with the group.

After these visits, there are a few ways you could support the businesses for taking the time to meet with your homeschool group. You could consider:

• Handwritten thank you notes that the businesses could display.
• A photo and write up for a local media outlet.
• A photo and shout out on social media.
• Leaving a positive review for the place of business.
• Supporting their business with a donation or purchase.

These are some ideas that create a win-win opportunity for everyone involved! You can also consider adding some virtual field trips to your school year for more engaging learning experiences!

What kind of free field trips could your children or homeschool group participate in?

1- Festivals and Community Events

Community festivals take place throughout the year with all different themes. There are food festivals, music festivals, arts & crafts festivals and they offer great opportunities for homeschool learning experiences.

Just Google the name of your state + festival and you should find something close to you. These are great ways to participate in community events and turn them into educational homeschool field trips.

There are all kinds of interesting free museums. Some museums are free while others may charge a parking or entrance fee. For some communities and people, these museums are a passion project that they want to share with others for free.

They may be the result of sharing a lifelong hobby with the world, such as coins, stamps, toys, or even salt & pepper shakers!

Museums are homes for collections or artifacts that tell stories of a different time or place… they are a great way to learn more about people, places and the world!

3- Bakeries or Candy Stores

Bakeries or candy stores often do a lot of the work in action (and offer samples)!

Not long ago, we were traveling and came across a candy store that had candies traveling across the ceiling on a machine that was very similar to some of the Rube Goldberg videos our son enjoys watching. This store was not the destination of the trip, but it might as well have been! You never know what kind of bonus sweet treats you will find in candy stores and bakeries!

Their processes from mixing to baking to the finished product allow an opportunity to incorporate a lot of homeschool STEAM lessons. I wouldn’t say this is a completely free field trip as it would be pretty hard to leave without a “souvenir” 🙂

4- Historic Sites

Many historic site treasures are located in every hometown. There are homes, cemeteries, and landmarks all over the states that offer a chance to go back and take a walk through time and history.

You could contact your hometown association or chamber of commerce to find out more about what may be of interest in your area.

Another great resource for finding historic sites is local college history professors. Sometimes they take groups on field trips to places that may not be otherwise recognized widely in the community.

You can create field trip lessons in any kind of state or local parks and playgrounds. It could offer a fun location to complete an outdoor scavenger hunt.

Parks and playgrounds with kids running around are a great use of time for kids to engage in creative play, to get exercise and to work on forming new friendships and problem-solving. If all of this is taking place, parents can use the time for those rare moments when you get to relax and just enjoy the carefree fun that kids can have!

6- Fire/Police Stations

A fire or police station may be more appealing to younger students and require advanced scheduling (consider doing this with a co-op group) but these first responders often have great information to share with young kids.

Some fire stations even have a “smoke house” portable unit where they educate kids about fire safety and then let them experience a smoke filled room and a safe way to exit. Talk about life-saving information!

Police officers are great to talk to kids about things like the importance of wearing helmets and bicycle safety.

Most first responders are more than willing to let kids enjoy checking out their vehicles and will usually turn on the lights and sirens.

7- Radio Station

Maybe your homeschoolers are interested in podcasting, broadcasting or other forms of media. A radio station would offer a peek into some of the tools and communication systems used for news and entertainment.

Although technology is rapidly changing the way that news and entertainment is being delivered, radio stations still play a vital role in local communities and can be especially critical in remote areas where less streaming or network options are available. This would be a great learning opportunity!

8- Farmer’s Markets

If you have a farmer’s market in your area, you have a real treasure for a homeschool field trip. There are lessons that touch on multiple subjects from food and farm lessons for younger students to health, nutrition and advanced agricultural topics for older students.

A student could participate in all aspects of a visit to a farmer’s market from making a list of some vegetables to buy to using those later in a salad or dish. It would be a real-time farm to table experience!

9- Hiking Trails

If you have a student who loves the outdoors, take the class outdoors on a hiking trail. There are some beautiful waterfalls and all kinds of hands-on learning possibilities with nature trails. It’s a great setting for checklist scavenger hunts and just observation of habitats and wildlife.

There are great walking trails as well as biking trails to explore if your family likes to explore nature and exercise together!

10- Arts & Crafts Stores

Stores that sell arts & crafts typically have workshops or have someone that you can observe doing pottery, sculpting, painting, candle-making or all different kinds of crafts.

In addition to observing them, they may have times when students could get hands-on experiences with the different types of arts and crafts. There is some amazing talent to find in places where people are pursuing a hobby and/or a business. Wood carving is one that comes to mind where a before and after project is amazing to see!

11- Farms or Orchards

There are so many lessons that come to life on a visit to a farm or orchard. Plants & gardening, life cycles, goods and services, food to table… a farm or orchard offers hands-on learning experiences.

These are typically free to visit but you could support a great local business and it would be money well spent on delicious fruits and vegetables that your family will enjoy.

Part of the fun and experience is picking the fruit or vegetables as a family and then enjoying them later in a salad or for dinner.

12- Home Depot Workshops

Home Depot offers Saturday workshops for students ages 5 to 12. They supply the students with a tool and information to complete a project.

You could incorporate this learning into other lessons the following week… writing a “how to” tutorial, comparing different projects, researching ways to improve the project for example. This is a good opportunity for teaching your homeschoolers the value in DIY skills!

13- Scenic Byway Drives

Road trips can make great field trips!

There is a scenic byway drive not far from us where the traffic always slows down for the elk that cross the road and run along side the cars. Pretty amazing to see and that’s just one part of it… there are breathtaking views and stops along the way that make the drive well worth the time and gas.

Homeschool students who are interested in photography would have a great time getting to stop along these scenic routes and practice their skills at documenting the drive!

14- Ponds or lakes

Ponds and lakes are full of life, habitats and ecosystems to explore. You could scoop up some water to take back and make observations and also, where permissible, take fishing equipment and have multiple lessons from a fishing field trip.

Older students could take the learning to a higher level with observations about the condition of sunlight and aquatic plants or if the conditions and depth of the water is ideal for fish, frogs or other amphibians.

15- Post Office

At some point, you will cover the basics of writing a letter. How much more meaningful is that experience if your homeschoolers take the letter to the post office and go through the whole process of mailing it?

A post office may or may not be able to accommodate a student by showing them a behind the scenes look at the mailing system, but there is a lot of work that goes into the process. It really makes you appreciate the snail mail process!

16- Animal Shelter

Visiting an animal shelter is a bonus homeschool field trip for both the students and the animals. Students get to learn more about proper care of animals and the animals get to spend time with people showing them attention. Win-win!

17- Courthouse

A courthouse visit is a great learning experience for older students, especially those who may be interested in government.

Courthouses are another option that would work best for a scheduled co-op group but they are usually very accommodating to allow for tours and a peek behind the scenes at the work that takes place in municipal buildings. They may even let students observe court in session!

18- Newspaper Office

The printing press days, although more modern in operation now, are not gone yet! Seeing newspapers in production really is a sight to behold. This offers a great way to encourage and discuss the writing process.

So much takes place between the idea and the printed copy, and visiting a newspaper business is one way to see how writing takes shape and goes from an idea to published copy.

19- Parades

Although most parades are on the weekend and not necessarily what you would think of for a field trip, they are free and lots of fun. If the parade is centered around a theme or holiday, it may be a good research project prior to the event.

You can take back a lot of lessons from the experience to incorporate it (and candy) in homeschool lessons in the following days.

20- Community Theaters

While (most) plays require the cost of a ticket, a trip to the actual theater would be a free educational opportunity great for a local homeschool co-op.

There is a lot to see inside a theater and the people that put on these plays have a lot of time and effort invested so they would be glad to show you some of the things that take place behind the scenes.

21- Local community colleges/trade schools

For the middle and high school students, a local community college or trade school is a perfect way to spend time on a field trip.

These schools are also in the recruiting business and they have days set aside for showing groups of pre-college age students a snapshot of all of the different courses that are offered.

You can see from most of these ideas that a field trip can take place in just about any location! These types of experiences are one of the benefits of the flexible scheduling that homeschool provides.

Real, hands-on experiences are a great investment of time and learning that do not have to cost a lot of money!

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200+ Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

One of the joys of homeschool is the ability to do so much experience-based learning. Today I’m sharing 200+ field trip ideas to get your kids out of the house and learning new and exciting things.

Sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to start. But, my recommendation is just to start with something your family enjoys.

Next, look at what you are currently studying and see if you can find a field trip off of this list that goes along with what your kids are already learning. 

What is a field trip for education? 

Field trips are simply trips intended for kids to have an experience outside of the normal homeschool or classroom setting. A lot to times, these trips are aligned with unit studies or related to the curriculum. 

Field trips also serve the purpose for fostering of life skills, art appreciation, outdoor education, holiday celebrations, community service, career building, or just plain fun.

What should a student bring to a field trip?

You can make this as simple or as detailed as you prefer. Some ideas for packing for a homeschool field trip might include:

• Notebooks/pencils
• Water bottle
• Walking stick (if applicable)
• Change of clothes
• List of questions
• First aid kit
• Spending money

How should students prepare for a field trip?

To make the most out of your homeschool field trip and work to build a little excitement or anticipation, here are a few suggestions of ways you can prepare. 

• Research the place you are going
• Do additional reading on your location
• Come up with questions you might have
• Discuss the benefits of this field trip
• Pack necessary items
• Come up with a schedule of events
• Make students aware of any goals or expectations

Here is a list of 200+ homeschool field trip ideas! To organize this list, I’ve broken it up into the following categories: outdoor, historical, science, fine arts, community, career, volunteer, preschool, Christmas, and fun. I hope you enjoy!

Outdoor homeschool field trip ideas

Outdoor field trips are perfect for nature study, mental health, family fun, or just getting the kids outside for some exercise and fresh air.

• Beach visit
• River rafting
• Berry picking

• White water rafting
• Organized bike ride
• Botanical gardens
• State Parks
• Local lakes
• Tulip field

• Cherry blossom tour
• Skiing 
• Snowboarding
• Paddle boating
• Hot air balloon
• Farmer’s market
• Canoeing 
• Kite flying
• Horse drawn carriage ride

Historical Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Field trips for history are a wonderful way to bring the past to life! Try visiting a setting where one of your stories took place or tour a house of a famous historical figure. Let kids experience the way things used to be and they will really begin to develop a new appreciation for history.

•  Historical houses
•  Ancient ruins
• Local cemetery
• Historical forts
• World history museum
• Historical monuments

• Settings from books you’ve read
• Ethnic history museum (on cultures/countries)
• Historical sites
• Ancient art collection museum
• Battlefields
• Historical reenactment
• Old schoolhouse
• Bible history museum
• Bible walk-through
• Archeological site
• Presidential birth places
• Walk a historic trail
• Mansions or castles
• Pioneer days
• Living history sites

Science Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Kids are naturally intrigued with nature. Animals, plants, stars, energy, water–all these things are exciting for kids to explore. Science discoveries are limitless! Foster your kid’s curiosity in this area, and they will experience the wonder of God’s world their whole lives!

• Bird watching
• Wildlife preserve
• Exotic animal reserve
• Wildlife rehabilitation center
• Community garden
• Planetarium
• Butterfly garden
• Fish hatchery
• Cattle ranch
• Turkey farm

• Tap for maple syrup
• Raptor center 
• Sculpture garden
• Water/energy dam
• Observatory
• Space center
• Whale watching

Fine Arts Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

As a former music teacher, let me encourage you to give your kids experiences in the arts! Not only should your kids be given the opportunity to produce art, but take the time to teach your kids how to appreciate and enjoy the beauty that art, music, and dance can bring to their life.

• College orchestra concert
• Children’s theatre
• High school plays
• Art gallery
• Watch glass blowing 
• Holiday performance
• Music festival

• Paint pottery
• Music store
• Basket weaving class
• Acting workshop 
• Instrument workshop 
• Dance performances
• Street performances

Community Field Trip Ideas

Community field trips are designed to teach kids about community. What it means. What it looks like. And who are the people that make up their community. Let them experience the joy of the elderly, the plight of the homeless, those who serve, those with different ways of living, how our systems function, and even those who need our help.

• Nursing home
• Walk downtown
• Local humane society
• Animal rescue center
• Animal shelter
• Amish communities
• Salvation army
• Observe a trial
• Homeless shelter
• Soup kitchen
• Children’s hospital

Career Homeschool Field Trip ideas

Career homeschool trips are fantastic ways to let kids really see what a particular job entails. It also gives them a better idea of college and career choices down the road. You could go to an establishment OR have someone you know take them around to their job for a day.

• Church tour
• Local bakery
• Train station
• Dog groomer
• Recording studio
• Wood working
• Other food factory
• Lumber mill
• Veterinary office
• Black smith
• Photography studio
• Recycling center
• College campus
• Post office
• Newspaper station
• Radio station
• Water treatment plant

Volunteer Field Trip Ideas

Volunteer field trips are when you go somewhere with a purpose to help or serve others. These are wonderful learning experiences that often foster character traits such as empathy, work ethic, humility, and generosity.

• Pull weeds around a school or business
• Pack and stack boxes for a manufacturing facility
• Local farm clean up
• Roadside clean up
• Read with younger children

• Tutor someone 
• Restoration projects
• Church ministry 
• Sorting for food bank
• Puzzles or crafts with the elderly
• Neighborhood clean up
• Library help
• Donation sorting
• Babysitting
• Watering nursery plants
• Laying mulch
• Delivering meals

Preschool Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Here are a few preschool homeschool field trip ideas specifically geared toward the younger kids. Keep in mind, this age does well with hand’s on opportunities, and things they can move through fairy quickly.

• Pumpkin patch 
• Petting zoo

• Firestation
• Animal Shelter
• Reading time at the library
• Library tour
• Apple picking
• Discovery museum
• Police station

Christmas Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Christmas is a great time to plan a few field trips. In fact, you’ll probably find yourself coming back to your favorites every year! These are also wonderful ways of learning about culture, traditions, history, and the nativity.

• Christmas tree farm
• Holiday play performance
• Live nativity
• Christmas light display
• Holiday market
• Choir concert
• Visit Santa
• Candlelight service

Fun Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

Fun homeschool field trips not only build relationships and morale, but you can make them as educational as you want! Go to a colorful candy shop and make it about math, or visit a roller skating rink one afternoon for PE. The opportunities are limitless!

• Put-put golf
• Bumper cars
• Trampoline park
• Movie theatre
• Amusement park
• Bowling alley
• Local ball games
• Ice skating
• Roller skating rink
• Local swimming pool
• Ice cream parlor

• Scavenger hunt
• Pizzaria 
• Escape room
• local festivals
• Have a picnic
• Fondue restaurant
• Attend a community event

Unit and Field Trip Pair Ideas

• Ocean Animals UNIT  (Aquarium or beach)
• Farm Animal UNIT  (Local farm or petting zoo)
• Interesting Insects UNIT  (Apiary or hiking trail)
• Parts of a Rose UNIT  (Rose Garden or Historical House)
• Winter Animals UNIT (Zoo or sledding)

Keep reading about homeschool…

• A Quick Guide to the Six Homeschool Styles
• 200+ Top Homeschool Quotes
• Ten Books to Get you Started on Nature Study
• 10 Tips for Having a Productive Homeschool Day
• 12 Time Management Hacks for Homeschool Moms

What has been your family’s favorite field trip?

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Homeschool Field Trip Ideas for Kindergarten

Museums: A World of Wonders for Your Kindergarten Student

Museums are an excellent destination for homeschool field trips. They offer a world of wonders that cater to the inquisitive minds of young learners while being engaging and fun at the same time. Museums come in all shapes and sizes, from history museums to science centers and art galleries. Visiting museums can help your child build on their knowledge about different cultures, historical events, or scientific concepts using interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. For example, they can learn about dinosaurs by examining the skeletons up close or learn about ancient civilizations by exploring artifacts from long-lost societies.

Besides being informative, museum visits also encourage children’s imagination and creativity as they explore new worlds beyond their everyday experiences. Whether it’s discovering a world hidden deep beneath the waves at an aquarium or finding inspiration in paintings by famous artists like Picasso or Van Gogh, there is something for every kindergartener at a museum.

In conclusion, museums provide unique educational experiences that foster curiosity while promoting learning through exploration. So why not take advantage of these wonderful resources available nearby? Plan a homeschool field trip today with your kindergarten student -you both will have loads of fun!

Nature Parks: A Fun and Educational Way to Explore the Great Outdoors

Nature parks are a great way to explore the great outdoors and have a fun and educational experience. They provide an opportunity for children to learn about plants, animals, and habitats while enjoying nature’s beauty. Nature also known as state parks offer activities such as hiking trails, wildlife viewing stations, and guided tours that can help children understand the importance of conservation efforts. By exploring nature parks with your kindergarten student during homeschool field trips, you can foster their curiosity for the natural world. Observing different plant species or identifying animal tracks on a trail can help them develop critical thinking skills in a hands-on manner. Moreover, spending time outside is beneficial for both mental and physical health.

Whether it’s observing birds at a nearby wetland or walking through towering redwoods at a state park, there is something awe-inspiring about being immersed in nature. With careful planning and preparation, visiting these outdoor destinations can be an enriching learning experience for all involved – so go out there with your little one and discover what wonders are waiting!

Farms and Zoos: Up Close and Personal with Animals and Agriculture

Farms and zoos are excellent choices for homeschool kindergarten field trips, as they offer unique opportunities to experience animals up close and personal. At a farm, your child can learn about agriculture by seeing how crops grow, observing farm animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens, and even participate in hands-on activities like milking a cow or feeding baby goats. This is an excellent opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise while learning something new!

At a zoo, children have the chance to see exotic animals from around the world that they may not otherwise can encounter. They can observe these creatures in realistic habitats designed to mimic their natural environments – this helps them develop empathy towards wildlife early on in their lives! Many zoos also offer educational programs where kids can learn more about animal behavior, diets, and conservation efforts.

Overall both farms and zoos provide endless possibilities for homeschooling kindergarten students; there are so many things that children can discover during these types of adventures beyond what textbooks generally teach. With lots of fun ways to explore nature firsthand with the assistance of professional guides at either location it’s easy for your child’s imagination run wild as they learn- especially when done together!

Local Landmarks: Discovering the History and Culture of Your Community

One of the best ways to teach kindergarten students about their community is by exploring local landmarks. These landmarks represent events, people or places that were significant in the history and culture of your town or city. Visiting these historical sites can be an enriching educational experience for children as they learn more about the past and how it has shaped their present. There are many local landmarks to choose from when planning a field trip for homeschool kindergarteners. Some options might include visiting historic homes, touring a famous building or monument, walking through historic neighborhoods, or visiting museums and cultural centers. For example, you could take your child to see a statue commemorating a beloved public figure who has made an impact in your community’s development over time.

Local Businesses

One of our favorite field trips is to local business. This does take some prep work prior because you have to ask for permission but we love to job shadow and see how things work. For example, our local pizza place gives tours on how to bake a pizza and allows kids to bake their own too. They practice throwing the dough and everything. Furthermore, visiting the local police station and fire station are also popular field trip ideas too. 

Overall, taking kindergarten students on field trips to local landmarks helps them develop appreciation for their surroundings while expanding their understanding of different aspects of society-cultural heritage networks-teaching valuable lessons about history and its influence on daily life that will last long beyond infancy years.

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20 Homeschool Field Trip Ideas to Keep Students (and Their Teachers) Engaged

One of the benefits of homeschooling is the flexibility it provides: While rigid textbook-based learning too often feels like a chore for young, energetic students, a homeschool curriculum can be designed to provide maximum education without the snooze-fest. That said, learning at home can also start to feel like torture if both student and teacher are getting cabin fever. In this case, we suggest you arrange for a change of scenery stat and take your lesson plan on the road. Here are 20 homeschool field trip ideas to keep your kid (and their teacher) engaged.

Editor’s note: Remember to follow local and state Covid-19 guidelines and to check with attractions before visiting in order to ensure that they are following social distancing safety measures.

Eek, My Kid Won’t Do Homeschool. (And Why That’s A-Ok, Say the Experts)

1. Visit A State Park

State parks are a childhood education goldmine for many reasons—these protected swaths of land offer beautiful landscapes, recreational possibilities and often include historical sites to boot. Homeschool students will benefit not only from the fresh air, but also from learning about why the land was designated as a state park in the first place and the valuable labor that goes into maintaining it as such.

2. Take a nature hike

If you don’t have a state park within a reasonable distance, any other natural setting will do the trick. A simple nature hike is ripe with educational potential and well worth the effort: Explore a local trail and you’ll discover plenty of opportunities to teach your homeschooled pupil about plants and wildlife.

3. Check out a local aquarium

The cool-toned tranquility of an aquarium has the capacity to instantly calm even the most restless kid—and calm is at the core of learning, right? The aquarium is an incredible resource that will introduce your child to the science of underwater ecosystems and all the animals that thrive in them. In other words, your biology lesson just got some extra sea cred (sorry). And don’t worry— you can explore many of these magical tanks virtually too.

4. Visit a zoo or wild animal park

Zoo trips are an instant hit with kids of all ages, because the novelty of seeing wild animals up close is hard to beat, but some say the real value of a zoo visit is exposure: Children who might otherwise find the concept of an endangered species too abstract, could leave the zoo with a closer sense of connection to the animals and a better understanding of the sustainability measures required to protect them. Bottom line: There’s definitely learning potential here, but it’s worth noting that the educational value of zoos is hotly contested in some circles, so you might want to do a little research on the matter before planning your trip. (Psst: you can explore many of the country’s biggest zoos virtually too .)

5. Learn about astronomy at a planetarium

Much like an aquarium, the planetarium is a super relaxing place to be, which should come as no surprise since it’s an indoor, simulated star-gazing experience. Of course if you live in a rural part of the country you can always just opt for the real outdoor deal—but planetariums are enriching even if you have a clear view of the night sky in your hometown since these visits include expert instruction to help your child build her mental map of the night sky.

6. Go To A Museum...or All Of Them

This is old news, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less true: Museums are the bee’s knees. Art museums impart an appreciation for culture, history and aesthetics; Children’s museums are full of sensory activities and other age-appropriate (often hands-on) educational delights; Natural history museums will inspire a budding Indiana Jones, and aerospace museums will do the same for aspiring astronauts. There are a lot of museums out there and you can file all of them under the ‘worthy field trip’ category. And now you can check out some of the world’s greatest museums using just your computer.

7. Visit an observatory

Planetariums, star-gazing—both are great. But if you have an observatory nearby, you’re truly sitting pretty. These buildings, often associated with universities and research institutes, house high-powered telescopic equipment that provides an unparalleled view of the planets as well as various weather and terrestrial events. Ground-based observatories require certain conditions, namely high altitude and a healthy distance from big city pollution, but if you can reasonably make the trek, the view will be well worth the effort.

8. Stroll through a cemetery

It sounds a little grim, but don’t fear the reaper. The truth is that death is everywhere in education—presidents, civil rights leaders, celebrated poets and artists—so you might as well take it all in with a pleasant cemetery stroll. The atmosphere is reliably peaceful so your homeschooled student can enjoy a calm tour of the grounds, discovering not just the graves, but also the contributions of local historical figures every step of the way.

9. Visit the courthouse and observe a trial

Law and order are a big deal (hey, there’s a reason why the show ran for two decades). In all seriousness though, a criminal justice unit should be required curriculum...and seeing is better than reading. Take this field trip more than once with your homeschooled students to observe open trials (you might want to vet them for appropriateness) and then open up a dialogue. The intricacies of crime and punishment are admittedly rather daunting (just like the book), but early exposure to the judicial process and open dialogue are key educational components.

10. Tour a local factory

There are few lessons as valuable as the one gained from watching people actually making things. After all, it’s that very process which feeds the imaginations of children (“but how did they put it together?”) and inspires so much pride (the tower they built, the drawing they made). Yep, all it takes is a quick phone call and, from there, it’s easy enough to tour a factory. In fact, most workers would likely be excited to share their craft with a curious, young mind. Hint: This field trip makes it very easy (necessary) to include labor union history and the concept of solidarity in your lesson plan.

11. Visit A Greenhouse

Greenhouse gasses, greenhouse vegetables: Tomato, tomahto? There’s a good chance your kid is legitimately asking that question. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with greenhouse tomatoes, so sweet and juicy even in January, and everything wrong with the similarly named gasses, so why not incorporate an actual greenhouse field trip to address both topics? Plus, even if your pupil doesn’t come away with a solid understanding of the ‘greenhouse effect,’ you’ll probably be able to score some pretty sweet produce.

12. Tour a water treatment facility

Look, your kid has been fascinated with his own poop from a very young age so instead of fielding all the questions yourself (what happens to it when I flush?!), opt for a trip to a water treatment facility and let the experts do the talking for you. Water treatment processes are one of those complex, interesting things we far too often take for granted (i.e., ideal field trip material).

13. Visit a veterinarian

Call up a local vet and ask if you can bring your young animal-lover in for a tour and an opportunity to observe the medical care given to beloved pets. Field trips that offer an inside look at a specific career are an excellent way to help kids explore an area of interest—or discover a new one.

14. Visit a local farm

Whether it’s picking apples , petting goats or seeing how maple syrup is made, kids will love a visit to a nearby farm. And if you turn the trip into a science lesson about tending to animals and growing crops then parents will love the experience, too. Just don’t forget to bring some of that fresh produce home with you.

15. Tour a post office

When it comes to services that are quite often taken for granted, the postal service is right at the top of the list. Right that wrong with a visit to a local postal office so you child can see firsthand the work that goes into sorting and sending mail from point A to point B—just be sure to arrange this one in advance so your pupil gets a proper tour.

Teach your child about civic careers with a trip to a local fire station or police station. This field trip is easy to arrange with a phone call and firefighters and police officers alike will be happy to show a curious kid around the station and talk to them about the community-minded job they do.

17. Visit a Native American site or museum

It’s important to speak to children about difficult moments in America’s history and teach them about the people who lived on this land well before the settlers came. If there are no museums nearby focusing on Native American culture or history, then do some research to see what Native lands you’re living on.

18. Stroll through a sculpture garden

Sculpture gardens offer an excellent opportunity to appreciate visual art while also enjoying some fresh air. If there’s a sculpture garden in your area, schedule a visit for a sunny day and encourage your student to explore the way in which the sculptures interact with their natural surroundings. Depending on the rules of your local sculpture park, you might even consider packing a picnic and really taking your time.

19. Tour the places written about in a favorite book

If your student has read any books written by an author from your home state, you might be able to identify references to real places—streets, cafes, bookstores—in the text. This one takes a little research, but the pay-off is a field trip that promises to bring literature to life and inspire a love of reading and writing alike.

20. Visit different places of worship

No matter what religion, if any, you practice in your home, exposure to different faiths is an important way to encourage your kid to celebrate diversity. If your child has expressed interest in religious studies or if spiritual nourishment is high on your priority list, a whirlwind tour of several houses of worship is an excellent opportunity to learn about different beliefs, while promoting the value of open-mindedness.

How Does Homeschooling Work Anyway?

Freelance PureWow Editor

20 Engaging and Educational Field Trip Ideas for Preschoolers

• brightwheel
• Child development

Field trips are momentous times in a preschooler’s life. Preschool field trips allow children to enjoy a change of scenery and spend time outside the classroom doing more hands-on learning.

In addition to the memories children create on field trips, they’re a valuable opportunity for educators to reinforce lessons. With the right planning and preparation, field trips for children can be an engaging, educational day for all involved.

Why are preschool field trips important?

Field trips are more than extra-curricular activities. They can be an integral part of a child’s early education. Preschool field trips afford many substantial benefits for children:

Broadens their education

Children are exposed to only so much in a classroom setting. Field trips allow children to get a richer picture of educational subjects by observing them outside of books, lessons, or videos.

Exposure to real-life experiences

In preschool, children are developing their understanding of life and the world around them. Field trips expose them to everyday life in a setting where their teacher can help them connect what they’re learning to what happens in the real places in their community. Experiential learning (authentic, first-hand, sensory-based learning) through field trips is a way for children to reflect on and apply their new knowledge.

Research shows academic improvement

Studies support the idea that field trips have real effects on a child’s education. Field trips are linked to improvements in academic performance. According to a study on youth educational trips by the Wagner Group and the U.S. Travel Association, adults who took educational trips when they were younger…

• Had better grades (59% of study respondents)
• Graduated from high school at a higher rate (95% of study respondents)
• Reported that educational trips had a positive impact on their education (89% of study respondents)

Expands their world

Field trips allow all children to experience more of the world. Whether they live in a busy city or a rural town, field trips introduce children to experiences and environments they may not have access to otherwise. Preschool teachers have the opportunity to make a child’s world a little larger with each field trip and show them new places, people, and adventures.

How to plan and prepare for preschool field trips

A lot of preparation goes into a successful field trip. For teachers and administrators, there are people, places, and schedules to coordinate weeks or months in advance.

Consider the below areas as you plan your trip:

Teaching moments

Sometimes preschool field trips are planned around a specific topic the class has been covering. Sometimes trips are simply a good learning opportunity that you’ll weave a lesson into. No matter which scenario you’re in as a teacher, it’s helpful to have your notes and activities prepared in advance.

How many adult chaperones will you need for the field trip? When you’re planning field trips for kids, it’s crucial to have a confirmed, appropriate number of chaperones based on the number of children attending. 

You can request family volunteers or set up a rotating schedule so families can plan ahead. Consider offering incentives like free lunches or gift cards and remind them it’s a great opportunity to have a meaningful experience with their child and get to know the other children and families in your program.

Plan to bring extra snacks in case meal times run late. Prepare to answer questions from parents about whether to pack a lunch or work out an eating arrangement at the field trip location. If you'll be serving meals on the field trip, prepare the food before and determine how you will transport it. Consider packing a cooler for any perishable foods that need to be kept cold, and pack plenty of water if there is no water available at your destination.

Transportation

Some preschool policies require that school vehicles are used for field trips. Before the trip, determine transportation needs, such as how many vans or buses will be needed and if parents are permitted to drive.

If there’s a cost associated with the trip, how will you secure funds from the school or handle payments from parents? Use your communication platforms to alert parents of any expenses they’ll need to cover as far in advance as possible.

Sometimes drop-off and pick-up schedules can be impacted by field trips. Create an agenda and itinerary that shows where the class will be and breaks down how long you’ll be at each location. This helps parents plan their day and gives school administration information they would need in an emergency. 

If any children have medication, medical equipment, or anything else that needs to be on hand for them, it needs to be accounted for in field trip planning. Bring any health and safety documents such as an accurate roster to count the children and emergency contact information. Teachers should also pack first aid kits and antibacterial hand wipes if there is no access to clean running water on your trip. 

Families' participation on field trips is a great way to include them in the curriculum and share a day in the life of the class. Check out our calendar template to keep families up-to-date with all major school events and spark new ideas for family engagement year-round. 

Field trip safety tips

Taking young children on a field trip can be an overwhelming experience without the right preparation. Field trips are very exciting, so be aware that the children may have extra energy or be more distracted. To have a fun, safe, and smooth trip, focus on safety measures before and during the excursion.

Before the field trip

• Review the schedule with the children and tell them what to expect 
• Give children safety guidelines and procedures to follow
• Assign pairs or small groups for headcount checks
• Involve children in checking the field trip supply checklist
• Instruct children to wear bright clothes or a certain color to make them easy to spot
• Prepare and bring a first aid kit

  During the field trip

• Do headcount checks frequently and always before leaving or entering any location
• Follow pedestrian rules carefully when walking such as using sidewalks and crosswalks and only crossing the street when traffic signals say it is safe
• For traveling by bus or van, check every seat before exiting
• Ensure children understand and follow the security and safety measures of the field trip location
• Continue practicing basic hygiene, such as washing hands or using hand wipes before eating
• Keep a copy of emergency contact lists with you at all times
• Take bathroom breaks together as a group

Field trip ideas for preschoolers

Choosing where to take the children in your preschool class is one of the most exciting parts of field trip planning. Here are 20 engaging and educational field trip ideas for preschoolers:

Apple orchards and pumpkin patches can show children how these foods are grown and offer a truly hands-on education as they pick their own.

Nature walk

Nature walks are an educational adventure that allow children to discover various plants, leaves, critters, and trees. It’s also great physical activity!

Farmer’s markets

A field trip to the local farmer’s market or grocery store can be an opportunity to teach children lessons about nutrition and where their food comes from.

Many children’s books are full of stories and illustrations of sea creatures, so the aquarium is sure to be a hit with preschoolers. They’ll get a chance to see these creatures up close and learn more about them.

A local bakery is another food-focused field trip that supports a small business and allows children to see how some of their favorite sweet treats are created.

Zoos are a common preschool class favorite! Children can visit and hear facts about a wide variety of animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Local library

Libraries are often a familiar place for young children, but a preschool field trip to the library gives children a chance to learn details about what a librarian does and the many types of books available to them.

Fire station

Preschoolers tend to love fire trucks. Use a field trip to a fire station to teach them about the work that happens behind the scenes and age-appropriate fire safety tips.

Local events

Sometimes the best educational events don’t need to be booked—they’re already happening in your community! From holiday celebrations and parades to the annual fair, local events can provide children with a wealth of learning opportunities.

Farmers have so much they can teach young children, from lessons about the way food is grown to how the animals are raised.

Children’s museum

Museums that cater specifically to young children are educational and interactive places that are ideal for preschool field trips. They also tend to change exhibits regularly, which means they’re a great choice for multiple trips.

Home improvement store

Show children how chairs, tables, and other items they use on a daily basis are built. Another way to do this is to find a local builder with a small shop who’s willing to give a workshop tour and demonstration.

If you have a child-friendly state park nearby, they make excellent field trip destinations. State parks are a beautiful place to teach about the great outdoors and ways to protect and respect our planet. 

Recycling center

Teach children the importance of recycling and how everyday items like plastic water bottles and aluminum soda cans are recycled. 

Local ponds are perfect for a low-cost, science and nature focused field trip. They’re often home to frogs, ducks, and aquatic plants, making great lesson topics for preschool children.

Around town scavenger hunt

Teach children about where they live with a scavenger hunt in your community. Downtown areas are usually ideal locations for this field trip activity.

Expose children to the performing arts with a preschool field trip to the local theater. This trip can teach them about storytelling on the stage, theater etiquette, and stage acting as a career.

Train station

Learning about different types of transportation expands children’s minds and view of the world. Add in a train ride to make it both engaging and educational!

Botanical garden

Botanical gardens are a stunning environment to teach children about the beauty of nature and various types of plant life.

Historic monuments

A field trip to an age-appropriate historic site can provide early lessons on important historical figures and events.

Post-field trip actions and education

Get the most out of your day away from the classroom by following up with children and their families after your field trip. Parents will appreciate knowing what their children learned and children will get a chance to relive the best moments of their trip.

To update families, consider including a brief summary of your field trip in your preschool newsletter . Ask children to share their favorite parts of the trip and include photos! 

Plan a memorable outing

There are plenty of details to consider and plan when it comes to executing preschool field trips. Taking a trip is a great opportunity for educators to build upon everything their children are learning in the classroom and engage them in hands-on, memorable experiences. 

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50 Fun & Educational Field Trip Ideas

• Katie Layne Contributing Writer
• Updated Aug 29, 2023

Homeschool Field Trips

Sometimes our homeschooling needs "something," some spark, something new and different, something that doesn't necessarily involve pencils and paper, something that gets our bodies moving and our spirits refreshed. Sometimes, we need a field trip!

Field trips can be used for wide and varied purposes. Sometimes a field trip is just what is needed to kick off a unit study or to pull everything together at the end of a period of study. Field trips can spark interest in various topics, fields of work, or study, which may lead to our students making a new invention or getting interested in a field that may one day become their life's work.

Get our awesome PDF of the Ultimate Field Trip Bucket List to print out and check off the ones you do!

Have you ever wondered why so many public school classes take field trips in the spring? Could the students and teachers be tired of being cooped up all year in a classroom and just want to get out and about in the fresh air? Oftentimes, the field trips are not even what you could consider "educational," but nonetheless, everyone in the class gets on a school bus, and off they go for the day. Therefore, I believe we can add one more purpose for field trips to our list above--fun! Field trips can be taken just for the fun of it.

If you are going to tour a facility that is not normally open to the public, or anywhere else that you will require a tour guide, be sure to call ahead to set up a time for your tour and find out if they have any special instructions for you.

Here are 50 awesome field trip ideas! 

1. Manufacturing facility . This would include any factory where cars, equipment, tools, toys, packaging or anything else is manufactured. The mechanized equipment and assembly lines are fascinating to watch and it is interesting to learn which raw materials are used and how they are used to make the final product.

2.  Farm. This could be a "specialty" farm that grows some specialty crop, a dairy farm, a farm that grows more ordinary crops such as wheat or corn, maple syrup farm, apple orchard or anyplace where food is grown. Think about the best time of year to visit each type of farm based on what operations may be going on at the time-planting, harvesting, cider making, sap gathering, etc.

3. Fire Department. Learn a bit about fire safety, how firemen fight fires, the gear they wear, and how they live.

4. Daily Newspaper . See the huge rolls of paper used and how the printing process works.

5. Post Office . When we toured our local post office, we were told to bring along postcards addressed to ourselves and were able to watch the postal workers process our own cards, which we then received at home in the mail a day later.

7. Military or National Guard Installation. Learn about what their duties are, what gear they use, what training they receive, and what types of situations they respond to.

8. A State or National Park . Learn about nature, plants and animals of the area. (Note: In these types of parks - as well as in the other science-oriented places listed in this article - the theory of evolution is usually presented as fact. This can provide a good opportunity for your family to study the Biblical account of creation and the scientific basis for the Christian viewpoint.)

9. Museum. There are large, well-known museums, but there are often small, little-known museums around as well that are quite interesting to visit. Check around your area to see what is available. Again, be prepared for evolutionary content. In addition, some museums (particularly art museums) may contain displays that don't fit your family's standards. Use appropriate parental caution when planning a field trip to these types of places.

10. Lock and Dam. Often there is a display area showing the history of the area and displays where you can learn how a lock and dam works. Plan your visit around a time when a ship or ships are due to pass through.

11. Pioneer Day Events. Many places across the country have special festivals or events where the lifestyle of the pioneers is the main focus. Here you can see pioneer craftsmen, equipment, cabins, clothing, animals and "experience" life as it was in our earlier history.

12. Jewelers Shop . Find a jeweler in your area that creates or repairs jewelry and plan a visit to see the tools and skills used.

13. State Capitol . Visit when congress is in session and sit in the visitor's gallery for awhile. Tour the building looking especially for pictures or plaques commemorating our Godly heritage. As you pass through the halls, pray for our leaders!

14. Lumber Mill. See how lumber is milled and hauled.

15. Ceramics Shop . Learn about the craft and how a kiln works.

16. Veterinarian . Learn about the profession and pet care.

17. Library. Learn about the Dewey Decimal System and how to use it. Learn to use the card catalog or computerized cataloging system your library uses.

19. Bank . Visit a local bank or credit union to learn about the different types of accounts and services they offer. This is a great way to follow-up #18 above. If your children don't already have savings accounts, this may be a great time to open one!

20. Recycling Center . Learn about what they recycle, how they do it and what their end products are used for.

21.  4-H Fair. See the different projects 4-H kids are involved in, from crops and animals, to baking, crafts and more.

22. Zoo . I've always enjoyed trips to the zoo! A word of caution, however: You may want to avoid the zoo during the spring season when many animals are "active" in ways you may not want to view as a family.

23. Old Cemetery . Make rubbings of old markers. Find the oldest marker. Look for interesting names and dates.

24. Planetarium . Watch out for evolutionary content here as well.

25. Local TV Station . Plan your trip to coincide with the News program. A trip to the TV Station ties in nicely with a unit study on weather, especially if you can talk with the weatherman and learn more about his job.

26. Dental Lab . See the different tools and methods used to make or fix teeth or dental appliances.

27.  Botanical Garden . This is a great opportunity to see a wide variety of plants.

28. Power Company. Learn about how power is generated and supplied to your area.

29. Wood Worker's Shop . Learn about the different tools and skills involved in making fine furniture or crafts.

30. Eye Doctor. Learn about eye care, diseases/problems, diagnosis equipment and treatment.

31. Print Shop. See the huge printing presses, trimmers and other equipment in operation.

32. Historical Sites . Most areas of the country have a variety of historical sites. Some are well-known (historical buildings, etc.), while others may just be an obscure marker commemorating some event that happened there. To supplement your historical ramblings, visit the local library to see if you can learn more about the people or time period.

33. Wildlife/Nature Preserve . Learn all about plants and animals native to the area.

34. Blacksmith. Sometimes you can actually find a working smithy shop, other times blacksmithing is part of a special pioneer or old-time event (see #11).

35. Local Bakery. This would be an operation on a much smaller scale than a food processing plant discussed earlier in this list, but can also be very interesting.

37. Pet Store. See a wide variety of pets, learn about their habits and care.

38. Symphony Orchestra. See if you can visit during a rehearsal, then go to the actual performance as well.

39. Historical Society. You can often obtain a wealth of information about your area at a local historical society.

40. Paper Mill. Learn about the paper making process from trees to tissue paper.

41. National Weather Service. Learn about how they predict weather and the science behind weather, what equipment is used, and how the public is informed of the upcoming forecast.

42. Basket Maker. Learn all about the various materials and tools used.

43. Fish Hatchery. Learn about different types of fish and how area lakes and ponds are stocked.

44. County Courthouse . Learn about what goes on in a local courthouse, enjoy the oftentimes beautiful architecture and look for pictures or plaques showing our godly heritage.

45. Nursery or Lawn/Garden Shop. Learn about different plants for your area, plant and soil care, insect control and beneficial insects.

46. Police Station . Learn about what policemen do, K-9 units, technology used, etc.

47. Make your own "old-fashioned day." Go out to a pretty park (or even your own backyard), and try to do everything the "old-fashioned" way. Gather wood and cook over fire, do without electricity, read, play string games like cat's cradles, whittle, sing, use your imagination and travel back in time for a day.

48. Water Treatment Plant. Learn about where your water comes from, how many gallons go through the plant, water purification and testing.

49. Exotic Animal Farm. Look around, there may be a farm in your area raising mink, llamas, ostriches, mini-burros, African pygmy hedgehogs, emus, cockatoos, iguanas, rheas or other unusual animals.

50. Caverns.  Learn about the geological history of your area and have fun exploring the caves!

One last note: don't forget the educational value of family vacations! Even if your family can't take a two-week trip across the country, check out opportunities for day trips within a 2-3 hour driving distance of where you live, or in a neighboring state. We took many such trips during years when we couldn't afford a "real" vacation. It provided an opportunity to see some things beyond our immediate area with much less expense.

I hope I've been able to spark your imagination and give you some new ideas that your family will enjoy. Have a fun (and educational!) summer!

------------------------------

This article was originally published in the May/Jun '05 issue of Home School Enrichment Magazine. For more information, visit http://HomeSchoolEnrichment.com . To request a FREE sample copy, visit http://homeschoolenrichment.com/magazine/request-sample-issue.html .

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41 Exciting Project-Based Learning Field Trip Ideas

August 14, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

Discover a world beyond your classroom with 41 vibrant project-based learning field trip ideas. As teachers, we continually seek new ways to engage and inspire our young learners. For this reason, we’ve curated a list of unique educational destinations- each offering a wealth of hands-on learning experiences for you and your young explorers! From museums to farms, TV stations to local startups, these trips will ignite curiosity and enhance learning, so let’s jump right in to explore more.

Preschool (3-5 years)

1. puppet theater.

Ever wondered what your puppets would say if they could talk? It’s time to unleash creativity and weave magic with a charming puppet theater. The stage is set, the lights dim, and your young puppeteers have a chance to spin enchanting tales for all of their peers to enjoy.

Learn More: Bob Baker Marionette Theater

2. Children’s Museum

This next field trip idea allows your littles to discover something new with every step they take! Children’s Museums are a galaxy of interactive exhibits- with every room designed to pique curiosity and spark fascination.

Learn More: MCM

Let’s swap those classroom walls for sun-drenched fields and wide-open skies. Among the chirping birds and friendly farm animals, your kids can delve into the heart of rural life; discovering a new respect for farmers and all the hard work they complete.

Learn More: YouTube

4. Local Library

Let the local library shelves whisper tales of mystery, adventure, and knowledge into your students’ ears. Watch as their curious minds unearth the joy of reading and embark on countless journeys through the pages of their favorite books.

Learn More: The Colorful Apple

5. Petting Zoo

Ready for a fuzzy, furry adventure? The petting zoo awaits to greet your students with an assortment of friendly wildlife. As your kids pet and care for these adorable animals, they’ll learn important lessons about empathy and responsibility.

Learn More: Seattle’s Child

6. Fruit Picking Farm

Swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a day amidst vibrant orchards. A fruit-picking farm offers an opportunity to pluck, taste, and learn about various fruits. As your students reach out for those ripe apples and juicy strawberries, they are sure to experience the farm-to-table journey firsthand.

Learn More: Smith’s Nursery Inc.

7. Toy Factory

Step into a life-sized playhouse with your students by taking them on an enchanting trip to the toy factory! Watch the wonder evolve as they discover the intriguing process behind how their favorite toys get created.

Learn More: Trip.com

8. Children’s Art Studio

Welcome to the colorful chaos of a children’s art studio! Here, creativity reigns supreme, and messes are masterpieces in the making. Let your little Picassos unveil themselves through their imaginative designs and creations.

Learn More: Art Fun Studio

9. Aquarium

Dive into a magical underwater realm with a trip to the aquarium! As your students marvel at the vibrant marine life, they’ll gain insights into the mysteries and beauty of our oceans.

10. Local Bakery

Tell your students to grab their chefs’ hats as you step into the aromatic world of a local bakery. During this scrumptious adventure, they will discover the science behind baking and might even get to try their hands at decorating cookies!

Learn More: Good Time DIY

11. City Park

There’s more to city parks than meets the eye. These spaces are living classrooms nestled in nature- offering lessons about local wildlife and providing countless outdoor activities for your students to indulge in.

Learn More: City Park Conservancy

12. Dance Studio

Let your students be entranced by the beat of the music and the flow of movement at a local dance studio. This field trip provides a space where your little ones can discover the joy of dancing, paired with the harmony between body and mind. Get their feet tapping and their hearts racing on this rhythmic journey.

Learn More: Jadore Dance

13. Botanical Garden

Envision the botanical garden as a living book of floral wonders just waiting to be explored by your kiddos. As they wander through a stunning array of plants, they’ll uncover the fascinating world of nature’s extraordinary diversity.

Learn More: Naples Garden

Elementary School (6-10 years)

14. planetarium.

Buckle up and prepare your pupils for a cosmic journey as they visit a local planetarium! As they gaze at the starlit dome, the mysteries of the universe are displayed- sparking curiosity and wonder about the cosmos with a quick voyage amongst the stars!

Learn More: HRM

15. Historical Museum

Step back in time with a trip to the historical museum. Each artifact tells a riveting tale; bringing history to life for your young explorers. From stone tools to vintage attire, every exhibit is a time capsule for your elementary learners to enjoy.

Learn More: History Colorado

16. Art Museum

Embark on a kaleidoscopic journey by visiting an art museum. This artistic adventure is sure to awaken your students’ creative side and inspire a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Learn More: The Art of Education

17. Recycling Center

Reduce, reuse, recycle! At the recycling center, your everyday trash gets transformed into treasures! Here, your children can discover the importance of recycling and how it preserves our planet- making this a memorable lesson in waste management.

Learn More: Rethink Waste

18. Science Museum

How about a trip to the science museum to ring home those hard-to-explain concepts? Interactive exhibits morph complex scientific concepts into fun-filled experiences; resulting in a hands-on approach to learning that lets your kids experience the thrills of scientific discovery.

Learn More: EdSurge

19. Historic Houses

Peek into the past with a visit to historic houses. As your students walk through these corridors of history, they’ll develop an appreciation for the heritage and culture of eras gone by.

Learn More: Simple Homeschool

20. Conservatories

Welcome to the conservatory, where every plant holds a lesson in biology, conservation, and ecology. As your children discover the wonder of our green planet, they’ll be encouraged to take better care of our Earthly home.

Learn More: Phipps Conservatory

21. Music Studio

Transport your students to a world of rhythm and rhyme with a trip to the music studio. Here, your learners are sure to strike the right chord in more ways than one- getting an introduction to different instruments and the recording process at large.

Learn More: PBS

Middle School (11-13 years)

22. tech company.

What does the future look like? Let your students discover this answer for themselves at a tech company! In our ever-changing world of technology and innovation, your children will gain insights into the possibilities of tomorrow!

Learn More: The Tech Interactive

23. Archaeological Sites

Give your students the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their ancient ancestors by visiting an archaeological site. As they explore these open-air museums of human history, they’ll connect with the past and unravel the threads of evolution and civilization.

Learn More: Explore Hampi

24. University Laboratory

Enter the frontier of scientific discovery with a visit to a university laboratory. In this bustling hub of investigation, your student’s experimental ambitions are sure to be sparked; feeding their curiosity and opening their eyes to the wonders of scientific exploration.

Learn More: The Cre8ive Zone

25. Theater

Lights, camera, action! Let your students experience the enchanting world of performing arts with a visit to the theater. From costume design to dramatic performances, they’ll get a glimpse of the magic behind the curtains- igniting a passion for drama and possibly even playwriting!

Learn More: KMS Drama

26. Sports Complex

As your students sprint on the tracks or score goals on the fields, they’ll learn the importance of teamwork, physical fitness, and healthy competition. Taking them to the local sports complex teaches them that not only winning is celebrated, but taking part matters as well.

Learn More: LA Galaxy

A fun-filled adventure to the zoo is a classic field trip idea! Every enclosure will provide your learners insight into the beauty of the animal kingdom; inviting them to discover facts relating to animals from around the world and learn more about the importance of conservation efforts.

Learn More: Lincoln Park Zoo

28. Community Service Centers

At community service centers, kindness isn’t just a virtue; it’s a way of life. Here, your children will learn about the power of empathy and helping others- reinforcing the crucial lesson of giving back to the community. This field trip will allow them to grow, not just as individuals; but as compassionate members of society.

Learn More: Lancaster Edu

29. Local Newspaper

The bustling newsroom of a local newspaper opens a window into the world of journalism. Amid the clattering keyboards and the urgent phone calls, your learners can grasp what goes into the process of news creation, from just a spark of information to a published article.

Learn More: English Classes Cygnaeus Pori

30. Historical Reenactment Sites

Journey back in time by taking your students to historical reenactment sites. Here, history gets brought to life through vibrant performances where your kids can learn about the past in a way that textbooks could never teach them!

Learn More: Student Travel Planning Guide

31. Weather Station

I’m sure all your students have wondered how the forecast predicts if you need an umbrella or sunglasses! Answer their burning questions by taking them to your local weather station. From temperature readings to radar images, they’ll get a firsthand experience of meteorology!

Learn More: CW3E Edu

High School (14-18 years)

32. national park.

In the national park, lessons are etched in the rings of trees and whispered on the wings of butterflies. It’s here that your children can learn about the harmony of nature and the importance of conservation- bonding with the great outdoors and having a well-deserved break from classroom life.

Learn More: Global Travel Alliance

33. TV Station

The TV station pulls back the curtain on the captivating world of television production. From script writing to broadcasting, your learners will get the chance to witness the exciting process of how their favorite shows get created.

34. Biotech Company

Venture into the cutting-edge world of Biotech! Here, your students will get a glimpse into the science that is shaping the future of health and medicine. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that could inspire the next generation of biomedical innovators.

Learn More: Promega Connections

35. Local Government Office

With this field trip your pupils can learn about the inner workings of local governance- getting a practical understanding of civics that no textbook could provide. Bonus: It’s a hands-on lesson in leadership and responsibility.

Learn More: Nations Classroom Tours

36. News Studio

Enterinto the bustling energy of a live broadcast studio. From the anchors’ desks to the control room, your children will get a dynamic view of live journalism to fuel a deeper understanding of the world we live in.

Learn More: Olympic High School

37. Courthouse

Step into the halls of justice with a visit to the courthouse. Given the opportunity to learn about all kinds of legal processes, your learners can gain real-world insight into the judicial system; promoting a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

Learn More: FHN Today

38. Botanical Research Institute

Green thumbs at the ready! Taking your kids to the botanical research institute offers a unique opportunity for them to learn about the importance of plants and their environmental significance. Who knows, this could be the seed that grows into a future career in botany!

Learn More: GITM Edu

39. Architectural Firms

Explore the nitty-gritty blueprints behind society with this field trip! As your learners observe how architects design and build, they’ll gain an appreciation for the relationship between art, science, and community at large.

Learn More: Arch Design

40. Local Startups

Welcome to the ambition playground! On a trip to local startups, your students will witness the journey of how an idea transforms into a thriving business. This trip might inspire them to become the startup heroes of tomorrow

41. Film Studios

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the big screen! From script to screen, your learners will witness the mesmerizing process of filmmaking. This cinematic adventure might inspire the next generation of filmmakers within your school!

Learn More: NST Group

Little Rock Family

The ultimate arkansas field trip guide: destinations around the state.

About Our Cover Model: Presley is 7 years old and took the top spot with the most votes in our 2019 Cover Kid Contest ! She takes piano lessons, swim lessons and is a cheerleader at Maumelle Gymnastics and Cheer.

Welcome to Little Rock Family's 2019 Field Trip Guide, a complete list of educational destinations around Arkansas, with options focused on nature, arts, history, science and more.

Featured Field Trips

Central Arkansas Nature Center

Clinton Presidential Center

Altitude Trampoline Park

Arkansas State Capitol

Central Arkansas Library System

Heifer International Campus

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

Museum of Discovery

Arkansas 4-H Center Programs

Choose from Little Rock Family's extensive list of field trip adventures the next time you venture outside of the classroom with your students. Click on one of the category links above or scroll down to see them all!

* Denotes Field Trip Guide sponsor

Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo 847 Whittington Ave., Hot Springs | 501-623-6172 Ages: All ages Rates: $4.50 ages 12 & under; $7.50 adults This attraction is one of Hot Springs’ oldest and features alligator feedings, a petting zoo and a mini museum. Groups of 20 or more should call ahead.

Holtzman Riding Academy 4618 Highway 5 South, Benton | 501-860-2378 Ages: Up to 10  Rates: $8 The academy emphasizes the care, health, and responsibility of owning a horse and each child will have personal contact with one.

Lichterman Nature Center 5992 Quince Road, Memphis | 901-636-2221 Ages: Grades K-12  Rates: Varies This urban nature center offers exciting exhibits, nature walks, wildlife programs and many other entertaining activities designed to put students in touch with nature.

Little Rock Animal Village 4500 Kramer St., Little Rock | 501-376-3067 Ages: 4-17  Rates: Free Visit this animal shelter for the city of Little Rock for a tour lasting up to an hour.

Little Rock Zoo 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock | 501-661-7200 Ages: 3 & up Rates: $9.95 ages 3-12; free under age 3; $12.95 adults Expose students to more than 500 different species of animals and teach them about nature and conservation in a fun, interactive environment. Customized educational programming and lunches are available for an extra fee. Group reservations for 15 or more people must be made 10 days in advance.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs | 479-253-5992 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies Turpentine is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in North America and provides a lifetime home to neglected and abused victims of the exotic pet trade. Admission includes a guided walking tour and access to the self-guided area.

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Arkansas Repertory Theatre 601 Main St., Little Rock | 501-378-0405 Ages: 10-18  Rates: $8 per seat Student Matinee Program performances have reduced-price tickets, study guides and talk-backs with cast and crew. Tours of the theater let students explore backstage magic and talk with the production crews.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 7328, Little Rock | 501-666-1761 Ages: 8-12  Rates: Varies The ASO offers 30-minute, in-school quartet demos that are tied to the teacher’s curriculum. Add to the experience with program features like an instrument petting zoo or recorder karate. The ASO also holds a children’s concert performance customized for young audiences.

Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas 701 S. Main St., Pine Bluff | 870-536-3375 Ages: 5 & up  Rates: Free; $2 donation per student suggested for field trips. School groups, day camps and child care centers are welcome to schedule a guided tour and/or hands-on activity.

Ballet Arkansas 520 Main St., Little Rock | 501-223-5150 Ages: 3 & up Rates: $5-$8 student matinee Ballet Arkansas exposes students to the power and beauty of live dance with four student matinee performances during the 2019-2020 season: “Sleepy Hollow,” “Nutcracker Spectacular,” “Cinderella” and the “Master/Works” mixed bill.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way, Bentonville | 479-657-2395 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free A variety of tours focus on subjects such as the Wild West and Modernism, and specific artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Stieglitz. Teachers can submit applications to visit the museum on the website; each year, school groups are selected in a lottery.

Walton Arts Center 495 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville | 479-443-5600 Ages: Grades pre-K-12 Rates: $10, reservation required The center offers live matinee performances in a variety of art forms including dance, theater, puppetry and world music. Free guided tours of the art gallery must be reserved in advance.

COMMUNICATIONS

AETN 350 S. Donaghey Ave., Conway | 501-682-2386 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Visit the studio and production facilities where programs about Arkansas are made. Technical-oriented tours can be arranged for high school or college broadcasting classes.

ENTERTAINMENT

Altitude Trampoline Park 15707 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock 501-353-1281, AltitudeTrampolineParkLR.com Ages: All ages Rates: $11 per person (1 hour) Bounce around on 125 interconnected trampolines, jump into a 60-foot foam pit, play dodgeball and experience a virtual reality arcade.

Arkansas Skatium 1311 Bowman Road, Little Rock | 501-227-4333 Ages: All ages Rates: $9 for roller skating or ice skating; $11 for both Open year-round for roller and ice skating activities.

Arkansas State Fair 2600 Howard St., Little Rock | 501-372-8341 Ages: 4-18 Rates: Free from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. weekdays, $5 otherwise A variety of livestock shows and displays are held during the fair each October. Students can enjoy magic shows, a petting zoo, arts and crafts displays, exhibitions and activities.

Big Rock Fun Park 11411 Baseline Road, Little Rock | 501-455-3750 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies Enjoy mini-golf, bumper boats, a lazer frenzy maze, arcade games with prizes, go-karts and more. Counting, adding, following directions, team building and other educational features are incorporated into activities.

Celebrity Attractions 426 W. Markham St., Little Rock | 501-244-8800 Ages: 4 & up  Rates: Varies The 2019-2020 production lineup for student groups includes “Wicked,” “Cats” and “The Play That Goes Wrong.”

DEFY Little Rock 4711 Talley Road, Little Rock | 501-313-0100 4699 S. Dixieland Road, Rogers | 479-802-0140 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies DEFY gravity at this 30,000-square-foot trampoline park that offers dodgeball, a ninja obstacle course, silks and slacklines, a zipline and more.

Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum 250 Central Ave., Hot Springs | 501-623-5836 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies Wax sculptures of famous politicians, entertainers and historical figures will fascinate your tour group.

Loco Ropes! Ozark Folk Center State Park, 1025A Park Ave., Mountain View | 870-269-6566 Ages: All ages   Rates: Varies Loco Ropes offers group, team-building and high adventure events with more than 35 heart-pumping obstacles. Discounts are available for school groups.

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs | 501-318-5370 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies During “Education in Motion” in May, the park is open only to pre-booked school groups, perfect for year-end field trips. Select water attractions will be running.

National Park Duck Tours 418 Central Ave., Hot Springs | 501-624-3825 Ages: All ages Rates: Varies depending on total group participants Climb aboard an amphibious World War II DUKW and enjoy a 75-minute sightseeing tour by land and water of sites including Lake Hamilton and Bathhouse Row.

Silver Dollar City 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson, Missouri | 800-417-7770 Ages: All ages   Rates: Varies This field trip blends educational elements with fun rides, shows and attractions. Silver Dollar City offers a living history lesson as well as an education in earth science, applied physics, drama and American craftsmanship.

Verizon Arena 1 Verizon Arena Way, North Little Rock | 501-340-5660 Ages: All ages   Rates: Free Take a tour of the state’s largest arena to see the arena bowl, backstage area, meeting rooms and suites. Tours last 30-45 minutes but are not available on event days.

Wild River Country 6820 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock | 501-753-8600 Ages: All ages Rates: $12.50 Make a splash at this 26-acre water park in North Little Rock, which reserves two days each year exclusively for school field trips.

Arkansas Food Bank 4301 W. 65th St., Little Rock | 501-565-8121 Ages: 8 & up  Rates: Free Students can have team-building experience through volunteer shifts to sort and box donated food. Groups of volunteers ages 8-15 require one adult for every five students. Groups with ages 16-18 need one adult for every 10 students.

Kilwins Little Rock 415 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock | 501-379-9865 Ages: All ages  Rates: $10-$15 Experience the nostalgia of an old time soda fountain from the making of handmade fudge to dipping ice cream. Kids get to be a part of the process and make their own tasty treat to enjoy.

GOVERNMENT/CIVICS

Arkansas Governor’s Mansion 1800 Center St., Little Rock | 501-324-9805 Ages: 5 & up  Rates: Free Tour the grounds, gardens and public rooms of the Governor’s Mansion.

Arkansas Secretary of State 500 Woodlane, Little Rock | 501-682-5080 Ages: 5 & up  Rates: Free The Secretary of State’s Education Department uses traveling classroom presentations, workshops and guided tours of the Arkansas State Capitol to teach about the state’s history, the importance of voting and how elections are conducted.

Arkansas State Capitol 500 Woodlane Ave., Little Rock 501-682-5080, SOS.Arkansas.gov Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Students can see several historic points of interest throughout the building on a guided or self-guided tour.

Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum 120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock | 501-371-8320 Ages: 5 & up Rates: Reduced group rates available Enjoy an educational tour of the USS Razorback submarine and ask about the museum’s other Navy vessel, the tugboat Hoga.

Arkansas Post National Memorial 1741 Old Post Road, Gillett | 870-548-2207 Ages: All ages   Rates: Free Arkansas Post Visitor Center provides a museum, educational tour and a 22-minute orientation film. Historical sites related to more than 300 years of Arkansas history are situated on the park grounds, as well as a picnic area and three miles of walking trails.

Arkansas State University Museum 320 University Loop W., Jonesboro | 870-972-2074 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free See Native American artifacts, war memorabilia, a replica of a mastodon skeleton and how the early settlers once lived. Students can also do some tinkering in the Tinkering Studio.

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site 2120 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock | 501-374-1957 Ages: Grades 4-College   Rates: Free The National Park Service visitor center offers exhibits and Ranger-led programs that explore the history of the 1957 desegregation of Central High School. Tours are by reservation only.

Clinton House Museum 930 W. Clinton Drive, Fayetteville | 479-444-0066 Ages: Grades K-12  Rates: Free The Clinton House Museum focuses on the lives of Bill and Hillary Clinton during their time in Fayetteville. Its programs match the Arkansas Curriculum Frameworks for history, social studies and government.

Clinton Presidential Center 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock 501-374-4242,  ClintonPresidentialCenter.org/Education Ages: Grades pre-K-12 Rates: Free with reservation The Clinton Center offers a unique perspective of the work of President Bill Clinton. We offer a variety of interactive exhibits, including a White House Cabinet Room reconstruction and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, as well as unique temporary exhibits.

Delta Cultural Center 141 Cherry St., Helena | 870-338-4350 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free The museum focuses on the 27 counties of the Arkansas Delta and the history of its people. Topics include exhibits on Native Americans, European explorers, the Mississippi River, the Civil War, Delta towns and music of the Delta. Tours are available upon request.

Historic Arkansas Museum 200 E. Third St., Little Rock | 501-324-9351 Ages: Grades K-12  Rates: Varies Historic Arkansas Museum offers many field trip programs that bring pioneer Arkansas to life. The multilevel programs progress as students advance in school so they can come back year after year to fresh experiences.

Historic Curran Hall-Little Rock Visitor Information Center 615 E. Capitol Ave., Little Rock | 501-371-0076 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Tour the garden and home, while hearing a short talk on the home’s history and occupants. Call to arrange a tour.

Historic Washington State Park 103 Franklin St., Washington | 870-983-2684 Ages: 8 & up Rates: $5 ages 6-12, $9 adults Historic Washington offers student tours, extended learning programs and overnight programs. Distance learning through CILC lets students experience the park without leaving school, if desired.

Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center and Museum 369 Central Ave., Hot Springs | 501-620-6715 Ages: All ages   Rates: Free Students can discover the park’s various attractions such the bathhouses and hot springs through group or self-guided tours. Make reservations at least six weeks in advance.

Jacksonville Museum of Military History 100 Veterans Circle, Jacksonville | 501-241-1943 Ages: 6 & up  Rates: $1 per student The museum focuses on local and regional military history from the Civil War era to current day engagements. Call in advance for tours for more than five students.

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History 503 E. Ninth St., Little Rock 501-376-4602, ArkMilitaryHeritage.com Ages: All ages Rates: Free Take a guided tour of the historic arsenal, learn about the contributions that many Arkansans have made during military conflicts and see the birthplace of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Interactive programs, arts and crafts, and special programs are available upon request.

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center 501 W. Ninth St., Little Rock | 501-683-3593 Ages: Grades 4-12  Rates: Free The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is dedicated to telling the story of Arkansas’ African American history and using those stories to encourage understanding and excite the imagination. Reservations are required three weeks in advance.

Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie 921 E. 4th St., Stuttgart | 870-673-7001 Ages: 5 & up  Rates: Free The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie demonstrates how the prairie pioneers lived, worked and played. With more than 10,000 artifacts, the museum has exhibits ranging from waterfowl to agriculture and all points in between. Call to make arrangements for groups of more than six people.

National Civil Rights Museum 450 Mulberry St., Memphis | 901-521-9699 ext. 2224 Ages: 4 & up Rates: $11 ages 5-17; $12 college students; $14 adults; free for bus drivers The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., chronicles key episodes of the American civil rights movement and  its legacy through collections, exhibitions and educational programs.

Old State House Museum 300 W. Markham St., Little Rock | 501-324-8642 Ages: Grades K-12   Rates: Free The Old State House Museum’s guided tours are an exciting way to learn about Arkansas history. They feature the museum’s permanent exhibits, changing exhibits and the history of the Old State House.

Ozark Folk Center State Park 1032 Park Ave., Mountain View | 870-269-3851 Ages: 9 & up Rates: $2 discount per child ticket; free for teachers and bus drivers The folk center offers programs and tours where elementary students can experience music, folk arts and crafts and learn the history of the region.

Parker Homestead 16944 Homestead Road, Harrisburg | 870-578-2699 Ages: All ages Rates: Call for details Students can experience how Arkansans once lived and worked by touring the grounds of the homestead. A tour of the grounds includes a general store, grist mill and more.

Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park 4815 State Highway 161 S., Scott | 501-961-1409 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies Exhibits and programs interpret the history of cotton agriculture and farm life in Arkansas. Learn about growing and picking cotton, as well as ginning and storing the seeds. Tour the 1912 museum building, Dortch Gin Building and Seed Warehouse #5.

Scott Settlement Tours County Road 84 & Alexander Road, Scott | 501-351-5737 Ages: 6 & up Rates: $3 per person; free for teachers and bus drivers Scott Connections created this special setting depicting early settlement life in Scott. All tours are conducted by guides who grew up in the area.

Shiloh Museum of Ozark History 118 W. Johnson Ave., Springdale | 479-750-8165 Ages: Grades K-12   Rates: Free Come experience Ozark living from historic days to the present. The Shiloh Museum focuses on the northwest Arkansas Ozarks and the everyday people who lived there. Visit a modern museum, seven historic buildings and shaded grounds.

The Walmart Museum 105 N. Main St., Bentonville | 479-277-8923 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free See where the Walmart retail empire began. Enjoy a three-part experience with a world-class exhibit gallery, Walton’s 5&10, and the Spark Cafe, a 1950s-style soda fountain.

Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park 490 Toltec Mounds Road, Scott | 501-961-9442 Ages: All ages Rates: $3 per student; free for teachers and bus drivers Visit a Native American site and its facility where students can participate in educational activities.

War Eagle Mill 11045 War Eagle Road, Rogers | 479-789-5343 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Take a guided tour of the Mill and the historic bridge, learn how the grist mill operates and hear stories about battles, legends and ghosts.

MISCELLANEOUS

Pink Palace Family of Museums 3050 Central Ave., Memphis | 901-636-2362 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies This wide-ranging collection of attractions offers students the experience of hands-on inquiry and discovery with a variety of educational programs and activities for groups.

The Wonder Place 10301 N. Rodney Parham Road, Suite E2, Little Rock | 501-225-4050 Ages: 0-8 Rates: $6.75 for groups of 15 or more This is a creative play space for kids featuring interactive stations for imaginative play that includes a tree house, an artist studio, a drama stage and puppet area, a mock River Market, an infant/toddler area and more.

OUTDOORS/NATURE

Arkansas Frontier 1625 Wesley Chapel Road, Quitman | 501-589-3122 Ages: Grades pre-K-8 Rates: $9-$11, varies by package This living history farm is open each October. Field trips include a pumpkin patch and farm tour and hayride. Students can tour a pioneer homestead, Native American village and a one-room schoolhouse. There are also pig races, an enchanted forest, a dinosaur dig and more.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock | 501-223-6300 Ages: 4 & up  Rates: Free AGFC nature and education centers across the state use hands-on experience and education to focus on the natural elements and ecosystems found around the state.

Arkansas Outdoor School Arkansas Four-H Center, 1 Four-H Way, Little Rock 501-821-6884, UAEX.edu/AOS Ages: Grades K-12   Rates: Varies The school’s day and overnight programs combine an outdoor setting (indoor options available) with hands-on, experiential activities including orienteering, outdoor cooking, geology, astronomy, map reading, GPS technology and more.

BoBrook Farms 13810 Combee Lane, Roland | 501-519-5666 Ages: K-5 Rates: $8 per child, $5 per parent; free for teachers Trips to BoBrook include a short presentation on crops, hayrides, a sunflower maze, farm zoo, hay pyramid, corn pit and more.

Crater of Diamonds State Park 209 State Park Road, Murfreesboro | 870-285-3113 Ages: All ages Rates: $5 ages 13 & up; $3 ages 6-12; ages 5 & under free Request a mining demonstration or another program when making reservations.

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center 600 E. Lawson Road, Jonesboro | 870-933-6787 Ages: Grades K-12  Rates: Free The center offers programs and exhibits on the wildlife, natural history and topography of the Crowley’s Ridge area. There is an observation deck in the education complex and a series of trails for nature walks.

Garvan Woodland Gardens 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs | 501-262-9603 Ages: 6-12  Rates: $5 Take a walking tour of this 210-acre botanical garden and explore a children’s adventure garden and huge tree house. Topics include forest ecology, plant identification and dendrology.

Good Earth Learning Center 511 Ernie Davis Road, Austin | 501-732-0321 Ages: Grades pre-K-6  Rates: $10 Students can gather eggs, feed chickens and lambs, pet rabbits, learn how worms create compost, plant or harvest food and more.

Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Road, Fort Smith | 479-452-3993 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free The center lets groups enjoy exhibits, nature trails and native plants on the grounds, and fishing at Wells Lake.

Lake Ouachita State Park 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine | 501-767-9366 Ages: All ages Rates: Varies but several programs are free Park interpreters offer year-round programming to provide recreational and educational opportunities. There are barge and kayak tours, nature talks, hikes, activities and crafts for all ages.

Ozark Gateway Region 453 Batesville Blvd., Batesville | 870-793-9316 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies Experience six state parks, float on a beautiful river, discover Blanchard Springs Caverns and have treetop adventures. Find rich history in state parks and museums in the area.

Ozark Natural Science Center 1905 Madison 1305, Huntsville | 479-202-8340 Ages: Grades 4-12  Rates: Varies Students explore, discover, experiment, question and observe in this 15,000-acre classroom without walls. ONSC teacher naturalists guide students through hands-on outdoor science classes and overnight programs are also available.

Petit Jean State Park 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton | 501-727-5441 Ages: All ages Rates: Free, unless otherwise noted Programs include tours of Bear Cave, Rock House Cave and Cedar Falls Overlook. Students can learn the legend of Petit Jean and take the C.C.C. History Stroll of Petit Jean State Park.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock | 501-868-5806 Ages: All ages Rates: Free but special rates may apply for use of facilities Interpretive programs include guided trail hikes, canoe and kayak floats on the local rivers, boat cruises on Lake Maumelle and more.

Ron Coleman Mining 155 Crystal Ridge Lane, Jessieville | 501-984-5396 Ages: 5 & up  Rates: $5 per activity Students dig into a quartz mine and get to keep everything they find. They can also take a tour and ride the Army truck into the mine and see where and how crystals form. Fly across the mine on a zip line for extra excitement!

Roseberry Farms 12223 Hwy. 9, Benton | 501-722-8545 Ages: All ages Rates: $6 per student/parent; free for teachers and bus drivers Take a hayride or barrel ride, play in a hay fort, try a beanbag toss, visit farm animals and more. Educational activities include learning how to grow pumpkins and other fall crops.

The Vines Center 1 Four-H Way, Little Rock | 501-821-4444 Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies The center’s educational programs put students in natural settings for hands-on learning adventures. Options include the Arkansas Outdoor School or ExCEL and programs are offered on- or off-site.

Wildwood Park for the Arts 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock | 501-821-7275 Ages: Grades K & up Rates: Donations only Take a tour of the theater, garden, and nature and art galleries.

Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center 602 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock 501-907-0636, AGFC.com Ages: All ages  Rates: Free The center offers conservation education with programs focused on water, animals, habitats and outdoor skills.

Wye Mountain Flowers & Berries 20309 Hwy. 113, Roland | 501-330-1906 Ages: 5-10  Rates: $6 per child Learn about locally grown flowers and berries. Children can make and decorate their own basket and then pick berries. See bunnies and other farm animals and stop by farm funland to try slides, swings and ride the berry choo-choo.

Central Arkansas Library System 100 Rock St., Little Rock 501-918-3000, CALS.org Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Tour the library and participate in programs and events for all ages. Visit the website for information about programming at the other 13 branches in Pulaski and Perry counties.

Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center 4800 W. 10th St., Little Rock | 501-978-3870 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free The library includes a computer lab, teaching kitchen, large activity area, a greenhouse, individual and group study rooms, theater and community room in addition to a collection of more than 21,000 books, DVDs and CDs.

Saline County Library 1800 Smithers Drive, Benton | 501-778-4766 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Visiting groups are welcome anytime the library is open. The library offers tours, storytimes, crafts, makerspace activities, database training and scavenger hunts.

Arkansas Archeological Survey 2475 N. Hatch Ave., Fayetteville | 479-575-6550 Ages: All ages  Rates: Free Groups of 30 or less are invited to learn about how archeologists do their jobs and what kinds of information they discover. Tour the University Collections and try fun, hands-on educational activities.

Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub 204 E. 4th St., North Little Rock | 501-794-8106 Ages: Grades 4 & up Rates: $6-$12 per student The Innovation Hub offers educational experiences that support each class that comes through its doors. Field trips can cover electricity, laser cutting, flight and video game design. The Hub Immersion field trip is available for groups of 50-100.

Coon Creek Science Center 2983 Hardin Graveyard Road, Adamsville, Tennessee | 901-636-2362 Ages: Grades K-12 Rates: Varies Coon Creek Science Center contains one of the most important fossil sites in North America. Students can see impeccably preserved marine shells and vertebrate remains left on the site 70 million years ago.

Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority 11 Clearwater Drive, Little Rock | 501-376-2903 Ages: Grades 6 & up  Rates: Free Visit local treatment facilities and walk through the treatment process. It is an industrial site so closed-toe shoes are recommended for visitors.

Mid-America Science Museum 500 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs | 501-767-3461 ext. 115 Ages: All ages   Rates: $7 per student Discover all of the great possibilities that are available for encouraging hands-on science education for students and adults. See the online Field Trip Guide on the website for information.

Museum of Discovery 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock 501-396-7050, MuseumOfDiscovery.org Ages: All ages  Rates: Varies Ignite students’ imaginations with more than 40 educational programs on science, technology, engineering, math, health and social science. All hands-on classes are taught by trained museum educators.

Reynolds Science Center Planetarium 1100 Henderson St., Box 7784, Arkadelphia | 870-230-5417 Ages: All ages  Rates: $3 per student The Planetarium is open to the public for shows, star-gazing events, field trips and private functions.

Scott Family Amazeum 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville | 479-696-9280 Ages: Grades K-4 Rates: $6 per person for groups of 20 or more The museum’s Unfield Trips are hands-on experiences that use the museum to help students connect concepts taught in the classroom.

SIGHTSEEING

Little Rock Tours & Travel 3100 Interstate 30, Little Rock | 501-868-7287 Ages: All ages   Rates: Varies Little Rock Tours offers affordable transportation to field trip destinations in and out of state. Popular destinations include Toltec Mounds in Arkansas, Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.

WORLD CULTURE

Heifer International Campus: Featuring Heifer Village and Urban Farm 1 World Ave., Little Rock 501-907-2697, Heifer.org/Village Ages: All ages Rates: Free The Heifer International Campus features interactive exhibits and programs that provide a stimulating and challenging educational experience for people of all ages.

Heifer Ranch 55 Heifer Road, Perryville | 855-343-4337 Ages: All ages  Rates: $10 The Ranch offers tours, overnight experiences, service-learning programs and more. Programs use an experiential approach to teaching about hunger and poverty, which inspires and challenges participants to become the change that creates a better world.

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Field Trip Form

Field trips are the highlight of the school year. These timeless class outings enhance learning, build community and motivate kids to achieve their goals. They also require a lot of planning and logistics from adults to keep them safe and successful. Multiple emails and requests overwhelm parents, and critical field trip communications from teachers can get lost in the shuffle. At some point, we’ve all found crumpled-up field trip forms at the bottom of our kid’s backpacks!

The key is to keep it simple and streamlined. Imagine a permission slip, fee collection, and volunteer sign-up all in one online form. Cheddar Up now makes that unicorn possible. 

1. Add Field Trip Details

• Logistics: List the date, location, departure time, and estimated return time. The pertinent information allows families to coordinate their schedules and provides a sense of security.
• Objectives: Describe the learning objectives and how it ties into the curriculum.  Guardians can have meaningful conversations with their kids before and after the field trip.
• What to Bring: Let them know if a sack lunch or healthy snack is required or if any unique clothing (i.e., sturdy walking shoes or outerwear) is needed. Hangry and cold kids can quickly dampen the field trip vibe!
• Due Date: List the due date if you expect the completed form before the field trip.

2. Collect Field Trip Fees

Bonus Items

• Allow parents to donate an additional field trip fee to help class families in need.
• Field Trip T-Shirts are a great way to keep kids safe and visible. They are handy with preschoolers in popular places like museums and parks. Simply add it as another item for your parents to purchase.

3. Get Signed Permission Slips

Explicit written permission is essential to any class outing. Add a required waiver to your Cheddar Up page in the forms section for parents to permit the field trip. When you include a waiver in your collection page, four required fields (first name, last name, date, and e-signature) will automatically be added below your waiver text.

4. Collect Chaperone Sign-Ups

It takes a village to make these trips happen. Let parents and guardians participate in the fun!  It will also make your job more manageable and keep kids safe. Recruit volunteers via Cheddar Up’s Sign-Up feature in the forms section. Specify how many you’ll need and give them an idea of what they’ll do during the trip.

5. Other Considerations

Would you like to gather additional information like allergies or emergency contacts from parents? Can kids get a sack lunch from your school cafeteria? Any other special considerations for your field trip?

Sack lunch, anyone?

Add an option for parents to purchase a sack lunch for their child so they don’t have to pack it. This is a great PTA fundraiser!

6. Share the page

7. check out and submit.

When the parent or guardian receives the link, they’ll be taken directly to your custom page.

Once the user has filled out all requirements you need from them, they securely add their payment information (credit card or echeck) and submit it.

Parents and guardians will 🧡 that they don’t need to download an app or create an account to pay on Cheddar Up.

In short, before you go

So there you have it! One page that fits all. Creating a simple yet comprehensive field trip form for your next class trip keeps you organized, makes parents happy, and lets the kids enjoy the wonders of the world around them.

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8 Field Trip and School Permission Forms to Make Your Life Easier

Because who has time to reinvent the wheel?

While some schools may be lucky enough to have transitioned to electronic permission slips, many are still relying on the same photocopies that they’ve had for years. Thankfully, we’ve got some spiffy new school permission forms templates to help you retire your old forms without too much heavy lifting.

1. Class Party or Project

When you’re planning a class party or project, this template is a great start. You can use it as is to address any concerns about allergies or adjust it to collect other information, like supply donations or even available volunteers.

Edit (doc)  |  Print (pdf)

2. School Dances

There comes a time in each student’s life when they’re presented with the opportunity to get down and funky with a group of their peers. At that time, it falls on many an adult to help students manage responsibilities and expectations. This permission slip helps do just that with student, guest, and guardian signatures, and much more.

Edit (doc)  | Print (pdf)

3. Movies and Other Media

With all of the digital learning resources available nowadays, you may think permission slips for these tools are no longer necessary. As mindful as you may be in making your selections, you still might want to solicit specific approval for certain content. This quick and easy form is the way to do it.

Edit (doc) |  Print (pdf)

Speaking of potentially sensitive content, sex ed likely requires permission, no matter what it’s called, what grade it’s for, or what class it’ll be in. In addition to documenting approval, this form provides information parents and guardians are sure to find useful before their student participates in any discussions.

5. Extracurricular Transportation

Kids today have an amazing number of options available when it comes to extracurricular activities—and just as many when it comes to getting to and from them. Coaches, leaders, and other staff will love having this form at the ready to get transportation permissions on file in record time.

6. Field Trip Lite

This is a great field trip permission slip without all the fuss. Just enter the facts and send it on its way.

7. Field Trip Plus

For those who sleep a little more easily at night when they have a bit of legalese covering their backsides, the additions in this two-pager may be the better choice. Plus, the added room in the layout gives you plenty of space to load up on trip details, if that’s more your style.

8. Overnight Field Trip

Fair warning: This one has a lot of fine print! But what else would you expect to counter the increasing liability that comes with an overnight field trip?

What school permission forms templates should we add to this list? Let us know in the comments and we’ll create more templates!

Plus, the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too), you might also like.

13 Free Printable Thank-You Cards for Custodians, Librarians, and More

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