in house field trips preschool

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30 In-House Field Trip Ideas For Kids

• March 24, 2020

After so many days being stuck at home with my daughter, I’d be happy with a trip to the dump at this point! So what do you do when you’re dying to get out of the house but you’re forced to stay put? You make a giant list of in-house field trip ideas! 

No Need To Leave The House 

So here’s the thing about going places with your kids.  Hopping in the car and traveling somewhere new is always exciting. But I bet you didn’t know that you don’t even have to leave the house to give your kids the exciting experience they’re begging you for! This is where the “in-house” part of the in-house field trip ideas comes in. 

How Does An In-House Field Trip Work?

If you really want to get the most out of these in-house field trip ideas, there are a few things you’ll want to do. Here are some tips on how to take your kids on a journey around the world without even stepping foot out the door.  

• Decorate. Making your house look like another destination is key when it comes to pretend-traveling. Find pictures of the destination online to print out, props around the house, toys, furniture, etc. Anything that you think could help give your kids a good vision of where they’re pretending to visit. 
• Dress up. You might be surprised at how much power a simple costume has! A plastic fireman’s hat is all you need to become the greatest fireman there ever was. Or put on a crown and now you are royalty in a magical kingdom. Throw on a scarf and some gloves and–what do you know?–you’re in the middle of a snow storm! 
• Talk it up. Half the fun is in the way you talk these places up, narrating through what’s going on, and getting the imagination running. What do you see going on around you? Explain what the props mean. Do you hear any sounds around you? What are you going to do now? Just remember to not shut down any of your kids’ ideas, even the craziest ones. If they find a unicorn on the jungle safari, try rolling with it and see where it takes you! Most importantly, just have fun becoming a kid again. 

With these three key elements your kids will be having such a blast, they’ll forget that they never even left the house in the first place! 

In-House Field Trip Ideas For Your Kids To Keep You Sane

Got your props, your costumes, and your imagination? Then we’re ready to go! Here are 30 in-house field trip ideas for your kids and anyone else who’s tired of being cooped up all day. Couldn’t we all use some sort of staycation? Count me in! 

1. African Safari 

Take your kids to the Africa in their bedroom! Make the room look like Africa (or what you and your Google searches think Africa must look like). Use stuffed animals, printed pictures, brooms topped with green yarn for trees, a blue blanket for a water hole, etc. Remember, it’s hot in Africa, so dress the part! Shorts, tank tops, sandals or hiking boots, and don’t forget the binoculars (toilet paper rolls taped together)! You could even make a game out of finding all the hidden animals. Try making a bingo sheet, have the kids take pictures with your phone, or draw their discoveries in their research notebook (a couple of papers stapled together). After all the adventures, head “back home” and share with everyone what you found!  

2. Take Flight On An Airplane

Go on an airplane ride to a destination of your choice. Use crayons and paper to draw and color your tickets and passports. Prepare some airplane snacks like soda, juice, nuts, pretzels, or any other snacks your airline chooses to serve (aka what you have in the cupboard). Arrange chairs to look like the inside of an airplane and take turns being the steward, the captain, and the passenger. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try skydiving out of the plane with your parachutes (a pillowcase)! 

3. Aquarium 

Choose a blank wall in your house to be your aquarium, or have each room be a different habitat for your various aquarium animals. Print and cut out all types of fishy creatures (sharks, fish, eels, jellyfish, whales, octopus, etc) to tape to the wall, or have your kids try to draw some. Then, talk about each animal, their name, where they live, what they eat, and any other information Google tells you. Try playing I Spy with all the animals on the wall. Maybe put on your goggles and floaties and take a dive to get a closer look! 

4. Attend A Concert Or Other Event  

What events do you wish you could attend? A ballet? An orchestra? A play? A concert of your favorite artist? How about all of the above? Draw up some tickets and programs for your concert, pop some popcorn or make a concession stand with all kinds of treats. Set up the audience seating, or clear away the chairs so you can have room to dance! Use a blanket for the stage and take turns singing your favorite songs, dancing like ballerinas, doing skits, or playing an instrument. (Pots and pans, kazoos, paper towel rolls, and jars filled with dry beans are instruments any kid can play!) Or, if you don’t feel like performing, sit back, relax, and find some fun live performances on YouTube. 

5. Have A Parade! 

Make your own marching band ! You could play paper plate tambourines, pot and wooden spoon drums, kazoos, a rubber banded tissue box guitar, or anything else that makes noise! March around the house, and maybe lay out some blankets and take turns watching the procession! To make the noise slightly more tolerable, play in time to some real band music. 

6. Hair Salon 

Set up your own barber shop! Think of a creative name and make a sign for your customers. Use a blanket and safety pin to keep the “hair” off the clothes, and use your finger scissors to give each other a makeover. Or if you don’t want to give your kids any ideas when it comes to hair cutting, take turns brushing each other’s hair or doing braids and pony-tails. If dad will let you, borrow some shaving cream and give each other pretend shaves with a spoon! 

7. Nail Salon 

Set up chairs all in a row like a nail salon, with a bowl of warm water on a towel for the feet. Take turns soaking your feet and painting toenails! Also, if your kids need a trim this could be a good opportunity to bring it up! Find an easy face-mask recipe to use, or just cover your faces in lotion and put some cucumbers on your eyes. We’re really not sure what that even does, but it sure is fun!

8. Visit The Farm 

Hang a blanket over the table for a barn and fill it with all of your stuffed barnyard animals. Visit each one and pretend to feed and take care of them! What does each animal eat? Talk about what each animal likes to do every day. Can you make the animal sounds? “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” is a regular classic in our house. We have simply embraced it.  

9. Go To Space 

Nowhere is too far when it comes to pretend! Decorate a box together to make it look like a spaceship. (Doesn’t need to be anything fancy, if you say it’s a spaceship, suddenly it is!) Tape stars to the walls for effect. Use any balls you can find in the house and place them around the room to be the planets and visit each one. What is each planet like? What color are they? Maybe you’ll find some aliens! If so, take or draw pictures of them. 

10. The Candy Store 

Set up a candy or snack store. Make price tags for each item and use any extra change you have laying around to practice counting out the amounts and giving change. Or draw or print up fake money to use instead. 

11. Kayaking Adventure

Take a kayak trip down the river! You can use wooden spoons or broomsticks for oars and kneel on a folded blanket or basket as you kayak. Talk about what things you see as you kayak. 

12. Library 

Chances are you have a lot of books at the back of the bookshelf that your kids haven’t read in awhile! Pull them out and make your own little library at home. Draw library cards and take turns being the librarian or checking out books. What type of voices do we use in the library? Don’t forget to read together!  Here are some of our favorite books.

13. Doctor’s Office 

Need a check up? Take turns being the doctor and the patient. Examine the throat (carefully) with a popsicle stick, use a flashlight to look into the ears, and tap the knee to check for reflexes. If the patient is “sick” prescribe some pills (Skittles), or some “cough syrup” (juice). 

14. Dentist Office

Take turns examining each other’s teeth in the dentist chair. This could be a good opportunity to practice the correct brushing and flossing techniques! 

15. Go Fishing 

Make a simple fishpond and go fishing! You could lay out a blanket on the ground for the water, and draw fish and cut them out. If you tape a paperclip to each fish then you can put a magnet on the end of your fishing pole (wooden spoon and string) for a simple fishing game! 

16. Forest 

Take a trip to the forest! (See #1 for similar ideas!) Sing “Going on a Bear Hunt” for a road map. Use blankets, pillows, chairs, and anything else you can find to represent the grass, pond, and any other obstacles that you have to go through, over, around, etc. 

19. Down The Street 

Make cars out of boxes, or just use a bowl for the steering wheel and run around in your pretend cars. What different types of cars are there on the street? (Taxi, bus, garbage truck, semi, limo, etc). Practice parking cars, driving together, picking up passengers on the bus or taxi. Or, a mom’s personal favorite, drive your garbage truck around to all the rooms in the house and collect the trash! 

20. A Kingdom 

Create a castle-fort out of pillows and blankets. Dress up with crowns, tiaras, dresses, boots, swords, or even magic wands for the wizards! Maybe take turns making decrees for the kingdom, then roll up a long piece of paper for the decree scroll, and stand up on a chair to announce it to the town. “Hear ye, hear ye! It has been decreed that everyone must eat a marshmallow after lunch!” 

21. Museum 

There are so many options for a museum! Basically any toys or other collections that you have a lot of. Cars, dinosaurs, Disney princesses, balls, etc. Set up stools or boxes as pedestals, and put your items on display for everyone to walk through and see. Don’t forget to take pictures! You could also have your kids paint or draw and hang up their art pieces in the hallway for an art museum! Play dough also makes for good clay for sculptures and statues. 

22. The North Pole 

What do you think Santa’s doing this time of year? There’s never a bad time to get into the Christmas spirit, so pull out those Christmas decorations and deck the halls! You can even dress up in hats and scarves and take a journey through the snow (in your hallway) to visit Santa’s workshop. Maybe Mrs. Clause left out some cookies for you to decorate. Maybe the elves need help “fixing” toys. Maybe the reindeer need some carrots, or a good brush down. Ho ho ho! 

23. The Post Office 

Have each kid decorate their own shoe-box mailbox, then write notes and draw pictures to each other. Take turns being the mailman who delivers the letters and packages! 

24. Any Foreign Country 

The best part about make-believe is you don’t have to buy plane tickets! If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go? India? Mexico? Japan? Hawaii? France? Find some traditional music for that country for ambiance. Make some typical food to eat, dress up for the climate, maybe even learn a few phrases in the native language! 

25. The Beach Or Pool 

Put on your swimsuits, sunglasses, and flip flops, and lay out in the “sun” on the beach! You can even pull out your beach toys and fill up the bathtub for some water fun! 

Use pillows to make a big rodeo arena, and set up seating to watch the events! Put on your jeans and plaid shirts. If you have stick horses and cowboy hats and boots then you’re all set! Otherwise you can use stuffed animals, or even pretend to be the horses and cows yourself. Find some string or a rope and learn how to lasso. After the rodeo, clear away the seats and arena and have a hoedown! Look up some barn dance music, or try to follow along with this tutorial for the Virginia Reel. If you feel a “Yee-Haw” coming on, just let it out, cowboy! 

27. Restaurant 

Lunch has never been so entertaining! Learn how to set the table nicely (even add a couple of extra forks if you want to be really fancy) and don’t forget to fold the napkins. You can even draw up a menu and then take turns being the waiter. A couple of candles (if the kids are careful) makes for some lovely ambiance. 

28. The Train Station 

Color some tickets and mark them with a hole punch if you’ve got it. Use a kazoo or whistle, or just let out your own “choo choo” to keep things simple. Take turns being the conductor and the passengers, and follow each other all around the house. All aboard! 

29. The Zoo 

Once again all those stuffed animals come in very handy! You can use pillows for fences, and even make signs or a map for your zoo experience. Talk about each animal, where they live, what they eat, etc. Maybe take turns pretending to be each animal, or play charades and guess what animal you’re trying to be! 

30. Draw Pictures

If you’re not sure where to take your kids next, have them draw pictures of their dream vacation! You might get some good in-house field trip ideas for tomorrow’s adventure. 

Where Else Will Your House Take You?

It’s hard to stay inside the house all day, trust me, I know! But when your house could be a rock concert, or a library, or even France, why would you ever want to leave? Do you have any other in-house field trip ideas that I didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments!

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Get out of the classroom and explore the world!

Field trips are a quintessential school experience. You usually only get one or two a year so it’s important to do it right! Our roundups of unique field trip ideas have something for every age, subject, and interest. We’ve even got resources like permission slip forms and chaperone tips. Get ready to leave the classroom behind to take learning on the road!

Preschool Field Trip Ideas

Early-grade field trips help kids learn about the world and also teach them good field trip behavior. These are our top picks for the pre-K crowd, but many of the options on our kindergarten list are perfect for this age group too.

• Library: Not every student’s parents take them to story time. Schedule your own trip, and show kids that having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!
• Farm: Whether you learn how vegetables are grown or where milk and eggs come from, the farm is always a hit.
• Grocery store: Go behind the scenes at the supermarket, and use this trip as the foundation for lessons on healthy eating.
• Park: From local playgrounds to majestic national parks, it’s always worth getting kids into the great outdoors.
• Children’s museum: This is the age group most children’s museums were designed for! They’ll love all the hands-on fun and excitement.
• Post office: Learn how mail is sorted and shipped, and teach students about stamps and other mail-related items.
• Bank: Money is a new concept for these kiddos, and they’ll be fascinated to step inside the vault and learn other bank secrets.
• Fire station: There’s just something about a fire truck that gets every little one excited.
• Nursing home: Is there anything sweeter than watching seniors and wee ones spend time together?
• Animal shelter: For kids who don’t have pets at home, this can be a good introduction to animals. Others will just enjoy the time with dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

Elementary School Field Trip Ideas

@mjdstoronto

These are the prime field trip years! Here are our favorite trips for every grade.

• 14 Kindergarten Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 First Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Second Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Third Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 23 Fourth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 22 Fifth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)

Middle and High School Field Trip Ideas

@salinasvalleybasingsa

For this age group, you’ll need to step up your game a bit. (They’ve probably already been to the zoo, the aquarium, and the art museum.) Try some of these locations, which offer educational, social-emotional, and real-life learning opportunities.

• Food bank: Hold a food drive, then arrange a trip to your local soup kitchen or food pantry. Volunteering makes for truly meaningful field trips.
• Recycling facility: In a time when reducing landfill waste is more important than ever, a trip to a recycling facility can help drive home the message.
• Theater: Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours for schools and discount pricing when you buy tickets in bulk. (Want to go virtual? Check out the Hamilton Education Program !)
• Community college: Parents sometimes take kids on college visits, but a community college trip offers opportunities for even more students to see themselves getting a higher education.
• TV station: Kids interested in communications or technology will find this completely fascinating.
• Courtroom: There’s no better way to understand the justice system than to see it in action.
• State or county capitol: Every government class should visit a local capitol to meet with officials and see how the government works.
• Local business: This can be a cool way to learn about managing a business, working with customers, or discovering how products are made.
• Wildlife rehab facility: Introduce students to the people who help injured wild animals recover and live free once again.

Virtual Field Trip Ideas

@edtech_tusd

The terrific thing about virtual field trips is that they eliminate so much of the hassle. No need to collect permission slips, arrange for buses, or recruit chaperones. Plus, they’re usually free!

• 40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips
• 20 Terrific Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
• 18 Incredible Virtual Zoo Field Trips
• 15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips
• 3 Science Virtual Field Trips Let Kids Travel the World

Field Trips by Location

If you live in one of these cities, check out some of our favorite spots.

• 16 Cool Field Trips in Houston, Texas
• 21 Terrific Field Trips in Chicago, Illinois
• Top 10 Washington D.C. Field Trip Ideas

Field Trip Tips and Resources

There’s a lot to do when you’re organizing an off-site field trip. These resources are here to help.

• Preparing Parent Chaperones for a Field Trip
• Free Printable Field Trip and School Permission Forms To Make Your Life Easier
• Things To Do Before Taking Your Students on a Major Field Trip
• Mistakes To Avoid When Planning a Field Trip for Students
• Why I Hate Field Trips (And How I Learned To Deal)
• Help! Is There Any Way I Can Get Out of Our End of the Year Field Trip?

Bonus: Looking for a laugh? Check out  Ways School Field Trips Are Like The Wizard of Oz !

What are your favorite field trip ideas? Come share your thoughts in the  We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus,  virtual college campus tours to explore from home ..

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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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Where Imagination Grows

Hands-on learning through play and imagination

April 12, 2020 by Where Imagination Grows

40+ Virtual Field Trips for Kids

We are living in a strange time. Never did I think that I would be searching for virtual field trips to take with my daughter and daycare children! But here we are, trying to make the best of the situation we are living in. 

Now you can experience landmarks and museums around the world with your kids from home! Check out our list of 40+ virtual field trips below. These are all interactive virtual tours that I have done with my kids. All kid-approved! 

I’ve spent the last two weeks putting together this list of virtual field trips for kids. These are all links that I have personally checked out with my daughter and daycare kids. 

Animal Virtual Field Trips

-Watch over 10 different animals, from Elephants to Butterflies, in their habitats at the San Diego Zoo with these Live Animal Cams ! We love the tiger cams! Plus they have a whole kids area on their website for fun educational activities. 

-Observe gorillas, rhinos, and even ants on the live webcams from the Houston Zoo . I love the 6 different animal cams at this zoo. Tune in between 7 am and 7 pm CST to see them in action.

– The Georgia Aquarium has some really amazing webcams you can check out. They have beluga whale webcams plus live feeds of the puffins, piranhas, gators and much more! Watch for the whale shark (!) on the Ocean Voyager cam! It’s so cool to see! 

-Learn and explore the farm like never before! Take an inside virtual tour of how farms run and how food is processed from a farm. These are really interesting and well done. My daughter loved the 360 videos on egg processing and egg breaking, the way all the machinery works together blew her mind! You can also view sheep, grain, and mink farms plus milk processing plants.

-Have a shark lover in your house? The live shark cam at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of our favorite live cams to view. They also have a really great aviary and coral reef cam that you can view with your kids. We also like the Monterey bay cam, it’s fun to watch the waves! 

-Walk-through the halls of the National Aquarium with this fun and interactive virtual tour. 

-Another informative and fun virtual farm tour for kids. Learn about and tour behind the scenes of a dairy farm. 

-Check-in on some of your favorite animals and don’t miss the baby Cheetahs on the animal cams at the National Zoo. 

Landmarks & Castles

-If you haven’t explored Google Earth I highly recommend that you give it a try. You can explore all kinds of amazing places on Earth. Studying somewhere specific? Check it out on Google Earth. 

-Missing your connection to Mickey and friends? Check out this free virtual field trip to Walt Disney World . 

-Learning about the Empire State Building ? Check out the live webcams perched high above the streets of New York.

-Even wondered what the white house looks like from the inside? Step inside and take a tour of this presidential building from the comfort of your own home.

-Walk the grounds of Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle with this virtual field trip of this ancient castle. 

-Walk along walls of the Great Wall of China with this stunning virtual tour!

-Have you always wanted to see the Effiel Tower ? Well, now you can take your kids on a field trip there in your pajamas! 

-Visit the Palace of Versailles in France. Explore the King’s Chamber, the Hall of Mirrors, art and much more! My kids were in awe of this one! 

-Go onboard and view the inside of Air Force One (a retired model). Explore the cockpit and see where the president sat and slept! 

-Walk-through the halls of the Schönbrunn Palace in Austria . It’s one of the most visited sites in the country and the tour is full of stunning items! 

-Visit an ancient tomb in Egypt. We really enjoyed the virtual tour of The Tomb of Menna . This is one of the most visited and best-preserved of the small 18th Dynasty elite tombs in the Theban necropolis. You can also visit the pyramids while you are “in” Egypt! 

– Head to Mount Vernon and explore the grounds and building. This was the plantation of George Washington, the first President of the United States, and his wife, Martha. 

-Go through the process of arriving at Ellis Island with this interactive tour. 

-Tour inside the state rooms at Buckingham Palace and discover some of the most treasured objects in the Royal Collection

Science & Nature 

-Visit the National Parks in realtime with their NPS Webcams ! 

-View the stunning beauty of Yosemite National Park . This virtual tour is amazing! 

-Take a hike on the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon from your living room! 

-Looking for something out of this world? Travel into space and visit Mars! That’s right, you can go on a virtual adventure on Mars ! 

-Take a tour of the international space station ! If you are learning about the stars and space this tour is a must! 

-Explore the Atlantic coast of Ireland and the Giants Causeway . This virtual field trip is one I want to take for myself! 

-Go inside Son Doong in Vietnam, it’s the largest cave in the world and even has its own ecosystem. The images are amazing! 

-Want to go on a safari? Check out these African Safari tours to view hyenas, lions, elephants and more! 

-Tour the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park . Lava tubes and volcanos make this one a favorite.

-Explore the wonder of the Carlsbad Caverns and learn about bats.  

-See the Northern Lights over Sweden with this fabulous virtual tour. 

-Follow explorers from beginning to end as they climb Mt. Everest . The 360° videos are amazing and we learned so much about what it takes to make it to the top.

-Walk around among planes from history with this free virtual field trip for kids from the Frontiers of Flight Museum .

-Get an inside look at the cockpit and interior of planes from history at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. From WWII bombers to helicopters and fighter jets! My daughter has literally spent hours exploring these. 

-Have a car fan? Learning about transportation? Take a tour of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant , the first Ford plant and the location where the Model T was developed.

-View the largest collection of Van Gogh’s artwork, including letters and drawings, at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

-Learn about the Battle of the Alamo while you tour the historic Spanish mission and fortress founded in the 18th century.

-Head to the National Museum of Natural History to learn about the history of the planet and the humans. 

-View the incredible exhibits at the Louvre , the largest art museum in the world. 

-Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s website for kids! The Met Kids lets kids explore an interactive cartoon map of the Met to learn more about the artwork and visitor spaces in the museum

-See all the fun to be had at the Boston Children’s Museum ! View three floors of fun children’s exhibits. 

-Virtually tour The British Museum and discover hundreds of artifacts in the museum.

–Step inside the Sistine Chapel and get an up-close and personal view of the amazing art that covers the space, including The Last Judgment  by Michelangelo.

Your turn! 

Have a favorite virtual field trip for kids that’s not listed above? Leave a link in the comments! I’m always looking for fun new options to explore with my kids. 

Looking for more crafts and activities? Check out our  index for 100+ plus kids activities ! Find activities by theme, materials, skills, age and much more!

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April 28, 2020 at 7:25 am

Thank you for sharing this list! It’s great that we can still have field trips even if we can’t leave our homes.

Ultimate Guide to Planning Field Trips for Kids

Welcome to our guide for planning and preparing for a field trip! As a preschool teacher , here I provide you with comprehensive information and helpful tips on organizing a successful and enriching field trip for kids , specifically geared towards preschool-aged children. Join me as we dive into the exciting world of field trip planning and activities!

Section 1: Choosing the Perfect Destination

When planning a field trip, selecting the right destination is key. Consider the educational objectives, curriculum relevance, and age appropriateness of the location. Look for interactive exhibits, guided tours, and activities that align with the topics you want to cover. Some popular choices for preschool field trips include museums, nature centers , farms , aquariums, and planetariums.

Section 2: Field Trip Planning

Set Clear Goals : Determine the learning outcomes and objectives you want to achieve through the field trip. Tailor your activities and discussions accordingly to maximize the educational value.

Research and Pre-Visit : Familiarize yourself with the destination by researching online, contacting the facility, and even scheduling a pre-visit. This will help you anticipate any potential challenges and tailor the experience to meet the needs of your young learners.

Obtain Permissions : Communicate with parents and obtain necessary permissions and waivers well in advance. Inform them about the field trip’s purpose, date, duration, and logistics. Provide them with emergency contact information and any specific requirements for the day.

Volunteering Teachers : Coordinate with teachers and parent volunteers to ensure sufficient supervision during the field trip. Assign specific responsibilities to each volunteer, such as group leaders, first aid assistants, or photographers. Clearly communicate the expectations and guidelines for the volunteering teachers to maintain a safe and organized trip.

Arrange Transportation : Determine the most suitable mode of transportation based on the distance, group size, and accessibility of the destination. Ensure you have sufficient adult supervision during transit.

Create a Schedule : Develop a detailed itinerary that includes arrival and departure times, activity timelines, lunch breaks, and restroom breaks. A well-structured schedule ensures a smooth and organized experience.

Dietary Considerations : Before the field trip, collect information about any dietary restrictions or allergies among the children. Communicate these requirements to the facility or arrange packed lunches accommodating everyone’s needs.

Snacks and Water : Plan snack breaks throughout the day to energise the children. Encourage parents to pack healthy snacks such as fruits, granola bars, or cheese sticks. Additionally, ensure an adequate water supply or provide refillable water bottles for each child.

Section 3: Field Trip Activities

Guided Tours: Arrange guided tours led by knowledgeable staff or docents who can provide relevant information and engage the children in interactive discussions. Encourage students to ask questions and actively participate in the tour.

Hands-on Experiments : Seek out activities that allow children to engage in hands-on experiments and exploration. This tactile experience will deepen their understanding and leave a lasting impression.

Interactive Workshops : Many educational destinations offer workshops tailored to specific age groups. These workshops often involve interactive demonstrations, experiments, or crafts, providing a valuable and engaging learning experience.

Scavenger Hunts : Incorporate scavenger hunts or treasure hunts to make the field trip more exciting and interactive. Prepare age-appropriate clues or questions related to the exhibits or environment for the children to solve.

Reflection and Discussion : Allocate time for reflection and group discussions at various points throughout the trip. Encourage children to share their observations, ask questions, and express their thoughts and feelings about the experience.

Read more on: Places to take preschool kids for an educational field trip

Section 4: Safety Considerations

First Aid and Emergency Preparedness : Ensure you have a well-stocked first aid kit and designate a responsible adult with first aid training. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and establish a plan for any unforeseen situations.

Adult-to-Child Ratio : Maintain an appropriate adult-to-child ratio to ensure the safety and supervision of all participants. Consider dividing the children into smaller groups, each with a designated adult supervisor. This allows for better management and attention to individual needs.

Medical Information : Collect and carry necessary medical information for each child, including allergies, medications, and emergency contact details. Keep this information easily accessible in case of any medical emergencies.

Rules and Behavior Expectations : Clearly communicate the behaviour expectations to both children and accompanying adults before the trip. Emphasise the importance of following instructions, staying with the group, and respecting the facility and its exhibits.

Communication Plan : Establish a communication plan to keep parents informed throughout the trip. Share contact details and schedule regular updates, ensuring parents know of any changes or delays.

Section 5: Post-Trip Follow-up

Reflection Activities : Engage the children in post-trip activities that encourage reflection and reinforce learning. This could include discussions, journaling, or creating artwork inspired by their experiences.

Parent Engagement : Share highlights and photos of the field trip with parents through newsletters, emails, or a dedicated online platform. Encourage parents to discuss the trip with their children and extend their learning at home.

Thank-You Notes : Have the children write thank-you notes or draw pictures expressing their gratitude to the destination and any staff members who made the trip memorable. This teaches them the importance of appreciation and reinforces social skills.

Evaluation and Feedback : Gather feedback from both children and accompanying adults to evaluate the success of the field trip. Use this feedback to improve future trips and enhance the overall experience.

Volunteer Appreciation : Express your gratitude to the volunteering teachers for their support and dedication. Recognize their contributions through thank-you notes, certificates, or small tokens of appreciation. This gesture fosters a sense of teamwork and encourages continued involvement in future field trips.

Conclusion:

Organizing an educational field trip for preschool kids requires careful planning and preparation, but the rewards are immeasurable. By selecting the right destination, creating a well-structured itinerary, and incorporating engaging activities, you can provide a valuable and memorable experience that nurtures young minds. Remember to prioritize safety, communicate effectively, and follow up with post-trip activities to maximize the educational impact. So, embrace the excitement of field trip planning, and watch as your preschoolers embark on an educational journey they’ll cherish for years to come.

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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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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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Field Trip In-House Programs

30 minute field trip programs:.

Matter: Explore the three common states of matter and how they change. Plus, experiment with a unique solid – dry ice! (Gr Pre K-12)

Magnets: Uncover the attractive properties of magnets. (Gr Pre K-3)

Bugs and Insects: What do we call them? Learn the difference between bugs and insects. The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be read in a whole new way. New science words will be introduced when talking about the changes “bugs” go through. Kit includes a prelab, program materials, and post lab. (Gr Pre K-3)

Fossils: Become a paleontologist as your discover the amazing world of fossils, including how to find them, where to look, and what we can learn about ancient plant and animal life. (Gr Pre K-5)

Weather: Investigate where weather comes from and how important weather is to our planet. (Gr Pre K-6)

Sense-sational Science: Introduce your students to the five senses! From sensory bags to shaving cream letters, they’ll discover the complexities of their sensory perceptions through hands on experiments. (Gr Pre K-1)

45 Minute Programs

Ecology I- Food Craze: Look into food chains, physical characteristics of animals, and adaptations. (Gr 2-6)

Ecology II- Symbiosis & Adaptations: Explore the world of ecology by discussing symbiotic relationships between different organisms, adaptations of different animals and interact with our Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches that live at the Discovery Center. Students will use microscopes to explore slides of different organisms and build their own slides to investigate symbiotic relationships further. (Gr 5-8)

Astronomy: Investigate the planets and solar system. (Gr 2-6)

Simple Machines: Examine how the 7 types of simple machines help us to do the work. (Gr 3-5)

Geology: Investigate where rocks come from and how they change over time. (Note: This program uses food items.) (Gr 2-6)

Inventor’s Workshop: Inventing: what a process! Learn some of the steps inventors use to plan, develop, and create something new! Inquiry strategies are at the heart of this program. (Gr 2-8)

Chemistry: Experiment with physical and chemical changes. (Gr 3-8)

Track the Reaction: Students will investigate the variables that influence rates of reactions and determine what happens when conditions within a chemical system are altered. From exploring reaction kinetics to analyzing the effects of temperature and concentration changes, students will deepen their understanding of chemical processes. (Gr 6-10)

Owl Pellet Dissection: Investigate, categorize, identify! What will you discover in YOUR owl pellet? (Gr 3-8)

Electricity: Build simple circuits and explore the properties of insulators and conductors as we discover what causes our very favorite form of energy. (Gr 3-6)

Energy: What makes your car drive? Makes your muscles move? Turns your TV on? Energy! Explore the 7 main types of energy and how they work together to make things happen. (Gr 3-6)

Cell Biology and DNA: Uncover the cellular differences between plants and animals, use biotech tools to extract DNA and investigate your own dominant and recessive phenotypes. (Gr 3-6)

Cell Biology Building Proteins: Students will investigate protein synthesis, transport proteins and the hierarchical organization of multicellular body systems. (Gr 7-9)

Human Body: Our bodies are so amazing! In this interactive program, we’ll touch on bones, brains, muscles and more as we explore human anatomy and healthy habits. Students will be introduced to medical tools, learn the difference between resting and active heartrate, interact with real organs and put together a skeleton. (Gr Pre K-8)

Scheduling a field trip is seriously simple.

• Decide if you want your students to experience a field trip program or the HighWire Bike.
• Find the date and time below that works best for your field trip, and complete the online form to place a hold on your reservation. The system will generate a confirmation and an appointment for you to put on your calendar.
• Get back to the important stuff while we coordinate everything behind the scenes! We’ll reach out with any questions, and when your field trip is perfectly planned on our end, you’ll get a confirmation email from our field trip coordinator up to a week after booking.

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Creative Ideas for Your Next Preschool Virtual Field Trip

Here's how to plan a virtual field trip for your preschool class.

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Field trips are some of the most exciting experiences for preschoolers. Children love exploring new things and places, and field trips are the perfect way for them to gain new perspectives and learn new material in the real world. However, the pandemic and the rise of technology have changed how field trips operate. When in-person schooling was not an option, the internet and technological advancements created new ways for children to continue receiving an education. 

Since then, virtual field trips have become increasingly popular, allowing children to go on a new adventure without leaving their homes or classrooms. In this article, we'll discuss virtual field trips, their benefits, creative trip ideas, and how to plan them.

What is a virtual field trip?

A virtual field trip is a guided, digital experience using multimedia, such as video, images, animation, and sounds. Although virtual field trips have been around for years, the rise of remote learning has created a greater need for them. Virtual field trips offer children enriching and educational experiences with varying types of involvement and topics. For example, some virtual field trips are interactive to create an immersive learning experience for the children. They can focus on various subjects, including science, history, geography, and more. 

The benefits of a virtual field trip

Virtual field trips offer a range of benefits to preschoolers and their educators. For starters, they act as valuable tools for education and entertainment. They're a great way to engage children in learning new topics. Additionally, because they can be conducted from home or the classroom, they’re more accessible to everyone. Children can virtually visit places they may not see otherwise, regardless of financial, physical, or geographical constraints. Finally, virtual field trips allow children from all backgrounds to gain new experiences and learn new material.

In addition to accessibility, virtual field trips also offer flexibility. They can be accessed from anywhere at any time, so there's no need for planning around busy schedules and coordinating with the school to set up transportation, meals, and chaperones. Instead, thanks to their convenience, educators and their children can explore various topics and exciting destinations at their own pace. 

Field trips can be costly for schools, educators, and parents to plan and execute. However, virtual field trips are more cost-effective since they don't require travel or accommodations. Whether finances are an issue for the school or the family, virtual field trips remove those limitations and bring an educational adventure directly to the children. Families don't have to face the burden of not being able to afford to pay for a trip, and their children don't have to miss out on a fun learning opportunity. 

Another benefit of virtual field trips is that they allow children to explore new places and topics in detail. Whether it's a zoo or a museum exhibit, they can engage in in-depth activities related to the destination. Through this immersive learning experience, they can get and stay engaged in the topic, gain a deeper understanding, and even improve their academic performance .

Virtual field trip examples

There are many options for exciting and engaging virtual field trips . Some examples include:

• The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: The Smithsonian offers virtual tours that allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. They can also access select collections, research areas, and past exhibits that are no longer on display.
• NASA: Children can gain an out-of-this-world experience through NASA's International Space Station Tour . They'll learn what daily life is like for astronauts who live and work in space.
• Yellowstone National Park: The National Park Service allows visitors to virtually experience the wonders of one of the most popular parks in the United States. This virtual tour lets you and your children see amazing wonders like the Mammoth Hot Spots, the Fountain Paint Pot, and the Old Faithful geyser.
• Great Wall of China: Children can get a dose of culture and explore one of the wonders of the world. Through Google Arts and Culture, you and your children can virtually walk the Great Wall of China , including 360-degree views and interesting architectural details about the landmark.
• The Zoo: If your lesson plan includes a section about animals, there are several online options for zoo experiences. Your children can learn about polar bears and pandas through engaging live webcams such as the Kansas City Zoo Polar Bear Cam and the Giant Panda Cam at Smithsonian's National Zoo .
• Discovery Education: If you're looking for a hands-on field trip from the comfort and convenience of the classroom, then Discovery Education is a great resource. They have multiple virtual field trips every month covering a variety of topics.

How to plan a virtual field trip

If you want to bring thrilling and engaging experiences to your children in the classroom, then it's time to plan a virtual field trip. You can easily integrate them into your lesson plans as an extension of your activities and to bring excitement to the topic. Some tips for planning and structuring your virtual field trip include: 

Connect the trip to your curriculum 

Ensure that there's a clear connection to the lesson and goals to create an experience that's meaningful and relevant. For example, a virtual zoo field trip is a good match if you're teaching a unit on animals.

Reach out to the museum or park directly 

If you have a place and topic in mind for your virtual field trip, don't hesitate to reach out to them to see if they're willing to talk to the children virtually about a specific topic.

Prepare accordingly

To introduce the field trip's topic to the children, create an activity beforehand. This will give them some background knowledge before diving into the virtual experience. For example, the National Park Service has worksheets on its website that children can complete before virtual field trips. 

Additionally, while these trips may not require you to leave the classroom, keeping families in the loop about upcoming virtual field trips is still a good idea. While a permission slip may not be necessary, you can include information about the trip in messages to families or a monthly newsletter. A tool like brightwheel's communication feature offers an easy-to-use solution for messaging parents and distributing newsletters.

Identify what the children need to know 

Before the virtual field trip, determine what knowledge the children should gain. Come up with a list of questions they can ask if there's a live expert during the trip. You can also have the children complete a KWL chart to identify what they know and what they want to know about a particular topic before the journey begins.

Discuss and reflect 

Set aside time to review the virtual field trip afterwards and discuss what they learned. You can also extend the learning into another lesson or activity. This can also be discussed using a KWL chart to revisit and reflect on their learning.

A fun and exciting trip is just a click away

Now that you know more about planning and conducting a virtual field trip, it's time to bring the experience to your classroom. Whether you're pressed for time or don't have the resources to travel physically, a virtual field trip can take your children on the adventure of a lifetime. It's a great way to teach them while keeping them entertained and engaged.

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10 Fantastic Field Trip Ideas for Preschoolers

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Preschoolers are so much fun. Everything is new and exciting, and simple outings can provide the basis for amazing hands-on learning opportunities. Many of these field trip suggestions are fun things you’d probably do with your preschooler anyway, but we’re homeschooling parents. That means we get to call them field trips.

Besides, the big kids shouldn’t get to have all the fun. So, check out these 10 field trips for preschoolers that I hope your little ones will love as much as mine did when they were still little.

1. Apple orchard. Apple orchards are so much fun because they typically have activities geared toward younger kids. Plan a visit in September and borrow some books from the library about Johnny Appleseed. Plan some apple-themed snacks and activities, and maybe even bake a pie together. Fun!

2. Pumpkin patch. Like apple orchards, pumpkin patches generally feature activities for younger kids. Head to a pumpkin patch in October to select your own. Then, come home and enjoy a pumpkin-themed learning activity . If you love Little Critter as much as I do, read Trick or Treat, Little Critter , in which Little Critter and his family visit a pumpkin patch.

3. Zoo. Who doesn’t love animals? This can be a particularly fun outing if your zoo features a petting zoo. Consider making up a simple scavenger hunt to add an extra element of excitement to the visit.

4. Children’s museums. My kids used to love going to our city’s children’s museum. An annual membership was one of our splurges when they were younger. One of the nice things about children’s museums is that most rotate their exhibits several times a year, so there’s always something new to explore.

5. Farm.  Domesticated animals are just as much fun to visit and learn about as wild ones. Plus, young kids can learn about how farmers provide food for the rest of us. Granted, much of what most of us eat is commercially processed, but it’s good for kids to learn about other options and discover how to support local farmers.

6. Fire or police station. Young kids tend to be fascinated by fire trucks and police cars, but they can often be intimated by firefighters and police officers in full gear. That can be a bad situation in the event of an emergency. Make arrangements to visit a local station and let your kids meet some of the men and women in uniform and learn some safety tips. I highly recommend reading Officer Buckle and Gloria in conjunction with a visit to the police station.

7. Aquarium. So, we’ve visited wild and domestic animals, we can’t leave out marine animals. Take your little ones to learn about fresh- and salt-water creatures.

8. Recycling facility. My kids and I went to a recycling center when they were young. It was fascinating to see how the facility operated and all the products that can be made from recycled plastic – everything from park benches to clothing! If you don’t already recycle, find out how to do so where you live and let your preschoolers start helping sort your recyclables at home.

9. A pond. A pond can be fascinating, particularly in the spring when you may be able to spot tadpoles, goslings, or ducklings. Borrow some books from the library about pond life before you go, and take along your camera to photo-journal what you find (at the pond, not the library!).

10. Your town. Often we overlook the things we see every day, but your own town can be a fascinating place to explore. Consider visiting the tourist attractions that you never visit because you aren’t tourists. Visit historical sites, local eateries, or small businesses. Stop by city hall or the chamber of commerce to learn more about your city’s history and what it has to offer.

What are some of your favorite field trip spots for preschoolers?

This post is linked to Top Ten Tuesday and the Hip Homeschool Hop .

Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.

• Kris Bales https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/author/kris_wuhsmom/ 4 Practical Ways to Be Your Teen's Homeschool Guidance Counselor
• Kris Bales https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/author/kris_wuhsmom/ 16+ Ways a Homeschool Homestead Provides the Ultimate Education
• Kris Bales https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/author/kris_wuhsmom/ Make the Most of Winter Homeschooling
• Kris Bales https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/author/kris_wuhsmom/ Homeschool Clutter: Why It's a Problem and How to Fix It

Our kids love to go to the fish hatchery to feed the fish. The food is only a couple of dollars a bag, and we all have so much fun. 🙂

My kids always enjoyed factory tours too; seeing how things were made was just fascinating.

We have an arboretum about 15 minutes away. We like to take walks and spend time in the nature center. They have lots of classes for preschoolers, too, which is wonderful.

That sounds fabulous!

Pumpkin picking at our local farm is one of the highlights of our fall! In the summer, we also enjoy the county fairs which provide lots of opportunities for talking about farm animals. (Not sure I would consider it a field trip, but it is fun!)

Oh, that sounds like fun!

Can anyone tell me about good field trips for a preschooler during quarantine? I have no idea where to take my 2 year old…

My niece loves to go on trips to the zoo. Will definitely take her to another zoo sometime.

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Field Trips for Preschoolers: How to Plan and Prepare for a Memorable Experience

• May 15, 2023

The purpose of this guide is to serve as a roadmap for educators and parents alike, helping them plan and prepare for preschool field trips that leave a lasting impression. We understand the significance of these excursions in fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development in young children. Whether you’re an enthusiastic educator or a devoted parent, this outline will equip you with the necessary tools and insights to create an unforgettable field trip experience.

Benefits of Field Trips for Preschoolers

Field trips are more than just fun outings for preschoolers; they offer a multitude of educational and developmental benefits that contribute to their overall growth. These excursions provide an immersive learning experience, allowing children to explore, discover, and make meaningful connections with the world around them. Let’s explore the numerous advantages that field trips offer to preschoolers:

• Experiential Learning: Field trips for preschoolers provide hands-on learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms, enhancing children’s understanding of various subjects.
• Stimulated Imagination:  Field trips expose preschoolers to new sights, sounds, and textures, stimulating their senses and inspiring creativity.
• Social and Emotional Development:  Field trips  encourage children to interact with peers  and adults in different settings, enhancing communication and cooperation skills.
• Appreciation for Diversity:  Field trips expose preschoolers to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, promoting tolerance and empathy.
• Language Development: Field trips for preschoolers provide rich opportunities for language development through active listening, communication, and conversation.
• Sensory and Motor Development:  Field trips often involve physical activities that  promote gross motor skills , balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

Selecting the Ideal Field Trip Destination

Selecting the perfect field trip destination for preschoolers requires careful consideration to ensure an engaging and educational experience. The chosen destination should align with the curriculum, cater to their developmental needs, and spark their curiosity. Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting the ideal field trip destination:

• Curriculum Alignment:  The field trip should complement the curriculum and  learning objectives of the preschool program . Identify the concepts or topics being covered and choose a destination that provides relevant educational opportunities. For example, if the class is learning about animals, visiting a local zoo or a nature reserve would be an excellent choice to deepen their understanding.
• Age-Appropriate and Engaging:  Preschoolers have unique interests and abilities. Select a destination that caters to their age group, offering activities and exhibits that are accessible and engaging. Look for interactive exhibits, hands-on learning experiences, and age-appropriate demonstrations. Consider destinations such as children’s art museums, science centers, botanical gardens, or farms, often providing tailored experiences for young learners.
• Interest and Curiosity:  Tap into children’s natural curiosity by choosing a field trip destination that aligns with their interests. Talk to the children and involve them in the decision-making process. Discover their passions, whether dinosaurs, space, art, or nature, and select a destination that will captivate their imagination. When children are excited about the subject matter, their engagement and learning are greatly enhanced.

Additionally,  ensure that the chosen destination prioritizes safety  and accessibility for preschoolers. Evaluate the venue’s safety measures, including appropriate staff-to-child ratios, well-maintained facilities, and clear emergency procedures. Consider factors such as wheelchair accessibility, restroom availability, and ease of movement for children with diverse abilities.

Tips to Plan and Prepare for a Memorable Experience

Once you and your child  select the perfect field trip destination , the real excitement begins! But how do you ensure a truly memorable experience? With these expert tips and practical advice, you’ll discover how to plan and prepare for a field trip that will create lasting memories and ignite a love for exploration.

1. Make Them Feel Excited

Creating anticipation and excitement for a field trip is essential to ensure your preschooler has a memorable experience. You can set the stage for a day filled with wonder and adventure by igniting their curiosity and enthusiasm. One way to make them feel excited is by involving them in planning. Engage your child in discussions about the destination, its unique features, and what they can expect to see and do there. Watch videos or read books related to the field trip to spark their imagination and build excitement.

Additionally, you can create a countdown calendar or a visual representation of the upcoming trip, marking off the days until the big adventure. Share stories and anecdotes about your field trip experiences, capturing their attention and fueling their enthusiasm. By actively involving your little one in the preparation and building their anticipation, you’ll cultivate a sense of excitement that will make the field trip even more enjoyable and memorable for them.

2. Be Prepared the Night Before the Trip

The night before your preschooler’s field trip is the ideal time to make sure you have everything in order for a successful outing. Here’s a handy checklist to help you stay organized:

• Prepare a small bag with any necessary medications your child may need during the trip.
• Pack a variety of healthy snacks your little one enjoys, ensuring they have enough energy throughout the day.
• Don’t forget essentials like water bottles, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the sun.
• Check the weather forecast and choose appropriate clothing layers to comfort your child.
• Ensure you have any required permission slips or medical information securely packed.

By gathering these items and completing the necessary preparations the night before, you can start the field trip day with peace of mind, knowing that you’re fully prepared for a memorable and enjoyable experience with your preschooler.

3. Pick the Right Clothes

Choosing the appropriate clothing for your preschooler’s field trip is crucial to ensure their comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. Here are some tips to help you pick the right clothes for the outing:

• Consider the weather:  Check the forecast and dress your child accordingly. If it’s sunny, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. For cooler days, dress them in layers so they can adjust their clothing as needed. 
• Prioritize comfort:  Select clothes that allow your child to move freely and comfortably. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing that may hinder their movements or cause discomfort. Opt for stretchy materials and comfortable shoes suitable for walking and exploring.
• Be prepared for activities:  Take into account the activities planned during the field trip. If there will be messy or outdoor activities, consider clothing that can withstand some dirt or stains. Packing an extra set of clothes in case of spills or accidents is also a good idea.

By choosing weather-appropriate, comfortable, and activity-ready clothing, you can ensure that your preschooler is dressed for a successful and enjoyable field trip. Remember, their comfort and ease of movement will contribute to their overall experience and allow them to fully engage in the activities and discoveries of the day.

4. Encourage Your Little One to Ask Questions

One of the best ways to enhance your preschooler’s field trip experience is by  encouraging children to ask questions . Curiosity is a powerful tool for learning and exploration, and by fostering a sense of inquiry, you can help your child make the most of their educational adventure.

Remind your little one that there are no silly or wrong questions. Encourage them to ask about things they find interesting or don’t fully understand. Encourage active engagement with tour guides, educators, or experts at the destination, as they can provide valuable insights and expand your child’s knowledge. By asking questions, your preschooler can deepen their understanding, develop critical thinking skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them. So, foster their curiosity and let their questions guide them on a journey of discovery during the field trip.

5. Ensure Your Kid is Physically Ready

Before embarking on a field trip, it’s important to ensure that your preschooler is physically ready for the day ahead. Here are some key points to consider:

• A good night’s sleep:   Make sure your child gets adequate rest  the night before the trip. Sufficient sleep will ensure they have the energy and focus needed for an enjoyable experience.
• Nourishing breakfast:  Start the day with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your child’s body and mind. Include foods that provide sustained energy, such as whole grains, fruits, and protein-rich options like yogurt or eggs.
• Stay hydrated:  Pack a water bottle for your child to keep them hydrated throughout the trip. Hydration is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being, especially during physical activities.

By prioritizing your child’s physical well-being, you can help them stay alert, energized, and ready to fully engage in the field trip experience. A well-rested and nourished preschooler will be better equipped to absorb new information, actively participate in activities, and maximize the learning opportunities presented during the outing.

6. Ask Your Little One to Take Notes

Encouraging your child to take notes  during a field trip can be a fun and effective way to help them remember the experience. Taking notes allows your child to document important details, reflect on their observations, and engage with the learning material in a more active way.

Teach your child about the importance of note-taking a day before the trip. Share how your field notes helped you remember your experiences and discoveries from your field trips. Encourage your child to use a notebook or a smartphone app to record their thoughts, observations, and questions. They can also take photos or make sketches to help capture the memories of the day. By taking notes, your little one can create a personal record of their field trip, review the material later, and share their experiences with others.

7. Check With All The Norms Set by The School

In order to ensure a hassle-free field trip experience for your preschooler, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with all the norms and guidelines set by the school. Paying attention to these details can help prevent unnecessary complications and ensure a positive experience for your child. Here are some important points to consider:

First, check for any dress code requirements. Some schools may have specific guidelines regarding appropriate attire for field trips. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that your child is dressed appropriately and avoids any potential scolding or discomfort during the trip.

Additionally, be aware of any rules regarding gadgets or electronics. If the school has a policy against bringing gadgets on field trips, it’s important to respect this rule. Providing your child with gadgets when not allowed can hinder their engagement with the experience and may lead to disciplinary action.

Lastly, be mindful of any other specific instructions or guidelines provided by the school. This may include rules regarding food or snacks, behavior expectations, or any specific items that your child should bring or leave behind. By checking with the school and following these norms, you can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable field trip for your preschooler and their classmates.

8. Managing Cash When Traveling Alone

When your child is on a field trip, it’s important to ensure they have the necessary funds and know how to manage their money responsibly. Here are some tips to help them with cash management:

First, provide your child with the appropriate amount of cash for the trip. Discuss with them the importance of budgeting and making wise spending decisions. Encourage them to prioritize essential items like meals or souvenirs they want.

Consider giving your child a small wallet or pouch to keep their cash secure. Teach them about the importance of keeping their money safe and hidden. Remind them not to publicly share their financial information or display large amounts of cash.

9. Make Sure Your Child Save His Contact Number

It’s essential to ensure that your child has your contact number readily available when they’re on a field trip. By having this information, the teacher-in-charge can easily reach you in case of any issues or emergencies. Here’s what you can do to ensure your child has your contact number:

Encourage your child to memorize your contact number. Practice reciting it together until they feel confident in remembering it. Alternatively, you can write the number down on a small note and ask them to keep it in a safe place, such as their pocket or backpack.

Additionally, consider providing your child with a wristband or ID tag that includes your contact information. This way, your child will have your details readily accessible in case they need assistance or support during the field trip.

10. Inform the Teacher About Your Little One’s Circumstances

When your child has special medical circumstances or specific needs, it’s important to communicate this information to the teacher in charge of the field trip. By doing so, you can provide essential details and ensure that your child receives appropriate care and support. Here’s why it’s crucial to inform the teacher:

If your child requires specific medications or has medical conditions, informing the teacher allows them to be aware of the situation. This way, the teacher can provide reminders for medication timings or be prepared to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during the field trip.

In addition to medical circumstances, informing the teacher about any other relevant details regarding your child’s needs or preferences can contribute to a more inclusive and comfortable experience. Whether it’s dietary restrictions, allergies, or behavioral considerations, sharing this information allows the teacher to make necessary accommodations and ensure your child’s well-being throughout the trip.

Final Thoughts

Planning and preparing for field trips for preschoolers can be an exciting and enriching experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a memorable outing for your little one and their classmates. Remember to select age-appropriate destinations, prioritize safety measures, and engage the children through interactive activities.

At Baby Steps Daycare, we understand the importance of field trips in early childhood education. These outings provide invaluable opportunities for children to explore the world around them, develop social skills, and expand their knowledge. As parents, we want the best for our children, and organizing well-planned field trips is one way to offer them a well-rounded learning experience.

Here at  Baby Steps , we take pride in providing your preschooler with a nurturing and educational environment. We offer a range of enriching activities, including carefully planned field trips tailored to young children’s needs and interests. By partnering with us, you can rest assured that your child’s field trips will be thoughtfully planned, supervised by experienced staff, and designed to maximize educational and fun experiences.

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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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Science Fun

We provide In-school and Virtual (NEW) science field trips that allow kids to become a “Scientist For the Day” and learn by doing REAL experiments. Programs are engaging, fun and meet the Science Standards.  Please call (919) 460-5800 for more information about our new programming options.

We will deliver your Science Supplies to you (FREE SHIPPING)!

Our true passion is to provide teachers and students with FUN, educational, and convenient science programs. 

We will transform your experience into a Living Laboratory!

Quick questions:.

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We Bring Hands-On Science To You!

The Science Crew is dedicated to bringing hands-on science experiences directly to you, creating an environment that sparks creativity and interest in young minds. Our unique approach combines education with entertainment, creating memorable and thrilling experiences that keep students engaged and active. From Pre-K through 5th grade, we offer a variety of science activities that encourage exploration, engagement, and inspiration.

We work with over 350 schools in Minnesota, reaching over 1000 students every week. Our mission is to inspire young scientists to think, wonder, and connect as they explore the fascinating aspects of the natural world through our mobile interactive science programs.

Bloomington, MN 55437

Contact: Tim Schrader

[email protected]

952-888-1839

WE OFFER “HANDS-ON” LEARNING:

• In House Field Trips for • Elementary K-5th Grade • SAC School Age Care • Preschool ages 3+ • Monthly Preschool Partnership Program with 3 year curriculum cycle

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Expect Tons Of Fun! Rent Our Space For Epic On-Site Field Trips Or We Can Bring Gymnastics Class To You.

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Kids in Action is a great family atmosphere. They go out of their way to help the kids enjoy their time there. They are not a typical daycare that just watches youngsters.

I would like to take a quick moment to say how THANKFUL we are and HAPPY to have found KIA. We have been with them through 2 floods and now this virus, they have been nothing but doing their best for their families.

- Francesca Easdon

We absolutely love kids in action. Everyone that works there is great and our kids (3 and 5 years old) love it. They are excited to go everyday and have been attending for over a year.

- Rebbecca G.

Kids in Action is simply the best! They have exceeded my expectations! My little one has been in pre-k, summer camp and now Kindergarten. We have had a great experience ever since first registering.

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Kids in Action is so great for our son! We can’t thank Mrs. Danielle enough. He really struggled in other programs before. KIA has been a God send!

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Kids In Action is the best daycare and preschool around. The kids have so much fun and cant wait to go back.

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KIA is amazing! They truly love and support my son. It makes it much easier leaving my son when we are always welcomed with open arms. My son actually enjoys going to school now.

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5 Fun Preschool-Age Field Trips in the Twin Cities

This post is sponsored by Casa de Corazón

Preschool-Age Field Trips

Let’s adventure! It’s time to plan some field trips!

The Twin Cities metro area is filled with adventure for any age. For field trips for the preschool set, we love outdoor fun but with easy access to indoor spaces like restrooms. Also, room for creative fun is a must as well. With these criteria in mind, here is our list of five fun field trips to take with your preschool kids. For even more great ideas, check out all of our Go, See, Explore field trips!

Casa de Corazón

Casa de Corazón is a premier full-day preschool that emphasizes bilingual education, social responsibility, and environmental awareness. By enrolling your children in our full-day bilingual preschool, our team will ensure that your children will grow and learn in a setting that focuses on cultural appreciation as an integral part of preparation for kindergarten. From the moment you drop off your child in the morning to when you pick them up in the evening, they will enjoy a day filled with caring connections with their teachers in a safe environment for learning.

Oliver Kelley Farm | 15788 Kelley Farm Rd, Elk River

For a step back in time in a peaceful location, look no further than Oliver Kelley Farm. We discovered this historic farm in Elk River at the end of last summer while exploring our Minnesota National History Society Membership. Our tour of this countryside oasis started with an invention by guides dressed in period clothing to come into the farmhouse and help with the morning’s chores. And just like that, my kids stepped out of the life they knew in the twentieth century and into working life on the farm in 1860. They mixed up bread, dug for potatoes, fed the oxen, and pumped water for drinking. It was a museum experience, unlike anything I have participated in before. It was as if we weren’t just visiting the farm, we were a part of it. We weren’t just learning, we were doing, and having fun all the way.

Hours: Visit the website for updated seasonal hours.

Admission: Adults $12 Children 5-17 $8 Children 4 and Under FREE

Minnesota National History Society Members FREE. MNHS membership is the best way to create your very own historic adventure. Members get the best deal in history with free general admission and discounts on events, purchases, and more at our 26 historic sites and museums for a full year.

Tamarack Nature Center | 5287 Otter Lake Road, White Bear Township

Tamarack Nature Center is a full center location with trails, guided wildflower walks, day camps, nature preschool, and a hands-on nature center with great opportunities to learn about the ecosystem of Minnesota. But Tamarack also recognizes the best way to explore nature is through play. This is what makes their Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area the greatest feature of the park.

Discovery Hollow has something for every explorer of every age. The architects can build their own fort inside the forest with logs and sticks. The archeologists can dig in the sand and look for treasure. The spelunkers can climb through caves or scale rocks taking in a stunning view of the park. Water explorers can splash and play in any of the gentle water features around the park, making it a great way to cool off on these warm summer days.

Don’t forget to pack snacks and a picnic lunch, a towel and change of clothes, and an imagination ready for fun and exploration.

Hours: Tamarack Nature Center Building Monday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm Sunday: 12 pm – 4 pm

Holiday hours The nature center building is closed during all Ramsey County holidays. Trails and Discovery Hollow remain open to the public.

Discovery Hollow Nature Play Area Open daily: 9 am – dusk.

Garden Opening in May. When open, the garden hours will be 9 am – 4 pm

Trails Trails are open 5 am – 11 pm, daily.

Visit the Tamarack Nature Center website of Ramsey County for full details of free and fee-based activities as well as any changes to hours.

Spring Lake Park Reserve | 8395 127th Street East, Hastings, MN

On the hunt for a park that has something for everyone in your house? Spring Lake Park Reserve is an incredible park to check out with the whole family. There is biking, hiking, a playground, and a picnic area, plus an incredible view of the Mississippi River that will leave you speechless. This 1,200-acre park in Dakota County only 40 minutes outside of Minneapolis could keep you busy all day.

There are many hiking options for your family here. The most popular is the Schaar’s Bluff Trail. Start in the parking lot and take the short-paved section to the dirt trail located near the playground. This 2.1-mile loop winds along the bluffs and back to the parking lot again. For the best scenic view take the first gravel trail, before the picnic area for a hike of less than a mile. Having the playground right there is a great incentive to get those little feet moving along the trail!

Love to bike? The Mississippi River Regional Trail connects through the park. It’s only a 5-mile ride into Hastings, too, so you could add more to your adventure with the options in that charming town.

Hours: 5 am -10 pm daily

Admission: FREE

Historic Fort Snelling | 200 Tower Ave, St Paul

Between the Historic Fort Snelling museum site and the Fort Snelling State Park, you could spend an entire day, or more, exploring this part of the Twin Cities!

Start the adventure at the historic site and museum to learn stories of the military fort and its surrounding area home to a wide history. Daily admission includes access to the visitor center, landscape & overlooks, and historic fort where you can view demonstrations, take short tours, participate in activities, engage with staff, and explore over 10,000 years of history. When your kids get bored of all that learning (it happens, no matter how cultured we hope they will be) take a walk exploring the many trails on the grounds. Or bring your bike and take a path in either direction. You could even go as far as connecting with Minnehaha Falls Regional Park not far down the road.

This is another great place to bring a picnic and be prepared to be surprised around every corner!

For daily schedules and new events, check the website or ask a guide when you arrive. Everyone is always so helpful during our visits. This is also another great reminder to consider the Minnesota National History Society Membership. Multiple visits are always entertaining.

Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday.

Richardson Nature Center | 8737 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington

We are big fans of Nature Centers around here and Richardson Nature Center is a favorite of our kids for field trips. Located just minutes off the busy Highway 494, Richardson Nature Center offers the peaceful escape from city life you seek in the summer, or any time of year for that matter.

There are hiking trails all around the grounds with shade to stay cool from the summer sun. Naturalists are on site to give ideas for your little explorers to hunt for on their walks. Trail guides and interpretive signs are available throughout the park. Your kids will love hunting for all sorts of animals and fun plant sightings. Be sure to ask about the exploration kits like bird-watching backpacks, pond exploration kits, bug kits, frog kits, and more!

But what we love the most about this is the nature center space inside. Besides having a space to use the bathroom and take a break from the heat, there is so much to see and do inside with nature too. The center features interactive exhibits, live animals, a meeting space, and a professional naturalist on staff. Upstairs, floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of backyard wildlife and an active bee hive. The center plans year-round activities for all ages so check their website for your next fun adventure!

Hours: Mon–Sat, 9 AM–5 PM; Sun, 12–5 PM

Admission: FREE. Some activities and events involve admission fees. See the site for details.

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In-School Field Trips

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In House Field Trips for Elementary & Middle Schools

Meet budget goals with field trips that come to your school.

It is just that simple! Our science & technology in school field trips allow students to work on 3 engaging activities without leaving the school.

Students perform hands-on STEM experiments which fully support state and national science performance standards.

We bring our portable labs to you: Featuring our Mini Lab! 

Our labs provide a project that students can take home and back to the classroom. There isn't a more exciting science and technology experience around.

All of our in school field trip science lessons help engage students in observation, measurement, identification of properties and experimentation involving life, earth, and physical science concepts.

The following science process skills are also emphasized:

• Classifying
• Critical Thinking
• Hypothesizing
• Experimentation

Details and Pricing

• All supplies , materials , lesson plans , and instructors are provided.
• We have integrated the National New Generation Science Standards into our curriculum offerings.
• Labs will last for 90 minutes depending on the school's schedule.
• The cost of the program varies by location.
• There is a minimum of 50 students per in-school field trip. Minimum fees may apply for less than 50 students.

Please contact your specific franchise location   for more information.

Club SciKidz In School Field Trip Topics

Teachers,  just take a look at the labs in the chart below and decide which in school field trip mini-lab you would like. Please click on your topic of interest to view the Mini-Lab topics for that category.

Everything Baby Showers

10 School Field Trips That End in Unforgettable Lessons

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 12, 2024

School field trips are more than just a break from the classroom routine. They often become the highlight of a student’s academic year. These outings offer invaluable real-world experiences that textbooks can’t replicate. From historic landmarks to scientific wonders, 10 school field trips leave students with unforgettable lessons.

Ellis Island, New York

A visit to Ellis Island offers students a profound glimpse into the immigrant experience, where they can trace the footsteps of millions who arrived searching for the American Dream. Walking through the halls where hopeful individuals awaited entry into the United States, students encounter firsthand accounts, photographs, and artifacts that convey the challenges and triumphs of those who embarked on the journey to a new land.

NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida

The NASA Kennedy Space Center provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to delve into the wonders of space exploration. From a rocket launch to exploring interactive exhibits, students are immersed in the history and future of space travel. They gain insights into the scientific principles behind space exploration, the challenges of living and working in space, and the innovative technologies driving exploration forward. 

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Visiting the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park transports students to one of the defining moments of American history. As they walk among the battlefield’s monuments and markers, students gain a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Civil War. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Situated along the scenic coastline of California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers students a mesmerizing journey into the ocean’s depths. With exhibits showcasing diverse marine life and interactive learning opportunities, students discover the importance of ocean ecosystems’ interconnectedness and conservation. From playful sea otters to graceful jellyfish, each encounter sparks curiosity and wonder.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C

As one of the world’s premier aerospace museums, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers students a thrilling exploration of humanity’s quest for the skies and beyond. From the Wright brothers’ historic aircraft to the Apollo moon landing module, students encounter iconic artifacts that have shaped the course of aviation and space exploration.

Alcatraz Island, California

A visit to Alcatraz Island provides students with a captivating glimpse into the history of one of America’s most notorious prisons. As they step inside the cellblocks and explore the island’s rugged terrain, students are transported to a bygone era of incarceration and escape attempts. Guided tours and exhibits highlight the daily lives of inmates and guards, highlighting the harsh realities of life behind bars. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Situated amidst the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers students an enriching journey through the history of human creativity. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, the museum’s vast collections span continents and centuries, inviting students to explore diverse artistic traditions and styles. Through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops, students engage with artworks firsthand, honing their critical thinking skills and deepening their appreciation for the power of visual expression.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Exploring the Everglades National Park immerses students in a unique and ecologically diverse landscape in the United States. As they traverse the park’s marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies, students encounter various plant and animal species, including iconic inhabitants like alligators and manatees. Guided tours shed light on the importance of wetland ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship. 

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Massachusetts

Stepping back to the eve of the American Revolution, students journey to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where history comes alive through immersive reenactments and interactive exhibits. Guided by costumed interpreters, students participate in the pivotal events that led to the colonies’ struggle for independence, from the infamous tea protest to the stirring speeches of revolutionary leaders. 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, D.C.

Exploring the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture provides students with a profound journey through the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout history. From the horrors of slavery to the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, students encounter potent stories of resilience, resistance, and resilience. Students gain insights into the complexities of race, identity, and social justice in America when they visit this museum.

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