science field trips in houston

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Field Trips

Immersive, quality education.

Help Your Students Get The Most Out Of Their Museum Field Trip!

We offer free curriculum specifically tailored for each grade level or high school course.

Cabinet Of Curiosities Exhibit Activities

Giant Screen & Planetarium Teachers: Choose Your Own Giant Screen or Planetarium Film ! With our Teacher’s Choice & Planetarium Picks for Educators programs, you can select the film that’s right for your class trip to the Museum!

Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths Exhibit Activities Additional Educator Resources Click on the links below to download Educator resources for our Giant Screen Theatre movies.

• Flight of the Butterflies
• Mysteries of the Unseen World
• Cities of the Future

Aramco iExplore Biodiversity Generously supported by Aramco

• Educational Booklet

Curriculum for Permanent Exhibits, By Grade Level Generously supported by Phillips 66

Kindergarten

• Knowledge Hunt
• Extension Activities

Grades 9 – 12

• General Knowledge Hunt for museum’s permanent exhibits. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

Butterfly Center Curriculum 

Click here for Sugar Land Curriculum. (PDF)

 The Museum requires advance reservations for all visiting school groups.

Download our Field Trip Prep Guide  

At least a Month prior to trip (we recommend booking well in advance):

Fill out a Field Trip Request form

Two to four weeks prior to trip:

• Complete required school documentation (field trip permission forms, transportation forms, contracts, etc.).
• Secure chaperones for trip; at least one chaperone for every ten students. Groups should not exceed 10 students.
• Chaperones must be 21 years of age or older.
• Coordinate transportation with your district.
• Download online curriculum
• Adjust final count of students, parents, teachers, and chaperones. Write this number on the Required Teacher Admission Sheet (page 2). All participants who are included in your school’s payment (students, parents, chaperones, and teachers) should be counted on that sheet.
• Adults not included in the chaperone count will need to purchase their own tickets at the full rate, if available, upon arrival at the Box Office. You must inform all chaperones of your venue and entry times for your reservation. Museum personnel are not allowed to give out this information for the safety of the students.
• Assign students to groups. One chaperone is required for every ten students. The group may not exceed 10 students.
• Prepare payment. Final payment is due upon check in. Cash payments must be consolidated into large bills.
• Review the Museum Etiquette guidelines with your students and chaperones (page 3).
• Ensure that all chaperones have a copy of the Museum Map and your field trip itinerary.
• Distribute curriculum to students along with necessary materials.
• Buses will unload on Hermann Park Drive near the “Bus Unloading Zone” signs. Lunches must be left on the bus unless prior arrangements have been made.
• Once unloaded, students will line up outside the main entrance at the “Teacher Reporting Point” while the lead teacher enters the Museum to check in.
• During check in, the lead teacher will provide a final count, payment, and the
• Required Teacher Admission Sheet (page 2).
• Once checked in, chaperones may lead their student group into the Museum. Remind chaperones that they must remain with their student group at all times, and they should arrive at least 15 minutes early to each ticketed venue, show or docent tour.

We strongly recommend scheduling your trip early in the school year to avoid overcrowding and the possible unavailability of your ideal dates and programs.

How do I make a reservation? E-mail us at [email protected]  or Submit the field trip booking form . A representative will get in touch with you to finalize your reservation.

Who can take a field trip? To qualify for school group discounts, you must belong to an educational organization (K-12), make advance reservations, and visit us Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. We require a minimum of 10 students to qualify for the field trip rate.

What if I have fewer than ten students? Groups of fewer than 10 students may still book a field trip; however, they will be charged for 10 students plus any chaperones. Our representatives are available to help determine the most cost-efficient method for your group to visit the Museum. Regular admission tickets may be purchased at the box office at any time.For an established field trip, the person who booked the trip may call (713) 639-4659 at any time prior to the day of arrival to add or subtract people from the reservation. Groups that fall below 10 students will be charged for 10 students plus any chaperones.

Do homeschool groups count as field trips? Homeschool groups with 10 students (K-12th grade) or more and visit the Museum Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. qualify for the field trip rate. Trips after 5 p.m. or on weekends do not qualify for field trip rates. If your group has less than 10 students, you may still be qualify for the field trip rate, but you will be charged for 10 students.

How many chaperones do I need? We require one chaperone for every group of ten students, and the chaperone must remain with their student group at all times. Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age and must wear their chaperone sticker. All adults (teachers, parents, and bus drivers) accompanying the field trip will be charged for a ticket; chaperones on the reservation will be eligible to receive the field trip rate. Those not included on the chaperone count (including teachers, parents, and bus drivers) will need to purchase their own tickets at the full rate, if available, on arrival.

How do I pay for my field trip? Field trips may be paid for in advance, by calling 713-639-4659 or mailing a check, or on the day of the trip. If you choose to pay on the day of the trip, the Museum will accept school district checks, credit cards, or cash (large bills only). A purchase order (PO) will not be accepted. Field trips must be paid for in one transaction. If paying separately, all students and chaperones on the reservation must give their payment to one person who will present the money at the box office.

School checks should be mailed no later than two weeks before the field trip to: Attn: School Services Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, TX 77030

Do teachers have to pay? Yes, teachers are considered chaperones and are charged the field trip rate as long as they are included on the reservation. If they are not included on the reservation, they will be charged the normal adult rate.

Can I change my itinerary? Adding or removing venues from a reservation requires a 24-hour notice. On the day of the trip, after the tickets have been printed, nothing on the reservation may be changed.

What if I need to cancel the trip? Can I get a refund? Cancellations must be made four business days in advance. After that time, you will be charged for the entire reservation. Refunds will be made only in the event of Museum equipment failure, power failures, malfunctions in projection equipment, etc. No other refunds will be issued.

More Ways To Learn

Early investigations.

A Reservation Coordinator will contact you within 3-5 business days to complete your booking request.

Early Investigations is the museum’s science enrichment program for children in grades K–3rd. Consisting of an engaging classroom session and interactive guided tour of one exhibit hall, the EI program is 1.5 hours of fun, scientific exploration! Students will handle real artifacts and specimens and participate in crafts and activities. 

Paleontology: Fun with Fossils

What are fossils? Investigate bones, claws, teeth, and more as students become junior paleontologists and study real fossil specimens up close and personal. Explore the adaptations of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals on a guided tour of the Morian Hall of Paleontology. Maximum capacity: 100.

Insect Zoo: Butterfly Center  

Exciting renovations are in progress for the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Please contact us for options and availability. Why do butterflies have such bright colors? How many legs do insects have? Investigate the characteristics, life cycle and various structures of common insects. Experience the rainforest in a guided tour of the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall on Entomology and get an up-close look at a wide variety of bugs and butterflies. Maximum capacity: 100.

Texas Wildlife: Diverse Ecosystems

Explore the mammals, birds and reptiles native to Texas, learning the adaptations that help them thrive in different ecosystems. On a guided tour of the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife, students will explore the fascinating creatures that populate our Texas landscapes. Maximum capacity: 70.

Native North Americans

Meet North America’s earliest residents and learn how they survived in the environment in which they lived. Investigate their tools, homes, foods and sources of entertainment. In the McGovern Hall of North America, encounter groups from the Inuits in Alaska to the Navajo of the Plains. Maximum capacity: 70.

Malacology: Under the Sea

Dive into the fascinating world of sea creatures, including squids, oysters, whelks, giant turtles and more! Students will have the opportunity to view real marine specimens in the Strake Hall of Malacology and in the Hammond Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology.  Maximum capacity: 100.

Energy: The Magic of Electricity

Ever wonder how we light our homes and power our televisions? Come join us in Early Investigations as we explore the Magic of Electricity. We will examine different forms of energy, operate a generator and experiment with magnets. Solar powered cars and human circuits are two of the wonders that we will experience. A tour of the Wiess Energy Hall will be included with our classroom activities.  Appropriate for 2nd–3rd graders | Maximum capacity: 70

Ancient Egypt: Build a Pyramid

Discover the land of pyramids and mummies, learning about Egyptian geography, architecture, beliefs/culture and the role of the Nile River in daily life. Investigate the tools used to construct the everlasting pyramids and get a closer look at actual Egyptian artifacts on a guided tour of The Hall of Ancient Egypt. Appropriate for 2nd–3rd graders | Maximum capacity: 70

Our interactive labs feature Museum specimens, artifacts and laboratory equipment. Students examine ancient objects, investigate technology, meet live animals or conduct scientific experiments depending on the nature of the lab booking. Each lab lasts one hour and includes admission to the Museum’s permanent exhibit halls for lab participants. Three new Weekday Lab topics are available monthly.

Weekday Labs at HMNS Time: 9:30, 11:00 and 1:00 Dates: Select dates each month Capacity: 25 students per lab

Weekday Labs at HMNS Sugar Land Time: 11:00 and 1:00 Dates: Select Thursdays and Fridays each month Capacity: 25 students per lab

Want a lab experience for your field trip? Need help with a TEKS objective? Try our Labs On Demand! Each of these hands-on labs is tailored to your group’s needs.

Cost: $250 – standard Lab on Demand $250 – dissection Lab on Demand (dissection lab prices may vary depending on dissection requested.) $250–$500 – Advanced Lab Topics for High School Add a $75 travel fee for traveling presentations Lab fee includes admission to the Museum’s Permanent Exhibit Halls on the day of your lab.

Capacity: Up to 25 students

Labs on Demand Request Form School Year Programs Guide Do not hesitate to email  [email protected]  to address your particular needs if you do not see them included on this list. We have lots of options to suit your specific needs.

With our Virtual Group Labs, you can bring the excitement of HMNS into your home! With two different virtual formats to choose from, we’ve got the options you need for any topic or audience. Please note: Basic school supplies and a printer may be necessary.

How to Book

After reviewing the information below, email us at [email protected] or utilize the fillable form below to book your Lab. If you have any questions on which program would be best for your group, we’d be happy to provide recommendations!

Virtual Group Lab Formats

Choose between pre-recorded and live, virtual Group Labs depending on your program’s and audience’s needs.

Pre-Recorded Group Labs

Pre-recorded Group Labs feature our dynamic museum educators along with museum specimens to bring some of our favorite scientific and cultural concepts to life. Your group or class will have 24 hours of access to the content, so they can watch the presentation as many times as they would like. Scroll down for a list of the topics that are available as pre-recorded presentations. More topics coming soon!

Pricing: As an introductory offer for our virtual, pre-recorded Group Labs, you and your audience get 24 hours of access to the topic of your choosing for only $150. Once you book with us and select your access date, you’ll receive a password-protected link you can share with your audience. You’ll also receive the password that will be active on the date of your program. Your audience will be able to log on using the designated password to watch the presentation at any time that fits their schedule on the date of your program. Virtual Group Labs are available from 8 a.m. on the date of your choosing until 8 a.m. the following day. During that time, your audience can watch the video at any time and as many times as they would like.

Live, Virtual Group Labs

Choose from our Group Lab topics and get a live, virtual Group Lab led by one of our experienced educators. Labs are presented via Zoom and last an hour, including time for questions at the end!* Presenters will use museum specimens, artifacts, and/or handouts to enhance their presentations on a variety of topics!

Please note: – Live, Virtual Dissection Labs will be dissection demonstrations with the opportunity to engage with the instructor and ask questions. – Chaperone assistance is required for 1st-3rd graders. – Latecomers will not receive additional time.

We assume students have basic school supplies such as washable markers, scissors, tape, paper, etc. but will send a list of supplies to gather and any paper materials specific to the lab activities to the email connected with your virtual lab purchase. Please note: access to a printer may be necessary. *If you are unable to use Zoom, please let us know at the time of booking so we can find an alternate platform.

Pricing: Our live, virtual Group Labs are $250 per presentation. Live, virtual Group Labs last approximately one hour, including both presentation time as well as time for Q&A at the end. Once you book with us and select your program date, you’ll receive a Zoom link you can share with your audience. You can join the presentation together or everyone can join us from home.

STEM FIELD TRIPS PLACE- HOUSTON, TX

FIELD TRIP ATTRACTIONS

Discover hands-on fun with Funtastik Labs field trips in Houston, where STEM and art collide! Dive into interactive adventures in science, art, slime, and engineering, making each fun yet educational school outing unforgettable. Choose from five dynamic, hands-on attractions for the ultimate field trip experience in Houston.

SCIENCE LAB

Come play scientist! Each student gets to perform 3-4 hands-on science experiments. Experiments are fun and engaging and focus kids on a specific scientific theme and explore multiple scientific phenomena.

CANVAS PAINTING

Put on a smock, grab a paintbrush, and pick your fun stencil! It’s time to explore how acrylic paints mix and blend to create your abstract masterpieces on canvas. Don’t forget to take it home to hang on the wall! 

MAGICAL STEAM

Bring the magic of science and art to life as each kid creates their own magic wand and use it to cast a magic science spell or two. Kids get to take their magic wands. 

ROBOT CHALLENGE

Build & code cool robots that drive, dance, or dominate the competition using LEGO Kits! Along the way kids learn teamwork, building, coding, and debugging issues and till they succeed.  Ages 7+.

CHOOSE PACKAGE

#attraction

Price per kid

*Lunch time option

All options include 2 teachers or chaperone per 10 kids.  $10 per additional adult.

FIELD TRIP BOOKING OPTIONS

BOOK ONLINE

• Instantly confirm your booking
• $100 deposit required (towards final balance)
• Invoice sent by email (within 2-3 days)
• Balance due by day of field trip

Sugar Land  bookings available starting Summer 2024.  Summer field trips will be offered at Sugar Land location.

BUILD A QUOTE

• PDF quote sent within a few hours
• Best for schools using purchase orders
• Invoice sent by email (2-3 days)
• Pay balance online or by check

STEM FIELD TRIP REVIEWS

SCIENCE FIELD TRIP

Stem field trip, robotics field trip, conveniently located field trip location near you in houston.

5 Mins from I-10 & 99! Looking for fun educational hands-on steam field trips ideas for your elementary or preschool students? Come to Funtastik Labs where we entertain and engage kids in the field of science, arts and technology. Come play scientist in our Science Lab equipped with fun hands-on experiments, lab-coats and googles. Put on a smock and let your group unleash their creativity in our art lab loaded with designs and inspirations. Challenge the kids with our engineering activities designed to bring out their innovation skills. Our friendly instructors will guide your group through the labs and activities that will create inspiring memories.

To learn more about our STEM field trips and about Funtastik Labs visit our   Picture Gallery

Plan Your Next Adventure:

• Elementary School Field Trips
• Preschool Field Trip
• Daycare Field Trip
• Title One School Field Trip
• Middle School Field Trip
• Scouts Meet
• Home School Meets
• Team Building Events
• Corporate Events

Field Trip Offered:

• Mondays through Fridays
• 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

IN-SCHOOL FIELD TRIP OPTIONS FOR SUMMER & SCHOOL YEAR

Houston Locations

Copyright © 2024 Funtastik Labs LLC. – All Rights Reserved.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Get our FREE Field Trip Reflection printable 🦁!

16 of the Best Field Trip Ideas in Houston, Texas

From the ballet to the farm.

As the fourth largest city in the United States, it isn’t hard to find great field trip opportunities in Houston. Whether you are looking for an in-depth STEM trip or to bring history to life, Houston has you covered. Here are some of teachers’ favorite Houston field trip ideas:

The Texas Renaissance Festival School Days program in November brings history alive for students in every grade. Jousting, theater, music, trade, crafts, and medieval life are all on display with costumed actors. Students may also enter a variety of contests, including poetry, art, costume, and trebuchet. 

2. In and around Hermann Park

A great place for a full-day trip, Hermann Park is a major hub for Houston field trips for students of all ages. Start your day at the world-class Houston Zoo then enjoy your picnic lunch in the park itself. As a bonus, check out the train that goes throughout the park. Miller Outdoor Theater also puts on children’s performances throughout the year.

3. Drama, drama, drama

Alley Theatre , the Houston Symphony , the Houston Ballet , and Main Street Theater all offer student matinee performances throughout the year. These performances are generally reduced price or even free, depending on the venue and program. Post-performance discussions with the cast and crew are also included.

4. Not just dinosaur bones

Science and history come alive at the Houston Museum of Natural Science . The main campus also offers IMAX, a butterfly dome, and planetarium shows. The George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park features even more student experiences, including astronomy lessons and nature trails.

5. Hands-on learning

Learning comes alive at the Children’s Museum of Houston in all 14 of their hands-on exhibits featuring s cience and technology, history and culture, health and human development, math, literacy, and the arts. Upper elementary classes may also enjoy checking out their problem-solving or maker lab programs.

6. Back to the drawing board

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston offers guided and self-guided tours for student groups of all ages. Plus, it’s free for school groups!

7. It’s alive!

Younger students and older ones alike will have something great to do at the Health Museum , especially at one of the hands-on labs or lab demonstrations.

8. Holocaust Museum

With their mission to fight prejudice, hatred, and apathy while honoring the victims of the Holocaust, the Houston Holocaust Museum is more sober than many but still important in today’s world. Trained docents lead in-depth tours for students in sixth grade and above, and the museum also offers teaching aids and resources for all educators.

9. Houston, we have a field trip

With hundreds of activities, Space Center Houston is a great option for any STEM trip. There are several programs available for schools. In addition, FIRST LEGO League teams (as well as Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops) also have the opportunity for overnight trips.

10. We the People

The Houston Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas serves south and southeast Texas and offers tours for high school juniors and seniors, while City Hall is the seat of government and welcomes students ages nine and up. It is an opportunity for students to see how the government works up close. Municipal buildings and local city halls in the surrounding areas offer similar opportunities.

11. Once upon a time in Texas

Washington on the Brazos , Sam Houston Park , George Ranch Historical Park , San Jacinto Monument and Battleship Texas .  There are so many great living history and historical sites around Houston that it is hard to choose just one! Each of these sites offers a unique look at what life in Texas has been like throughout the ages, from the pioneer days through World War II.  

12. Tree Days

Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty exploring the natural world at the Houston Arboretum . Students might not be planting trees or gardening all day, but they will learn about environmental science and the natural world.

13. Down on the farm

Old Macdonald Farm , Oil Ranch , Dewberry Farm —y ounger students will love life on the farm. In the fall, all feature seasonal activities, including live animals, pumpkin patches, and plenty of fun.

14. Check out the life aquatic

It may seem like just a restaurant or small amusement park at first, but the Downtown Aquarium also offers a first-class aquatic experience. You might even have time for the Ferris wheel. Moody Gardens , closer to Galveston, also offers close-ups to aquatic and rainforest life as well as overnight adventures.

15. Museums galore

If you are looking for a unique field trip experience off the beaten path, check out one of these lesser-known museums around (or outside of) town:

• The Printing Museum
• Fire Museum of Houston
• Rosenberg Railroad Museum
• Nation Museum of Funeral History
• Buffalo Soldiers Museum
• Menil Collection
• Museum of the American GI

16. Bring the field trip to you

Whether funding, time, or policy keeps you from visiting the great sites around Houston, many of these organizations offer programs where they come to you.

What Houston field trip ideas did we miss? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, Best Field Trip Ideas for Every Age and Interest (Virtual Options Too!)

You Might Also Like

260+ Field Trip Ideas for Grades Pre-K Through 12 (In-Person and Virtual)

Get out of the classroom and explore the world! Continue Reading

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Celebrate Donate Life Month

This April, in honor of Donate Life Month, The Health Museum is hosting a series of events to celebrate the generosity of organ donation that saves lives. Please join us in this communal effort to raise awareness of how you can make a difference in the lives of others.

Summer Camps

Discovery Summer Camps

Unleash the power of science through camps at The Health Museum! The camps engage your child in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities. Kids will have intelligent fun, make new friends, and get the most out of their summer! Camp dates & times: June 3 - August 13 | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm (before & after care available)

Teen Summit 2024

Global Teen Medical Summit - Summer 2024

The Global Teen Medical Summit is a great opportunity to explore modern-day health and bioscience challenges with experts from the Texas Medical Center. This program is for high school students ages 14-18, program dates: July 8 – 12, 2024 Registration deadline: June 7, need-based scholarships are available.

Stories from the Heart of Medicine

Off Script: Stories from the Heart of Medicine

Join us to hear the stories about how giving or receiving something impacted a life (or several lives). The stories are about the tangible or intangible, an organ donation or pep talk – they will be true, fictional, or a mix of both. Thursday, April 25 | 5:30 pm with FREE admission to the museum Off Script is a community-oriented event and is free to attend.

Explore our events

From educational fun to programs that pave your pathway to a future medical science professional.

Your donation makes a difference!

Become a member, become a volunteer, checkout internship opportunities.

The Health Museum inspires the next generation of medical professionals, scientists and researchers.

DEA National Takeback

Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. That’s why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in – safely and anonymously – a record amount of prescription drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration and...

Club SciKidz Houston 346-667-6564

In-School Field Trips

In house field trips for houston area 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: Observing, Classifying, Comparing, Measuring, Critical Thinking, Predicting, Hypothesizing, Sequencing, and 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 is  $12 per student for Elementary Schools  and  $14 per student for Middle Schools .
• There is a  minimum of 50 students  per in-school field trip. If there are less than 50 students, then the minimum fee is  $600 for Elementary Schools  and  $700 for Middle Schools .

Request an In School Field Trip 

Or Call us today at  346-667-6564 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.

Not sure which in school field trip is right for your school? We’d love to discuss it with you! Complete the  In School Field Trip form  or call us today at  346-667-6564

• Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Undergraduate Programs

Field trips.

Field trips are held both around campus and at various locations throughout the Texas area. Please direct any questions regarding upcoming field trips to Jinny Sisson or Daniel Hauptvogel .

Registration for Spring 2024 field trips begins February 26. Virtual field trips will be available March 25

• Field Trip Dates & Online Registration
• Field Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual UH Rocks! Tour

• Assignment and Instructions  
• Virtual Tour link to Google Earth

Virtual Field Trip to Central TX

• Central Texas Template for Images

Virtual Field Trip to the Upper Texas Coast

• Virtual Tour link

Virtual Field Trip to the Earth's Mantle  

Central TX field trips:

Field trips to Central TX showcase traditional geology looking the rock cycle, minerals, faults, intrusions, and an unconformity. There are typically 4 stops on this trip, with the last stop at Enchanted Rock State Park where you can take in a gorgeous late afternoon view of Central TX. A physical geology faculty member will lead this trip. Trips leave UH at 6:00 am and do not return until about 10:00 pm. A 55-passenger coach bus is used for this trip with a restroom on the bus. The bus will make 3 stops throughout the day for food and drink supplies, or you may bring your own.

There is also a virtual field trip to Central TX available, where you can watch videos of faculty explaining field trip stops and make geologic interpretations on high-resolution images. To get extra credit, you need to submit answers to questions as well as your geologic interpretations to the Geoscience Learning Center.  You need to do your own answers and interpretations.  You may not submit work done by others nor may you work with a fellow student for extra credit.

Upper Texas Coast field trips:

Field trips to the Upper Texas coastal area explore coastal as well as river processes (depending on which faculty is leading the trip). You can expect to learn about beach erosion, sediment transport, ocean currents, and more. A physical geology faculty member leads this trip. Trips leave UH at 8:00 am and return around 5:00 pm. A 55-passenger coach bus is used for this trip with a restroom on the bus.

There is also a virtual field trip to the Upper Texas Coast available with videos explaining field trip stops as well as 360 o images showing key features. To get extra credit, you need to submit answers to questions as well as your geologic interpretations to the Geoscience Learning Center.  You need to do your own answers and interpretations.  You may not submit work done by others nor may you work with a fellow student for extra credit.

UH Rocks! campus tours:

There are no rocks naturally present in the Houston area, however many of the buildings on campus are made from geologic materials (at least on the outside). This tour is led by physical geology TAs who will teach you about the rocks that some buildings, walkways, and hallway walls on campus are made from. Tours are 1 hour long, with many options for days and times each semester. You can click on the link above to download a guidebook for the on-campus tour.

There is a new virtual field trip using the Google Earth app that shows a dozen different building stones throughout the UH campus. To get the extra credit you need to submit answers to questions to the Geoscience Learning Center. 

Exploring Earth's Mantle field trip: Wait a minute how can a field trip take you to see the Earth's mantle as in either the Jules Verne book or the 2008 movie version of Journey to the Center of the Earth? Well, instead geoscientists use techniques like doctors do to create three-dimensional images with computerized tomography (CT) of series of images. Unlike doctors who use x-rays to detect gallstones or cancer, geoscientists use the speed of seismic energy seen traveling through the Earth. On this trip, you will explore the Earth’s mantle in several different tectonic settings such as convergent and passive margins as well as a mantle plume (hot spot).

Houston Museum of Natural Sciences 

HMNS tours explore 3 halls related to geology, the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, and the Wiess Energy Hall. Physical geology faculty members or TAs leads trips. These tours meet in the museum lobby at 2:00 pm on the last 6 Thursdays during the semester, when entry to the museum is free. The tours last about 3 hours and you are responsible for your own transportation to and from the museum. 

Groups & Field Experiences

Join our Education Team for action-packed, hands-on programs in science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, math, literacy in person or online. For group field trip transportation, consider booking a Houston charter bus from companies like GOGO Charters, Longhorn Charter Bus , or National Charter Bus, which provide options for any-size bus rental in Houston or throughout the U.S.

TEKS-Aligned Experiences

We believe learning outside of school supports learning in the classroom, and vice versa. All our exhibits and programs are aligned with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Visiting children can apply what they have learned in school and gain Tips to prepare them for future learning in class.

Guidelines and Policies

In order to maintain social distancing, Field Experiences require a ratio of 1 chaperone for every 10 students. Teachers are included in this chaperone ratio. Chaperone tickets are free to achieve this ratio. Additional chaperone tickets may be purchase if needed. ‍

Reservations and Cancellations

Full payment is due 30 days prior to your visit or can be made upon arrival. The Museum does not provide day of arrival adjustment or refunds. All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges. Groups with fewer students than reserved will receive general Museum admission tickets (one ticket for each student that is paid for but is not attending). Tickets may be used for additional chaperones accompanying your group. Excludes Title 1 admission program sponsored schools. Refunds will be made only in the event of Museum equipment failure, such as power failures or malfunctions in equipment. ‍

Outside food is not permitted in the Museum. ‍

Student Needs

Please let us know if your students have special challenges. Plan to bring an interpreter if this is needed for your ESL class. ‍

Souvenir grab bags are available from our Museum Gift Shop for $5.00. If your organization is tax exempt, please bring a copy of your certificate. Please place your order at least 48 hours in advance of your visit. ‍

Sick Child Policy

Teachers are expected to screen their student’s health prior to arriving at the Museum. Schools and organizations may be asked to provide signed confirmation that no student on a tour is ill. Should your group size change due to a child’s illness, we are happy to issue reserved general admission tickets to the Children’s Museum Houston (one ticket for each student that is paid for but is not attending) to be used at another time. Tickets may be used for additional chaperones accompanying your group. ‍

Schools are responsible to provide students with ID tags that include the name and telephone number of the sponsoring institution. ‍

Explore in Person or Online

3d virtual trips, guided field trips, tuesdays 9:20 – 11:10 am or 11:30 am– 1:20 pm, field experiences, tuesday – friday 9:20 am - 11:10 am 11:30 am - 1:20 pm, accessibility, for more information, lydia dungus, reservations coordinator.

CONSIDER WEARING A MASK

Group & Field Experiences

Bring your students to the ultimate playground for their minds., guided field experiences.

Our guided trips allow students to apply their knowledge and skills as they explore over 75 hands-on exhibit activities during five,20-minute tour segments as led by a museum facilitator. ‍ Museum Field Trips are made possible through the generosity of The Cullen Foundation and Wells Fargo, with additional support provided by Houston Junior Forum.

October 12 – December 14, 2021

Tuesdays 9:20 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am– 1:20pm

January 18 – May 26, 2022

Tuesday – Thursday 9:20 – 11:00 am or 11:30 am– 1:20pm

Field Experiences Guided Tours

Field experiences guided tours are perfect for teachers who want their students to have a learning and fun experience.  A Discovery Guide will be assigned to each class to tour the students throughout five exhibits 20 minutes each all hands-on activities.

Available Slots

Tuesday– Friday* 9:20 - 11:10 am 11:30 am– 1:20 pm, 2.5 hr visits

*Excluding the First Friday of the month

Summer Groups

Experience new worlds and discover the joy of learning by exploring all Children’s Museum Houston has to offer as a group – at your own pace and time! Unguided Summer Group Visits are the perfect way to learn together and keep kids’ brains in thinking mode this summer. Bring 15 or more children and admission cost will be reduced per child.

Monday – Friday* 10:30 am– 3:00 pm

MyProjects Live Virtual Workshops

Parent stars family learning events, family math adventures.

Related Events

April 3, 2024, in the community: basics houston fun*shops, april 10, 2024, baby sign language.

How many chaperones do you require?

In order to maintain social distancing, Self-Guided Field Trips require a chaperone ratio of 1 chaperone for every 10 students. Teachers are included in this chaperone ratio. Chaperone tickets are free to achieve this ratio. Additional chaperone tickets may be purchase if needed.

Can we bring our own lunches and is there a place to eat?

Outside food is not permitted on Museum property.  If you plan are to have lunch while away from your site, plan to eat before or after your visit.

How many students can I bring?

We are able to accommodate groups of 15 – 125 students. For tours, students are divided into groups of no more than 25 students.

Can I request a bilingual Discovery Guide?

Every effort will be made to provide a bilingual Discovery Guide for your tour; however, we cannot guarantee their availability. Plan to bring an interpreter if this is needed for your ESL class.

Request Information

Due to high demand, we recommend reserving your group up to 3 months in advance. please allow 24 hours for our reservation coordinator to respond to your request., mark your calendar, día del niño, may the fourth be with you, cinco de mayo celebration.

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Houston Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource for field trips for students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about Texas’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more in Metro Houston. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below to learn about these types of field trips.

• Financial Support
• Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
• Historical Railroad Excursions
• History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
• Multicultural & Heritage
• Transportation: Boats, Planes, Trains, & Trollies
• Team Building
• Adventure Parks, Climbing, Ninja & Ropes Course, Ziplines
• Bowling & Bocce
• Indoor Amusement & Recreation Centers
• Laser Tag/Laser Maze
• Sports/Games/Fitness & Water Wars
• Group-Friendly Restaurants
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• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
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• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Photography & Films
• Theater, Dance, Music, Movies, Shows
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Galveston Railroad Museum

The historic Galveston Railroad Museum is a living history museum that offers interactive activities for all ages. Step inside trains and experience sensory tours. Curriculum materials are available.

Geronimo Adventure Park

Conquer new heights on our 3 zipline courses, throw axes at The Range, and unwind with games and activities as you make connections and amazing memories at Geronimo Adventure Park located in Houston.

iT’Z Family Food and Fun

iT’Z Family Food and Fun is the family value indoor fun destination, with locations in Euless and Houston. Arcade, bowling, rock climbing, laser tag, bumper cars and more! Attractions vary by location.

PINSTRIPES HOUSTON

Dine, Play, Celebrate! The best field trips happen at Pinstripes, an esteemed dining and entertainment destination that offers a kids-friendly Italian-American menu and a modern spin on bocce and bowling.

American Cowboy Museum

The American Cowboy Museum preserves and interprets the art, history, and culture of the contributions of African Americans, Hispanic, Native Americans, and Women to the development of the American West.

Children's Museum of Houston

At the Children’s Museum of Houston experience new worlds and make new discoveries about science, the environment, culture, math, and the arts through 14 continuously-changing exhibitions, innovative workshops, and exciting activities.

Downtown Aquarium - Houston

Downtown Aquarium features touch pools, shark tanks, games, rides, and interactive exhibits. Groups can go behind-the-scenes to see how exhibits are maintained and learn about aquarium careers.

Holocaust Museum Houston

The Holocaust Museum Houston educates about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society. The museum’s exhibit, called “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers”, focuses on the stories of Holocaust survivors living in the Houston metropolitan area.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Reconnect with nature at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s 155-acre sanctuary. Programs allow visitors to explore plants, logs, pond life, and the interactions between different parts of the environment.

Houston Ballet

The Houston Ballet teaches school groups about ballet through its matinee performances, dance classes, studio performances, and outreach programs. Also family friendly performances.

Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)

The Houston Museum of Nature Sciences has 3 floors which consists of the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center and a fascinating variety of permanent science exhibit areas.

Houston Museum-African American Culture

The Houston Museum-African American Culture explores the culture of Africans and African-Americans in Houston, the state of Texas, the southwest and the African Diaspora.

FieldTripDirectory.com (formerly ClassTrips.com and CampDirectorsResources.com) offers field trip ideas for class trips, scout group trips, camp group field trips, and homeschool group field trips in Houston—early childhood through college. Search for class trips in Houston by by group type, cost, activity/curriculum type, grade level, distance, and venue name or keyword. Day class trips are divided by curriculum and subject area:

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Find Houston art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD Find Houston class trips to children’s museums, petting zoos, and kids’ shows.
• HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES View Houston history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
• LIFE SKILLS Find Houston team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
• SCIENCE & NATURE Find Houston aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find Houston field trip ideas for adventure parks, ropes courses, ziplines, boat excursions, amusement parks, waterparks, kayaking, rafting, tubing, laser tag paintball, roller skating rinks, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf attractions, indoor amusement & recreation centers, and outdoor amusement & recreation centers.

Overnight field trips include trips to NYC, trips to Boston, trips to Washington, DC, trips to Chicago, trips to Atlanta, and other historic cities throughout the US. Retreats are available for environmental education, team building, and recreation. We created field trip lesson plans to help teachers, scout leaders, camp counselors, and homeschool parents provide an enriching experience for their groups. We know funds for class trips are limited, so we’ve included grants for field trips that cover admission, transportation, and more. It’s important that students and youth explore new environments, learn about other cultures, and develop an understanding of inclusivity as part of the educational process. People learn in different ways—through hearing, seeing, touching, talking, or doing. Class trips can provide a multi-dimensional learning experience. FieldTripDirectory.com can help you find the right trip for your group. A world of experiences is just a click away at FieldTripDirectory.com.

Field Trips

Learn in our living laboratory.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers a variety of field trip programs that provide students and teachers with engaging nature education activities designed with a focus on TEKS objectives. Learn more about the programs we offer below! 

School Year Field Trips

Take your science lessons outdoors when you visit our 155-acre nature sanctuary with your students.

Half-Day Guided Field Experience

Full-Day Field Adventures

Special Programs

Water Quality Monitoring

Self-Guided Experience

For groups with fewer than 15 students, please look into our Private Group Tours .

Naturalist in Your Classroom

Book one of our Naturalists as a virtual or in-person speaker for your class.

Summer Discovery Program

Schedule a half day of hands-on science for your summer group.

Support the Houston Arboretum

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization which depends on donations to support nature education and conservation programs for Houstonians of all ages.

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Houston Area Field Trips... Educational Things to Do around Houston!

Modified: Mar 30, 2021 by Jill Jarvis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 2 Comments

Since school is a little different this year… we’re posting an idea for a Houston area  field trip  each week. All are socially distanced and parent led... and in each post, we have some resources to read before your trip, details on each stop and parking/driving instructions.

If you have ideas for field trips and things to do in Houston, let us know!

Field Trips about Houston:

• Houston History : Learn about Houston History as you visit Allen’s Landing, Houston’s First City Hall, Houston’s First Library and Houston’s First Park.
• Texas City Field Trip : See the 9th largest port in the country and learn about one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever… in Texas City.
• Houston Ship Channel : Here’s where to see the Houston Ship Channel… and how to see which ships are in the water! Use all the resources provided by the Houston Maritime Museum and then go see it for yourself!

Field Trips about War History:

• World War II History in Galveston : Tour old war ships and find an old fort.
• The Battle of San Jacinto : Go to where Texas won its independence. Go to the San Jacinto Battleground, the spot where Santa Anna was captured, the San Jacinto Monument and the San Jacinto Museum!
• Roadtrip to the National WWII Museum : Take a trip to a giant, immersive, engaging museum about the war that changed the world.

Field Trips about Science:

• DeBakey Cell Lab : Get Up Close with Cellular Biology!
• Energy : The Energy Industry Comes to Life at the Wiess Energy Hall!
• Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig : Learn all about the oil and gas industry while being aboard a retired jack-up drilling rig at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum.
• Lone Star Flight Museum : Learn about aviation, fly the simulator and explore hangars full of planes at the Lone Star Flight Museum!

Field Trips about Nature and Animals:

• Galveston Island State Park : Study Nature, Geocache, Fish & Hike at Galveston Island State Park!
• Butterflies : Explore the Butterfly Center and Plant Your Own Garden
• Mexican Free-Tail Bats : See 250,000 bats emerge from the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony!
• Crocodile Encounter : Get Up-Close to Alligators, Crocodiles and Tortoises… at Crocodile Encounter!
• BeeWeaver : Learn basic biology of honey bees & important steps in working a hive!

Virtual Field Trips:

• Virtual Field Trips in Houston : In most of our Houston field trips, we head out to parks, landmarks and museums… but in this post, we’re learning from home. Here are some ideas for virtual field trips in Houston!

Field Trips Especially for Little Kids:

• Fairy Trail : Little kids can search for fairies along a Fairy Trail… and learn about recycling, volunteerism, community, healthy eating, waste prevention, native plants and wildlife and care for our environment.

Field Trip Map:

More Houston Field Trips

About Jill Jarvis

Jill Jarvis is the owner of JillBJarvis.com, a BigKidSmallCity.com and Things to Do in Houston, with Kids, blog!

She is the mom of five and started the website years ago... when she was tired of constantly cleaning up the same mess in the family room.

Another mom showed her that you could just go do fun things in Houston, without hours of planning.

This inspired the blog and changed everything about how she enjoyed life in Houston, with kids!

Reader Interactions

Heather says

September 10, 2020 at 10:56 am

We took a great Texas History field trip in April during distance learning lockdown. We drove through Washburn tunnel, the largest vehicular tunnel in the southern US traveling under the ship channel. Less than 5 mins from the tunnel is the site of Santa Anna’s capture at a park that overlooks the ship channel. Less than10 mins from there is a historic cemetery named Crown Hill Cemetery that is also the site of a mass grave for Santa Anna’s Mexican army. Down the road from the cemetery is where Vince’s bridge was (there is a marker) which was critical in winning the battle of San Jacinto. We would have ended this day at the San Jacinto monument but it was closed at the time. It was a great little adventure for us! Enjoy your homeschool days, I am sure they will be full of fun and learning!

Jill Jarvis says

September 10, 2020 at 11:30 am

Wow! Thanks for the field trip idea. We will try this out!

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