field trip ideas for 4 year olds

20 Engaging and Educational Field Trip Ideas for Preschoolers

• brightwheel
• Child development

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

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

Why are preschool field trips important?

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

Broadens their education

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

Exposure to real-life experiences

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

Research shows academic improvement

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

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

Expands their world

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

How to plan and prepare for preschool field trips

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

Consider the below areas as you plan your trip:

Family involvement in the planning process

Involving families in the planning process can enhance the experience for everyone involved. Families could provide their diverse perspectives and ideas for potential destinations, ensuring the trips are exciting and relevant for all children. This involvement also boosts excitement and participation among families, fostering a stronger sense of community within the preschool. Practical ways to engage families include conducting surveys to gather input on preferred destinations or simply mentioning in your newsletter about upcoming field trip to invite their insights and suggestions.

Teaching moments

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

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

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

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

Transportation

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

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

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

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

Field trip consent from families

Securing family permission through a consent form is a crucial step in planning and preparing for field trips. A well-crafted consent form ensures the safety and legal compliance of the trip and fosters trust and transparency with families. The form should clearly outline the details of the field trip, including the destination, date, time, transportation arrangements, and any activities planned. Additionally, it should include emergency contact information, any special instructions regarding allergies or medical conditions, and a section for parents or guardians to provide their signatures, indicating their approval for their child's participation.

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

Field trip safety tips

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

Before the field trip

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

  During the field trip

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

Field trip ideas for preschoolers

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

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

Nature walk

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

Farmer’s markets

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

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

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

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

Local library

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

Fire station

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

Local events

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

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

Children’s museum

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

Home improvement store

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

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

Recycling center

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

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

Around town scavenger hunt

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

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

Train station

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

Botanical garden

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

Historic monuments

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

Post-field trip actions and education

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

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

Plan a memorable outing

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

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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:

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40+ Fantastic Field Trips for Kids

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

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

• Art and Music

Virtual Field Trips

Science field trips.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Art and Music Field Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

History Field Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Field Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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30+ Awesome Homeschool Field Trip Ideas Kids Will Love

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

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

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

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

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

30+ Homeschool Field Trip Ideas

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

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

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

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

2. Aquarium

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

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

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

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

4. Nature Center

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

5. Historical Site

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

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

Check out our field trip to Williamsburg .

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

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

7. Planetarium

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

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

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

8. Recycling Center

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

9. Great Wolf Lodge

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

Some locations even host homeschool weeks.

10. Fire Station

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

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

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

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

11. Police Station

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

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

12. Grocery Store

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

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

13. Pet Store

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

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

14. Art Museum

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

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

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

Check out our field trip to the Portland Art Museum .

15. History Museum

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

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

16. Science Museum

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

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

17. Children’s Museum

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

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

18. Fish Hatchery

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

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

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

19. Pumpkin Patch

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

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

20. State Parks

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

21. National Parks

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

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

Check out our field trip to Fort Clatsop .

22. Post Office

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

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

23. Military Base Museum

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

24. State Capitol

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

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

25. Botanical Garden

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

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

26. Symphony

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

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

27. Restaurant

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

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

28. Movie Theater

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

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

29. Performing Arts Center

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

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

30. Storytime

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

31. Civil War Battlefields

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

32. Governor’s Mansion

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschool Field Trips

How do homeschool field trips work?

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

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

What are good field trip ideas?

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

What is the best homeschool field trip?

The best homeschool field trip is one that:

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

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

Should field trips be educational or fun?

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

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

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

Need field trip inspiration? Check out these posts:

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

What are your favorite homeschool field trip ideas?

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Share this post with all of your homeschool friends!

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

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

That sounds like a great field trip!

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Top 20 places to take kids in and around buffalo.

Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids as a great way to launch into summer and put together a summer bucket list. This is our page to showcase the Top 20 winners for 2024 in the Buffalo area. ( Click here for the full list of nominees .)

Of course, there are literally hundreds  of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Browse through this site, check out our lists (especially our Everything that's Free list), and sign up for our fabulous weekly e-newsletter so you get it all in your in-box every Thursday morning!

2024's Top 20 ranking + category winners! Scroll down for more about each venue, with links!

© 2024 KidsOutAndAbout.com. This information may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of KidsOutAndAbout.com.

1. Explore & More Children's Museum

Located in the heart of Buffalo, at Canalside, Explore & More offers children & families four floors to unlock the limitless potential in all of us. PLAY in our immersive, hands-on exhibits while igniting children’s imaginations. LEARN about Western New York's history of innovation while dreaming of new discoveries. EXPLORE diverse cultures and unique experiences.

Play Into Possibilities.

2. Buffalo Zoo

Throughout the year, the Buffalo Zoo offers guests fascinating animal exhibits, naturalistic wildlife habitats, beautiful garden areas and several unique areas in which to enjoy an environment that is full of fun, adventure and history. The Buffalo Zoo is open daily rain or shine!

3. Rolly Pollies

Rolly Pollies is a children's gym with 3 great locations throughout Western New York. Locally and family owned and operated for 18 years, Rolly Pollies specializes in motor skill development for children ages  gym 4 months - 9 years old. Rolly Pollies offers active and engaging gym classes, Summer Camp programs, Messy Baby Sensory Classes, Music Classes, Montessori Programs, WNY's best Birthday Parties, and an Open Play schedule you can count on!  Free trial classes are always available.

4. Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the study and interpretation of the natural and physical sciences and the quest to FIND WHY. In addition to its engaging hands-on science studios, the Museum offers special traveling exhibits, camps, and year-round programs and events for curious guests of all ages and interests.

5. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are western New York's professional football team, playing in Orchard Park, slightly west of Buffalo. Go Bills!

6. Darien Lake Amusement Park

New York State's Coaster Capital, and Western New York's #1 Family Fun Destination!

7. Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence

Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence provides old-fashioned fun for all ages year-round. We are a real livestock and horse farm where you can come visit the animals up close, take a hayride around the farm, pony rides (for children), jump on our giant bounce pad, u-pick, and MORE!  There is fun for everyone every season of the year; hug baby animals in spring, cut sunflowers in summer, pumpkin picking in  the fall, and sleigh rides in winter!  Come for your birthday, with your school, for pumpkins, or just for fun!

8. The Warrior Factory

The Warrior Factory Buffalo is an indoor obstacle park that offers a new and innovative way of putting the fun back into fitness. Modeled after the hit TV show “ American Ninja Warrior ,” our guests can play in a safe and challenging environment with a wide range of services that cater to all ages and abilities. We live by our motto of "Building Strength Through Obstacles" by encouraging participants to test themselves physically and mentally. 

Voted Best Destination for a Child’s Birthday & Best Family Fun Winter Activity by Best of WNY. Voted Best Summer Camp, Best Indoor Attraction, & Best Destination for a Child’s Birthday by Best of 716.

9. Buffalo Bisons

The Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays.Come out to Coca-Cola Field for the absolute best quality sports and family entertainment experience and value in town!

10. Buffalo Bandits

The Buffalo Bandits are a professional box lacrosse team of the National Lacrosse League. They play at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. 

11. Little Buffalo Indoor Playspace

Little Buffalo is a boutique indoor play space offering classes, camps, open play and parties for children ages 6 months-8. The space includes a gross motor wooden play structures and also imaginative play centers. Sensory play tables are set up throughout the space. Little Buffalo specializes in custom made sensory and craft kits for children shipped right to your door.

12. Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens is a national historic site, education center and tourist destination full of exotic horticulture treasures. We welcome the public to enjoy our living plant collections and breathtaking conservatory. Our exhibits, educational programming, roots, and relationships serve the greater community.

13. Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres are Western New York's National Hockey League team. Their season runs October-April and they play at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.

14. The Great Pumpkin Farm

This Buffalo-area fall festival has zillions of pumpkins, hayrides, corn maze, mining for gems, cow train, jumping pillows, zombie paint ball train, amusement rides, great food, Halloween gift & decoration store, bakery, magic show, chicken show, face painting, crafts, contests, loads of entertainment and other children's activities.

15. Erie County Fair

A summertime tradition in WNY! Located in Hamburg, NY, the Erie County Fair is produced annually by the Erie County Agricultural Society, a not-for-profit membership organization. Join us each August to celebrate the Best 12 Days of Summer! From its roots as a traditional county fair, the fair has grown to feature classic to wild and crazy foods, a mile long midway, a variety of vendors to shop for Fair Deals, over 120 free shows daily, plus livestock shows, demonstrations and competitions across the grounds. Find more information at  ECFair.org .

16. Canalside

Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo's waterfront revitalization. Located at the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal, the site's storied history is just as exciting as its future! Canalside hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, many of which are free or low cost to the public. You'll find concerts and festivals, summer fitness classes, ice skating, children's programming, history tours, and outdoor winter activities.

17. Aquarium of Niagara

The mission of the Aquarium of Niagara is to broaden the public’s awareness of aquatic ecosystems. With our community and partners, we celebrate our natural wonders and inspire people to make a difference for aquatic life.

18. Reinstein Woods

Nestled uniquely in a suburban community, Reinstein Woods is a 292-acre nature preserve and education center that offers a variety of opportunities to explore and learn about nature for families and people of all ages. Working together, the DEC and non-profit, Friends of Reinstein Woods, offer guided tours of the woods (available for school, youth and adult groups), special programs each month, including snowshoe and ski adventures, walks on seasonal topics, a fall nature festival and summer camps. From sunrise to sunset, you can explore our 3.5 miles of wheelchair-accessible trails. 

19. Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum

The Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum is a premier national historic site and community resource for family recreation and learning that fosters an appreciation for the unique heritage of the carousel in the Niagara Region.

20. My Local Library

Of course, the libraries in the Buffalo area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the best places to take kids this year!

Winners in Special Categories

Top arts educator: theatre of youth.

Theatre of Youth Company, Inc. (TOY) stimulates the imagination, nurtures the creative spirit and enhances the education of young people by engaging them in relevant, child-centered, and professionally-produced live theatre programs. TOY believes meaningful childhood experiences in the theatre develop confidence in creative thinking skills, cultivate empathy and establish a life-long connection to the arts.

Top Sports Educator: Rolly Pollies

Top STEM Educator: Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to the study and interpretation of the natural and physical sciences.

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Rhythms of Play

Art, Crafts, DIY; Raising Creative Outdoor Kids

Outdoor Learning and Nature Activities for Kids

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Learn about nature and the mysteries it holds with this fantastic collection of outdoor activities for kids.

This article lists fun and engaging outdoor learning ideas and nature activities for kids. Engaging children in daily outdoor learning adventures is an excellent way to educate and entertain children of all ages, interests, and abilities. The outdoor activity ideas below include child-led and loosely structured outdoor activities, along with suggestions for more advanced nature studies and outdoor science experiments. Use the creative ideas below to get toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, elementary-aged students, tweens, and teens outside to learn naturally every day–spring, summer, fall, and even winter!

In an era increasingly dominated by screens and indoor activities, outdoor learning offers an essential alternative for children’s education and development. Learning outdoors promotes physical activity, inspires a lifelong love for learning, helps children establish a deeper connection with nature, and nurtures their developing sense of self, among many other mental-emotional benefits.

This list of outdoor activities includes a collection of outdoor learning activities and  nature craft ideas  that can be used by parents, teachers, homeschoolers, or anyone seeking to enhance their child’s understanding of or connection to the natural world. These outdoor nature activities also make excellent suggestions for educators and instructors who teach at nature preschools, forest school kindergartens, outdoor education programs, or summer camps.

Educational Outdoor Activities for Kids:

Educational outdoor activities like those here offer a variety of beneficial learning opportunities to the developing child. The suggestions include a wide range of fun outdoor activities for kids of all ages, including nature study ideas and outdoor science ideas, along with an extensive selection of nature crafts for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, elementary school-age children, tweens, and teens! So be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see all the easy ways to get kids outside learning and having fun. You might also enjoy this quick list of weekly outdoor activities and a personal story about why I started the “ Get Outside and Connect ” movement.

Related: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Gift Guide for Kids

Nature Activities and Nature School Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Exploring the great outdoors can be a transformative experience for children. It offers many opportunities to learn, play, and connect with the natural world. Whether hiking through the wilderness, exploring forest trails, spotting wildlife, climbing trees, or dipping toes into cool streams and warm ocean currents. Spending time outside can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity, building brains and bodies in a way only nature can provide. 

Outside activities like those here encourage a deeper appreciation for nature, nurture a sense of wonder, build connections, and ignite creativity. This makes creative outdoor play an essential part of childhood development. Whether tending a garden, searching for hidden treasures, camping under the stars, or unraveling nature’s more profound mysteries, these activities in nature allow children of all ages to develop resilience and ignite a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Below is a list of outside activities for children of all ages. It has several fun activity ideas to support outdoor learning in nature. However, these forest school nature activities and outdoor learning ideas for kids are only suggestions. Forest school is about allowing kids to take the lead in their outdoor education.

help children learn through play outdoors:

Instead of teaching young children about nature and the great outdoors, acting as a guide and fellow nature explorer is best. Get the kids outside and use the nature activities on the list of outdoor ideas below as a starting point for your day-to-day adventures in learning.

In other words, the list of nature activities and suggestions below is best used to facilitate play rather than to teach. Once play begins, step aside and allow it to unfold naturally. As parents and educators, we must give children the space to discover what interests them most. This is especially important when educating toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. When children are educated in this way, older children and teens will be ready for lessons in the areas that interest them and are required for their studies. There is no rush.

“ Roots of understanding grow deep when curious minds are nourished in nature. “ Nell Regan Kartychok (Founder of Rhythms of Play ).

Provide Opportunities to Learn Outside Every Day:

Help young children get outside daily. One of the best things we can do for young children is allow them to discover and explore the subjects that light them up. Ignite their curiosity and guide them to understand the answers to the questions they seek through exploration and discovery in the natural world.

When young children ask questions, answer them with a question that helps them figure out the answer independently. In other words, ask toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners simple things to help them learn the answers they seek. Not only does this early educational practice help stop children from looking to you for all the answers, but it also teaches them how to uncover the clues that will help them discover the solution independently. Isn’t that what education is all about?

Help elementary-aged kids, tweens, and teens fan the flames and offer deeper explorations via lessons and projects into areas of interest. In other words, support their educational efforts with classes, activities, books, arts and crafts, and other projects that match their interests and abilities and fulfill other academic needs. You got this!

Outdoor Nature Activities for Kids:

I must admit that a few of the suggested outdoor activities for kids were written long ago and still desperately need a tune-up. However, even those we update often need to be improved again, so please let us know if there is something you would like us to revisit or add to the queue. We are improving each suggestion and plan to add new outdoor activities, forest school ideas, and nature activities for kids of all ages. So, stay tuned!

I will add more outdoor learning ideas, nature activities, and nature crafts for nature school preschools, forest schools, and nature-based homeschoolers to this list as we continue to find and create them. So bookmark this page for easy reference, and check back often! If you’re looking for creative ways to entertain and educate children while making something useful, you might also enjoy this list of homemade gifts kids can make .

**Click on the link for each forest school suggestion below to learn more about that nature activity for kids!**

Related: Get Outside and Connect

Fun and Educational Outside Activities for Kids:

Children will love these outdoor activities so much that they won’t even realize they are learning. This list of nature activities for kids includes some of the best outdoor activities for toddlers to teens. Which of these classic outdoor activities is your favorite?

1. Skip a Rock:

• Learn how to skip a rock and everything you need to know about rock skipping in this fun article about the art and science of skipping stones .
• Can you beat the world record number of skips?

2. Birding for Kids:

• Bird watching, or birding, is a fun wilderness observation activity for children from toddlers to teens.
• Click the link to learn more about bird watching with kids and discover birding lesson plans and ideas for kids.

3. Squirrel Activities and Learning Ideas:

• Invite children to learn about squirrels with these fun facts, squirrel-themed teaching ideas, outdoor activities, and cute squirrel crafts for kids!
• Get the Printable Squirrel Behavior Tally Sheet  and invite kids to count the common squirrel behaviors they notice.

4. Make Mud Pies:

• Making mud pies and other creations with water and dirt is a classic old-school nature activity for kids.
• Playing with mud and creating works of art with the hands is an excellent sensory activity for developing children.
• Visit How to  Make Mud Pies  for step-by-step instructions and ideas.

5. Climb a Tree:

• Tree climbing is an outdoor activity with many benefits for the developing child.
• Discover how to climb a tree, support your child’s first efforts, and learn about other benefits of risky play in  15 Reasons to Climb a Tree  (and other benefits of risky play).

6. Make a Mandala:

• Create Nature Mandalas !
• Gather nature’s treasures to make a mandala with natural materials outside.

7. Explore a Shore:

• Take the time to explore a seashore, lakeshore, river shore, or creek shore; Learning happens naturally when we get outside!
• Stay cool on a hot sunny day, or bundle up and enjoy a sit or a stroll any day of the year.
• Play in the water, look for hidden treasures, and discover the creatures that live there.
• Visit your favorite shore near a body of water today! For more seaside or creekside activity ideas, visit  HERE. Remember to follow basic beach and water safety guidelines.

8. Go Bouldering:

• Find an outdoor area and let the kids scramble and climb on small boulders.
• This is a fantastic outdoor gross motor activity with many physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
• Some playgrounds and climbing gyms also provide bouldering opportunities for children.

9. Hug a Tree:

• Hugging trees is a feel-good outdoor activity for all ages, with mental and emotional benefits for anyone willing to try it.
• Please teach children 5 to 12 years of age to hug and even talk to a tree should they ever find themselves alone in the wilderness.
• It is easier for searchers to find children when they don’t move.

10. Roll Down a Hill:

• Rolling downhill is an excellent outdoor activity for developing the sensory system.
• Learn more about the benefits of this fun outdoor idea for kids HERE–> Roll Down a Hill .

11. Walk Across Fallen Trees and Logs:

• Here’s an exciting outdoor gross motor balance challenge for Kids.
• Walking across fallen trees or logs is a fantastic activity for developing the kinesthetic and vestibular sensory systems.

12. Make Sunprints:

• First, invite them to place objects from nature onto the sunprint paper.
• Then, place the sun print paper with the natural objects in the sun to see what happens.
• Creating art with sunprint paper is a fun way to keep children of all ages busy learning outside.

13. Have Fun with Fall Leaves:

• Autumn is an excellent time to get outside and play in falling leaves.
• We have ten leaf activities to make outdoor fall leaf play more exciting and fun!

14. Make Rain Art:

• Rain painting is fun on a rainy day!
• Place marker drawings and doodles outside to be transformed by the rain to create rain art with this fun rainy-day STEAM activity for kids.
• Learn more about this transformative outdoor art project idea for kids in Rain Painting .

15. Play in the Rain:

• Here are 20 outdoor rainy-day play activities that will have your kids running for the back door when it rains–> Fun Ways to Play in the Rain .

Nature Games for Kids:

Playing nature games outdoors fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity that only Mother Earth can provide. Nature games of various types encourage the exploration of outdoor environments where children can discover specific elements or components (minerals, animals) that make up the natural world. They also offer an engaging way for kids of all ages to connect with the natural world while promoting physical activity and learning through gameplay.

1. Fall Leaf Counting Game:

• Have you ever tried to catch autumn leaves as they fall to the ground?
• Counting and catching fall leaves as they fall is a fun gross motor movement and nature math game for the kids to enjoy in the fall or autumn.

2. Stone Skipping Games:

• Play a simple stone-skipping math game with the ideas in this article about rock skipping .
• Rock-skipping games are fun for all ages!

3. Nature Matching Game: (Photo Below)

• Exercise the brain and boost memory skills with this fun twist on the classic game of memory. Make your own DIY Nature Memory Matching Game for Kids !
• Using items found in nature adds a sensory component to the memory game, increasing its brain-building power.

4. Nature Scavenger Hunts:

Nature scavenger hunts appeal to the child’s natural interest in discovering the many clues that can be seen, heard, and felt in the natural world. Activities like scavenger hunts spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in children as they learn about different plants, insects, and animals, honing their observational skills. Invite children to discover the magic and wonder of the natural world with some of these creative nature scavenger hunt ideas for kids.

Fun Nature Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids:

• Sensory Card Nature Scavenger Hunt for Toddlers : Make a nature sensory card with your children and send them on a nature scavenger hunt.
• Nature Sensory Bin Scavenger Hunt : Collect natural items and use them to make a nature sensory bin for children. (Photo below)
• Heart Shape Nature Scavenger Hunt : Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt for colors or shapes? My daughter and I love looking for hearts in nature. Check out the fantastic video we made.
• Birding Scavenger Hunts : Visit our bird-watching activities post for a few fun birding scavenger hunt ideas for kids.
• Search for Signs of Autumn and Fall Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
• Signs of Winter and Winter Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
• Search for Signs of Spring and Spring Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
• Signs of Summer Scavenger Hunt and Summer Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers

Outdoor Gardening Activities for Kids:

A garden is also a fantastic place for children to plant the seeds of their learning. Early literacy, math, and science concepts are abundant in homegrown gardens. When children know how to grow and harvest the foods they eat, their minds, bodies, and the future of our planet will each benefit immensely. Tending the cycle of nature in our backyards via gardening and composting is becoming a lost art. Join us.

Begin by nurturing nature’s many cycles by offering hands-on gardening activities in your home, homeschool, classroom, or outdoor classroom. Or, click the link to gather more creative ideas (in addition to or instead of gardening) to become one of the way-showers for the next generation in your neck of the woods, whether rural, urban, suburban, or city.

• Plant Flowers with Kids
• How to Plant a Tree
• Composting with Kids
• How to Start Tomatoes
• Growing Sunflowers with Kids  
• How to Make a Fairy Garden  (photo below)

Related: 15 Ways to Raise a Helper

Nature Study Ideas for Kids:

We have a few nature study ideas to use as a starting point in your outdoor science learning adventures. You will notice that some of these outdoor activity suggestions are also under other headings in this article to ensure you find the ideas you seek. Learn from and with nature with the list of engaging nature study ideas for kids below. (Learn more on our Nature Study Resource Page )

• Nature journals are excellent places for our children to write about their observations of the natural world.
• They are also excellent for creating artwork when out in nature.
• A must-have list of nature study supplies to keep in your child’s nature backpack.
• Children love to watch and learn about birds in their backyards, neighborhoods, local parks , and nature reserves.
• Invite children to learn everything there is to know about squirrels with this list of squirrel-themed nature study ideas!
• Spend time observing the squirrels in your backyard with these fun outdoor learning activities for kids.
• Get the printable Squirrel Behavior Tally Sheet from the  Rhythms of Play  Learning Center .
• Watching bees is an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of pollination and much more!
• Learn how worms enrich the soil and help your garden grow.
• Take the time to explore and study a seashore, lakeshore, river shore, or creek shore. Learning happens–naturally when we get outside!

More Outside Activities for Kids: Outdoor Learning Ideas and Suggestions for Children

The list of engaging outdoor learning ideas below shares several more suggestions (in addition to those shared in the previous section) that can enrich children’s knowledge across different subjects.

Outdoor Science and STEAM Activity Ideas for Kids:

There are so many fun ways to learn and play with nature. Try these educational outdoor science, STEM, and STEAM ideas for children:

• Fun and Educational Shadow Activities for Kids
• Fly a Kite 
• Skip Stones
• Human Sundial Science Experiment
• Shadow Art STEAM project
• Rainy Day Art
• Sorting and Classifying Rocks: Geology for Kids  
• Make a Nature Mandala
• Rock Balancing Stone Stacking STEAM  

Related: Rainbow Science and STEAM activities  

DIY Outdoor Play Areas to Support Learning Outside:

In today’s screen-filled world, challenging children’s minds and bodies with outdoor spaces that support and benefit the development of a healthy vestibular system, cardiovascular system, and gross and fine motor muscle movements is essential. Below is a list of fun outdoor play areas for nature school preschools, forest school kindergartens, homeschoolers, and backyards that help do just that! Give your children the opportunity to get outside and learn through play in spring, summer, fall, and winter with these fun outdoor play spaces:

• How to Make an Outdoor DIY Chalkboard
• Best Sand and Water Tables to DIY or Buy!
• How to Grow a Sunflower House or Fort
• DIY Outdoor Art Table and Mud Kitchen
• How to Make a Fairy Garden
• Sandboxes Children LOVE!
• Swingsets , swings , and hammocks
• Little slides and big slides
• Climbing wall or structure
• Balance beams , logs, stumps, stepping stones , or large boulders to walk on or climb
• Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course
• Zipline pulley and slack lines
• Outdoor trampoline

Field Trip Ideas for Parents and Educators:

Go on a field trip with the kids for even more outdoor learning fun!

• Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas
• Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Family Guide
• Find your way in a Corn Maze
• Berry Picking and Wild Foraging
• Enjoy nature reserves near and far for wildlife viewing and more.
• Visit the information center at private, local, national, and state parks to learn about activities and adventures you can do with kids in each area.

Related: 8 Reasons I Allow My Child to Go Barefoot

Nature Activities for Kids: More Fun Ways to Learn about Nature

Nature tables for every season:.

A nature table is a space in the home dedicated to nature and the natural world. Items collected in the natural world (or natural objects representing nature) are placed on the table to be learned about, played with, and enjoyed.

We change our nature table every few months to reflect the season, adding and removing items throughout the year. Check out our nature table ideas for each season! Invite your children to bring the treasures they collect in the natural world home to their nature table or shelf to explore more deeply.

• Spring Nature Table
• Summer Nature Table Ideas
• Winter Nature Table
• Fall Nature Table

More Learning Fun for All Seasons

Here’s a list of traditional seasonal celebration ideas during the year’s rhythm. Celebrating the changes that occur throughout the year and observing seasonal changes is a great way to educate children and bring more meaning to family life.

Seasonal Celebration Ideas:

Celebrate the changing seasons within the “Wheel of the Year” with the solstice and equinox solar festival celebration ideas and cross-quarter day sabbat festivals below:

• Winter Solstice Celebration Ideas
• Imbolc Traditions and Celebration Ideas
• Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox
• May Day Traditions and Celebration Ideas
• Summer Solstice Celebration Ideas
• Celebrate Lugnasada or Lammas
• Ways to Celebrate the Fall Autumnal Equinox
• Samhain Traditions and Celebration Ideas
• Traditional Fall Lantern Walk Celebration Ideas
• Stone Spiral Advent

Fun Seasonal Activities To Do with Kids:

Here’s a list of fun outdoor activities for kids (and adults) during each season. Each one comes with a printable bucket list to make it easy to check off each activity you accomplish.

• Summer Activities for Kids
• Fall Activities for Kids
• Winter Activities for Kids
• Spring Activities for Kids

Seasonal Books for Kids:

Reading seasonal books with your children is a beautiful way to share the wonder and magic of nature and the changing seasons.

• Fall Books: Autumn Stories Children Love
• Winter Solstice Books for Kids
• Spring Books for Kids

Nature Arts and Crafts for Kids (And adults, too!)

We have collected several fantastic nature arts and crafts ideas you can try with your children. Click on the links below for some of our favorite ideas. Be sure to visit our Nature Crafts and Nature Art Activities page for more ideas!

• Acorn Marble Necklace or Christmas Ornament Craft
• Nature Mandla Art and Craft Ideas
• Fresh and Pressed Flower Crafts
• Flower Suncatchers
• How to Paint Rocks: Rock Painting Ideas for Kids
• The Best Fall Nature Crafts for Kids
• How to Preserve Leaves
• Leaf Lantern Craft (You can also make leaf lanterns with heart-shaped leaves or make a leaf turkey for Thanksgiving!)
• Easy Turkey Leaf Crafts for Thanksgiving
• How to Make a Fall Leaf Crown
• Nature-Inspired Sensory Bottles
• Sea Glass and Driftwood Wind Chime
• How to Crack Walnuts for Crafts
• Baby Jesus in a Walnut Shell
• Twig Tree Ornaments
• Orange Slice Ornaments
• Rustic Alphabet Ornaments

Seasonal Art Projects for Kids

Creating seasonal art is an excellent way for children to learn about nature and the changing seasons. Try any of the fantastic art project ideas below!

• Fall Art Projects for Kids
• The Best Winter Art Projects for Kids
• Rainbow Art Projects, Crafts, and Painting Ideas
• Flower Art Projects and Painting Ideas
• Four Season Handprint and Fingerprint Tree

Related: Kids’ Books That Teach Important Life Lessons

The Best Books for Outdoor Parents and Educators Raising Nature-Loving Kids

The list of books below is my all-time favorite for outdoor parents and nature school educators who are passionate about getting kids outside to learn naturally and off those damaging glowing screens. I know it can be challenging sometimes, but the health and wellness of our children and their developing brains and minds are worth it. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

• There is No Such Thing as Bad Weather
• Failure to Connect
• Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life
• Last Child in the Woods
• Nature Preschools and Nature Kindergartens: The Handbook of Outdoor Learning
• Balanced and Barefoot
• How to Raise a Wild Child
• Call of the Wild and Free
• Endangered Minds

The Best Nature Activities for Kids and Educators

We hope you enjoy this collection of outdoor learning ideas for homeschoolers, outdoor educators, and anyone looking to enhance their child’s connection to the natural world. You may also like this collection of nature crafts and art ideas .

We will add to this list of nature school preschool, forest school kindergarten, and nature study ideas as we find and create more, so don’t forget to bookmark this list of outside activities for kids and check back often!

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE !

If You Liked Nature Activities for Kids, You Might Also Enjoy

• Spring Activity Ideas (with a printable spring bucket list)
• Summer Activity Ideas (with a printable summer bucket list)
• Fall Activity Ideas (with a printable fall bucket list for the autumn)
• Winter Activity Ideas (with a printable winter bucket list)

• Arts & Crafts
• DIY Projects
• Kids Activities
• Life with Kids

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41 Exciting Project-Based Learning Field Trip Ideas

August 14, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

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

Preschool (3-5 years)

1. puppet theater.

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

Learn More: Bob Baker Marionette Theater

2. Children’s Museum

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

Learn More: MCM

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

Learn More: YouTube

4. Local Library

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

Learn More: The Colorful Apple

5. Petting Zoo

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

Learn More: Seattle’s Child

6. Fruit Picking Farm

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

Learn More: Smith’s Nursery Inc.

7. Toy Factory

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

Learn More: Trip.com

8. Children’s Art Studio

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

Learn More: Art Fun Studio

9. Aquarium

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

10. Local Bakery

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

Learn More: Good Time DIY

11. City Park

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

Learn More: City Park Conservancy

12. Dance Studio

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

Learn More: Jadore Dance

13. Botanical Garden

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

Learn More: Naples Garden

Elementary School (6-10 years)

14. planetarium.

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

Learn More: HRM

15. Historical Museum

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

Learn More: History Colorado

16. Art Museum

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

Learn More: The Art of Education

17. Recycling Center

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

Learn More: Rethink Waste

18. Science Museum

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

Learn More: EdSurge

19. Historic Houses

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

Learn More: Simple Homeschool

20. Conservatories

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

Learn More: Phipps Conservatory

21. Music Studio

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

Learn More: PBS

Middle School (11-13 years)

22. tech company.

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

Learn More: The Tech Interactive

23. Archaeological Sites

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

Learn More: Explore Hampi

24. University Laboratory

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

Learn More: The Cre8ive Zone

25. Theater

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

Learn More: KMS Drama

26. Sports Complex

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

Learn More: LA Galaxy

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

Learn More: Lincoln Park Zoo

28. Community Service Centers

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

Learn More: Lancaster Edu

29. Local Newspaper

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

Learn More: English Classes Cygnaeus Pori

30. Historical Reenactment Sites

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

Learn More: Student Travel Planning Guide

31. Weather Station

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

Learn More: CW3E Edu

High School (14-18 years)

32. national park.

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

Learn More: Global Travel Alliance

33. TV Station

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

34. Biotech Company

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

Learn More: Promega Connections

35. Local Government Office

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

Learn More: Nations Classroom Tours

36. News Studio

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

Learn More: Olympic High School

37. Courthouse

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

Learn More: FHN Today

38. Botanical Research Institute

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

Learn More: GITM Edu

39. Architectural Firms

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

Learn More: Arch Design

40. Local Startups

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

41. Film Studios

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

Learn More: NST Group

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50 Fun & Educational Field Trip Ideas

• Katie Layne Contributing Writer
• Updated Aug 29, 2023

Homeschool Field Trips

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

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

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

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

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

Here are 50 awesome field trip ideas! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Outdoor Field Trips with Preschoolers: Preparing with the Children

An outdoor field trip can be a positive experience, especially when children are well-prepared. Here are some teacher-tested hints for helping preschoolers get ready for outdoor field trips.

Talk with the children about the field trip site.

• Several times before the trip, share pictures, videos, and other resources related to the destination. Read aloud from picture books about animals and plants they might see there.
• Talk with the children about their questions and ideas about the field trip site. Ask them to predict what they might see and do there. Help them write questions and predictions on a list or question table.
• Correct any misconceptions children express. “Jessie is worried that the prairie has butterflies that bite people, but butterflies can’t bite.” “You said you’d like to climb trees, but the arboretum doesn’t allow tree-climbing.”

Tell the children what to expect.

• Try making a timeline or storyboard to show what will happen during the trip. “You’ll get on the bus with the teachers. We’ll ride for about 20 minutes. When we get to the park, we’ll…” You might invite children to act out this plan.
• Review field trip safety rules with the class several times. “Stay with your small group. Walk on the path. Before you touch anything you see, ask the guide or the teacher if it’s OK.” Try using storytelling, puppet play, or role-playing to explain the rules.
• Tell the children which small groups they are assigned to for the trip. Before the day of the trip, let them meet the volunteers who will supervise them.

Involve children in trip preparations.

• Let children count how many clipboards, markers, containers of water, etc. will be needed.
• Help children email site staff several days in advance to ask some of their questions.
• Help each child decide on a specific task to do during the trip. “KaChuan wants to sketch two trees at the park. Who else would like to sketch some trees?”

Let children practice doing outdoor field work.

• Take small groups “exploring” outdoors several days before the field trip. What sounds, smells, and sights do they notice? Invite them to look for insects or other living things on the playground.
• Have small groups of children practice collecting data outdoors near the school. Help them find rocks, plants, or animals to observe. Let them count, measure, sketch, and take photographs. Ask them to share their information with classmates.
• Outdoor Field Trips with Preschoolers

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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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25 Fantastic Field Trip Ideas

Fuel Your Imagination and Planning

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

Terrific Tips for Field Trip Planning 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fantastic Field Trip Ideas 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Field Trips

10 Fun + Educational Field Trip Ideas For Students

September 7, 2022

Field trip days were always our favorite when we were a kid and now it’s our job to plan the field trips for our kids! Whether you’re a teacher, PTA member or home-schooler here are some great places to take students on a field trip this school year!

SEASONAL THEMES

Blake Farm s (Armada + South Lyon) offers fresh air and fresh food! Students see an operating farm, pick their own apples, interact with animals and have fun in our Barnyard Funland. School tours include wagon or train ride, each child gets to pick 5 apples, enjoy cider + donuts and unlimited access to our Barnyard Funland.

Trips to Wiards County Fair (Ypsilanti) include apple and pumpkin picking, animal attractions, a corn maze, miniature golf, funzone and more!

Learn more about The Parade Company’s (Detroit)  fascinating history, explore the 200,000 square-foot storyland of floats and see how award-winning artisans bring them to life each year for the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

For generations metro Detroit kids have enjoyed memorable trips to the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak) , another zoo to try is the Toledo Zoo that includes a Natural History Museum and Aquarium that is located inside the zoo and included in the price of admission.

Introduce students to rescued animals at the Barn Sanctuary (Chelsea) or the Creature Conservatory (Ann Arbor).

The Howell Nature Center offers a variety of school trip options from Outdoor and Nature Education to Wildlife and Adventure. There are great options for kids of various ages.

If you want hands on fun on a fam, check out the offerings of Maybury Farm (Northville) , MSU Tollgate Farm (Novi) , Heritage Park Petting Farm (Taylor) and Bowers School Farm (Bloomfield Hills) .

S.T.E.A.M. EDUCATION

Do something NEW! The Sloan Museum of Discovery (Flint) has interactive exhibits that teach kids about different areas of science and history. Specialize STEM workshops are also offered in their state of the art learning labs.

Learn in the labs of the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History (Ann Arbor) . The modern museum has multiple hands-on exhibit to explore and guided lab sessions with scientific tools and museum specimens to answer questions and solve problems.

The Cranbrook Institute of Science (Bloomfield Hills) offers programs in astronomy, earth science, engineering, life science, physical science, and social studies, designed for Pre-K-12 classrooms.

Tinker, build, fly and play! The Michigan Science Center (Detroit) exhibits teach kids about engineering, health, and space. Let the kids explore the museum and enjoy a live demonstration on the Science Stage.

Legoland Discovery Center offers great space for creativity and S.T.E.A.M. learning. Kids can build structures, create cars to race and more – all in one awesome play space.

Get inspired and immerse your students in American ingenuity at The Henry Ford (Dearborn) . See some of the most iconic inventions and amazing “failures” and learn how they changed the world, explore the past and learn how it relates to today, and experience the action of the real-life factory floor where the new Ford F-150 is made.

Cultural Immersion

Metro Detroit has a rich history of cultural diversity and first-class, interactive museums that showcase the history and lifestyles who have helped shape our community. Plan visits to the Arab American National Museum (Dearborn) , Detroit Historical Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History (Detroit) , 

Middle and high school students can learn about the painful history of the 1930s and 40s at The Holocaust Center (Bloomfield Hills) .

Art has been a storytelling medium for thousands of years and the Detroit Institute of Arts’ collection has a rich history of people from around the world and throughout history.

Photo credit: Toledo Zoo

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The Best Field Trips for Fourth Graders (In Person and Virtual)

Look, touch, listen, learn.

Of all the grades I taught, fourth grade will forever be my favorite. And I took those kids on some cool field trips. We milked cows at the pioneer museum, went to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center, and toured our historic downtown. The independence of 9- and 10-year-olds, coupled with grade-level focus on their state, makes for lots of fantastic options for fourth grade field trips.

Not all of these trips will be possible everywhere, but keep in mind any local treasures that are unique to your area. And when you can’t manage a trip—for whatever reason—try our virtual fourth grade field trips below.

In-Person Fourth Grade Field Trips

1. radio station.

The local radio station is a great place for an educational tour. Fourth graders can learn about everything from radio frequencies to what a DJ does to how radio production equipment works. If they’re lucky, they’ll get to record a spot.

2. State History Museum

Fourth grade social studies is all about the state, so if your state history museum is local to you, be sure to check it out with your class. Look for kid-friendly interactive exhibits and special educational programs, like the Washington State History Museum’s History Lab.

3. Animal Shelter

By middle childhood, most children have made significant social-emotional growth and are capable of true empathy. A visit to the local animal shelter is a wonderful opportunity for some humane education, from the basics of animal care to the serious problem of pet overpopulation.

4. State Historic Site

Shore up the study of your state with a visit to a local site that’s important to its history. It could be a Native American heritage site, a statue or birthplace of a historical figure, an old fort or mission, or the site of a significant event like a Civil War battle.

5. Concert Hall

At a concert hall, fourth graders can take in any number of cultural experiences, from a concert by a symphony orchestra to a jazz show to a classical ballet performance. In fact, fourth grade is the perfect time to cultivate an appreciation for the arts.

6. State Park

There’s perhaps no better way to highlight what’s amazing about your state than a visit to a state park. Many offer school group programs, including ecology, orienteering, and STEM. Our favorite, however, has to be Beachcombing 101.

7. Military Base

Most military installations are open to public visits. Many even have regularly scheduled tours as well as their own on-site military museums. There’s a lot of variety depending on the branch, but our favorite is a cavalry detachment’s horse show.

8. State Capitol

If it’s a reasonable possibility, take your fourth graders to visit the state capitol. These buildings are an impressive sight, but they also provide students with a window into state government and history. Also, consider adding on a tour of the governor’s mansion!

9. Geographical Feature

Whatever your location, you likely have a landform (for example: mountain, canyon, cave, butte) or body of water (ocean, river, pond, wetland) that you can visit to show your fourth graders the rock or water cycle in action.

10. Nature Center

A nature center is a perfect place for kids to learn about plants and wildlife that are native to their state. Activities vary by location but might include a nature hike or live animal presentation.

Virtual Fourth Grade Field Trips

1. amazon robotics fulfillment center tour.

Ever wonder how Amazon delivers packages at lightning speed? Take your fourth graders on a 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour of an Amazon fulfillment center to see how computer science, engineering, and real people work together to make the magic happen. During this interactive virtual field trip, students meet Amazon engineers who explain concepts like algorithms and machine learning. It’s aligned to NGSS, CSTA, and ISTE standards, and there’s also a Teacher Toolkit that includes a facilitation guide plus student worksheets, certificates, and extension learning opportunities. (Hint: If you like this virtual field trip, look for the release of more Amazon Future Engineer Tech Tours. The next one, Space Tour, will be available in October 2022.)

Check out the awesome polar bear cam at the Kansas City Zoo! Plus, Smithsonian’s National Zoo  has a Giant Panda Cam. Check out our full list of virtual zoo options here!

3. Slime in Space

Nickelodeon teamed up with two astronauts on the International Space Station to demonstrate how slime reacts to microgravity and had kids reproduce those same demonstrations back here on Earth. It makes for an amazing 15-minute virtual field trip!

4. Mount Vernon

This virtual experience  of George Washington’s home is incredibly well done. Enter the different buildings—from the opulent mansion to the chilling slave quarters—and click on different items for video and text explanations.

5. Planetarium

Through Stellarium Web , kids can explore over 60,000 stars, locate planets, and watch sunrises and solar eclipses. If you enter your location, you can see all the constellations that are visible in the night sky in your corner of the world.

6. Volcanoes

The U.S. Geological Survey monitors volcanoes in the United States. Their interactive map  allows you to learn about any volcano in the country.

7. Nature Lab

The Nature Conservancy offers 11 virtual field trips . For example, students can explore a coastal rain forest from a virtual canoe or unlock the secrets of coral reefs in the Dominican Republic. Each video is about 45 minutes long.

8. The White House

For a look inside the iconic building, check out the  360° tour  of some of the most historic rooms of the People’s House, from the Situation Room to the Oval Office. Examine each room and check out the contents up close.

9. Yellowstone National Park

The first established national park and popular vacation destination is now accessible to virtual travelers. The interactive maps are a great way to see the Mammoth Hot Springs and Mud Volcano, but we think kids will be psyched about the Old Faithful Geyser livestream .

10. The Great Lakes

This virtual field trip from Great Lakes Now has three components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. Each video is a quick five minutes.

No, really! You can absolutely “go” to the red planet. With  Access Mars , you can see the actual surface of Mars, recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Trust us—don’t skip the intro. And if your kids like that, check out this 4K tour of the moon .

12. Son Doong Cave

National Geographic lets you explore the world’s largest cave, located in Vietnam. Use the  interactive map  to enjoy the fully immersive experience (sound on!).

13. Ellis Island

This  interactive tour of Ellis Island lets students explore places like the Baggage Room and the Stairs of Separation through short stories, historical photographs, videos, and audio clips. Students can also hear the stories of real kids who recently immigrated to the United States and watch a 30-minute movie that includes a Q&A with National Park Service Rangers who explain what coming to America was like for many immigrants.

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Looking for more field trip options check out 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)

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55 Simple and Memorable Field Trip Ideas

We all know that field trips are fun- we have all been there. But when you are on the side that you have to plan them, it becomes a bit less fun, and a lot more stressful. It does not really need to be, though, because there are so many fun things out there that your middle schoolers will love to do.

In this article, we will give you 29 excellent field trip ideas. And remember, these are just ideas- there are tons more out there! Get creative!

I don’t know what it is about the zoo, but there is just something about the zoo that makes it one of the best places on earth. And this is true for most ages, not just preschoolers. Running around, finding favorite animals, discovering new ones, and learning more about animals that may be endangered is so fun.

Your middle schoolers will think so, too. Many zoos offer free (or at least discounted) admission for field trips, as long as they’re booked in advance. ( Source )

2. Water Park

Visiting a water park is a great way to either say goodbye to warmer weather or to celebrate the return of it. The best thing about many water parks is that they have arcades too, so those who do not like swimming can just try to win the giant plushies and lava lamps that we all envied as children.

3. Art Museum

An art museum is a great way to infuse culture into middle schoolers. Most are old enough to know museum etiquette, and the museum can introduce them to so many different art styles, types of people, and countries. They may come out thinking about art in a completely different way.

4. State and National Parks

If you live by a state or national park, consider yourself incredibly lucky, and then go get in there! This is a great way to expose middle schoolers to nature, and it helps them to love the outdoors if they do not already. State and national parks are beautiful, and they give the perfect opportunity to teach about the importance of taking care of the environment!

5. Movie Theater

You can never go wrong with a movie. All kids like movies. As long as it’s rated G or PG, and you have parental approval, the employees will be ready with popcorn and drinks in excess for your middle schoolers to enjoy.

6. Aquarium

Like the zoo, it is impossible to go wrong with a trip to the aquarium. Many aquariums have rehabilitated animals, which presents a great opportunity to teach about the importance of picking up after ourselves, and not throwing trash in the ocean. It is never too early to help kids become environmentally conscious.

7. Botanical Gardens

Botanical gardens give the wonderful chance to be outside, and it provides a controlled environment to do so. They are beautifully landscaped, and they usually have pretty fountains and waterfalls that provide a really calming atmosphere.

An added bonus: it is easy to reinforce what your middle schoolers have been learning about plants in science classes with what you see!

8. An Actual Theatre

Exposing middle schoolers to the arts should be considered an essential part of their education. And, what’s more, going to plays just makes kids feel mature and important. Maybe it is just because of the way the phrase “going to the theatre” sounds when someone says it with a British accent. If that wasn’t enough, then the fact that education in fine arts is proven to increase students’ self-confidence, self-understanding, communication skills, and cognitive abilities. ( Source )

9. Go on a Hike

This is a good field trip for many reasons. Exercising is an important thing to get in the habit of at a young age, and nature is something that everyone should appreciate. And, as if that was not enough, learning about rocks and rock formations is fascinating, too. This is a great way to combine what you’re teaching in class with what the kids are experiencing in real life.

10. Planetarium

The planetarium is another one of those places that are impossible for someone to not enjoy, even if they are starting to act more and more like a teenager. Besides, middle schoolers will understand the concepts and words used at the planetarium a lot better than elementary schoolers would.

11. Local High School

If there is one thing middle schoolers love, it is that they are going to be in high school soon. Take advantage of that! Take them to high school productions of plays, on tours of the high school they will be going to, and to other high school concerts and athletic events.

12. Local Colleges

While college is still far off for middle schoolers, it’s never too early to give them a good impression of college. Communicate how important a college education can be, and do not forget to mention how fun college life is, either. Get them excited about college before the application process rolls around. The best part about this trip: it’s free!

13. Library

Going to the local library is always a good idea. There is so much to learn (Dewey Decimal System, anybody?), and it is a great way to encourage kids to read. Making this trip coincide with a book report project or readathon might help them to check out books, too!

14. Government Buildings

A government building may be fun to tour. This includes things like the state Capitol building, or maybe even a local government office. There are often tours of the bigger buildings, and these are great opportunities to help students learn more about the government system in our country.

15. Local Festivals

Taking your middle schoolers to local festivals is another great field trip idea. Every town has some sort of interesting festival that they are known for. Take advantage of teaching the kids about the history of their town! Some examples are music festivals, farmers’ markets, local races, and holiday events.

16. Railroad

Local railroads may be hard to come by, but if you are lucky enough to have one in your area, they have tons of history. In addition to this, taking train rides is so much fun. Middle schoolers will love learning about the history of the railroad, taking a ride, and let’s be honest- the concessions on the train will help, too.

17. Local Factories

Going to local factories or businesses is another really great opportunity for middle schoolers. Exposing them to how things work is a great way to help them on the path toward finding out what they want to do in their life. When they see how many types of businesses work, they can better figure out what they like and what they don’t.

18. Amusement Park

Amusement parks are tons of fun. That said, they do require a bit more effort as a field trip. Especially if you are a public school teacher taking 20-30 kids with you, you will need chaperones, permission slips, and plenty of focus, because middle schoolers can wander off.

19. Just a Regular Park

This one is almost effortless, and it is still so much fun. Going to a park, sitting in nature, having a picnic, and then just playing exploring is so good for kids. Getting that time to just relieve stress is key to creating a balanced lifestyle for middle schoolers.

20. Historical Monuments

Historical monuments are there for a reason. They exist to teach us about the people and events that came before us. So why not introduce your middle schoolers to these amazing monuments? They are beautifully built, and being in a historical spot to learn about something that happened before is such a cool experience. What if there is not a monument in your town? There probably is, but if not, a neighboring town will definitely have one.

Caving is such a blast. If you live near a cave, taking middle school students caving would be a fantastic field trip. Before you go, make sure you check the difficulty level of the cave, so that everybody can participate. This is a great way to either introduce or just reinforce what students are learning about rocks, erosion, weathering, and more.

22. Historical Buildings, Homes, or other Sites

This is a great way to learn about specific people that may have had a huge influence on your town, organizations that shaped how your town functioned, or just other historical events that may have caused your town to be built in the first place.

Middle schoolers will love seeing places that appear in books they have read or movies they have seen, and if they are not familiar, they will just enjoy seeing the collection of old things.

23. Local Fire Station

Visiting the local fire station would be a very fun field trip for those who have dreams of being a fireman, but it will also be fun for those who don’t. Kids find it fascinating to learn about the process of it all: seeing the fire station, the fire trucks, and asking the firemen what their typical day looks like is a great way to get them engaged.

24. Local Police Station

It’s the same for the local police station. Not only will kids learn a lot about the government and what police do, but they’ll also learn that they don’t have to be afraid of all police officers. This is a great way to help middle schoolers become more comfortable around police and other emergency personnel. In addition to this, seeing the inside of a police officer’s car is sure to keep middle schoolers occupied: there’s a lot there!

25. Pottery Studio

There are several commercial pottery studios sprinkled around the country that anybody can use. So why not make a field trip out of it? Middle schoolers love working with their hands, and one thing that always makes field trips extra special is a souvenir that they can take home at the end of the day.

26. Fish Hatchery

If you live near a fish hatchery, this would be a really interesting field trip for middle schoolers. It does smell weird, but kids will love seeing the process that they go through in the hatchery. They will get to see a couple of different kinds of fish, and this field trip also gives the added benefit of some outdoor time.

27. Aviation Museum

An aviation museum is another excellent idea for a field trip for middle schoolers. Even if some students are not obsessed with planes and vehicles, the things that one can see at an aviation museum are undeniably fascinating.

Students will get to see several different types of planes, learn about famous pilots and wars, maybe see a rocket, and learn how aviation has changed since it first came into practice.

28. Local Power Plant, Dam, or Locks

This is another information-filled field trip. Though many dams and locks may not have tours, they usually have plenty of signs with blurbs to read that will provide for a lovely, self-guided tour. A lot of power plants will offer tours, though. In these places, middle schoolers will learn so much about modern technology, how things are powered, and more.

29. A Walking Tour of Your Town or City

Obviously, if you live in a big city, this may not be the safest idea, but if you feel you can conduct a safe walking tour of your town or city, do it! Even if they have lived in the town or city for a long time, many middle schoolers may still learn something about the town, and they may find something new to do. Pick a few destinations beforehand so that you can show your students the best-kept secrets of your city.

Remember that these ideas only scratch the surface of possibilities for fun field trips for middle schoolers. Students will appreciate any effort to add variety to their learning, so get creative!

30. Farmers Market

The Farmer’s Market is a great way for students to become involved in the community. Beforehand you can teach them about farming and how important it is to support your local farmers. Then you can take them to the market and let them pick something out or learn about all of the different produce. There are also sometimes animals there that they can pet.

Many communities host Farmer’s markets on Saturdays, so you might need to find out if your local farmer’s market takes place during the week!

31. Animal Shelter

The Animal Shelter is an awesome field trip not only for the kids but for the dogs and cats as well. The animals in animal shelters have often been neglected and abused. All they want is some love, which the kids will gladly give. It may inspire some families to adopt and give the animals a loving home.

32. Recycling Center

Learning about recycling is important. Visiting a Recycling Center might not be the most entertaining for the kids, but they will learn a valuable lesson about the importance of recycling and why we do it. They will also learn how to recycle and what can be reused, from plastic to paper to clothes.

33. A Hospital, Clinic, Dentist’s Office, etc

It is always a great idea to take the children to certain places where they can learn about different professions and what they could be when they grow up. Some kids may be scared of the hospital or doctor, but this way they can learn that doctors and nurses are here to help them.

If you can’t get the hospital to offer a tour, consider a tour of just any local clinic of a medical professional. Perhaps even a parent of a student in the class could offer a tour so that kids can learn about different professions.

Going to the bank may not sound the most fun to elementary school students, but they can learn important information that isn’t being fully taught in schools. Kids can go behind the scenes and possibly get a tour of the vault as well as learn how to write a check and what the purpose of a credit card is.

35. News, TV, or Radio Station

These field trips are fascinating because you can see the behind-the-scenes of the studio that the online viewers or listeners don’t get to see. The children will love to see the cameras and recording equipment, maybe even meet the people that their parents watch on TV every morning. Some kids could decide that this is the career path they want to move towards. The world always needs people to tell stories and report on what’s happening.

36. Local Business

It’s always important to highlight and remember local businesses. Local business owners would love to give back to the community by giving a tour to the students, inspiring them to chase their dreams. You never know which field trip is going to spark interest and help a kid decide what they want to be someday.

37. Restaurant or Bakery

Going to a restaurant or local bakery is something that children will love because they can get a behind-the-scenes tour, as well as some sampling of the food or treats. It will probably end up being one of their favorites since food is involved. Many local businesses will offer tours free of charge. ( Source )

38. Senior Care Facility

Taking the elementary school students to a retirement home is a great opportunity to teach them about the importance of service and learning from their elders. Children can oftentimes be egotistic because their brains aren’t fully developed. Volunteering is a great way to teach them compassion and kindness, and it will make the residents’ day as well.

39. Sporting Game

Sporting games are purely an entertaining field trip, and the students will be very excited. Most areas in the United States have a sports team, but even if you don’t live near a major city, you can find some minor league teams as well. Taking the students to a baseball or soccer game is probably the most common sport for a field trip. ( Source )

40. Theatre

Going to a theatre to see a play is also very exciting and entertaining. Communities almost always have a local theatre putting on a play for all ages to enjoy. You could even take the students to a play at the middle school or high school in the area. Make sure to pick an age-friendly play that they are willing to sit through for a few hours since young kids have a hard time sitting for long periods of time.

Going to the movies is a great indoor winter activity and very exciting for the children. It can get expensive, but there are also oftentimes group rate discounts, especially for schools. Maybe the movie field trip can be at the end of a big test as a reward. Don’t forget to get popcorn!

42. Orchestra

Going to the symphony or orchestra is a very special experience that not every child would normally experience. Classical music is very healthy for the brain. These days, everybody wants to listen to recorded music, but it’s important to instill a love of live music in the newer generations as well.

43. Pumpkin Patch

Fall is always a fun time of the year, and there are so many activities to do! This includes going to the pumpkin patch. Oftentimes, pumpkin patches not only have pumpkins to pick out and carve, but hayrides, mazes, and fun foods to try. My favorite pumpkin patch treats as a kid were apple cider donuts.

Picnics are easy and simple, probably costing zero dollars to the budget. All you have to do is make sure that every student brings a lunch from home and a blanket to sit on. Then all you have to do is take the class outside, set up the blankets, and they can sit with their friends and eat their lunch. Field Trips don’t always have to be big and extravagant.

45. Waterpark

The waterpark could be a great end-of-the-year activity since it needs to be warmer weather to go swimming. This field trip idea would probably need the most organizing, but it will be much worth it when it all comes together and you can celebrate the year together with students, parents, and teachers. This activity is recommended for older elementary school students that know how to swim.

There are endless opportunities for elementary school field trips! These young students are excited and curious about everything. Many of these places are free of charge and are happy to give a tour or experience to the students. Just make sure to plan everything out in advance and find enough chaperones to supervise the kids alongside the teachers. Good Luck! ( Source )

46. Explore a Local Recreation Center

Another great local resource that students can explore is a local recreation center. Finding and understanding available resources in the community is an important skill for kids as they transition to adulthood. A field trip to a recreation center can also emphasize the importance of health and lifelong physical activity to students as they begin to have more control over their lives.

47. Volunteer at a Food Pantry

Field trip education can be about more than just the sciences; giving high school students opportunities to serve in the community can be an important way for young adults to build character.

Many local food pantries would welcome the assistance of a large group of high school students. Taking a field trip day to volunteer at a local food pantry can help students understand more about supply chain management, while simultaneously helping them to build empathy.

48. Visit a Technology Company/Area

Technology is another area experiencing lots of growth. Helping to expose more students to areas like this can help give them direction when they may have none, and can also help fill a societal need.

If possible, arrange for students to take a field trip to a local software company where they can have opportunities to see the background processes of coding, system networks, and other tech phenomena. Showing students something like a server room, or cable management practices could be beneficial as well!

49. Visit the Capitol or Other Government Building

Whether it’s for History class, Political Science, or just to increase students’ social understanding, taking students to visit a capitol building or other government building can be both interesting and thought-provoking. This can be beneficial for all students as citizens, whether they are interested in pursuing education or careers in government or not.

50. Plan a College Visit

With students looking to the future, being able to get them on a university campus can be extremely helpful in guiding them in their decisions. Planning to visit a campus—or multiple campuses—could be a beneficial experience, especially for those on the fence about going.

Many colleges love to welcome high school students for campus visits and tours. Additionally, students may feel more comfortable being able to do a visit with friends and other peers with similar interests. Since Juniors will be thinking about which colleges to apply to, plan these trips preferably during students’ Junior year!

51. Plan a Photography Trip

With the invention of smartphones, and the popularity of Instagram, all students like to be both the photographer and the model. You can provide a field trip for them by taking them somewhere unique to take pictures and teaching them about principles of good photography, like lighting, balance, and the rule of thirds!

Alternatively, you could take them to a studio and allow them to take portraits or shoot other professional pieces, such as jewelry.

52. Plan a Painting Trip

For your more artsy individuals, you could consider planning a day trip to somewhere scenic where they could practice their painting skills. They could practice landscapes, nature scenes, or even portraits in nature.

53. Plan a Geological Trip

Another trip that could be fun is a trip to a location of geological significance. This could be something visual, such as being able to identify different strata on the side of a mountain, or something more tactile, like digging in an area for pieces of archeological or historical significance. It could even be something as simple as comparing rocks and their features depending on the area in which they’re found.

54. Do a Service Project Using Just Serve

We mentioned service in some of the above ideas (food pantry or homeless shelter), but you could also consider planning your own service project! Whether that’s planting trees locally, visiting an old folks’ home to visit with the residents there, or picking up trash.

There’s actually a great free website called Just Serve that allows you to quickly find service project needs for local non-profits. You could probably find something easy.

Allowing students to plan and prepare their own service activity can get them more engaged and help them feel like they can make a difference themselves.

55. Visit an Escape Room — or Any Activity Just for Fun!

Finally, we’d encourage you to be okay with some field trips being just for fun. Let your students go to an escape room, an amusement park, or a pool just for fun. Students need a break sometimes too!