80+ Field Trip Ideas
One of the things I loved most about being with my children full-time and also home-educating them was planning and attending field trips. Field trips make education more engaging, memorable, and holistic. Adding to the joy of the field trip experience was doing this for the wider Mama Mzazi Family!
Field trips are an excellent way to encourage:
critical thinking
enriches academic learning, connecting theory to practice
enhanced curiosity
real-world, experiential learning
social and communication development
sensory and emotional growth
If you are looking for field trip ideas, take a look at some of our excursions over the years! Here are 80+! I've also provided links for your convenience. Of note, some of these locations provide workshops! Taking the metro whenever we could also added to the diverse educational experience.
The Supreme Court - All nine judges were on the bench the day we toured! Additional pluses were witnessing a demonstration and a TV News crew conducting interviews.
The White House - We caught a glimpse of First Lady, Michelle Obama during our tour!
Library of Congress - Majestic! Loved visiting as a college student and had to bring the babes!
The Capitol - We arranged to visit and watch Congress - both the Senate and the House of Representatives (in session)
Discovery Theatre - Excellent historical productions as part of the Smithsonian system.
Smithsonian Museums - We enjoyed several of these more than once. Remember to check for demonstrations, like the Tarantula Feeding at the Museum of Natural History!
The National Museum of Art
Natural History Museum
National Museum of African American History and Culture
National Museum of African Art
National Air and Space Museum
National Museum of American History
National Museum of Natural History
National Museum of the American Indian (DC)
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Renwick Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Freer Gallery of Art
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Smithsonian Institution Building (“The Castle”)
National Postal Museum
Memorials - Lincoln, Jefferson, WWII, and now MLK
The National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation- previously known as the B&O Railroad Museum
College Park Aviation Museum
Maryland Science Center - They also have a wonderful Homeschool program in September. Be sure to check out their great IMAX programs!
Herr's Chip Factory - Tours with samples
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory - Tour and pretzel making workshop
Luray Caverns - Tour
BWI Airport - Tour
White Estate - Tour
Grocery Store - Tour
Post Office - Tour
Veterinary Office - Tour
Living Well - Tour
Harriet Tubman - Tour
Tudor Place - Tour
Myerhoff Symphony Hall - Check the Education page.
The Kennedy Center - The Millennial Stage also has free events.
Toby's Dinner Theatre - One memorable production was the autobiography of Dr. Ben Carson, Gifted Hands.
The Publick Playhouse - We attended many productions, and met many performers, including the Alvin Ailey Dance Company
Butler's Orchard - Self-pick for a variety of crops, including blueberries, apples, and strawberries. Additional activities.
Clark's Eliok Farm - Petting Farm, Pony Rides, Maze, Pumkin Patch, Hayrides
Parks - Visit as many as you can!
Wheaton Regional Park
Brookside Gardens - Be sure to check out the Maple Syrup Demo and Wings of Fancy Butterfly Exhibit
Allen Pond
C&O Canal - Billy Goat Trail - Great for Hiking
Cabin John
Library Story Times
Chuck E Cheese
Roller Skating
Herbert Wells Ice Arena - Ice Skating and other activities
Swimming at various locations
Bowling
I enjoyed our field trips as much as the children did! I will add more as I remember them! Happy Adventures!
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