Field trips don't need to be expensive and your don't need to travel very far. Fun and learning can be had in your own neighborhood. Some of these places you may already know about and others might be a surprise. The majority of these are also either free or require a nominal donation outside of any purchases you wish to make. Be sure to ask for information and paperwork at each place to expand the learning before and after your visit.
10 Local Field Trips for Your Homeschool
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State Parks – Many state parks offer services like a Junior Ranger Program complete with booklets, activities to complete, and even a patch and certificate for completion. You could make your way all around your state, check out the list here and see where the program is available. Besides the Junior Ranger program parks are teeming with trails, wildlife, and sometimes education centers.
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Wildlife Sanctuary – Nearly every town has a wildlife sanctuary of some sort, if you don’t know of one do a Google search, look in your local phone book or ask around. Most are probably more than happy to help educate adults and children alike on the care and handling of injured wildlife. Always be sure to call in advance!
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Grocery Store – Chain stores especially often have a program in place that includes a tour of front and back of the house areas, samples from the bakery and deli, and of course, you can’t forget the cool hair nets they include!
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Local Working Farm – Dairy, Poultry, Horse, Organic, etc… This is a great way for you child to see where their food comes from, and how to take care of farm animals. You can make a whole Farm Unit Study around this one with the field trip to get hand on!
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Police Station – With an appointment they are more than happy to show a group around the station and will probably even let them look in and around a patrol car. If you are in a very small town that houses a small local jail they may give a demonstration right out of scared straight!
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You Pick Farm – What a great way to earn your supper or dessert! Strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, or whatever is available in your area makes for a great outing. Wear closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bring along a picnic lunch with plenty of water.
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Fire Department – Like the Police department the fireman at your local firehouse loves to show kids the inner workings of not only the building but the gear and truck as well. With planning and a big enough group they may even break out some safety videos, This trip makes for adorable photos too!
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Local Factory – If you don’t already know, do a little research and find out what factories are in your area-Small mom and pop manufacturing facilities, LEGO Factory, food manufacturing and packaging, ice cream factory, etc.. Call and request a tour for your group. We have done several and they are always fun and informative.
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City Hall – Even younger children can benefit from a simple civics lesson by visiting somewhere like city hall where they can see first-hand how local government works.
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Welcome Center – If you live near the state border, travel often, or live on the road like we do a visitor welcome center is a great place to get some information on the history and current culture in any state. Pick up brochures and possibly sample of something the state is known for- In Florida you get orange juice!
What local field trips ahve you taken?
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