Things You'll Need:
- internet connection
- computer or internet map program
- telephone
-
Step 1
First you need to decide how far you are wanting to go. Do you want to keep it close to home? Are you willing to travel a couple of hours or overnight to get to your destination? Keep these things in mind while you preform you search.
-
Step 2
Think of the local museums, zoos and educational destinations. These are usually great one day field trips. Check for web sites and find the hours and any upcoming events that might be interesting to your child in addition to the regular services.
-
Step 3
Think of any historical places close to your home. Are there forts or old courthouses? What about famous trails? There are also usually historical museums near every home. These can be as simple as a coal museum or an antique museum from your area. You might think that your kids wouldn't be interested in these types of things but usually they will surprise you. Just remember for these to keep it fun, provide stories and interesting points about whatever you're looking at. Keep it short and quick, do not spend too much time looking at items because your kids are likely to get bored. Before you go you could check out library books on the topics of the museum to build their interest.
Again, once you find these places check the internet to see if they have any events coming soon and see if there are any kid friendly days or tours. -
Step 4
Always keep in mind the science-museums. Kids love these and they are often designed to appeal to children's hands on nature. Kids can often play with exhibits and have a little more freedom than regular museums.
-
Step 5
Look at local businesses. Kids love going to farms to see what happens there and play with the animals. Most farmers are more than happy to give your little ones a look around and explain their jobs.
A trip to the veterinarian office or another local office of some sort. Kids will love visiting their local rescue squad or fire station to get a close up look at the equipment, vehicles and heroes who work there. Just be sure with these to ALWAYS call ahead and schedule a time. Offices and rescue houses are usually happy to have visitors as long as it's a good time for them. -
Step 6
Do not overlook the obvious. A day at the beach to do a study on the sand or animals before romping in the waves. A day at the park to do a science experiment before letting loose to play.
Comments
JMButler1728 said
on 7/16/2008 Great ideas! The other place to check is at county businesses or the newspaper to find out other places within the community. A lot of small towns are trying to get tourists in so they've started publishing little pamphlets with all the "local treasures." Field trips truly are fun!
Susanh said
on 6/13/2008 Great ideas! We also visit our local parks for a lot of fun events. We have an excellent local library that offers craft days and other fun free events throughout the summer. Another idea might be to get a travel book about your state and see what is around you. We borrowed "Kids Love Ohio" from the library and were surprised to see what was within a few hours of us!
SeventhSibling said
on 6/12/2008 Oh boy, a field trip!! My favorite place to go was the pumpkin patch each fall. What fun idea you have!
Pixie1976 said
on 6/4/2008 There are just so may places to go! We learned a lot on our vacation to Arizona. The kids got to see so much desert, catcus, mountains,etc.
acole said
on 6/4/2008 Great ideas! Any place they can learn! Thanks!