best field trips in new jersey

18 Amazing Field Trips Every New Jerseyan Took As A Kid... And Should Retake Now

Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.

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One of the best parts of being a kid was going on field trips. It, at the very least, meant a day away from school. If you were lucky, you got no homework AND an awesome adventure. The specific field trips you went on depend on when and where in New Jersey you grew up, but the following locations are all popular field trip destinations that many will remember fondly. AND, they still can be fun for us as adults!

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How many of these spots have you visited? What was your favorite New Jersey field trip?

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New Jersey Field Trip Guide

Field Trip Ideas , Mid-Atlantic

A hub of history, art and science awaits students on fields trips in New Jersey

Originally one of the 13 colonies that revolted against British Rule in the American Revolution, New Jersey exists as both a vital point of American history and home to some of the most well-known musicians, writers and creators of America. Settled between Philadelphia and New York, the state is centrally located with the opportunity to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island from Jersey waters. The Garden State has a lot of woodland with many residents holding conservancy highly, making it a focal point for gardening education and environmental sciences. The coastal region is also abundant with educational playgrounds like aquariums, museums and hidden artistic gems. Discover immersive education opportunities throughout New Jersey with these thought-provoking and imaginative field trip ideas.

A Few New Jersey Field Trip Ideas:

• Fort Lee Historical Park
• The Pietro and Maria Botto House
• Algonquin Arts Theatre
• Buehler Challenger & Science Center
• Liberty Science Center
• New Jersey State Museum
• Adventure Aquarium

New Jersey History & Heritage Field Trip Ideas

Named for the Island of Jersey in the English Channel, New Jersey established itself as one of the 13 original colonies and became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution in 1787. See New Jersey’s key role in the Revolutionary War at Fort Lee Historical Park : a 33-acre cliff top park on the Palisades serving as a reconstructed Revolutionary War encampment. The park marks the site of the Fort Constitution, fortified in 1776 to oppose British ships in the Hudson. Students first view a short film about Fort Lee, and engage in hands-on activities reminiscent of the time including gathering and chopping firewood, casting musket balls and cooking an 18th-century meal. An in-depth experience for students to learn about the beginning of America helps make a field trip at Fort Lee Historical Park a must.

Located close to Fort Lee, learn about America’s labor movement at the American Labor Museum and Botto House National Landmark in New Jersey. The Pietro and Maria Botto House is where 15,000 workers gathered in the Paterson Silk Strike of 1913. The museum holds photographs of workplace conditions, wage scales and striker’s meetings during the labor movement. See the house’s original kitchen, parlor and root cellar and delve into the movement that made America what it is today.

Ascertain over 200 years of New Jersey history through thousands of local artifacts at the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts . Investigate the stories of early New Jerseyans through early pottery, textiles, homemade tools and archival materials from natives. The museum offers numerous field trip ideas with programs for pre-k through eighth-grade students. Known as America’s most decorated, the

New Jersey Performing Arts Locations to Visit

New Jersey holds itself as a mecca of arts and music, making it a great place for performing arts field trips. Birthplace to Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Sinatra and Whitney and boasting artists from all over the world who flock to the state, New Jersey remains a foundational state in the performing arts.

Experience the Algonquin Arts Theatre in New Jersey for their large range of high-quality performances including comedies, musicals, plays, children’s theater and concerts. A non-profit corporation founded in 1992 to provide a cultural hub to the community. The venue has a Broadway series that highlights popular New York Broadway hits, along with a Jazz and Orchestra series performed by the best New Jersey and New York musicians. Featuring tons of fine art education workshops to help kids become passionate about theater, this is a great performing arts venue for a field trip experience.

Arts & Culture Activities in New Jersey

Resplendent botanical gardens are the backdrop for diverse sculptures and colorful, eye-catching art displays in a Garden State hidden gem. Grounds for Sculpture , located in Hamilton, is a wondrous maze of art and blooming gardens. Indeed, it is one of New Jersey’s more unique field trip ideas. School programs include hands-on art classes in a studio environment and several guided educational tours that cover select artworks.

Meanwhile, the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick offers over 60,000 works of art in a wide range of media. The museum staff works closely with educators to provide one-of-a-kind curated field trip ideas suited for many curriculums.

A trip to the New Jersey State Museum in Treton won’t disappoint with so many interesting opportunities ranging from dinosaurs and archaeology to space exploration. Educational group docent-led tours are free with museum admission for groups of 15 or more students.

Educational Field Trips through STEM

New Jersey offers a variety of fun and engaging field trips ideas for STEM students. Students can test out their skills on a voyage to mars or return to the moon at the Buehler Challenger & Science Center in New Jersey. When visiting the center students work as a team, each taking on the role of an astronaut, blending together hands-on learning and team building to complete their mission. STEM students practice independent problem solving, conduct their own experiments and much more during the simulated space mission. The field trip programs focus on subjects such as earth science, robotics, physics and chemistry from elementary to high school.

Enjoy an educational field trip and hands-on fun at the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey where students can engage in a spectrum of different STEM-related activities and programs. The Center boasts a STEM education planning guide for field trips to their center with dozens of hands-on exhibitions. Students can learn what it takes to design and build the world’s tallest skyscrapers and operate an electromagnetic crane, or watch a live colony of bees go about their daily work from inches away. Each year the center hosts several featured exhibitions focused on science and technology, so each field trip will be a totally different experience.

New Jersey Marine & Aquatic Adventures 

The SEA LIFE Aquarium New Jersey in Rutherford inspires young marine biologists through education about oceans and marine life. Encounter thousands of aquatic species and immerse your group in an underwater playground. Discounted group rates are available for school field trips, scout programs and other organizations.

Since 1993, Adventure Aquarium in Camden has been alluring visitors with over 15,000 fascinating marine species on display. This includes the most extensive shark collection in the Northeast and the only hippos in the world to be housed in an aquarium. Add-on classroom and auditorium programs, along with other educational amenities, make this one of the best field trip ideas for New Jersey institutions.

The non-profit New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium teaches groups about native marine life and coastal preservation. With education in mind, they offer diverse, interactive and age-appropriate curricula for pre-K through graduate-level students. Classrooms can visit and study Garden State beaches, bays and estuaries in an active outdoor classroom environment.

Main photo: Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium

For more student travel ideas and tips, visit   here  and be sure to subscribe for FREE to  Student Travel Planning  Guide for all the latest information to help plan your next student trip.

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Field Trip: What You Need For An Unforgettable Trip To New Jersey

Check out these New Jersey must-sees.

Melissa Jaramillo

New Jersey, known as the Garden State, is much more than just a neighbor to New York. Whether you’re a tourist looking to see the state’s best spots or a local looking for your next adventure, New Jersey has much to offer.

The good news is that this includes weed lovers looking for the next big thing. In this guide, you’ll find several places to put on your bucket list.

Pack your bags for a day of relaxation, laughter, and exceptional cannabis while enjoying incredible views and delicious food.

Best Dispensary In New Jersey: Puffin Dispensary

Puffin is a paradise for those seeking an exceptional cannabis experience in New Jersey. Located in New Brunswick, near Rutgers University and Robert Wood Johnson, Puffin prides itself on providing exceptional customer service. 

More than a dispensary, it’s a place where they guide you through a journey of cannabis discovery. Are you new and have a lot of questions? No worries. Are you experienced and looking for your next favorite? No worries, either.

From its roots in customer service to its focus on social responsibility, Puffin strives to build a community around cannabis in New Jersey. 

Whether looking for prerolls like Brute’s Roots The Goodfather Prerolls or incredible flowers like Viola Iverson ’01 Flower , you’ll find everything you need and more at Puffin. 

Address : 382 George St, New Brunswick

Hours : Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 10 pm

Phone : +1 732-378-3346

Brute’s Roots The Goodfather Prerolls

Sesh spot: high point state park.

Photo Courtesy: AdobeStock_159668087-1536×1024-1

For those looking for a unique natural experience, High Point State Park is the perfect place if you don’t mind a short hike to get there.

It is located on the highest point in New Jersey and offers panoramic views of three states. With its extensive trail system, this park is ideal for a day of hiking, nature photography, and, of course, enjoying the shopping you did at Puffin Dispensary. 

Spot For A Bite: The Frog & The Peach

Photo Courtesy: frogandpeach.com

At Frog and The Peach, you’ll find a variety of dishes to fill the munchies. With creative cuisine and a carefully crafted selection of wines, local beers, and craft cocktails, this restaurant offers an authentic dining experience in an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. 

Chef Bruce Lefebvre and his team strive to serve delicious and creative food while creating a hospitable experience for all lovers of fine food and drinks. The perfect way to end a day in New Jersey.

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Field Trip Ideas in New Jersey

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Here come the fall leaves and you know what time that means, back to school for the kids in the Garden state!  By now, teachers are getting their classrooms ready and making lesson plans, and mapping out educational activities for their new wave of students. Field trips are an important part of the school year, and elementary through high school teachers are always looking for new ideas. So as New Jersey schools gear up for the school bell, here’s a brief list of field trip ideas in New Jersey that will be a helpful resource for teachers and school administrators!

Outdoor Field Trip Ideas

Sweet land of liberty: ellis island and statue of liberty monument.

Opened on January 1, 1892,  Ellis Island became the nation’s largest immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. It reopened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America’s population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The  Statue of Liberty  was a gift from the people of France to the United States and has become a symbol of freedom and democracy for our country. The Statue of designated as a National Monument in 1924. With such an important landmark right off the coast of Jersey, this is the ultimate field trip destination for any student in the state.

That’s History: Monmouth Battlefield State Park 

Situated 30 miles east of Trenton, one of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place here at  Monmouth Battlefield . The park reflects a beautiful and rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows. With lots of activities for field trip groups to participate in, there are hiking and riding trails, picnic areas, and a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse. Other park facilities include an interpretive and visitor center, playground, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

A Water Adventure:   Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center

Just a short 25-minute drive from Asbury Park, the  Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center  is a fantastic educational destination that explores wetland ecology, wildlife, and habitat protection. There are interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, learning activities for schools and community groups, and wildlife observation areas. Visitors gain an understanding of the importance of water in our world. There are backpacks containing all you need to make your self-guided nature walk filled with adventure and exploration. Use of the backpack is free.

Indoor Field Trip Ideas 

Take a dive seaquest woodbridge.

It’s All in the Mind : Virtual Reality Center – Rowan U niversity

Rowan University is located in Mullica Township, just 25 miles south of Philadelphia.  The Virtual Reality Center  provides cutting-edge research in 3D graphics, visualization, simulation, and virtual reality. It features multiple immersive VR systems, including a new 7 x 40 ft. curved wall of screens that provides a 3D, immersive environment for collaborative projects. Field trip groups get a great tour of the facility and will get to speak with staff and Rowan students about virtual reality. Younger students can also ask questions about the lab and experience simulations.

Weird Science: Liberty Science Center

Right in heart of Jersey City lives the  Liberty Science Center !  Liberty Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to getting learners of all ages excited about the fun and wonder of science and technology.  This is a great field trip destination for students of all ages who can participate in any level of STEM-related activities. There’s also an amazing planetarium show, 3D science theater, and a Dino Dig Adventure where kids will be able to participate in a real paleontological dig.

New Jersey has a long list of field trip options with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities that can fit in any semester of the school year. There are a number of unique, fun, and educational experiences out there when it comes to school field trips in the Garden State. This list has some of the best of the best! From  SeaQuest Woodbridge to museums or artistic adventures, this list offers great suggestions to make a classroom learning experience feel like the trip of a lifetime!

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New Jersey State Museum

Museum updates:.

Museum Shop closed for inventory June 29 & 30. It will reopen after 12 noon on July 1.

Learn At The Museum

New 2022-23 field trip guide, in-person field trip experiences.

Reservations are now being accepted for fall 2023 and spring 2024 trips. Group programs are available Tuesday-Friday from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Groups of 15 or more may reserve tours, workshops and Planetarium shows, for descriptions of each see below.

Trenton Public Schools and Title 1 schools receive a 20% discount.

Lunch reservations are available for the lunch room at 225 West State Street, contact reservations at (609) 292-1382 or email [email protected] for more information. Outside picnic tables are available without a reservation on a first-come basis.

Buses must drop off and pick up students at the main entrance (West State Street) and park in the Perry Street lot during the visit.

Plan to arrive at the main entrance 15 minutes before your first program so that students and chaperones can drop off all food and drink in bins provided and receive a Museum Welcome before heading off to reserved programs.

Please Note: All in-person programs are subject to change per COVID-19 health and safety regulations. We reserve the option to reschedule or cancel programs if we are unable to safely serve you.

Safety Guidelines In accordance with the State of New Jersey’s updated guidelines, general masking is not required but recommended based on the CDC’s Community Level data. The Museum’s community is Mercer County.

Guidance for all Community Levels is as follows:

Masks will be available free of charge to both Chaperones and Students upon request.

Homeschools Homeschool groups of 15 students or more are invited to schedule in person and virtual programs, tours and Planetarium shows.

Summer Camp Groups 2024 summer groups (July 9-September 6 2024) will choose from Planetarium public shows at 10:30, 11:30 and 1:30 and a simplified list of workshops options. Please ask about these options at the time of booking.

Virtual Field Trips If you are looking to book a virtual experience for your students, you will find all of our programs and information at https://nj.gov/state/museum/learn-resources.shtml .

Our Planetarium features a fully upgraded Ultra-High Resolution 8K projection system, so your experience is sure to be out of this world!

From the ancient Maya to adventures on Mars, we have shows for all age groups and interests.

Show times are 10:00am, 11:00am and 1:00pm, Tuesday-Friday

PLEASE NOTE: Planetarium shows begin promptly at the scheduled time; groups arriving late may miss their show. We are unable to issue refunds for late arrivals

Length: Shows range from 25 to 45 minutes Cost: $5 per person, including teachers and chaperones. Group Size: Our Planetarium seats 140 people; larger groups will be split into two or more shows. Minimum group size of 15 attendees. The first group to book a show time chooses the show!

Reservations and Information: email [email protected]

Examine real fossils, engineer a home, or learn about culture through time! Enhance your field trip with these hands-on experiences, designed around New Jersey's curriculum standards.

We offer workshops for a wide range of grades, from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. All workshops are 45 minutes long and are designed with New Jersey curriculum standards in mind. All workshops can accommodate groups of 15 – 25. Groups with a larger group size will be divided into multiple sessions. Groups of over 200 students cannot be accommodated on the same day but may be divided into multiple days if needed.

Reservations and Information: Email [email protected]

Cost: $5.00 per student

Preschool/Early Elementary Workshops [Pre-K – 1st grade] The New Jersey State Museum welcomes our youngest visitors with Small Explorers gallery guides specifically designed for them, age-appropriate Planetarium shows and guided programs focusing on exploring science, art and history through creative play, crafts and storytelling.

Paint Me a Story Art and storytelling go hand in hand as we discover how the art on display tells stories and engages our minds and bodies. Explore color theory and learn to make colors to express yourself.

Dino Motion Discover how dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles moved through their environments as we combine science and imaginative play. Learn about trackways and what they can tell us about ancient animals.

Planets on Parade Meet our favorite star and the planets in our solar system. Learn the order of the planets and how they orbit around the Sun, then design your own special planet!

Elementary & Middle School Workshops [2nd – 8th grade] Our elementary workshops are for second through fifth graders, and uses scaffolding and inquiry-based learning. These workshops build on topics throughout the museum, allowing a fully comprehensive visit for your group. We offer three elementary workshops focusing on seasons, archaeology, and paleontology.

Our late elementary and middle school workshops are for fourth through eight graders, builds on topics covered in previous workshops and throughout the museum, and introduces more complex concepts to develop critical thinking skills. We offer three middle school workshops that focus on paleontology, engineering, and climate change.

Lenape Culture [2 – 5 grade] Explore Lenape cultural adaptation through the examination of ceramics from the Woodland Period to modern native artistic expressions. Students will practice archaeology in teams to create a pottery model for study. Each student will analyze data from a sherd to develop an artifact record.

Shifting Seasons [2 – 5 grade] What’s the weather going to be like tomorrow? What about in six months? Join us to learn about the reason for the seasons and how we predict the weather.

Junior Paleontologist [2 – 8 grade] Do you have what it takes to be a paleontologist? Explore the history of life on Earth through games and examine real fossils – some hundreds of millions of years old – by using the same skills that paleontologists have.

Hearth & Home [4 – 8 grade] Looking to the Lenape for inspiration, student teams construct home models designed to combat the climate challenges of North American ecosystems.

Changing Coastlines [6 - 8 grade] Using scientific data, explore how New Jersey coasts have changed throughout time and how they’re still changing today. Learn about the impacts of sea level rise and consider possible solutions for the future.

The New Jersey State Museum welcomes Pre-K visitors with gallery guides specifically designed for them, Planetarium shows appropriate for their age and a special natural sciences play space, Discovery Den, designed just for kids pre-K through 2nd grade. In Discovery Den, explore nature in New Jersey through touchable specimens, games, books, puppets, costumes and more! Maximum 15 students at one time with adult supervision in this self-guided space.

Our guided programs focus on exploring science, art and history with Pre-K & Kindergarteners through creative play, crafts and storytelling.

Workshops are 45 minutes long, and are offered Tuesday through Friday. 15-20 students per workshop session; larger groups will be divided into multiple sessions. Minimum group size is 15.

Cost: $4.00 per student

Dino Motion Discover how dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles moved through their environments as we combine science, imaginative play and detective work!

Paint Me a Story Art and storytelling go hand in hand as we tour the Fine Art gallery and discover how the art on display tells stories and engages our minds and bodies.

Stars & Shapes Forever Meet our favorite star and the planets that orbit in our solar system, and design your own special planet! Pair a planetarium show like “Little Star that Could” with this workshop (additional cost applies).

The New Jersey State Museum not only collects and preserves the story of New Jersey, we also actively participate in science every day!

Visit the Paleo Lab to take a peek at our latest fossil discoveries! Follow the progress of our scientists and volunteers, preparing fossil specimens from sites in New Jersey, Wyoming and Montana. We invite you to ask questions and observe their work. Open to the public every day, no reservation needed.

Scientist-led talks are 45 minutes with a Q&A session. Ask the Experts Live Science Talks are offered Tuesday-Friday. These talks are appropriate for students in grades 3-12. In person Ask the Experts talks can accommodate groups of up to 150 students. Minimum group size is 15.

Virtual options available - Zoom our expert into YOUR classroom! For better student participation, groups larger than 50 students may wish to split into multiple virtual sessions.

Reservations and Information: Email [email protected]

Cost: $5 per student.

Fossil Exploration [K – 2/3 grades] Learn about the fossils of New Jersey with Paleontologist Dr. Devra Hock-Reid and get a chance to interact with some real fossils.

Fossil Hunters of NJ [3 – 8 grades] New Jersey abounds with fossils! Paleontologist Dr. Dana Ehret shares exciting fossil discoveries from throughout the state, what fossils tell us about ancient ecosystems, and the challenges paleontologists face in this adventurous field.

Our Place in Space [3 – 8 grades] We’re all passengers on spaceship Earth! Learn about our place in the universe from astronomer Dr. Jacob Hamer, who will share how astronomers have discovered so much about planets, stars, galaxies, and more.

People of the Past [3 – 8 grades] How do artifacts help archaeologists understand the lives of people in prehistoric and historic New Jersey? Archaeologist Dr. Gregory Lattanzi leads this exploration of the unique artifacts found here, and what they tell us about the lifestyle of people who lived in the state through time.

Career Talks: Paleontology [6 – 8 grades; high school] What does it mean to be a paleontologist? Talk with Paleontologist Dr. Devra Hock-Reid about her path in paleontology and career options within the Earth Sciences and science education

Career Talks: Astronomy/Physics [6 – 8 grades; high school] What do astronomers do when the stars aren’t out? Talk with Astrophysicist Dr. Jacob Hamer about what a day in the life of an astronomer looks like, and the path to careers in astronomy

The New Jersey State Museum offers students 4 floors of exhibits exploring the Natural and Cultural history of the State, Archaeology and the Lenape people and a remarkable Fine Art collection. Each long-term exhibit gallery offers printed guides for both pre-K and older students to explore on their own.

Groups may also choose to reserve a guided tour of a specific gallery, led by our expert docent corp. Groups larger than 30 students may be split into multiple tours. Minimum group size is 15 students. Cost: FREE , advanced reservations required.

Live theater returns for the 2022/2023 school year with two performance in the spring. We will announce the shows in our newsletter and on social media when they are confirmed.

To reserve a seat in the show, the fee is $5.00 per person (students and chaperones). The theater seats 384 so large groups are easily accommodated.

Page Last Updated: 11/22/19

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Nj renaissance faire.

Hear Ye, Educators! Take a Step Back to the 16th Century. Combine a real-life blend of history, culture, arts, sport and language all in one field trip! Students get immersed in this make-believe land - and live those experiences all at once.

Reach New Heights With Your Groups

Treescape adventure park.

Unlock Team Building and Self-Confidence in the Great Outdoors of Vernon, NJ! Challenging courses encourage teamwork, boost confidence, and create lasting memories. Embrace the thrill of conquering obstacles together, fostering resilience and camaraderie. Book your group adventure today!

Bring the Museum to Your School

Dinosaurs rock assemblies.

4 science-themed events: DINOSAURS ROCK, GEMS ROCK, OCEANS & SHARKS ROCK & INSECTS ROCK. They bring the museum to you with giant, large-scale museum-quality exhibits, highly interactive and entertaining shows with lots of visual demos using our exhibit pieces.

Field Trips

Signer's hall at the national constitution center.

Must-see exhibits and live performances bring the Constitution to life for visitors of all ages. Experience Freedom Rising, a stirring, multimedia theatrical performance; The Story of We the People, an interactive exhibit that celebrates the Constitution’s legacy of freedom; and Signers’ Hall, featuring 42 life-size, bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.

Children's Discovery Environment

Imagine that.

A learning experience in a NJ children's discovery environment that's fun and exciting for children, parents, and teachers. Offering an open play for children to explore at their own pace, combining imagination and play throughout a 16,000 square foot hands-on facility.

Explore the Zoos and Aquarium

Wildlife conservation society.

Plan a group outing with wildlife in the heart of New York City - a day the kids will always remember!

Booking Now for your field trips

Vanderhoof bus services.

Celebrating over 100 years of service. All our buses are well maintained, modern, and equipped with reclining chairs, audio, video and restrooms for your comfort needs.

Book Your School Assembly

Dialed action sports assembly programs.

Dialed Action Sports provides an action packed BMX stunt show and MTB mountain bike trials shows for school assemblies, summer camps, churches, dare programs and much more. Topics include Anti-Bullying, Drug Awareness, Bicycle Safety and Responsible Choices.

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Looking to plan a student group trip or activity? 

Our Field Trip Directory  is  your resource for all group trips , whether you're a school group, camp group, or the scouts!  Looking for an assembly program?   This is great for planning family outings as well. Search the Directory and Map for a trip near you.

Flip through the current Field Trip ebook  edition for more ideas...best to view in full screen. 

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Field Trip for New Jersey Schools

New jersey school outdoor field t rip #1 destination.

At Pocono Valley, we have a long history of serving schools from New Jersey that are looking for a scenic mountain setting in the Poconos. Pocono Valley is located only 90 miles from New York City and Philadelphia and is the ultimate setting for a variety of groups. We serve multiple school groups during the school year along with corporate retreats, team building events, retreats, weddings, and more.

We offer a multitude of new and exciting activities including Twin Pines Challenge Ropes Course which enables participants to build camaraderie amongst their peers. Enjoy PV’s private 40-acre lake with kayaks and pedal boats as well as swimming in our 2 Olympic size heated pools. All water activities are supervised by certified lifeguards and can be closed at your group’s request.

Outdoor School Field Trips at Pocono Valley are FUN!!!

Textbooks, worksheets, lectures, reports, and projects are the mainstays of the school year. Teachers and students alike work through this daily grind, day after day. Educational field trips allow a much-needed break from the daily routine and a host of other benefits to students.

By getting them out of the classroom and into the world, field trips to Pocono Valley Resort allow students to learn from experience, while teachers gain new insights on their students. Our mountain campus offers school field trips that are unique and exciting, creating lasting memories of the skills and lessons learned.

A Refreshingly Different Experience

By taking the students out of the classroom and putting them in nature, they are separated from their high-tech worlds, gaining new experience and insight about the world around them.

With interactive hands-on activities, students will be fully engaged, and might not even realize they are learning skills to assist them in school and life!

At Pocono Valley, school groups are provided with professional guided tours and dedicated trained staff. By keeping group sizes small, wait times for the activities are short so that the students can gain the maximum benefits during their trip. Each student will receive personal attention, ensuring their safety, comfort, and happiness.

The goal is for each student to feel as though they have joined the Pocono Valley family, forging a group dynamic unlike any other experience.

Combining education, adventure, and nature into an unforgettable experience has provided countless students with lasting memories of their time. For many students, their trip to Pocono Valley is the highlight of the school year.

So Why Choose Pocono Valley?

Children will be encouraged to investigate, discover, work together, and learn about their surroundings, themselves, and their classmates during their time. The unmatched experience of school field trips at Pocono Valley keeps children engaged throughout their trip, learning new physical, social, and emotional skills.

Experience the Benefits

School field trips at Pocono Valley include lots of wonderful benefits like:

• Getting to spend a day in the beauty of nature

• Active and safe outdoor physical activities that are fun for all kinds of students

• Professionally trained leaders that help your day run smoothly

• Activities designed to encourage individual growth and teambuilding

• An intimate and relaxing environment that promotes good morals and family values

• And much more!

Every trip to Pocono Valley will leave you and your class refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the school year with new-found skills and ideas.

School Field Trip Facts

School day trips improve test performance. According to recent research by Emilyn Ruble Whitesell, middle school students who take part in Urban Advantage scientific field excursions do better on the state science test. Field trips and hands-on learning help retain knowledge. Just think about what you learned in school, and what you learned on field trips are still some of the most distinct notions.

Field visits are also significant because they allow students to interact with the curriculum in new ways. Students who struggle with traditional learning might feel knowledgeable and confident when concepts are presented in various mediums and modalities. They can better access material when they learn holistically. Their return to school might act as a touchpoint for a whole unit.

Some of our students’ worlds are tiny, but their communities are a great resource for expanding them. There are individuals and places that children may access that cannot be recreated online or in the classroom. In a way that other media cannot, this multimodal learning experience can bring one-dimensional lessons to life. It’s our obligation as teachers to help them.

Pocono Valley provides an organized and well-maintained environment with a variety of ready-made games and adventures to pick from. As a result, your school day trip will be more structured and professional, and you will have less work to do.

Working with Students in Groups

There is a significant difference between having an adult retreat and a children’s retreat. They’re all in because one group willingly joined up and paid their hard-earned money to be there. The other may or may not be interested in attending, and does not always possess the emotional maturity to make sound decisions. Organizing a safe, engaging, and meaningful retreat for a big group of children or teenagers presents unique obstacles, and you’ll need a retreat center with Pocono Valley’s considerable experience in these types of retreats.

There’s Something for Everyone

There are certain to be a few children with dietary restrictions or food allergies in a large group of children. If you’re planning and preparing all of the food for your retreat on your own, it’s more difficult than you think to have dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, wheat-free, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan alternatives. Pocono Valley, on the other hand, features a fully staffed dining hall with cooks who, with advance notice, can accommodate any dietary preferences.

Pocono Valley: #1 Field Trip Location for New Jersey Schools

90 minutes from Philadelphia, Pocono Valley is the #1 day trip location for New Jersey Schools.

Pocono Valley offers 5 outstanding student packages to choose from! Whether it’s a single day or overnight stay, we have a package for your school trip. Located 90 miles from New York City and Philadelphia, we offer a wide variety of fun and exciting activities geared for students of all ages. We take pride in providing a unique combination of fun and educational experiences.

Pocono Valley’s experienced staff are stationed at each activity to ensure a great time for everyone! Delicious food is served buffet-style in our beautiful dining rooms.

For more of our exciting activities visit our  ACTIVITIES  page.

Ready to book your school’s field trip?

We have everything you need to make your school field trip a success.

• Daily accommodations up to 5,000 guests
• Overnight accommodations up to 800
• Custom menus for all meals to suit everyone’s tastes
• 10,000 sq. ft. fully staffed kitchen
• Indoor & outdoor dining
• 25,000 sq. ft. indoor space
• 7,000 sq. ft. gymnasium space
• Auditoriums, breakout and presentation rooms
• Lakeside DJ
• Event programming
• Transportation

A few of the great companies that have enjoyed Pocono Valley!

Contact Us:

Email:  [email protected] Phone: 800.648.4FUN (4386)

School Field Trips

Field Trips At Imagine That!!!, A New Jersey Children’s Facility

Where Learning Comes To Play...

Many exhibits to challenge your students’ minds!

Looking for a special place to bring your students or children’s group? Come to Imagine That!!! Voted one of the best children’s discovery environment in Morris County, our educational exhibits and convenient layout make us an ideal place to bring a field trip for children pre-school to second grade.

Imagine That!!! is renovated! We feature new and updated exhibits to provide a place for children to learn through play!

Come see our sensory friendly exhibits, play grocery store, arts & crafts area, and much more. Children are not required to go through the discovery environment in any specific order, but rather may explore at their own pace.

We have craft activities and exciting educational science programs that can be tailored for the age of the group.

Special Programs

For the new school year, please contact Cheryl at 973-966-8000 to discuss your trip.

Learn More!!!

• Chevron down Accessibility

Our layout is unique among New Jersey children’s discovery environments, we have an open-floor plan design with several distinctive exhibit areas. Chaperones can easily supervise children. We have FREE ample parking.

• Chevron down Scheduling

A typical field trip is 2 to 2 and a half hours long, including time for lunch and a private lunch room on request. You may bring a brown bag lunch or arrange a pizza lunch through us for an extra-special treat. When scheduling your trip, be sure to ask about our activity options.

• Chevron down Pricing

$18.99/child $6.99/adult Call for details for 2021-22 School Field Trips

Please note: We require a 4-to-1 student-to-chaperone ratio to ensure safety and a pleasant time for all our guests. We have FREE bus parking!

Fill out our information request form here, and someone will reach out to you ASAP! Or give us a call at  (973) 966-8000!

FIELD TRIPS

Quick Details

• Users Ages: All Ages
• Tags Number of People: up to 43 Passengers

Pirate Field Trips on the Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore Pirates has become one of the areas most popular field trip destinations for schools and summer camps for the past 15 years. We are New Jersey’s best Pirate Adventure period! With FREE bus parking, an Air Conditioned lunch room for really hot days, a full Pirate Themed gift shop for souvenirs, and our location next to a beautiful waterfront park. Nobody can come close to matching our facilities inside the family friendly Pier 281 Marina .

Our staff consists of education professionals as well as our owner and several crew members who have been running Pirate Adventures going on 21 seasons. Pirating is a full time job and that’s why our customer service and our Pirate Adventure is unmatched. We love what we do and we believe that’s what sets us apart in the industry.

Our Pirate Adventure was created by an elementary education professional in 1995 and has been successfully running ever since. Although our trip is always evolving to provide the best experience in the industry, it has been a proven winner ever since its creation. The Sea Gypsy II was created and designed around the program to ensure the most interactive and best Pirate Adventure in the business.

We are often imitated but never duplicated. We are located inside a clean, family friendly marina with a full pirate themed gift shop, and a party/lunch room all of which are completed decorated to enhance your experience.

We provide free parking inside the marina for buses and all of our groups who sail with us.

Our 2024 Pricing will be as follows:

$799 for a Full Boat for your Pirate Adventure for a total of 43 passengers with a maximum of 35 children if booked before April 1st. After April 1st $849.

Renting a full boat allows a bit more flexibility for your crew. We can slightly alter your adventure in the case of late bus arrivals or any unforeseen circumstances. Please know if you choose not to rent a private ship there will be other families onboard and the ship will depart and return on our schedule. We will not be able to “hold the ship” or wait or alter the trip in any way and you will still be responsible for your tickets.

If you are interested in bringing a smaller crew the price is $29 per person.

Please note for a booking we will need a deposit of 50%.  We cannot “pencil anyone in” without your Deposit or Purchase order. As of June 9th, 2023, any reservations made must be paid in full at least a week prior to your sail.

All Deposits and payments are non-refundable or transferable unless Jersey Shore Pirate Adventures has to cancel for any reason (severe weather, mechanical etc….)

Reservations cancelled by your group due to factors outside of Jersey Shore Pirates control (i.e. bussing issues, weather forecasts (which are highly inaccurate), government regulations which do not apply to our operations, school district decisions, heat advisories, air quality issues and anything not determined as a safety issue to our direct business will not qualify for a refund. This is an outdoor activity throughout the summer, and it will most likely be hot.

Within 14 days of your scheduled sailing, you will be responsible for all tickets reserved. Please be aware, it is your responsibility to contact us more than a week out if you need to make any changes for your crew numbers.

We do sail in the heat and rain however if there is some unexpected weather that is unsafe (lightening), we are always close to the dock for safety. A forecast doesn’t not qualify as a weather event as they are often incorrect and exaggerated.

JSP has experience working with both public and private schools and a vast variety of summer camps. We incorporate map reading skills, problem solving skills, and nautical terminology into each adventure.

• Chevron down Weather Policy

We sail in rain but we do not sail if the conditions are determined to be unsafe by the Captain (thunder, lightening, heavy downpours or damaging winds). All weather related decisions are determined by the Captain. Please keep in mind that a 30% chance of rain means there is a 70% chance of treasure.. Please review our cancellation policy. If it is raining where you are driving from it doesn’t mean that it is raining at our location. We do our absolute best that we can with all weather situations but sometimes weather can be unpredictable. We are always close to our docking area and safety is our top concern. Trips can be altered or changed if the captain determines it is necessary. Please know that Weather Channels and weather apps are frequently inaccurate and we do not pay attention to any long range forecasts but rather watch radars the day of only. Please do not call about the weather, we will call you approximately 1 hour prior to your scheduled arrival to notify you if we are not sailing we. We have up to 7 trips daily so calling at 10:00 am about a 6:30 cruise does not make sense.

• Chevron down Cancelation Policy

All reservations will be held to our cancellation policy without exception.

We reserve the right to cancel or modify any sail in the event of steady rain, thunderstorms, high winds, or conditions deemed unsafe by the captain. We sail in the rain. In the unfortunate event that we must cancel a voyage we will call approximately 1 hour prior to your scheduled arrival to notify you of the cancellation. If we cancel your trip for any reason you will not be charged.  Cancellations due to weather are at the sole discretion of Jersey Shore Pirates. Please know that we do our best with predicting the weather but weather on the Jersey Shore can be unpredictable so we appreciate your patience. We are always watching the radar so if you do not hear from us we are sailing.

Note: Tickets are required for every person on board from the smallest infant to all grown-ups who wish to join us. Please include all children, adults, and infants when booking your Adventure. This is a Coast Guard Regulation (law) and no exceptions can or will be made for safety reasons. Jersey Shore Pirates reserves the right to refuse entry to any passenger(s) for any reason. Safety is our top priority.

Reservations (not including reservations of 20 tickets or more or private charters)  may cancel or subtract from their total ticket count up to 72 hours prior to their scheduled sail and qualify for a full refund on the ticket price(minus processing fees). Reservations of 20 or more, or private charters may cancel up to 1 week(7 days) prior. Deposits are non-refundable. If you are suddenly unable to make your reservation within the 72 hour cancellation period, please notify us as soon as possible and try to find family or friends to give/sell your tickets to. We are not able to refund your tickets or move your reservation to another day within the cancellation window.

You can not cancel any reservations that are made on the same day of sailing

Please note that tickets purchased for special event cruises  (e.g. Pirates and Mermaids, Moana, Meet Jack Sparrow, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Grandparents day etc…) are NON-REFUNDABLE and must be paid in full at the time of reservation.

Reservations for Private Boat Charters(field trips, birthday parties etc)  require 1 full week notice if you need to change numbers or cancel for any reason. All deposits are non-refundable unless Pirate Adventures Jersey Shore cancels for any weather conditions and another date cannot be scheduled for your Pirate Adventure.

Any Changes in ticket numbers or a no-show at check-in for any reason will be charged for the unused tickets on the credit card that was used to hold the reservation. Tickets are not transferable to any other date or time. If you show up at check-in with less people than you are booked for, you are still responsible for the ticket cost.

RELATED ADVENTURES

• Tags up to 43 Passengers
• Users All Ages
• Hour Glass 75 minutes

Pirate Adventures

Experience New Jersey’s original and best Pirate Adventure with our daily cruises! Perfect for families and kids!

• Hour Glass 75 minutes - 2.5 hours

Birthday Parties / Private Charters

Here are 14 day trips to take over spring break in New Jersey

B efore we know it, schools across New Jersey are going to be on spring break and parents are going to be looking for ways to keep them occupied.

While you might not be able to plan for any elaborate vacations or getaways, there are tons of activities across New Jersey that the whole family can enjoy. And, the best part is, these are places you can take a day trip to for some much-needed adventure.

Here are 15 things to do over spring break across the Garden State.

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Adventure Aquarium , Camden

Located along the Camden waterfront, Adventure Aquarium has been serving New Jersey since 1993. The aquarium features more than 15,000 aquatic animals throughout two million gallons of water. It allows guests to experience up-close animal encounters, interactive touch exhibits and the ability to learn about some of the ocean's greatest species.

Go: 1 Riverside Drive, Camden; 844-474-3474, adventureaquarium.com .

American Dream Mall , East Rutherford

The American Dream Mall is a one-stop shop for all things entertainment during spring break. Besides having more than 450 retail stores — making it the second-largest shopping mall in the country — American Dream Mall also has several other attractions for memorable family experiences.

Among these attractions is the DreamWorks Water Park, which is the largest indoor water park in the country. There is also Nickelodeon Universe Amusement Park — the western hemisphere's largest indoor theme park with 35 indoor rides and multiple playgrounds. There's also American Dream's Big Snow, the country's first and only indoor, year-round ski experience, as well as the Tilt Museum and Angry Birds Mini Golf.

Go: 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford; 833-263-7326, americandream.com .

Diggerland , West Berlin

With four locations in England and its only United States location right here in New Jersey, Diggerland is a unique construction-themed amusement and water park. The attraction offers more than 40 rides and attractions, where kids have the opportunity to operate construction vehicles — kid-sized versions, of course — like bulldozers and excavators. The park also has a full service arcade, zip line and rock wall.

Go: 100 Pinedge Drive, West Berlin; 856-768-1110, diggerlandusa.com .

FunTime Junction , Fairfield

FunTime Junction is an indoor children's entertainment center with activities that have been keeping families occupied since 1994. The center offers a 1,800-square-feet vest-less laser tag arena, a helicopter carousel ride, toddler playground, LiteZilla, Krazy Kars, a black light scavenger hunt and more. FunTime Junction's biggest attraction is a multi-level softplay climbspace with slide tubes, web ladders, bouncers and a jump pillow.

Go: 400 Fairfield Road, Fairfield; 973-882-9777, funtimejunction.com .

Insectropolis , Toms River

Also known as the Bugseum of New Jersey, Insectropolis takes guests through the insect world. Visitors are invited to view thousands of exotic insects from all over the world, and can even touch a live tarantula, millipede and a hissing cockroach. There are 12 different exhibits throughout, including an observation bee hive and a mud tube to crawl like a termite.

Go: 1761 Route 9, Toms River; 732-349-7090, insectropolis.com .

Liberty Science Center , Jersey City

Founded in 1993 and located within Liberty State Park, Liberty Science Center consists of 12 different museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, large aquariums, a 3D theater and the country's largest planetarium. The exhibits are constantly changing, with The Science Behind Pixar, Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure and Touch Tunnel are among those currently open.

Go: 222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City; 201-200-1000, lsc.org .

Mountain Creek , Vernon

While we might not see warm enough temperatures over spring break to enjoy the more than 30 attractions at Mountain Creek's waterpark, there are still other activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Mountain Creek offers ziplining tours, which are open to those of all ages, as long as they're at least 60 pounds and 48 inches tall. In this attraction, visitors will travel along a series of zip lines — ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet in length — while getting panoramic views of the tri-state area. And, if you're looking for something a little less daring, but still adventurous, trying Mountain Creek's TreEscape ropes course. Here, visitors must navigate rope walks, obstacles, climbing elements and zip lines while suspending above the trees.

Go: 200 Route 94, Vernon Township; 973-827-2000, mountaincreek.com .

RPM Raceway , Jersey City

In Jersey City, you can find an all-electric indoor go-kart and entertainment destination. RPM Raceway's state-of-the-art racing facility features two quarter-mile long European-style racetracks with Italian-made go-karts that can reach speeds up to 45 mph. The attraction also has other activities, like virtual reality battles, racing simulators, arcade games and billiards, and a snack bar.

Go: 99 Caven Point Road, Jersey City; 201-333-7223, rpmraceway.com .

Six Flags Great Adventure , Jackson

For a day full of adrenaline, take a trip to Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. The amusement park is home to 14 world-class roller coasts like El Toro, Kingda Ka, The Joker and Batman, as well as a variety of thrilling family rides like the Roaring Rapids and Skyscreamer.

Six Flags Great Adventures also features a 350-acre drive-through safari. The Safari Off Road Adventure takes guests on round-trip excursions aboard open-air vehicles where they can see as many as 1,200 animals from across the globe, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes and lions.

Go: 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson Township; 732-928-2000, sixflags.com/greatadventure .

Space Farms Zoo & Museum , Wantage

Space Farms Zoo & Museum is a complex that spans 100 acres in Sussex County. The zoo has more than 500 live wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears, leopards and more. There is also nine large museum buildings on the complex, with more than 50 antique cars, motorcycles, old horse-drawn carriages, old farm machinery and more. There is also a large picnic area, playground and restaurant available.

Go: 218 County Road 519, Sussex; 973-875-5800, spacefarms.com .

Sterling Hill Mining Museum , Ogdensburg

For those with inquisitive minds, the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in Ogdensburg a perfect spring break attraction. Guests can participate in a walking tour that explores approximately 1,300 feet of tunnel inside the first level of the mine. During the tour, guests will learn about the equipment, history, working conditions and geology of the mine and will get a look inside areas like the lamp room, shaft station and mine galleries dating back to the 1830s. Sluice mining is another attraction, where visitors can purchase a bag of sand, which is then poured into a tray and dipped in water to reveal a variety of minerals and fossils.

Go: 20 Plant St., Ogdensburg; 973-209-7212, sterlinghillminingmuseum.org .

Turtle Back Zoo , West Orange

First opened in 1963 and currently part of the Essex County Parks Department, Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange consists of 1,400 animals across 20 acres in the South Mountain Reservation. The zoo has major exhibits like African Adventure, Big Cat Country, Essex Farm, Sea Lion Sound and a stingray touch tank. Turtle Back Zoo also has other activities like a safari mini golf, a prehistoric playground, pony rides, face painting and a butterfly tent.

Go: 560 Northfield Ave., West Orange; 973-731-5800, turtlebackzoo.com .

Van Saun County Park , Paramus

Van Saun County Park spans more than 130 acres and offers attractions like ball fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, splash pads and even a miniature train ride. The park is also home to the Bergen County Zoo, where guests are invited to explore animal exhibits, take carousel and pony rides, as well as watch free live animal shows in the zoo amphitheater.

Go: 216 Forest Ave., Paramus; 201-336-7275, cobergen.nj.us/parks-recreation/van-saun-county-park .

Wild West City , Byram Township

First opened in 1957, Wild West City is a family-owned, Western-themed park created by the American Foundation for the Preservation for the Old West. The attraction's sandy main street features replicas of buildings from notorious Western towns like Dodge City, Kansas, and Tombstone, Arizona. The park has live-action shows, a barnyard, museums, history demonstrations and train, pony and stagecoach rides.

Go: 50 Lackawanna Drive, Stanhope; 973-347-8900, wildwestcity.com .

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for  NorthJersey.com  and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on  Instagram @maddiemcgay ,  on  X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her  North Jersey Living  newsletter.   Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at  [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Here are 14 day trips to take over spring break in New Jersey