field trips pennsylvania

8 Amazing Field Trips Every Pennsylvanian Took As A Kid… And Should Retake Now

Christi is from Allentown and currently lives and goes to school in Pittsburgh.

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Field trips were always a great break from the regular school day routine. Partner up with a bus buddy, and see what adventures await you in the outside world. From museums, to farms, caves, and more, Pennsylvania certainly has many classic field trips for its schoolchildren. Which of these would you want to revisit first?

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What else would you add?

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Pennsylvania Field Trip Guide

Field Trip Ideas , Mid-Atlantic

Industrial history and colonial heritage are abound in Pennsylvania

Home to chocolate factories, industry and rich American history, the Keystone State is an ideal location for your next student adventure . The state is home to many firsts: the first American flag, the first baseball stadium, the first computer and the first daily newspaper. But that’s not all it has brought to the land of the free and the home of the brave. Independence Hall in Philadelphia housed the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. So let freedom ring, and visit one of the 13 original colonies: Pennsylvania.

A Few Pennsylvania Field Trip Ideas:

• National Constitution Center
• Independence Hall
• Kimmel Cultural Campus
• Hersheypark
• Autobahn Indoor Speedway
• Carnegie Museum of Art
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Independence Seaport Museum

Pennsylvania History & Heritage Field Trip Ideas

The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg is the largest museum in the world dedicated to the American Civil War. Though the museum is designed to be explored without a guide, historians are available to lead large groups and answer any questions. The museum offers students the chance to learn about the troubling issues that pitted brother against brother, and the nation’s struggle for survival and healing.

Managed by the National Park Service, Gettysburg National Military Park protects almost 7,000 acres of the site where the three-day Battle of Gettysburg was fought in July 1863. The park offers guided battlefield tours and free ranger-led educational programs.

Explore the principles of U.S. democracy at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The nonpartisan approach lets visitors understand and talk about their thoughts on the creation of the Constitution and how it is being interpreted in society today. Special group offerings, exhibits and programs allow students to get involved in civic engagement.

Nearby is Independence Hall , the site of the signing of the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Built in 1732, it originally held all three branches of Pennsylvania’s colonial government. George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army there in 1775. During a visit, you can see the courtroom of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Long Gallery, Governor’s Council Chamber and Committee of the Assembly Chamber Hall.

Performing Arts Locations to Visit

Student groups have many venues to display their talents across the state. The Kimmel Cultural Campus in Philadelphia is one of the state’s premier performance venues, with several stages of various sizes. Verizon Hall, seating 2,500, provides a grand feel for any performer. The cello-shapes theater provides advanced acoustics that can suit diverse types of performers. The Perelman Theater, seating at 650, is home of the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. The 75-foot turntable stage can transform to a deeper stage, an orchestra pit and a retractable first-level seating gives performers plenty of space.

Bands and choirs can perform for attendees at Hersheypark in Hershey. The annual High Note Festival provides your group with two adjudicators to evaluate the performances and provide you with written and audio commentary along with a numerical rating. The recorded audio comments will serve as a clinic when played for your students. Once your scheduled performance is complete, you and your students are free to enjoy an afternoon of fun at the theme park.

Arts & Culture Field Trips in Pennsylvania

Part of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Museum of Art features American and European works from the 16 th century to present. The museum welcomes students to engage with art and ideas in a Looking and Learning Tour, an inquiry-based conversational experience that engages students in careful observation, discussion and interpretation of objects from a variety of time periods and cultures.

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art ’s 200 galleries, visitors will find art that spans from antiquity to the present, including more than a dozen masterpieces from Monet. The museum offers tours designed to serve as interactive lessons for K-12 students.

A premier ballet company offering performances at the Academy of Music and Merriam Theater, the Pennsylvania Ballet features behind-the-scenes tours of their studio as well as the opportunity to attend dress rehearsals.

Dedicated to Latin American and Caribbean art, Philadelphia’s Taller Puertorriqueno features a large exhibition space, play areas, dance and theater studios, and an outdoor sculpture patio. Educational programs are available for elementary through high school students.

The African American Museum in Philadelphia is the first institution funded and built by a major municipality to preserve, interpret and exhibit the heritage of African Americans. AAMP offers a variety of programs and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages, including guided tours, film screenings, and hands-on arts and crafts activities.

Educational Field Trips through STEM

With a wide variety of attractions and events year-round, Hersheypark offers a wide array of ways for visitors to explore the theme park. School groups can visit on their own or attend one of the five Education Days which feature subjects including STEM (Science, Math, Technology & Engineering) , Business and Marketing, Health & Wellness and more.

At the  Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Harrisburg, racers of all kinds will experience high speeds and a state-of-the-art facility. Drive a high-performance, fast-paced vehicle in a safe, comfortable and fun environment. Give students a once-in-a-lifetime experience through STEM Academy at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway. Learn about subjects such as the history of racing, mathematics, racing terminology and more while still learning about racing and taking part in this high-thrill adventure. Through the STEM Academy, racers get a hands-on experience while enhancing their learning.

See, smell, create and taste your way through Hershey’s Chocolate World . See how the world-famous chocolate is made by embarking on a chocolate tour or help solve a mystery at the 4D Chocolate movie or even create your own chocolate bar through the workshop. There are a variety of tour options open to student groups including Make It, Tour It, Taste It and Little Taste. Each tour option is different and provides a unique experience for students.

Marine & Aquatic Adventures in Pennsylvania

Collections at Philadelphia’s Independence Seaport Museum document maritime history and culture along the Delaware River. Climb aboard two National Historic Landmark ships: Cruiser Olympia and Submarine Becuna.

For 50 years, Chesapeake Bay Foundation ’s award-winning environmental education program has been one of the cornerstones of their effort to reverse the Bay watershed’s decline. They offer hands-on, unique outdoor education experiences for students—on the water and on land—in some of the region’s most inspiring places.

Main photo: Benjamin Franklin Museum

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Fun Field Trip Activities in Lancaster County, PA

Fun Field Trips Activities in Lancaster

Here are some Lancaster area businesses and organizations that offer field trip ideas for school groups and educational experiences.

Fun Activities for Kids in Lancaster, PA

The Red Caboose Motel at Paradise Station

Inn & Spa at Intercourse Village – Romantic Boutique Hotel

Kings Amish Furniture —- Quality Amish-Made Furniture

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Lancaster at Willow Valley

Amish Farm and House

Perfect for schools - Amish school, picnic pavilion, interactive and educational tours.

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Cherry Crest Adventure Farm

Fun educational farm experiences and the Amazing Maize Maze.

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Corn Cob Acres: Field of Fun

Three educational field trip packages for schools, clubs, and home school groups.

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Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park

With over 35 rides and attractions, it's a Kingdom for Kids!

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Farm Tours at The Farmstead at Oregon Dairy

Oregon Dairy offers tours of our Farm. Great for Schools, Families, and Businesses.    Visit website

Kreider Farms Dairy Tour

Come explore the real sights and smells of a dairy farm in Lancaster County on our 90- minute Farm Tour!

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Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum

Living history village and farm, preserved and interpreted.

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Painting With a Twist – Fun Art, Not Fine Art

Fun with friends or family. Paint your own masterpiece.

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Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center

Experience fun hands-on outdoor education in a beautiful, natural setting. Learn about our field trip programs at Refreshing Mountain.

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Turkey Hill Experience – Ice Cream Fun for the Whole Family!

Free ice cream samples. Create your own ice cream flavor.

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• A Guide to Central Pennsylvania’s Top Educational or Field Trip Locations

Central Pennsylvania has a ton of educational field trip locations in Lancaster, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and beyond. Below are a few places you may want to take your students:

The Amish Village

The Amish Village  is a great educational experience to help students learn about a culture that’s been around for over 300 years. They can tour an authentic Amish farmhouse and many other buildings. A guide will always be nearby to answer any of their questions about the Amish lifestyle. This trip is ideal for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, but they can adapt the material for older students as well.

Black Rock Retreat

Your students can have an engaging outdoor classroom experience at  Black Rock Retreat . This retreat offers half-day, full-day, and even overnight field trips for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are different classes you can choose from to fit your educational goals, including animal habitats, wilderness survival, team building, ecology, and geocaching.

Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg National Military Park  provides plenty of opportunities for learning, from army strategy to leadership decisions and wildlife. In the spring, summer, or fall, you may even find a living history encampment.

Northern Central Railway

Your students can learn about the history of the railroad and Lincoln’s visit to Gettysburg at the  Northern Central Railway . There are even presentations and themed rides through the spring, summer, and fall.

Hollabaugh Bros. Inc. Fruit Farm and Market

This is a great central Pennsylvania field trip idea for any agriculture science class.  Hollabaugh Bros., Inc.  is a 500-acre farm where your students can learn all about modern farming.

State Capitol

The Pennsylvania Capitol  tour is one of the most popular field trips in Pennsylvania as the state’s rich history can come alive for your students. Capitol tour guides can take you and your students through a 30-minute tour before or after you visit the Interactive welcome center and Capitol gift shop.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania

The State Museum of Pennsylvania  has field trip options for students of all ages. There’s an educational StoryTime for children ages 3 to 5 and classes on Native Americans, William Penn, and rocks that are ideal for students in second through sixth grade. Gallery Tours on archaeology and anthropology, life through time, machines through time, Pennsylvania icons, and museum highlights are great for students in fourth grade and up. You can even visit an amazing planetarium ideal for people of all ages.

Whitaker Center

The Whitaker Center  offers two great options for field trips in central Pennsylvania. Students can explore the Harsco Science Center and take part in hands-on activities with a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) educator or view a documentary in a large, immersive movie theater. Small groups taking part in the Science Center option can also design projects to solve the day’s challenge.

Choose Rohrer Bus for Transportation Services

Rohrer Bus offers transportation services for school districts and other groups going on a field trip in Pennsylvania. Learn more about all our  bus transportation services  and start planning your educational trip today!

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Attention Visitors: The Lancaster Science Factory is in peak field trip season. Expect school groups every weekday from 10am - 1pm.

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Home // Field Trips

Field Trips are better at the Science Factory!

The Lancaster Science Factory is the perfect place for your next field trip. Groups of students in grades K – 8th will enjoy the 75+ hands-on STEM exhibits that they can explore freely or using our own activity guides.

Our hands-on STEM workshops will add even more educational value to your trip and allow students to do physics experiments, solve engineering problems, create electricity, and so much more!

Navigate the menu to the right to see all of the ways a Field trip to the Lancaster Science Factory can work for your group.

**Can’t travel to us? The Lancaster Science Factory can bring hands-on educational programs to your school or organization!**

Ready to Book?

For groups of 10 or more , you can complete the form below to get started with your field trip reservation!

**NOTE** Available Field Trips slots from March through May 2024 are very limited.  We are taking reservations for the next school year and now is a great time to book your date of choice! 

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Field Trip Frequently Asked Questions

What do you offer.

We have over 75 hands-on, interactive exhibits . Each exhibit is part of one of our  seven STEM trails :

• Acoustics and Sound
• Fluid Dynamics
• Light and Vision
• Mechanics and Motion
• Structural Engineering,
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Puzzles and Logic

Activities are aligned with state educational standards. Additional activities and demonstrations may be available in our Maker Space and walk-up Science Café.

Where Are You Located?

454 New Holland Ave Lancaster, PA 17602 Just a couple blocks from the heart of downtown.

Do You Have Bus Parking?

Students can be dropped off in our safe loading zone right by our entrance.

FREE bus parking is available in our lot right across the street. To help your driver, we provide this bus parking map that will allow them to navigate to the lots without having to make any u-turns.

How Much Is Admission?

Groups of 10 or more with advance registration receive our discounted group rate of $11 per person .

A limited number of chaperones are free (based on the number of students), and educators (including teacher’s aides, support staff, and school nurses) are also free.

Is The Field Trip Guided?

All visits to the Lancaster Science Factory are  self-guided . Students should be divided into small groups with a dedicated chaperone. All children must be supervised while on the exhibit floor. We also offer several different activity guides that you can use to direct students based on the curriculum.

Do I Really Need Chaperones?

Yes, we require children to be supervised at all times. Teachers and chaperones are responsible for the behavior of the children and their safety on the exhibit hall floor.

How many you need depends on the age of the children. We require one adult chaperone for every four students in grades 3 and below and one adult chaperone for every five students in grades 4 and above. These chaperones are admitted free of charge. Woohoo!

When Can We Arrive? How Long Can We Stay?

We start taking school groups when we open at 10 AM . Most groups visit 10am-12pm or 12-2pm or 3-5pm (for after school groups).

We recommend that groups wishing to stay longer than 2 hours add facilitated programs in our STEM Classroom or Maker Space.

Do You Have Lunchroom Facilities?

The Lancaster Science Factory does not have a dedicated lunchroom and food is not permitted on the exhibit floor.

We do have a classroom that can hold up to 30 students at a time, however, it isn’t always available based on our regular programming schedule. Please inquire when you make your reservation if you need to each lunch during your trip. Weather permitting, there are several local parks that we can recommend for an outdoor lunch.

Do You Offer Any Free Visits?

We currently offer free trips to certain schools and organizations through our Youth Access Program.

For eligibility requirements see the links on the right. 

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What's Happening at Lancaster Science Factory

Gretna theatre presents: the science of stuff, first friday @ the lancaster science factory, first friday takeover with lancastermakes, free with admission: chemistry magic with eurofins lancaster labs, recent news, stem in action in our community during covid-19, violet lemonade is springtime color science.

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PENNSYLVANIA Field Trips

To help plan APRIL curriculum focused classroom activities, field trips and school assembly programs, these April themed celebrations might be a helpful focus. MONTHLY : Keep America Beautiful. National Gardens. National Humor. National Poetry. Stress Awareness. DAILY : Apr. 2: International Children’s Book Day. Apr. 3: National Geologists Day. Apr. 4: School Librarians’ Day. Apr. 5: Read a Road May Day. Apr. 7: World Health Day. Apr. 8: Draw a Picture of a Bird Day. Zoo Lovers Day. Apr. 10: National Farm Animals Day. Apr. 18: National Scrabble Day. Apr. 15: World Art Day. Apr. 22: Earth Day. Apr. 25: World Penguin Day. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for activity type of field trips to learn about. For those unable to travel to these locations, have the fun come to you. Check out the Outreach Field Trips & School Assembly Programs  section.    

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ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum

Located in downtown Erie’s historic cultural district, ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum offers a safe space for groups of early childhood age to create, explore, and imagine at their indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Frick Art & Historical Center

The 5.5-acre Frick Art & Historical Center, also known as The Frick Pittsburgh, features fine and decorative arts, vintage cars, carriages, and a greenhouse.

Gettysburg Diorama

See the Gettysburg Battlefield in miniature form! The Gettysburg Diorama allows groups to view the whole 6,000-acre battlefield, putting the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg into perspective for visitors.

Gettysburg Ghost Tours

Gettysburg Ghost Tours has been providing fun and informative ghost tours that are family friendly, less walking and more talking along one of the most haunted areas of Gettysburg.

Governor’s Residence

Take your group on a docent-led tour of the place that Pennsylvania’s governor calls home. The neo-Georgian style mansion was built in the 1960s and designed by architect George M. Ewing.  

Green Lane Park

Green Lane Park is Montgomery County’s largest County Park, at approximately 3,400 acres. The variety of landscape includes rolling hills, forested uplands, open meadows, wetlands and three bodies of water.

Harley-Davidson Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center

Rev up your knowledge of the world famous Harley Davidson motorcycles on a behind-the-scene tour of the factory! The Harley-Davidson Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center offers two tours: the Steel Toe Tour and the Classic Factory Tour.

Herr’s Snack Factory Tour

Visit the Herr’s Snack Factory and experience first-hand how the company produces their favorite snacks. Visitors will learn about the technology of a factory and all the different aspects involved in creating tasty snacks.

Hersheypark Amusement Park

H ersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania offers over 100 years of history and fun! Home to more than 70 rides and attractions including 14 roller coasters, Hersheypark offers something for all.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

Unwrap your chocolate adventure at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA or Times Square, NY. Sweet & educational experiences will make your trip for your youth group and family – one to remember!

John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove

Visit the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, located at the first place Audubon lived in the United States. The center showcases many of Audubon’s works, including a double-elephant folio version of Birds of America.

Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center

Groups can engage in a variety of hands-on activities at the Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center, using the Poconos as an outdoor classroom.

FieldTripDirectory.com (formerly ClassTrips.com and CampDirectorsResources.com) offers field trip ideas for class trips, scout group trips, camp group field trips, and homeschool group field trips in Pennsylvania—early childhood through college. Search for class trips in Pennsylvania by by group type, cost, activity/curriculum type, grade level, distance, and venue name or keyword. Day class trips are divided by curriculum and subject area:

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Find Pennsylvania art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
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• LIFE SKILLS Find Pennsylvania team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
• SCIENCE & NATURE Find Pennsylvania aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find Pennsylvania field trip ideas for adventure parks, ropes courses, ziplines, boat excursions, amusement parks, waterparks, kayaking, rafting, tubing, laser tag paintball, roller skating rinks, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf attractions, indoor amusement & recreation centers, and outdoor amusement & recreation centers.

Overnight field trips include trips to NYC, trips to Boston, trips to Philadelphia, trips to Washington, DC, trips to Chicago, trips to Atlanta, trips to Austin, and other historic cities throughout the US. Retreats are available for environmental education, team building, and recreation. We created field trip lesson plans to help teachers, scout leaders, camp counselors, and homeschool parents provide an enriching experience for their groups. We know funds for class trips are limited, so we’ve included grants for field trips that cover admission, transportation, and more. It’s important that students and youth explore new environments, learn about other cultures, and develop an understanding of inclusivity as part of the educational process. People learn in different ways—through hearing, seeing, touching, talking, or doing. Class trips can provide a multi-dimensional learning experience. FieldTripDirectory.com can help you find the right trip for your group. A world of experiences is just a click away at FieldTripDirectory.com.

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Top 10 School Field Trip Ideas in Pennsylvania

Take a Virtual Tour of these 17 Pennsylvania Museums and Cultural Sites

As you know if you follow this site, Pennsylvania is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of amazing places to visit. However, it’s not always possible to visit these great sites whenever you want to.

Fortunately, many spots around Pennsylvania have virtual tours, appear on Google Street View, or have great videos of docent-led tours of their galleries.

I’ve compiled a few of my favorites, many of which I can personally attest are also great spots to visit in person when you get the chance.

Gettysburg National Military Park

However, if you can’t make it to the battlefield, the many roads that traverse it can be navigated via Google Street View, which offers you the chance to see key spots, such as Seminary Ridge, which is shown on the map above.

As you travel virtually through the battlefield, you can even zoom up close on many of the monuments and see the regiments that they are honoring.

You can also take these fun virtual tours recently released by the battlefield-licensed guides.

The Penn Museum

The Penn Museum in Philadelphia is one of the country’s best world history museums.

Located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania, this museum recently underwent a major remodel, giving it a fresh look and some great new displays.

On the museum’s website , there are a series of videos that guide you through the museum’s galleries including the African Gallery, Mexico and Central America Gallery, and the Ancient Egypt Gallery.

The Frick is a Pittsburgh museum offering a wide variety of great galleries, many of them have no cost to visit.

For those looking to tour the space from their computer, the Frick features four virtual tours that take you through their amazing art collection, their antique automobile displays, and portions of the home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick.

They also feature virtual special exhibitions, children’s activities, and a ton more on their website .

Penn State All-Sports Museum

The museum features historical items and information about all of Penn State University’s past and present varsity-level sports, with a major focus on sports like football and basketball. You can also see the stuffed mountain lion on which the team’s mascot is said to have been based.

While doing the virtual tour, don’t miss a chance to check out a view from inside Beaver Stadium, which is home to the museum.

Mercer Museum

If you want to explore this museum virtually, you can head over to Google Maps, which features some incredible 360-degree scenes from the interior of this castle-like museum.

Erie Maritime Museum

While the video is a few years old, CSPAN put together an interesting video that takes visitors through the many highlights of this museum. A docent leads visitors through these items, offering a bit of history and context to the many great pieces on display here.

Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House in Philly is said to be the place where this famous seamstress sewed the first American flag. The house is open for tours throughout the year and even includes a reenactor telling the story of Betsy Ross.

If you can’t visit, the home offers several 360-degree virtual tours of different parts of the home and the grounds of this Old City Philadelphia destination. Take a spin around the courtyard, Betsy’s bedroom, her upholstery shop, and more.

Fallingwater

If you can’t make it to tour this great home (or even if you have toured it in the past), check out this very unique 3D virtual tour of the home. While it’s not officially done by the home, it really offers a super interesting look at this incredible space.

Another option is to enjoy a few moments of serenity with this webcam view of Fallingwater .

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania

The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Lancaster County features one of the state’s best collections of antique railroad engines, cars, and other artifacts.

On the museum’s website, they have more than two dozen fantastic 360-degree views from inside some of their immaculately restored pieces of railroading history. Take a spin through a Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive and then hop over to Coudersport and Allegheny Railroad snowplow or any of the other great pieces in the collection.

Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution is located in Philadelphia, just blocks away from Independence Hall , the birthplace of America. The museum’s collection focuses not only on the city but on the entirety of the war and is one of the top destinations in the country to learn about this important time in American history.

Even if you can’t visit, you can take a virtual field trip to the museum from Scholastic . While this tour might be more designed for children, there’s still a lot to enjoy here for adults that love history.

Artist Randy Gilson has designed the exterior of his home in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood with great whimsy and love. That makes this an incredible place to visit in the city and a spot that should absolutely be on your list.

However, if you can’t make it in person, you can tour Randyland on Google Street View. There’s even a cardboard cutout of Randy to welcome you to his domain.

Hershey’s Chocolate World

If you can’t make it in person to ride this whimsical ride, you can watch the video above to get a glimpse at it.

Of course, the ride has changed over the year, so if you want see what it used to look like, or have fond memories from decades ago, you can also check out this video that shows the ride as it looked in 1991.

Heinz History Center

The Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh is one of the best spots to learn about the history and culture of western Pennsylvania, and they offer several interesting virtual tours for those that can’t visit in person.

Visitors to their website can check out virtual tours of two of their current galleries: the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation. Even cooler, they offer tours of six of their past exhibitions, offering you the chance to see exhibits that are no longer on display.

Masonic Temple of Pennsylvania

Guided tours of this building are offered regularly, but for those that can’t make it to one of them, this virtual tour is a great substitute. A narrator walks you through this historic building and offers a bit of information about the history, design, and context of many of the rooms in the building.

National Watch and Clock Museum

If you aren’t able to visit, Google Maps has a great walkthrough of this interesting museum. Take a gander through the museum’s collection and zoom in a few of the items that interest you. In many places, the quality is good enough that you can even read the signage on the wall.

State Museum of Pennsylvania

While it’s a bit dated and dry, the State Museum of Pennsylvania offers a docent-led tour through its Anthropology and Archeology Gallery for visitors that aren’t able to visit. There are a lot of great items showcased throughout the video for those that love history and PA.

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

The Magic Gardens is located on South Street in Philadelphia and is one of the state’s best art displays. This artistic area is the work of artist Isaiah Zagar, who turned a once dilapidated lot and house into an incredible piece of art.

The great virtual tour on their website offers the chance to explore the gardens and see it up close from the comfort of your home.

Looking to enjoy even more of Pennsylvania from home? Check out our favorite wildlife webcams in PA , watch a great TV show set in Pennsylvania , watch a PA movie , or try an online jigsaw puzzle of Pennsylvania .

Click the map to see more nearby things to do

More great places to visit in Pennsylvania

Hiking the Marilla Bridges Trail near Bradford, Pennsylvania

Exploring Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden: North America’s Oldest Botanical Garden

Beautiful Photos of the Majestic Swatara Falls in Schuylkill County

Visiting Midtown Scholar Bookstore: Harrisburg’s Best Destination for Literary Lovers

Explore the many regions of pennsylvania.

Jim Cheney is the creator of UncoveringPA.com. Based in Carlisle near Harrisburg, Jim frequently travels around Pennsylvania and has visited, written about, and photographed all 67 counties in the state. He has also traveled to more than 30 different countries around the world.

2 thoughts on “Take a Virtual Tour of these 17 Pennsylvania Museums and Cultural Sites”

Thanks for all you do to showcase al the great places to see in PA ! You must see the new displays at the Eldred WW II Museum !

Thanks for the tip. I didn’t know the museum had done some upgrades. Hopefully, I can get back up that way once everything gets back to normal.

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• Events & Programs

Field Trips

Ride into the past and experience the exciting history of the trolley era.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is excited to offer a wide variety of on-site field trip opportunities for students PreK – 12th grade. Book your winter and spring field trips now and be among some of the first to check out our brand new 21,000 sq. ft. Welcome and Education Center, which features brand-new, hands-on, STEAM-centered exhibits, a dedicated classroom, event rental space, and an even bigger and better museum store!

Can’t make it here in person? No problem! We also offer off-site educational programs and virtual field trips as well. All programs align with Pennsylvania Core Standards.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum encourages requests from schools, after-school groups, preschools, homeschool groups, libraries, youth organizations, or other educational groups such as Scouts or summer camps.

Book a field trip today!

There is a 15 student or $120 minimum required to book an in-person field trip. A $35 deposit is required to confirm all field trip reservations. Reservations will not be held without a deposit. The remaining balance is due by the day of your field trip. No separate payments are accepted. Participants cannot pay separately. 

On-Site Field Trips

Visit the museum in-person! Participate in STEAM-centered activities, explore exhibits, and take a trolley ride. Programs available for PreK – 12th grade. 

Virtual Field Trips

Unable to visit us in person? Let us bring the best of our museum to you! Programs available for PreK – 12th grade. 

Off-Site Programs

Bring the Trolley Museum to you! Programming is currently available for students in grades PreK – 5. Best of all, no buses needed!

Field Trip FAQs

Do you have questions about a field trip to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum? Check below for some of the most Frequently Asked Questions!

Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Please contact the Educator at [email protected] or call 724-228-9256 ext. 6011.

How long does a typical field trip take? 

A regular field trip takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. This includes time to view the museum’s Welcome and Education Center’s hands-on exhibits and displays, an interactive guided tour of our Trolley Display Barn, and a ride on one of our historic streetcars! STEAM Modules are also available for an additional cost – these modules add either 30 or 60 minutes of hands-on, student-centered classroom activities to your field trip.

How many students can attend a field trip?

We require a 15-student minimum for on-site field trips. A single trolley can seat approximately 50 people. For larger groups, we can schedule two trolleys and split your group accordingly. If your group has over 100 participants, please contact the Educator to discuss your options.

Off-site educational programs are designed for a single classroom of students, or approximately a maximum of about 30-40 students.

How many chaperones should we plan on? 

We require a 1:10 adult-to-student ratio for all groups. Chaperones must remain with the group at all times. Please model and encourage good behavior and engage with students and staff to provide guidance and encouragement throughout the visit. We ask you to please silence your cell phones and keep calls and texting to a minimum, as they serve as distractions and detract from the overall group experience. 

What availability is there for field trips? 

Field trips are available Monday through Friday, starting at 9:00 AM. We offer regular field trips January – November.

Please note that there are several times during the year when special events may be happening, during which time regular field trips will not be available. However, we do offer special event-themed field trips! More information about these special field trips can be found directly on the in-person field trips page.

Field trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will do our best to accommodate your requested date and time. When making a request, please submit your preferred date as well as a back-up date.

When is payment due?

A $35 nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm all field trip reservations. Reservations will not be held without a deposit. The remaining balance is due by the day of your field trip. 

What kind of payment is accepted?

We can accept cash, check, or online and in-person payment with a credit card. Field trip group payment must be paid in a single payment, and participants cannot pay the Museum individually.

Do we need to make a reservation? 

Yes! Field trip packages are not available unless your group registers with us. Our museum is also closed to the public during most of the school year. 

How do I register my group for a field trip?

Fill out our Field Trip Request Form ! You can also call the museum at 724-228-9256 ext. 6011. 

How far ahead should I submit my field trip request?

We request that you submit your request at least four weeks before your intended trip. Spots fill up fast, and dates and times are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

What if we need to cancel our field trip? 

If you are unable to keep your field trip reservation, please contact the Educator at 724-228-9256 ext. 6011 or by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible. We will be happy to work with you to try and reschedule your field trip, if possible. Please note that the $35 deposit is nonrefundable.

What happens in the event of inclement weather? 

We may need to cancel your field trip due to hazardous weather . In the event that this happens, we will reach out to you ASAP with that decision. We will do our best to reschedule your field trip to an alternative date, but in the event that we cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund for any payment made.

How much does a field trip cost?

A field trip to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is $8.00 per student and $8.00 per chaperone. STEAM Module add-ons are an additional $2.00 per student. Deluxe STEAM Module add-ons are an additional $4.00 per student.

Is food/drink permitted during a field trip?

While we do permit outside food to be brought to the museum, no food or drink is allowed inside of the Trolley Display Barn or on any of our trolleys. Please wait until after your field trip has concluded to enjoy any snacks, food, or beverages.

Are there lunch accommodations available? 

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum does not provide any food or drink to education groups. Groups are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch and eat at the museum’s outdoor picnic area. Indoor seating may be available upon request at an additional cost; however, please note that this space may not be available on the date of your field trip. Refrigerators and microwaves are not available. 

Is food available for purchase at your museum?

We currently do not have a cafeteria or any other food options available at our museum. Small snack items available are also available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop. If you are interested in a ordering food or setting up a catered lunch for your group, please email [email protected] to hear what options are available to museum groups. 

Is storage available?

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum does not have anywhere for items to be stored during field trips. All personal items (hats, coats, backpacks, etc.), lunchboxes, and valuables should be kept with your group at all times. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

What should we expect when our group arrives? 

If arriving by school bus or large group transportation, please keep students and adults on the vehicle until greeted by PTM Staff. We will welcome your group and provide instructions about the visit. If arriving in individual vehicles, please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your group’s starting time.

What if we’re running late?  

Please try your best to be on time . Late arrivals can disrupt both your schedule and ours. However, we understand that sometimes things happen that are out of your control. If you are running late, please contact the museum at 724-228-9256 and let us know what your approximate arrival time will be. The museum cannot guarantee the full experience for late arrivals.

Are there restrooms available?

Restrooms are located in the Welcome and Education Center. We also have a Family Restroom available as well. Time will be allotted upon arrival for the use of restrooms prior to the start of the program. 

Are field trips accessible? 

Yes! All field trip programs are fully adaptable for persons with disabilities. When booking a field trip, please note any accessibility requests or contact us directly in order to work together to ensure a great experience for all. 

How should we dress for our upcoming field trip?

All field trip participants, both students and adults, should dress for comfort and for weather. Some portions of the field trip will be outside. Field trips are an active experience. Our antique trolleys have high steps. We strongly recommend comfortable, closed-toed shoes and discourage flip-flops, high heels, or dress shoes. 

Will the Museum Gift Shop be open during our visit? 

The Museum Gift Shop is available during the school year (September – May) by advanced request only. If interested in having the store open for your group, please ask when making your reservation and we will be happy to have the gift shop open.

What platform do you use for Virtual Field Trips?

We currently use Zoom to host our Virtual Field Trips. If you have additional questions or use a different virtual webinar software with your school or group, please contact us.

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HOMESCHOOL , TRAVEL · September 16, 2023

Exploring Pittsburgh’s Educational Gems: 10 Field Trip Locations for Homeschool Families

Welcome to the vibrant city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where educational adventures await around every corner! If you’re a homeschooling family on the lookout for enriching field trip ideas, you’re in for a treat. From interactive science centers to immersive art museums and historical landmarks, Pittsburgh offers a diverse range of experiences that seamlessly blend learning with exploration . In this article, we’ll guide you through 10 top-notch field trip locations that are bound to captivate young minds and provide valuable educational insights.

If you’re new to homeschooling, START HERE . Or book a 1-on-1 call with me for personalized help!

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may make commission off of purchases made through the product links.

Homeschool Field Trips in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

carnegie science center

Get ready to blast off into a world of scientific wonders! From interactive exhibits to an Omnimax theater and even a planetarium, the Carnegie Science Center has it all. Your kids can learn about physics, astronomy, and so much more while having a blast.

phipps conservatory & botanical gardens

Nature and learning come together beautifully at Phipps Conservatory . Explore themed gardens, tropical rainforests, and even a butterfly forest. It’s a fantastic place to teach kids about ecosystems, plant life cycles, and conservation.

andy warhol museum

Unleash your inner artist and introduce your kids to the iconic pop art of Andy Warhol. With a mix of workshops, exhibitions, and interactive installations, this museum is a creative powerhouse.

children’s museum of pittsburgh

Learning through play is the name of the game at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh . From building, designing, and experimenting in MAKESHOP to exploring hands-on exhibits, your little ones will be immersed in a world of discovery.

fort pitt museum

Step back in time and explore Pittsburgh’s role in American history at Fort Pitt Museum . This interactive museum offers a glimpse into the city’s past, teaching about the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.

national aviary

Birds of a feather flock together, and so can your homeschool crew at the National Aviary . Explore habitats from around the world and learn about the diversity of bird species while enjoying interactive presentations.

pittsburgh zoo & Aquarium

A perfect combo of wildlife and marine exploration awaits you at the Pittsburgh Zoo . Learn about animals from different continents, marine life, and conservation efforts in a fun and engaging way.

heinz history center

Delve into the rich history of Pittsburgh and beyond at Heinz History Center . With interactive exhibits, artifacts, and immersive experiences, this center is a treasure trove of information waiting to be explored.

mattress factory

No, it’s not about mattresses! This contemporary art museum offers a unique perspective on art and creativity. Kids can engage with immersive installations that challenge their perceptions.

duquesne incline

Time for a mini history and engineering lesson at Duquesne Incline ! Hop on this historic cable car to ascend Mount Washington and enjoy stunning views of the city. It’s a great opportunity to discuss transportation, geography, and city planning.

Pittsburgh is know as the ‘City of Bridges’. While exploring, dive into the fascinating history and engineering of bridges with THESE ideas and resources.

As you wrap up your journey through Pittsburgh’s educational landscape, remember that learning extends far beyond the traditional classroom setting. These 10 field trip locations offer a captivating blend of knowledge, exploration, and fun, making them perfect catalysts for your homeschooling adventures . Whether you’re standing beneath the stars at the planetarium, marveling at artistic masterpieces, or stepping back in time at historical museums, each location holds the potential to spark curiosity and inspire a love for learning . So, gear up for unforgettable field trips that will not only create lasting memories but also ignite the flames of lifelong learning in your homeschool journey.

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TheHomeSchoolMom

Homeschooling help and encouragement from experienced homeschoolers - find out how homeschooling works and how to start, get tips & ideas for when things need adjusting, read curriculum reviews before buying, learn how online schools work, gain confidence about homeschooling high school, and more.

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Pennsylvania Field Trips

Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips .

Our listing of Pennsylvania field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Pennsylvania field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.

Founded in 1980, the Museum of Indian Culture is a unique member-supported, all-volunteer non-profit resource center for people of all ages to learn about Native American cultures both in the northeast and throughout the western hemisphere. For over 35 years, the Museum has offered educational activities for families in the Greater Lehigh Valley and beyond. Festivals, educational programs, and exhibits work together to set the standard for Native American education in eastern Pennsylvania.

Museum of Indian Culture website

( Update this listing )

The Allentown Art Museum is an art museum located in the city of Allentown, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It was founded in 1934 by a group organized by noted Pennsylvania impressionist painter, Walter Emerson Baum. With its collection of over 13,000 works of art, the Allentown Art Museum is a major regional art institution. In addition, its library and archives of more than 16,000 titles and 40 current periodicals make it an important regional cultural resource.

Allentown Art Museum website

Preschool to Teens! The themed weekly classes are a fun way for your Lil' Chef to focus on hands-on kids cooking class sessions while learning recipes to try at home. Your Lil' Chef will gain skills that are designed to appeal to the abilities of most children. Tuition includes recipe handouts to take home, and all supplies. Classes last between 60-90 minutes.

Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios: Pittsburgh website

The Ambler Arboretum of Temple University is an outdoor classroom and a living laboratory. You are invited to bring your students here for a field trip. We have a variety of guided tours available for your group or we can work with you to customize a program that fits within your curriculum. Please reach out to Samantha McGuriman at [email protected] with all inquiries!

The Ambler Arboretum of Temple University website

The park is named for Archbald Pothole, a geologic feature that formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Period, around 15,000 years ago. The park is closed from December 1 through March 31. The park offers hiking and hunting.

Archbald Pothole State Park website

Pioneer Tunnel offers two tours both of which are handicap accessible, and suitable for people/students of all ages. The first tour is the Coal Mine tour which is where you are given a guided tour of an underground coal mine tour. The second tour offered is the Steam Train Ride where you take a ride on an old steam train and learn about the history of Ashland, Centralia, and learn more about strip mining and boot leg mining. Both tours last 35 minutes each. We have an affordable gift shop with unique educational items. Also, there is a picnic area and playground on the premises.

Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train website

First home in America for John James Audubon.

John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove website

Prouty Place State Park visitors enjoy hunting, fishing and hiking within the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest.

Prouty Place State Park website

Sinnemahoning is home to an abundance of wildlife, including nesting bald eagles, elk, and many birds and butterflies. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, education, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, cabins, and camping.

Sinnemahoning State Park website

Lake State Park is known for its popular camping area. Hiking and fishing are popular activities, and a bike trail and a number of hiking trails wind through the park.

Locust Lake State Park website

The park is home to the Park Office and Visitor Center for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state park. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, ice skating, ice fishing, education, Yurts, and camping cottages.

Tuscarora State Park website

Neshaminy State Park offers hiking, picnic pavilions, swimming, boating, and fishing.

Neshaminy State Park website

Ricketts Glen harbors Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Ricketts Glen State Park website

Sky Zone Bethlehem is an indoor trampoline located right outside of Allentown, PA. Sky Zone offers various attractions such as a main trampoline area, sky slam, foam zone, Ultimate Ninja warrior course, Dodge ball, and more! Hold events, field trips, or even fundraisers with us. Offering special nights such as Youth Group Nights and Glow which features a state of the art light show experience, live DJ, black lights, all while jumping on the trampolines!

Sky Zone Bethlehem website

The mission of Historic Bethlehem Partnership is to bring history to life by educating the public about Bethlehem's rich heritage, by preserving historic sites, and by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting historical and artistic objects that can be used to tell the stories of Bethlehem's people.

Historic Bethlehem Visitor Center website

Big Spring State Park is primarily a picnic and hiking area. A short loop trail leads to a partially completed railroad tunnel with historic interpretation at the trailhead. The park also provides access to the Iron Horse Trail for day and overnight hiking. The park takes its name from nearby Big Spring, whose waters form the scenic Shermans Creek.

Big Spring State Park website

Fowlers Hollow State Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and camping.

Fowlers Hollow State Park website

The Dickinson College Farm is an 80 acre farm in Boiling Springs Pa. We offer a rustic venue for any events, guided tours, self-guided tours, and our SEED program. Our SEED program offers customized programs to your group size, and age group. With themes that revolve around the outdoors and agriculture that change every year to keep things interesting! Our SEED program runs from September-November and picks back up in February-April.

Dickinson College Farm website

The General Spaatz Museum offers and enhanced, immersive experience that places the visitor in the time frame of our interactive exhibits and invites the visitor to be a participant of history. Our living museum concept includes almost 6,000 sq ft of museum space comprising 10 exhibits, of which 6 are featured as interactive.

General Carl Spaatz USAAF Museum website

Dedicated to the life and career of renowned mezzo-soprano Marilyn Horne. This 3,400 square-foot museum features costumes, personal artifacts, interactive touch-screen exhibits, and a theater that recreates the feel of an 18th-century opera house. Open daily. Admission is free. Appropriate for all ages. The museum also has a gift shop and an adjacent cafe serving pastries, specialty coffees, and healthier options from fruit to salads. Guided tours available.

The Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center website

The Park is for every age. Includes a special area called kiddie court for younger kids. Offering several new attractions including a ninja warrior course and laser race. Flight Trampoline offer discounts to groups.

Flight Trampoline Park website

This park is managed for hunting by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Hiking trails are open to the public. There is a model airplane field available.

Hillman State Park website

A River and its Valley - For 40 miles the Middle Delaware River passes between low forested mountains with barely a house in sight. Then the river cuts through the mountain ridge to form the famed "Water Gap." Exiting the park, the river will run 200 miles more to Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean at Wilmington, Delaware.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area website

Kings Gap offers sixteen miles of hiking trails interconnect three main areas that are open year-round. Kings Gap offers environmental education programs from the pre-school environmental awareness program to environmental problem solving programs. Visitors enjoy orienteering, hunting, and hiking.

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center website

The Chadds Ford Historical Society preserves, maintains, and interprets several early 18th century historic buildings on the National Register of Historic Places: John Chads House, Barns-Brinton House, and the Springhouse/ Birmingham Schoolhouse No. 1 where we educate school children, adults, and our community through hands-on history.

Chadds Ford Historical Society website

Exhibiting American art in a 19th-century grist mill, the Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape painting.

Brandywine River Museum website

Sky Zone is a high-flying experience where kids can get out energy, play with others, and learn about gravity - or how to defy it! We offer memberships, packages, rentals, field trips, and more! You can play dodgeball, climb a rock wall, jump to reach new heights of a basketball hoop, try your hand at some ninja-warrior course features, and other exciting features. We are for all ages, walking and up!

Sky Zone Chalfont website

First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story -- early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders and recreational opportunities.

Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network website

Allegheny Islands is accessable by boat only. Group camping (such as with Scout Groups or church groups) is permitted on the islands with written permission from the Department

Allegheny Islands State Park website

Chapman State Park visitors enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, yurts, camping cottages, and camping.

Chapman State Park website

Evansburg State Park offers a significant area of green space and relative solitude in an urbanized area. Visitor enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, ballfields, fishing, hunting, education, golf, cross-country skiing, and organized group tenting.

Evansburg State Park website

Interactive ice cream fun for all ages! Learn how ice cream is made, sit in our milk truck, create your own virtual flavor and packaging, milk mechanical cows and learn Turkey Hill's history. Bring your flavor to life in the Taste Lab. Unlimited samples!

Turkey Hill Experience website

Offering private guided group tours of an original 1850's bank complete with the tellers' cage, office furnishings, and vault. The bank is actually part of a house that was built in 1814 and is one of the few remaining original banks in the USA. Tours usually cover local, regional and U.S. history, especially the growth and development of Columbia, PA with its location on the Susquehanna River and the important role played in the Civil War by burning the bridge along with assisting slaves who came to Columbia during the 1800's in search of freedom. Discussion is encouraged during tours and questions are always welcome.Offer special Student rate of $5, with children under 8 FREE, Adults are $10 and Seniors $8. Customized historic and architectural walking tours with lunch are also available and gladly quoted upon request.

First National Bank Museum website

Once called the "Black Forest," the Cook Forest State Park is famous for its stands of old growth forest. Cook Forest's "Forest Cathedral" of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, scenic views, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, the Sawmill craft center and theater, environmental education, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Cook Forest State Park website

Patterson has two rustic picnic pavilions for visitors to enjoy a quiet lunch. Patterson is a trailhead for the Susquehannock Trail, a favorite of backpackers.

Patterson State Park website

Ole Bull State Park visitors enjoy picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, hunting, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and camping.

Ole Bull State Park website

A River of Compromise - Rolling hills, riverfront villages, and bald eagles perched on trees form a vibrant backdrop as the Delaware River snakes gracefully through the rural countryside. But the story of the Upper Delaware is more than just a collection of beautiful pictures. We enjoy the river's recreational opportunities while it supports a healthy ecosystem for wildlife and provides water for over 17 million people.

Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River website

Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year-round. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, sledding, Yurts, cabins, camping cottages, and camping.

Keystone State Park website

The Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society (NYCHAPS) strives to inspire by connecting the lessons of the past to the challenges of today. Through hands-on experience, the past culture of the area is brought to life in a deeper and richer educational experience. Through preservation, research, and collections, NYCHAPS seeks to inspire a different way of learning history. Experience history at Dill's Tavern, an 18th-century home to travelers that will transport you back to a newly colonized America with its distillery, outdoor bake oven, Wheelwright Shop, and history

Dill's Tavern and Maple Shade Barn website

Marsh Creek State Park offers hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, sailing, fishing, hunting, sledding, ice skating, ice boating, and ice fishing.

Marsh Creek State Park website

Bucks County Civil War Round Table offers monthly speaker oriented meetings and educational programs to inform the public of this country's history. The Museum houses many artifacts related to the Civil War on subjects dealing with Doylestown, the 104th Pa. Volunteer Infantry Regiment, as well as the War in general. The articles on display are on permanent or temporary loan from area collectors and history enthusiasts.

Bucks County Civil War Round Table Library Museum website

Experience Castles Full of Treasures at the Mercer and Fonthill museum. The museum offer a wide array of programs, events, exhibits and tours for audiences of all ages. Discover your family history and more in our Spruance Library.

Mercer and Fonthill museum website

The James A. Michener Art Museum opened as an independent, non-profit cultural institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting and exhibiting the art and cultural heritage of the Bucks County region. The Museum is named for Doylestown's most famous son, the Pulitzer-Prize winning writer and supporter of the arts who had first dreamed of a regional art museum in the early 1960's.

James A. Michener Art Museum website

Susquehannock State Park offers spectacular views and a variety of recreational opportunities for year-round fun. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and organized group tenting.

Susquehannock State Park website

The Nescopeck State Park encompasses wetlands, rich forests and many diverse habitats. Visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing.

Nescopeck State Park website

The only museum in Northeast Pennsylvania dedicated to showing the history of the Delaware Indian. All ages, free arrowhead with a paid child admission. A tour of the museum takes approximately 30 minutes, with an audio device which gives a detailed narration of the displays. Groups of 20 or more may call for a reservation and have a tour guide lead the group through the museum.

Pocono Indian Museum website

Crayola Experience, located in the heart of downtown Easton, Pennsylvania, is the only place in the world where the magic of Crayola comes to life. Here, you're always encouraged to let your creativity run free, to color outside the lines and to play, explore, and learn. This one-of-a-kind, family attraction is where color, chemistry, and technology magically combine to create a fun-filled, colorful adventure for a kid's imagination. Fun for the Whole Family.

Crayola Experience website

Visit the National Canal Museum to learn about an important, but often forgotten time in our transportation and industrial history. While here you will learn about the history of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. and the Lehigh and Delaware Canal systems. Come to understand the people that lived and worked on the canals in the 1800s. Learn about canal history and culture as well as the different science principles, technological advances and engineering feats that helped create and operate the canal system that once moved tons of coal from Jim Thorpe to Easton and beyond.

National Canal Museum website

Come journey through five Pennsylvania counties bursting with heritage and brimming with outdoor adventure. You will find something for everyone. Follow a history trail marked with stories about hearty lumberjacks, coal miners, lock tenders, and railroaders. Explore quiet canal paths, challenging bike trails and the rippling waters of the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers.

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website

Goodell Gardens Field Trips focus on the botanical bounty and agricultural heritage the Gardens has to offer. Students are presented with an opportunity to observe, interpret and understand the interrelationships of people, plants, and ecosystems. A listing of Field Trip and Garden Outreach options can be found on the website. Additional custom programs are available. Goodell offers Family Activity Bags that allow exploration of the Gardens as a family.

Goodell Gardens & Homestead website

Hopewell and other "iron plantations" made up America's iron and steel industry. Today, the site educates people about America's development during the industrial revolution.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site website

French Creek offers two lakes--Hopewell and Scotts Run, extensive forests and almost 40 miles of hiking trails. Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance. Park visitors enjoy trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, disc golfing, orienteering, education, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice skating, ice fishing, organized group cabin camps, organized group tenting, Yurts, cabins, camping cottages, and camping.

French Creek State Park website

Sizerville State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and camping.

Sizerville State Park website

Bucktail State Park Natural Area visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hunting.

Bucktail State Park Natural Area website

Presque Isle State Park arches into Lake Erie and is Pennsylvania's only seashore. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds.

Presque Isle State Park website

The Opening Battle of a World War - The battle at Fort Necessity in the summer of 1754 was the opening action of the French and Indian War. This war was a clash of British, French and American Indian cultures. It ended with the removal of French power from North America. The stage was set for the American Revolution.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield website

Caledonia is in the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains known locally as South Mountain. The park offers hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, education, golf, theater, Sunday school, arts and crafts fair, organized group tenting, cabin, and camping.

Caledonia State Park website

Worlds End State Park visitors enjoy hiking, sightseeing, picnicking, swimming, whitewater boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Worlds End State Park website

Cowans Gap State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Cowans Gap State Park website

Dedicated in honor of the 15th president of the United States, this narrow, peaceful hollow is the site of James Buchanan's birthplace. A stone pyramid monument surrounded by majestic conifers stands on the site of the original cabin where he was born.

Buchanan's Birthplace State Park website

Fort Washington takes its name from the temporary fort built by George Washington's troops in the fall of 1777, before heading to Valley Forge. The park is popular with hikers and picnickers. Birders enjoy the seasonal migration of raptors from the Observation Deck.

Fort Washington State Park website

Lyman Run State Park visitors enjoy hiking, ATV trails, geocaching, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, and camping.

Lyman Run State Park website

Cherry Springs State Park is named for the large stands of black cherry trees in the park. The park is known for its great views for stargazing.

Cherry Springs State Park website

The Allegheny Portage Railroad was a great achievement in early travel. For twenty years, it was the fastest way to transgress the rough and wild terrain of Pennsylvania.

The Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site website

Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, organized group tenting, cabin, camping, Ironmaster's Mansion, and the Appalachian Trail Museum.

Pine Grove Furnace State Park website

Eisenhower National Historic Site is the home and farm of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located next to the Gettysburg Battlefield, the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world leaders.

Eisenhower National Historic Site website

Within walking distance of the site where Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address, the Lincoln Train Museum offers an interactive exploration of American History for families and groups of all ages. On this journey with Lincoln you will experience the spirit of the men and women who achieved American independence and freedoms through American history presentations and collections, interactive train layouts, President Lincoln's Funeral journey, hands on activities and more. Offer discounts for groups of ten or more. Ages five and under always journey for free.

Lincoln Train Museum website

The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the Civil War. It was the war's bloodiest battle, with 51,000 casualties. The Union victory ended General Robert E. Lee's second and most ambitious invasion of the North. A virtual tour is available for those who can't visit in person.

Gettysburg National Military Park website

In 1704, Nathaniel and Mary Newlin built a water-powered grist mill along the West Branch of Chester Creek. Despite several changes of ownership the mill ran continuously until 1941. In 1957, the Nicholas Newlin Foundation was created by E. Mortimer Newlin, a ninth generation descendant, to restore and maintain the mill as a museum. Today, the foundation 's purpose is to preserve the 150 acres, which are a refuge for plants, animals, and birds, as well as the park's historic buildings for pleasure and education of the public. A trip to the park offers visitors insights into the vanished life of the rural eighteenth century.

Newlin Grist Mill website

Gouldsboro State Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating.

Gouldsboro State Park website

Memorial Lake State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, boating, sailing, fishing, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating .

Memorial Lake State Park website

Stop for a moment and think about words like freedom, opportunity, diversity. They are words that paint a picture in your mind - words that describe the American experience. But words can't tell the whole story. So we invite you to come see the art that gives those words meaning. See how the American experience is brought to life through the inspired eyes of artists at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

Westmoreland Museum of American Art website

Promised Land State Park visitors enjoy hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, orienteering, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, cabins, and camping.

Promised Land State Park website

The Varden Conservation Area visitors enjoy fishing and hiking.

Varden Conservation Area website

Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area is dominated by large hardwood trees and known for its elaborate trail system. Visitors enjoy hiking, hunting, educational programs, and cross-country skiing.

Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area website

Codorus State Park is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The lake is also popular with sailboaters and motorboaters. Anglers love the lake for warm water fishing and can also fish Codorus Creek for trout. Picnicking, swimming in the pool and camping are popular activities.

Codorus State Park website

Educational programs at The State Museum are designed to encourage visitors, both young and old, to explore, discover and experience the stories of Pennsylvania's rich and exciting past.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania website

Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area is one of the newest Pennsylvania state park. Visitors to the park enjoy hiking, hunting and cross country skiing.

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area website

Warm and welcoming, this immersive museum environment accommodates visitors of all ages. Attractions include the Museum Experience, a series of engaging exhibits; the Chocolate Lab, a place where learning comes alive through hands-on experiments; the Museum Shop, stocked with unique Hershey merchandise and memorabilia; Cafe Zooka, the perfect place for light fare and chocolately desserts; the Countries of Origin Chocolate Tasting; and much more.

The Hershey Story Museum website

Canoe Creek State Park features a 155-acre lake, wetlands, old fields and mature forests, which provide critical habitat for migrating birds and for one of the largest bat colonies in the Commonwealth. The lake is popular for fishing year-round. Hikers enjoy the trails that wind through the many habitats. Picnicking, swimming at the beach, enjoying educational programs, and staying the night in a modern cabin are also popular activities.

Canoe Creek State Park website

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, comprised of eight counties in southwestern Pennsylvania, encompasses the greater Pittsburgh area and the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio river valleys. For more than a century, this area was known as the "Steel Making Capital of the World" and the dynamic and powerful story of Big Steel is preeminent in the region's artifacts, buildings, historic communities, industrial sites, and the living cultural traditions of its people.

Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area website

Raccoon Creek State Park was once operated by the National Park Service. Today, park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, a recreation hall, education, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, snowmobiling, organized group cabin camps, organized group tenting, backpacking, a lakeside lodge, cabins, and camping.

Raccoon Creek State Park website

Bald Eagle State Park offers hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, Yurts, camping cottages, camping, and a nature inn.

Bald Eagle State Park website

Greenwood Furnace State Park offers a unique recreational experience. Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, environmental education, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, orienteering, snowmobiling, and camping.

Greenwood Furnace State Park website

Penn-Roosevelt State Park offers hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and camping.

Penn-Roosevelt State Park website

Hyner Run is entirely surrounded by Sproul State Forest, Pennsylvania's largest state forest. Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cabins, and camping.

Hyner Run State Park website

Blue Knob State Park offers year-round wilderness adventures in hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, education, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, organized group cabin camps, backpacking, cabins, and camping.

Blue Knob State Park website

Trough Creek State Park visitor enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, biking, snowmobiling, the Trough Creek Lodge, and camping.

Trough Creek State Park website

Pymatuning State Park is the largest state park in the Commonwealth. Visitors enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, camping and enjoying other recreational opportunities. The Pa. Fish and Boat Commission also operates a fish hatchery and visitor center on site.

Pymatuning State Park website

Visitors enjoy Picnicking, fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.

Ravensburg State Park website

Kinzua Bridge State Park features remnants of the 2,053-foot railroad bridge (viaduct) that was a National Engineering Landmark. The Kinzua Bridge Scenic Byway is a designated shared use hike/bike corridor.

Kinzua Bridge State Park website

Bendigo State Park visitors enjoy picnicking, swimming, canoing, kayaking, and fishing

Bendigo State Park website

Hogue's Fun Factory is located in the Galleria Mall in Johnstown, PA and is an inflatable arena and arcade destination. Featuring a 5000 sq ft arena with 5 inflatables the Fun Factory provides a safe, active and fun environment for children from 2-13. The 30' obstacle course and 4 other inflatables are a great way to workout some energy and exercise in a temperature controlled environment.

Hogue's Fun Factory website

One of the world's great gardens, Longwood's story is one of legacy, innovation, and stewardship. Longwood Gardens includes a children's garden, fountain shows, a grotto, and a delicious cafeteria. They host jazz and classical music concerts, light shows and decorated nature during the holiday season. Be sure to check out the tree houses on site. Longwood Gardens includes fun-filled activities to keep the whole family excited!

Longwood Gardens website

The Encampment Store is a non-profit 501 (c)3 cooperating association whose mission is to support the interpretive, educational, scientific and historical activities of Valley Forge National Historical Park. TES offers private car, hiking and biking tours year-round and public trolley tours March-October. Please call (610) 624-5010 for more information.

Tours of Valley Forge National Historical Park website

Why Valley Forge? - Valley Forge National Historical Park commemorates more than the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation; it honors the ability of citizens and their leaders to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

Valley Forge National Historical Park website

Lacawac Sanctuary is a unique environmental education center in northeast PA. It encompasses 550 acres with diverse habitats including a glacial lake and a pond. Programs are offered for PreK-12 grade. All programs are hands-on discovery based and use nature as the classroom. Topics are age-group specific. The time and schedule is tailored to the groups needs. A nature center with interpretive displays, classroom space, and a lab is used for inclement weather and program needs. A picnic area and restrooms are available.

Lacawac Sanctuary website

Erie Bluffs is the newest Pennsylvania State Park. Park visitors enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing, and hunting.

Erie Bluffs State Park website

Tour Lancaster County's Amish Farm and House. Opened nearly 60 years ago, The Amish Farm and House has hosted travelers from around the world visiting Lancaster County. Experience Lancaster County's Premier Amish Attraction with our farm and house tours.

The Amish Farm and House website

Children will be taken around the store and learn about the food groups while also learning about the grocery industry.

Grocery Outlet Tour website

The Demuth Museum is dedicated to developing awareness, understanding and appreciation of the art work and legacy of American modernist Charles Demuth. We engage and inspire diverse audiences through an innovative program of exhibitions, education, scholarship and collections activities.

Demuth Museum website

White Clay Creek has been designated by Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing.

White Clay Creek Preserve website

Visit a fully restored colonial American farmstead! Students may visit the Farmstead to receive a well-rounded, hands-on historical experience. They may tour the farm, and see animals like sheep and cows, or go inside the 1758 Peter Wentz House, which was head quarters for George Washington in the Revolutionary War in October 1777. Groups may also had on crafts like quill and ink writing, or educational activities about children games and chores in colonial America.

Peter Wentz Farmstead website

Beltzville State Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, a covered bridge, picnicking, swimming, boating, launching and mooring, water skiing, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Beltzville State Park website

Gifford Pinchot State Park visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, disc golf, education, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, ice skating, ice boating, organized group tenting, yurts, cabins, camping cottages , and camping.

Gifford Pinchot State Park website

Samuel S. Lewis State Park is dominated by Mt. Pisgah. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, and kite flying.

Samuel S. Lewis State Park website

The LCM brings hands-on, enriching educational experiences in a safe, accessible environment, to children in the central Susquehanna Valley. LCM is committed to providing opportunities for learning, imagination, and play.

Lewisburg Children's Museum website

Upper Pine Bottom State Park provides access to hiking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and hunting on forest land.

Upper Pine Bottom State Park website

Tyler strives to be a valuable partner with academic curriculum by presenting engaging standards-based programming in a unique learning environment. Instructor-led programs provide interactive experiences for students with plants and nature, making learning fun. The Arboretum offers grade-specific curricula in the natural sciences. All lessons are aligned with state and national scientific education standards. Programs are conducted in small groups by professional educators and trained volunteer guides.All of our field trip programs are available for home school groups. Our programs provide opportunities to integrate hands-on ecology, environmental science and plant science into your home school curriculum. For the best learning experience at Tyler, classes with mixed ages will be divided into age groups.

Tyler Arboretum website

Ridley Creek State Park hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, formal gardens, cross-country skiing, sledding, and organized group tenting.

Ridley Creek State Park website

The Center is a "living history museum" as well as an environmental center. The museum is designed with various ecosystems and some of the animals that live in them. We have over 700 specimens. Programs are $5/child. Grouping for programs are designed to be age-appropriate.

Charles Brightbill Environmental Center website

The Conococheague Institute is a hands-on regional learning center. Headquartered within Rock Hill Farm, a well-preserved historic farmstead that was established in the early 18th century in southern Franklin County, Pennsylvania, near the village of Welsh Run. The 30-acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes two historic house museum with outbuildings, a research library, two relocated historic log structures, walking trails with access to a pioneer cemetery, and several historic gardens.

The Conococheague Institute website

The Barnes Foundation houses one of the finest collections of nineteenth and twentieth-century French painting in the world. An extraordinary number of masterpieces by Renoir, Cezanne and Matisse provide a depth of work by these artists unavailable elsewhere. Established as an educational institution the Barnes carries out its mission teaching classes in its galleries and Arboretum. The Barnes welcomes visitors and students throughout the year.

The Barnes Foundation website

Sand Bridge State Park visitors enjoy picnicking and fishing.

Sand Bridge State Park website

McCalls Dam Park visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing, and hunting.

McCalls Dam State Park website

Raymond B. Winter State Park is located within Bald Eagle State Forest. Open year-round, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, camping cottages, and camping.

Raymond B. Winter State Park website

Reeds Gap State Park offers hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, and camping.

Reeds Gap State Park website

Milton State Park visitors enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing, and hiking.

Milton State Park website

Mont Alto State Park offers picnicking, hunting, hiking, and snowmobiling.

Mont Alto State Park website

Salt Springs State Park features towering old growth hemlock trees, many estimated to be over 500 years old. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, camping cottages, and camping.

Salt Springs State Park website

The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail website

Experience the Corridor of Commerce First Imagined by George Washington. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail is a partnership to develop a network of locally-managed trails in a corridor between the mouth of the Potomac River and the Allegheny Highlands.

Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail website

The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail winding its way through seven states.

North Country National Scenic Trail website

Jacobsburg was once the site where the famous Henry Rifle was made. Park environmental education programs area available from the preschool environmental awareness programs to high school level environmental problem solving programs, historical programs, teacher workshops and public interpretive programs. Visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing.

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center website

Little Buffalo State Park offers picnic areas, hiking trails and a lake for fishing and boating. Historical features include a covered bridge, a restored, operating grist mill, an old farm house built on the site of a colonial tavern, and a narrow gauge railroad trace which feature one of the original railroad cars.

Little Buffalo State Park website

Tyler State Park visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicking, picnic groves, fishing, boating, disc golf, education, a theater, a Center for the Arts, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, and ice skating.

Tyler State Park website

Colonel Denning State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, orienteering, education, cross-country skiing, ice skating, organized group tenting, and camping.

Colonel Denning State Park website

Norristown Farm Park visitors enjoy trails, biking, nature trails, picnicking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

Norristown Farm Park website

State Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, camping cottages, Yurts, and camping.

Lackawanna State Park website

This small park features one of the nicest overlooks in the Pennsylvania Bureau of State park and is popular for hang gliding. Hyner Run State Park is nearby.

Hyner View State Park website

Ohiopyle State Park offers hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, water slides, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, organized group tenting, camping cottages, Yurts, and camping.

Ohiopyle State Park website

The Oil Creek Valley is the site of the world's first commercial oil well. Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry by interpreting oil boomtowns, oil wells and early transportation.

Oil Creek State Park website

Park visitors enjoy hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, disc golfing, orienteering, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, iceboating, organized group tenting, cabins, camping, cottages, and camping.

Prince Gallitzin State Park website

Parker Dam offers hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, geocaching, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, cabin classrooms, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Parker Dam State Park website

Simon B. Elliott State Park offers hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, cabins, and camping

Simon B. Elliott State Park website

Yellow Creek State Park was once used by the Delaware and Shawnee nations and by early settlers. Today, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, orienteering, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, yurts, and camping cottages.

Yellow Creek State Park website

Cozy Poe Valley State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, camping cottages, a deluxe camping cottage, and camping.

Poe Valley State Park website

Whipple Dam State Park visitors enjoy picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice fishing.

Whipple Dam State Park website

The Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art (PMJA), founded in 1975, presents contemporary art exhibits that illuminate the Jewish experience. Organizing three solo and group shows a year, the Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art exhibits work by artists of diverse backgrounds. In addition to the special exhibits, the Museum features a permanent collection of works by artists including William Anastasi, Chaim Gross, Shelley Spector, Boaz Vaadia and Roman Vishniac, all of whom exhibited at the PMJA.

Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art website

The Schuylkill Center was founded in 1965 as the nation's first urban environmental education center. Its 340-acres of fields and forests serve as a living laboratory to foster appreciation, deepen understanding, and encourage stewardship of the environment. Reaching over 36,000 Philadelphia-area residents each year, the Schuylkill Center offers a diverse collection of educational programs, including programs for school, continuing education for teachers, Pennsylvania's first Nature Preschool, and a full calendar of events for the public. The environmental art department inspires and educates, while pushing the cutting edge and using art to remediate local ecological issues. Acting as the only clinic of its kind in a four-county region, the Wildlife Clinic at the Schuylkill Center treats 3,300 injured, orphaned, and sick animals annually.

The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education website

Before William Penn, the Swedes were here, building log homes and a brick church, GLORIA DEI. Imagine the transformation - town becomes city - 13 colonies become a nation -- Swedish Lutheran church becomes Episcopalian. Re-discover Patriots and ordinary citizens buried in the cemetery. Enter Pennsylvania's oldest church and feel 300 years of history welcoming you.

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes' Church) National Historic Site website

Woodford Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is a historic house museum. The interior of the house is furnished with 17th, 18th and early 19th century decorative and fine arts acquired by the collector Naomi Wood and the Trust established in her name, including one of the finest collections of 18th-century Philadelphia-made furniture to be found anywhere. An ideal trip for middle school and high school to learn about colonial era Philadelphia history, architecture, and decorative arts. Free visit, groups of larger 15 will need to be divided to accommodate the house size. Register for trips to Woodford on the website.

Woodford Mansion website

The National Museum of American Jewish History, on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. We offer special pricing for groups of 15 or more.

National Museum of American Jewish History website

Home to over a million extraordinary objects from around the world, the Penn Museum has been highlighting our shared humanity across continents and millennia since 1887. In expanding access to archaeology and anthropology, the Penn Museum builds empathy and connections between cultures through experiences online and onsite in our galleries. Visit the Penn Museum Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. We offer onsite programs designed for homeschooling families, learning pods, and co-ops, as well as virtual programs throughout the year.

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology website

Independence Hall is the assembly hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Liberty Bell is located there as well. The website offers links and information for folks not able to visit in person.

Independence National Historical Park website

Visit the house where wounded Polish freedom fighter Thaddeus Kosciuszko lived and hear how this brilliant military engineer designed successful fortifications during the American Revolution. See the room where he received notable visitors such as Chief Little Turtle and Thomas Jefferson, who said he was "as pure a son of liberty, as I have ever known..."

Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial website

"For the most wild, yet most homely narrative which I am about to pen," so begins Poe's famous short story "The Black Cat," written while living in this house with his family. Writer, editor, popular poet and inventor of the detective story, Edgar Allan Poe still thrills readers today. Come imagine Poe's life on Seventh Street, his only surviving residence in Philadelphia.

Edgar Allan Poe National Historical Site website

One of the nation's premier fire museum, the Fireman's Hall Museum's mission is to preserve the ongoing history of Philadelphia firefighting through the collection, preservation and presentation of related artifacts for the education of the public and to encourage sound fire prevention practices.

Fireman's Hall Museum website

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia was founded in 1812 "for the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning." The Academy today is integrating its activities in research and education around environmental themes.

Academy of Natural Sciences website

The Rosenbach Museum & Library was founded in 1954 through a testamentary gift by Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach (1876-1952) and his brother, Philip (1863-1953). Renowned dealers in books, manuscripts, and fine art, the brothers played a central role in the development of private libraries that later became our nation's most important public collections of rare books, such as the Folger and Huntington Libraries. The brothers' own personal collection, now the core of the Rosenbach, features treasures the brothers were unable to part with, including the only surviving copy of Benjamin Franklin's first Poor Richard Almanac and the manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses. The collection has since grown to include the papers of poet Marianne Moore, Bram Stoker's notes for Dracula, and the drawings of Maurice Sendak, adding richness and relevance to the experience of visiting the Rosenbach.

Rosenbach Museum & Library website

Since 1976, Please Touch Museum has been the Children's Museum of Philadelphia. Our museum was the first in the nation whose target audience was families with children seven and younger. We have grown into one of the best children's museum in the nation, have become experts in play and have had our programs for underserved families in the region nationally recognized. Our mission to enrich the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play, enables us to lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and cultural awareness.

Please Touch Museum website

From the dawn of the automotive era, racing has been used to demonstrate the superiority of one manufacturer over another. It is this "Spirit of Competition" that we celebrate at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Assembled by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Frederick Simeone over a span of 50 years, the Museum collection contains over 60 of the rarest and most significant racing sports cars ever built.

Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum website

Benjamin Rush has the world's largest community gardens.

Benjamin Rush State Park website

Black Moshannon State Park features the Black Moshannon Bog Natural Area. Trails and a boardwalk help people explore the birds and plants of the bog and surrounding forests. Visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, iceboating, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Black Moshannon State Park website

Swatara State Park offers visitors canoeing, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, swimming, camping and environmental education.

Swatara State Park website

Ralph Stover State Park visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing, white water boating, hiking, and rock climbing.

Ralph Stover State Park website

Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1895. One of the four Carnegie museum of Pittsburgh, it is nationally and internationally recognized for its distinguished collection of American and European works from the 16th century to the present. The Heinz Architectural Center, part of Carnegie Museum of Art, is dedicated to enhancing understanding of the physical environment through its exhibitions, collections, and public programs.

Carnegie Museum of Art website

The August Wilson Center for African American Culture engages regional and national audiences in its mission of preserving, presenting, interpreting, celebrating and shaping the art, culture and history of African Americans in Western Pennsylvania and people of African descent throughout the world.

August Wilson Center for African American Culture website

Heinz Memorial Chapel is a non-denomination chapel, part of the University of Pittsburgh and an Historic Landmark. The architecture is impressive, as well as the 23 stained glass windows depicting not only religious figures but leaders in science, art, literature and exploration. Tours for all ages are available. The Chapel is located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh very near the Carnegie museum and Phipps Botanical Gardens. The building has restrooms and an accessible entrance. Please call the Chapel office for more information and to book a tour. 412-624-4157

Heinz Memorial Chapel website

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative museum experiences that inspire joy, creativity and curiosity. We provide the highest quality exhibits and programs for learning and play. We are a partner and a resource for people who work with or on behalf of children.

Children's Museum of Pittsburgh website

The Andy Warhol Museum is a vital forum in which diverse audiences of artists, scholars and the general public are galvanized through creative interaction with the art and life of Andy Warhol. The Warhol is ever-changing and constantly re-defining itself in relation to contemporary life, using its unique collections and dynamic, interactive programming as tools.

Andy Warhol Museum website

Carnegie Museum of Natural History conducts scientific inquiry, generates knowledge, and promotes stewardship of the Earth.

Carnegie Museum of Natural History website

The Frick Art & Historical Center visitors enjoy the culture and refinement of the Gilded Age.

Frick Art & Historical Center website

Point State Park is a National Historic Landmark. The park serves to commemorate and preserve the historic heritage of the area during the French and Indian War (1754 - 1763). Today, visitors enjoy hiking, boating, and biking trails.

Point State Park website

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions located in the Pocono Mountains PA is America's Largest Indoor Waterpark. Offering discounted day passes for groups. From (2) toddler sections to the intermediate splash down safari all the way to the drop down slides there is something for all ages! Spend all day in our waterpark with your students, parents, teachers your group will enjoy Kalahari Resorts & Conventions!

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions website

Albert Gallatin is best remembered for his thirteen year tenure as Secretary of the Treasury during the Jefferson and Madison administrations. In that time he reduced the national debt, purchased the Louisiana Territory and funded the Lewis & Clark exploration. Gallatin's accomplishments and contributions are highlighted in his restored country estate, Friendship Hill.

Friendship Hill National Historic Site website

Moraine State Park offers hiking, biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, boating, windsurfing, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice boating, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, cabins, and camping.

Moraine State Park website

McConnells Mill State Park is open from sunrise to sunset, year-round. A gristmill built in the 1800s is open for tours.

McConnells Mill State Park website

Pottsgrove Manor exemplifies history of iron making and life in 18th century Pottstown. With changing exhibits and monthly special events, Pottsgrove Manor is the perfect destination for those interested in local, revolutionary, industrial and social history.The friendly staff are always welcoming and eager to help make special visits and projects engaging, informative, and interactive. Suggested $2.00 Donation, materials fee for special events sometimes higher. Check out our website or call the site to find out more information!

Pottsgrove Manor website

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center at heart, dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. TREC also serves as a center for research, contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle, the site of Pennsylvania's only seashore.

Tom Ridge Environmental Center - Presque Isle website

Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, mountain biking, disc golf, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

Prompton State Park website

Nockamixon State Park offers hiking - biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, swimming, disc golf, boating, windsurfing, whitewater releases, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, a Youth Hostel, and cabins.

Nockamixon State Park website

The Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center offers environmental education programs. Contact the center office for a listing of upcoming educational programs. Visitors enjoy picnicking, fishing, hiking, dog trails, and cross-country skiing.

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center website

Laurel Mountain State Park features a family-oriented downhill skiing area and beautiful views of the rolling countryside of the Ligonier Valley. The slopes and trails provide opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and the lodge is a cozy place to eat and enjoy the view.

Laurel Mountain State Park website

Linn Run State Park visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and cabins.

Linn Run State Park website

Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and camping.

Kettle Creek State Park website

Laurel Ridge State Park features a 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, complete with trail shelters for overnight camping.

Laurel Ridge State Park website

Maurice K. Goddard State Park offers hiking, biking, picnicking, pavilions, boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating.

Maurice K. Goddard State Park website

Warriors Path State Park is near the famous path used by the Iroquois in raids and wars with the Cherokees and other American Indians in southern Pennsylvania. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing.

Warriors Path State Park website

Shawnee State Park visitors enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, disc golf, education, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, Yurts, the Shawnee Lodge, camping cottages, and camping

Shawnee State Park website

Steam engines excite the senses, Steamtown keeps their stories alive! Feel the heat from the firebox. Hear the bell and whistle. Smell the hot steam and oil. Feel the ground vibrate under your feet. See the one ton drive rods turn the wheels. Hear the chuff-chuff-chuff of the smokestack. Today, you can relive the era of steam as the engines come back to life. The cinders, grease, oil, steam, people and stories of railroading have returned.

Steamtown National Historic Site website

Clear Creek State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, hunting, education, cross-country skiing, sledding, Yurts, cabins, and camping.

Clear Creek State Park website

Jennings offers a full range of educational programs about the rare relict prairie ecosystem. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Jennings Environmental Education Center website

Laurel Hill State Park offers hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, a gift shop, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, organized group cabin camps, organized group tenting, Laurel Hill Lodge, camping cottages, and camping.

Laurel Hill State Park website

Kooser State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, cabins, and camping.

Kooser State Park website

Laurel Summit State Park offers picnic tables, a pavilion, water, and restroom. Visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling.

Laurel Summit State Park website

The Somerset Historical Center is a 150-acre rural history museum located 4 miles north of the town of Somerset, Pennsylvania. The Somerset Historical Center preserves the history of life in rural southwestern Pennsylvania from the times of the region's first farmers to the present day through exhibits, workshops and educational programs. The Historical Center serves as the headquarters of the Historical & Genealogical Society of Somerset County. Permanent orientation exhibits and videos can be seen in the Visitors Center, constructed in 1997. The Visitors Center is also home to the Historical Society's Genealogical Research Library and additional changing exhibits.

Somerset Historical Center website

Johnstown Flood of 1889 There was no larger news story in the latter nineteenth century after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The story of the Johnstown Flood has everything to interest the modern mind: a wealthy resort, an intense storm, an unfortunate failure of a dam, the destruction of a working class city, and an inspiring relief effort.

Johnstown Flood National Memorial website

Taste Buds Kitchen is a Kids Kitchen by day and an Adult BYOB Kitchen by night. You join us for an entertaining class, camp, party or special event where you create a culinary masterpiece and memories with your friends and families. We love cooking with kids, families and adults, ages 2 to 99. Offering both a 2 hour field trip where the students would have exclusive use of the kitchen space, hands-on instruction with chefs, and make recipes from scratch! Taste Buds Kitchen is truly the place to Learn. Laugh. Cook.

Taste Buds Kitchen website

Explore the outdoors like never before. Refreshing Mountain offers everything from ziplining and high ropes courses to wildlife programs and teambuilding. Stay overnight in their family-friendly cabins or come for the day. From large groups to individual families, there is something for just about everyone in your family. Built for families by families, they seek to provide a space that refreshes, educates and explores the world around us.

Refreshing Mountain website

Flight 93 National Memorial Visitor Center provides an indoor exhibit on the Flight 93 story. Visitors can walk the flight path at the Visitor Center and again at the Memorial Plaza. A visit to the Memorial Plaza offers an intimate view and walk along the crash site and debris field. The names of the 40 passengers and crew members are listed on white marble at the Wall of Names.

Flight 93 National Memorial website

Christian camp ministry in Stroudsburg PA, offering a number of fun activities and Christ Centered learning experiences including mini-golf, a playground, a gym, 250 acres of hiking trails, an education focused nature center, and a pool and pond in the warmer months; Twin Pines is a perfect place for a day trip. Call or email to setup a home school experience for groups from 10-100. 570-629-2411

Twin Pines Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center website

Shikellamy State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, hunting, fishing, scenic views, boating, a Marina, boat launching, and boat rentals.

Shikellamy State Park website

Big Pocono State Park visitors enjoy hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, picnicking, hunting, a restaurant, and downhill skiing.

Big Pocono State Park website

Tobyhanna State Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, and camping. Tobyhanna is derived from an American Indian word meaning "a stream whose banks are fringed with alder."

Tobyhanna State Park website

Mt. Pisgah State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and ice skating.

Mt. Pisgah State Park website

Denton Hill State Park offers great downhill skiing. Visitors enjoy facilities including rental cabins and groomed slopes will appeal to expert and beginner skiers.

Denton Hill State Park website

The All-Sports Museum honors the student-athletes and coaches through history who have helped make Penn State's intercollegiate athletic program one of the best in the nation. Inside the Museum, the inspirational story of men's and women's sports at Penn State is shown in dramatic visuals that cover the walls from floor to ceiling. You'll see larger-than-life photographs as well as the equipment athletes use and the uniforms they wear

Penn State All-Sports Museum website

Delaware Canal State Park is a 60-mile towpath of the Delaware Canal making up a stroll into American History. The Delaware Canal is the only remaining continuously intact canal of the great towpath canal building era of the early and mid-19th century. Mule drawn canal boat rides and the Lock Tender's House Visitor Center are at New Hope. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, canoeing, boating, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing.

Delaware Canal State Park website

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is excited to offer a wide variety of onsite field trip opportunities for students PreK through 12th grade. Field trips are currently available Mondays through Fridays from January to November. Field trips include a 4-mile ride on a fully-restored streetcar, a guided tour of our Trolley Display Building, and time to explore our brand new 21,000 sq. ft. Welcome and Education Center, which features brand-new, hands-on, STEAM-centered, interactive exhibits. Add a STEAM Module onto your visit for even more student-centered activities, learning, and fun!

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum website

In 1794, David Bradford led frontier farmers in protest of the high federal whiskey excise tax in what became known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Bradford's house, built in 1788, is preserved as a museum. Step back in time in this National Historic Landmark, Washington County's finest 18th century home. Trained docents in 18th Century attire will guide your group through the house, garden and kitchen cabin. Adapted to your curriculum goals and any grade level. Younger students focus on 18th Century living, with hands-on experience with toys, games, lessons, and chores. For older students, the focus is on David Bradford and the Whiskey Rebellion. The museum also has a collection of primary and secondary resources on the Whiskey Rebellion and David Bradford available for use either at the museum or to borrow; ideal for students developing projects for National History Day.

Bradford House Museum website

Little Pine State Park offers hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, organized group tenting, yurts, camping cottages, and camping.

Little Pine State Park website

The Destination Freedom: Underground Railroad Walking Tour of Waverly is the only program centered around the Underground Railroad and local Civil War era history of its kind in the region. It is an interactive program that explores the lives of the small village's abolitionists and formerly enslaved settlers. As a public-oriented program, we aim to tell the story of Waverly by exploring the town itself and using the experiences of 19th-century Waverly residents to better understand the world around us today.

The Destination Freedom Underground Railroad Walking Tour website

Renfrew is a restored farmstead with many outbuildings to see and activities to participate in. Your tour begins at our Visitors Center with a DVD presentation, and an explanation of the nation's leading collection of John Bell and Bell family pottery. Paid admission takes you on a guided tour of the 1812 Renfrew Museum where you will see the kitchen, dining room, parlors and bedrooms with period furnishings throughout.

Renfrew Museum and Park website

Artillery, cavalry, & infantry units conduct drilling, firing, and military camp life demonstrations along with a tactical skirmish between federal and confederate forces. Entertainment includes period music and dancing. A town ball game of north verses south. Sunday schedule includes a period interdenominational church service in the camp, with a lemonade social and period music following the service. Check website for event held in August.

Eckley Miners' Village Civil War Encampment website

Hills Creek State Park abounds in wildlife. Osprey, loon and waterfowl visit the lake that boasts a variety of warm-water fish species. Camping, cabins, swimming and picnicking make this an ideal spot for a family vacation.

Hills Creek State Park website

Leonard Harrison State Park offers the most famous scenic views of the canyon. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, education, and camping.

Leonard Harrison State Park website

Colton Point State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, hunting, education, snowmobiling, organized group tenting, and camping.

Colton Point State Park website

The American Helicopter Museum and Education Center is the nation's premier aviation museum devoted exclusively to helicopters. We collect, restore and display historic aircraft and chronicle the origin and development of rotary wing aircraft.

American Helicopter Museum & Education Center website

Lehigh Gorge State Park offers hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and whitewater rafting.

Lehigh Gorge State Park website

Hickory Run State Park has over 40 miles of hiking trails, three state park natural areas and miles of trout streams. The Boulder Field, a striking boulder-strewn area, is a National Natural Landmark. Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hunting, disc golf, orienteering, geocaching, education, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, organized group cabin camps, organized group tenting, camping cottages, and camping.

Hickory Run State Park website

Elk State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing, hunting, ice fishing, and ice boating.

Elk State Park website

Susquehanna State Park is a riverfront recreational area is in the city of Williamsport. Visitors enjoy picnicking, boating, fishing, and riverboat tours.

Susquehanna State Park website

The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum is all about the excitement of Little League Baseball and Softball. From its humble beginnings in 1939 as a three-team league in Williamsport through today and millions of participants in scores of countries, the museum is a tribute to Little League, past and present.

Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum website

Ryerson Station State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, organized group tenting, camping cottages, and camping.

Ryerson Station State Park website

Poe Paddy State Park visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, snowmobiling, organized group tenting, and camping.

Poe Paddy State Park website

Frances Slocum State Park visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, education, sledding, ice fishing, ice skating, organized group tenting, and camping.

Frances Slocum State Park website

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Field trips and virtual lessons.

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania is proud to offer primary source based learning opportunities for 4th-12th grade students. HSP offers immersive virtual and onsite learning experiences featuring selections from its vast archives of over 21 million items delivered through targeted and engaging student activities.

Policies and Procedures - Field Trips

• Pricing : $150
• Teachers can select field trip topics from the list below for their onsite visits. 
• If you have a diferent topic in mind, HSP can create a bespoke field trip experience for your class for $250. Please reach out with questions or topic ideas. 
• Maximum Number of Students: 35
• Please submit your request using the form below  at least 4 weeks in advance of the earliest date requested.
• Onsite field trips are available on Mondays (9am - 4:00pm) and Wednesdays (9:00am-12:30pm).   

Onsite field trips are FREE for all public and charter schools in the Philadelphia School District.

Policies and Procedures - Virtual Lessons

• Pricing : Free, when selecting from the topic list below.
• If you have a different topic in mind, HSP can create a bespoke virtual lesson for your class for $100. Please reach out with questions or topic ideas.
• Please submit your request using the form below at least 4 weeks in advance of the earliest date requested. 
• Virtual Lessons are held via Zoom. 
• Available Monday-Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm. 

The Historical Society of Pennsylvania will try to accommodate all requests for exceptions to these policies, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate you due to limited staff time to prepare for visits.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Clark by email or call 215-732-6200 ext 227.  

Available Field Trip and Virtual Lesson Topics

• Colonial Times : This program focuses on different aspects of colonial life in Pennsylvania. Primary sources including maps, journals, and indentures are examined to illustrate how life during Colonial Times differed and intertwined between groups such as Native Americans, enslaved people, and European settlers. (Grades: 4 – 8)   
• Abolitionists : This program focuses on the work of Black abolitionists in Philadelphia in the mid 19th century and follows those efforts into civil rights activism post-Civil War. Primary sources for this lesson include the diary and later work of William Still, the account of Emilie Davis, a free Black woman living in Philadelphia during the Civil War, and material from the Pennsylvania Abolition Society. (Grades 6 – 12)   
• Civil War and Reconstruction : This program engages students in all aspects of the Civil War and its aftermath with political cartoons, diaries, and maps. Students will analyze multiple perspectives and see how average Philadelphians were affected by war. (Grades: 6 - 12)  
• Yellow Fever: Students will engage with letters written to and by Dr. Benjamin Rush and understand how Yellow Fever was treated. This program will also feature art and poetry, as well as works by Richard Allen, allowing students the opportunity to see how the disease affected not only people, but also the city as a whole. (Grades: 4 - 8)  
• National History Day Archives Introduction: This is an introductory exploration into how to find and analyze primary sources. Students will be guided through how to utilize search features of HSP’s website and collections and alleviate anxieties about special collections/primary source research. This visit will highlight a selection of HSP’s material that feature this year’s NHD theme, “Turning Points in History.” (Grades 6 – 12) *NHD Field Trips are FREE for ALL SCHOOLS in Philadelphia.*

Everything Baby Showers

10 School Field Trips That End in Unforgettable Lessons

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 12, 2024

School field trips are more than just a break from the classroom routine. They often become the highlight of a student’s academic year. These outings offer invaluable real-world experiences that textbooks can’t replicate. From historic landmarks to scientific wonders, 10 school field trips leave students with unforgettable lessons.

Ellis Island, New York

A visit to Ellis Island offers students a profound glimpse into the immigrant experience, where they can trace the footsteps of millions who arrived searching for the American Dream. Walking through the halls where hopeful individuals awaited entry into the United States, students encounter firsthand accounts, photographs, and artifacts that convey the challenges and triumphs of those who embarked on the journey to a new land.

NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida

The NASA Kennedy Space Center provides an unparalleled opportunity for students to delve into the wonders of space exploration. From a rocket launch to exploring interactive exhibits, students are immersed in the history and future of space travel. They gain insights into the scientific principles behind space exploration, the challenges of living and working in space, and the innovative technologies driving exploration forward. 

Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Visiting the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park transports students to one of the defining moments of American history. As they walk among the battlefield’s monuments and markers, students gain a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made during the Civil War. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Situated along the scenic coastline of California, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers students a mesmerizing journey into the ocean’s depths. With exhibits showcasing diverse marine life and interactive learning opportunities, students discover the importance of ocean ecosystems’ interconnectedness and conservation. From playful sea otters to graceful jellyfish, each encounter sparks curiosity and wonder.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C

As one of the world’s premier aerospace museums, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum offers students a thrilling exploration of humanity’s quest for the skies and beyond. From the Wright brothers’ historic aircraft to the Apollo moon landing module, students encounter iconic artifacts that have shaped the course of aviation and space exploration.

Alcatraz Island, California

A visit to Alcatraz Island provides students with a captivating glimpse into the history of one of America’s most notorious prisons. As they step inside the cellblocks and explore the island’s rugged terrain, students are transported to a bygone era of incarceration and escape attempts. Guided tours and exhibits highlight the daily lives of inmates and guards, highlighting the harsh realities of life behind bars. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Situated amidst the vibrant cultural landscape of New York City, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers students an enriching journey through the history of human creativity. From ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces, the museum’s vast collections span continents and centuries, inviting students to explore diverse artistic traditions and styles. Through guided tours, interactive exhibits, and hands-on workshops, students engage with artworks firsthand, honing their critical thinking skills and deepening their appreciation for the power of visual expression.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Exploring the Everglades National Park immerses students in a unique and ecologically diverse landscape in the United States. As they traverse the park’s marshes, mangroves, and sawgrass prairies, students encounter various plant and animal species, including iconic inhabitants like alligators and manatees. Guided tours shed light on the importance of wetland ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship. 

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Massachusetts

Stepping back to the eve of the American Revolution, students journey to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, where history comes alive through immersive reenactments and interactive exhibits. Guided by costumed interpreters, students participate in the pivotal events that led to the colonies’ struggle for independence, from the infamous tea protest to the stirring speeches of revolutionary leaders. 

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington, D.C.

Exploring the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture provides students with a profound journey through the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout history. From the horrors of slavery to the achievements of the Civil Rights Movement, students encounter potent stories of resilience, resistance, and resilience. Students gain insights into the complexities of race, identity, and social justice in America when they visit this museum.

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10 days in Pennsylvania: take a trip through the history of the USA

Turn back time during this sweeping trip across Pennsylvania, from the colonial streets of Philadelphia to the now-peaceful hills of Gettysburg battlefield and the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes at Erie.

Pennsylvania is a powerhouse state. It helped to ignite the American Revolution, fuelled the Industrial Revolution and continues to thrive as an epicentre for medical innovations. Situated just below the Great Lakes region on the Eastern Seaboard, the Keystone State is bordered by six states — as well as Lake Erie — and is slashed diagonally by the Appalachian Mountains. This is a destination with a distinctly rich heritage, from the busy city streets of Philadelphia to the Amish communities of Lancaster County and the revered battlefield of Gettysburg National Military Park. And on the cusp of the USA's 250th anniversary of independence — this much-anticipated semiquincentennial takes place in 2026 — a collection of noteworthy events will take place in Pennsylvania, as well as the opening of a number of new war museums and heritage sites. Journey through these spots on a 10-day trip that takes in immersive exhibitions, artistic inspiration and moving memorials, proving there’s no time like the present to peel back the layers of Pennsylvania’s past.

Days 1-3: Philadelphia

Hark back to the Founding Fathers in historic Philly. Make first for the Old City neighbourhood and Elfreth’s Alley , one of the oldest continually inhabited streets in the country, lined with quaint, colourful houses built during the 18th century. From here, it’s a picturesque 15-minute walk to hallowed Independence Hall , where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were shaped. Within the grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site hangs the whopping 2,080-pound Liberty Bell in its fractured glory, its heavy crack a mark of its prolonged use in public events.  

Visitors can also discover more about the nation’s roots at the Museum of the American Revolution , which launched an exciting new exhibition in February. Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington's Tent   displays the first president’s war tent alongside historical documents, artefacts and stories of those who preserved it. Another secretive shelter can be found at the 18th-century Johnson House Historic Site , one of the city’s few remaining intact stops of the Underground Railroad, where runaway enslaved people were hidden in the third-floor attic. The house remains a time capsule, with its original Dutch doors, centuries-old cabinets and exhibits including some of the abolitionist owners’ own domestic accoutrements.

Days 4-5: Gettysburg

The hills surrounding the redbrick town of Gettysburg saw one of the most dramatic battles of the American Civil War, one that proved a turning point for the Union. Visit the site where their forces clashed with Confederate troops in July 1863, Gettysburg National Military Park , where the sweeping grounds are now stitched with trails and studded with more than 1,300 monuments. Visitors today can enjoy guided tours, living history demonstrations and even horseback riding routes.

Further south, Little Round Top , a forested hill that was the scene of intense battle, is set to reopen this year after extensive preservation and accessibility works. Pair a visit here with a stop at the Eisenhower National Historic Site , the farm and former weekend retreat of 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower. But Gettysburg is not content to simply rely on its historic reputation. The city recently saw the opening of two new museums well worth spending half a day exploring: the WWII American Experience and the immersive Beyond the Battle Museum , which uncovers stories of the townspeople caught in the crossfire of war.

Days 6-8: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is carved sinuously by three rivers. The Allegheny and Monongahela join to form the Ohio River at Point State Park, which houses the city’s oldest architectural landmark: the 1764-built Fort Pitt Block House . This structure is all that remains of one of the largest British forts in North America during the French and Indian War. For a knock-out panorama of this park and the city beyond, slide steeply up Mount Washington on the Duquesne Incline . Opened in 1877, this charming wooden funicular provides access to one of the best views of Pittsburgh, with its upper station also home to a exhibit on city history.  

The next day, head across the iconic Three Sisters bridges to the Andy Warhol Museum . A founding father of Pop Art, Pittsburgh-born Warhol’s legacy adorns its walls. The museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with a KAWS + Warhol exhibition from 18 May, which will examine the darker themes at play in the colourful, charismatic work of both artists. The museum is also curating a new initiative this year, the Pop District , which is transforming the surrounding neighbourhood into a cultural hub. Join sun-soaked summer gatherings on Silver Street and discover murals splashed across alleyway walls and installations from famous artists like Michael Loveland and Yoko Ono.

Days 9-10: Erie

This pretty port city sits around 130 miles due north of Pittsburgh, on the shores of Lake Erie. It’s laced with trails tracing craggy cliffs, dense woods and gorges sliced by waterfalls, with sailboats plying the southernmost of the Great Lakes. First, spend a few hours learning about the region’s long nautical history at the Erie Maritime Museum . Docked behind the building is a replica of the US Brig Niagara , which played a significant role in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812, in which the US Navy defeated six British warships. This year, the museum will look skyward on 8 April: head to its plaza for total solar eclipse celebrations as skies darken over Erie during this rare celestial phenomenon. And you can find illumination once again at the area’s three lighthouses, including Presque Isle Lighthouse , in operation since 1873. It opens for the season in April, allowing visitors to climb the tower for striking blue views, then join a tour of the keeper’s home, which still reflects its 19th-century French architectural roots.

Related Topics

• EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL
• MODERN HISTORY
• LIVING HISTORY

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