free field trips for summer camps

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Backyard Summer Camp

Have the best summer ever in your own backyard!

15+ Field Trip Ideas for an Educational DIY Summer Camp

These field trip ideas are a fun treat that’s sure to add something special to your DIY summer camp at home.

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If you’re planning a DIY summer camp for your kids this summer, be sure to include a few family field trips!

They can be anything that gets you out of the house for a bit. A change of scenery is essential for beating boredom and using up that endless supply of energy.

Field trips are usually a mix of fun and educational. If that reminds you of school, our ideas are a bit of the same, but there’s so much more you can do when it’s just your family.

Check out our tips for making your trip fun and simple, then get inspired by our suggestions below.

Family field trip tips

• Plan your field trip to fit your weekly summer camp theme .
• Organize a few bigger items that need planning (the zoo), but make a list of places you can go on the spur of the moment too (the library).
• Look for discounts! Locally, our zoo is half-price on Wednesdays and our library has free passes to a history museum. Some places also offer reduced admission after a certain time of day.
• Some of the best things to do are free. Don’t feel like you need to make your family field trip into a big production.
• Although our list is mostly educational, don’t worry too much about that part. Kids are always learning!

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Fun field trip ideas

Museum or historical site.

Big museums that focus on art, science, or history are easy to find and provide hours of fun and learning. Don’t overlook a smaller local gallery or historical site. An old cemetery, church, or business can be educational too.

Arboretum or botanic gardens

An arboretum or botanic garden is a great way to explore nature and plants you might not see in your neighborhood. While some focus on local plants, others may grow plants from around the world.

Check the calendar to see if your location offers summer programs for kids, such as chats with an arborist or guided tours. If you’ll be outdoors, be sure to plan for the weather and lots of walking.

Local business or facility

Having your child tag along on your weekly grocery shopping trip can be a field trip! Give them tasks to do, such as finding items on the list or comparing prices to practice math.

For more unique ideas, visit your local post office, recycling center , government office, or factory to learn how things are made.

Planetarium

You can find a planetarium at a science museum or local university. They offer children an amazing glimpse at the night sky that you won’t find in your own backyard.

Zoo or aquarium

Zoos and aquariums offer kids (and adults) the opportunity to see wild animals up close in a safe environment. Look for facilities that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums , which ensures animals are being cared for in the best ways.

Many zoos and aquariums have summer programs such as keeper chats or traveling exhibits.

Fire station

Visiting a fire station has a double benefit. First, it’s exciting to see fire trucks and meet firefighters in person. Second, letting kids meet and see first responders can help them understand that these people are there to protect them in an emergency.

Some stations even have special programs that teach kids fire safety. Contact your local fire station to find details.

Working farm

Both animal and crop farms may be open to the public for visits. Look for farms that offer pick-your-own produce or have special days for meeting the animals. Some may offer demonstrations and tours.

Visiting a farm not only exposes kids to the plants and animals there but gives them a connection to where their food comes from.

Escape room

Older kids and teens will enjoy the challenge of an escape room. Participants work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and get to the exit. This type of trip is even more fun if you bring along a few more friends.

Stage or movie theater

Keep cool in the heat and plan a few indoor field trips too. Get tickets to see a kid-friendly show at a local stage theater or catch a film in a movie theater. Several chains offer summer movie programs that screen older films at a discount.

Plan a few trips to your local public library this summer. Not only is it the best place to get books for summer reading , but many offer tons of other resources. Check with your library to find out about borrowing movies, board games, and other things.

Most also have a summer reading program with planned kids’ activities.

Volunteer organization

If you have older kids, signing up to volunteer is a great way to spend a summer day. Check with a food bank, animal shelter, and other nonprofits to find opportunities and requirements. They may have a minimum age and likely require parents to participate also.

Park, natural area, or water

When the weather is nice, plan a trip to a natural area. It could be as simple as visiting a park in a different neighborhood or a local pond or lake. For a bigger day trip, visit a state or national park.

For kids who love video games, plan to visit a retro arcade and introduce them to games you played as a kid. Arcades can get expensive fast, so plan ahead and set a budget, then be sure to jump in and have fun alongside your child!

Roller rink

For more retro fun, head out to skate at a roller rink. Kids of all ages will enjoy the challenge and it’s a creative way to get them moving.

Plan a special lunch or dinner at a restaurant you don’t visit often. You could try a new cuisine, practice fancy table manners at a casual place, or get silly and let the kids order dessert first!

Kids of all ages can benefit from exploring the world around them, especially by visiting places they’ve never been before. Add a few of these fun field trip ideas to your summer schedule or save them to include in your homeschool plans.

Play, craft, and learn all summer long

Plan your summer with the DIY Summer Camp Planner! Our step-by-step guide will help you organize a day, a week, or a whole summer of fun activities for your kids.

More fun ideas from Backyard Summer Camp:

• Summer Bucket List Ideas and Template
• 12 Imaginative Play Activities
• Printable List of Boredom Busters

About Keri Houchin

Keri is the creator of Backyard Summer Camp as well as her family lifestyle blog, One Mama's Daily Drama. She lives in Texas with her family, where she spent her kids' childhood summers planning fun activities to keep them entertained.

Follow @CampBackyard on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for inspiration to plan your own backyard summer camp with your family.

The Top 10 Fun Ideas for Summer Camp Field Trips

Summer camp field trips are often a fun and educational opportunity to spend time with your children while also providing them with new experiences. It is always a lot of fun, and it also provides you with a wonderful opportunity to form a stronger connection with your children.

These summer camp field trips are an excellent opportunity for your child to participate in learning about topics that they otherwise might not have had the chance to learn about at school. Through these summer camp field trips, children are given a chance to practice what they’ve learned in the classroom in a more practical setting. Kids will learn a lot more about the world around them as a result of these summer camp field trips.

It’s not like every day that you get an opportunity like this to connect with your children and make memories that you will hold dear for the rest of your life. We have therefore created a list of some exciting summer camp field trip ideas for you to consider taking your son or daughter on while they are on break from school during the summer in order to ensure that they have the best summer vacation. Let’s get started!

Go on Hiking

Hiking is a fantastic activity that enables kids to spend time outside and appreciate the natural world, which is why it is one of the best summer camp field trip ideas for you to try next summer. It’s also an excellent way for kids to experience exercise, which will help them stay healthy throughout their teenage years. Regarding summer camp field trips, hiking is one of those summer activities that you shouldn’t miss out on!

Pick a short and interesting hike filled with lots of wildlife and breathtaking views. Choose a trail that leads to a stunning view, a waterfall, a historic site, a stream, or a lake. Give kids a chance to stop and investigate anything that catches their interest along the way.

When you are hiking with your kids, you’ll understand that the trek no longer becomes about getting from point A to B but more about exploring the trail and what is on it. Give your kids some control, let them take the lead, make decisions on the spot, and allow them to lead when they feel comfortable doing so.

Explore Caves

Your children will have the chance to move beyond the realm of two-dimensional thinking and into the jaw-dropping, all-encompassing experience that is true discovery when they go on a cave tour. Caves can be thought of as underground mazes due to their many rooms.

When you explore a cave, you can get a close-up view of the steady transformation that rocks go through over time. Spelunking, which is the scientific term for exploring caves, can be a lot of fun, but you should always make sure you are with a knowledgeable guide who is familiar with the cave and the conditions inside it.

Caving is one of the best summer camp field trips that allow you to experience challenges and excitement side by side with your family and loved ones. In a real cave tour, you get to see your child’s bravery and excitement in a new world. Caving is the perfect challenge for the family, enabling father and daughter or mother and son to stand side by side and commit to challenges together.

Are you interested in caves you can visit with kids? Here is a great article for incredible caves: 9 Incredible Caves You Can Visit With Kids

Through these summer camp field trips, you’ll get to enjoy time together, enjoy each other’s company, spend some quality time on a challenging adventure, and have an event to share with your children as a story for years to come.

One of the most popular ideas for summer camp field trips is to take your kids to the zoo for a day. Zoo visits are a great way to learn about the animals that you’ll encounter on your travels. You can take a picnic lunch and explore the zoo before or after checking out some of its animals. Your kids will be thrilled to learn that they share the same planet with some of the most beautiful and exotic animals in the world.

A zoo visit is a great opportunity to introduce youngsters to new vocabulary and ideas while they explore the area. Additionally, these summer camp field trips to zoos promote conversation between parents, children, and even siblings. While out on a stroll with your kid, be sure to point out various animals and ask them questions about them. Their vocabulary and ability to comprehend information will both benefit from this.

Petting and feeding sections are available at many zoos, allowing children to feel more connected to the animals. Taking summer camp field trips will stimulate children’s natural curiosity, which in turn will foster learning and contribute to overall brain development.

See an Aquarium

Aquarium visits are the most popular summer camp field trip ideas among many. They are a great way to introduce kids to the ocean and its inhabitants. Taking your kids to an aquarium is a fun way for them to learn about other kinds of animals as well, including those that live in freshwater lakes or streams.

Your kids will have lots of questions about all the new things they are seeing. Answering those questions increases the dialogue between children and you and expands their understanding of new and interesting things.

There are unusual life forms under the sea, making it a great place to spark your child’s imagination. An appreciation for nature will also be planted in your child’s mind, which can grow into a lifelong love for learning about the ocean and the creatures living in it. The educational programs that are available can serve as a great place to get your child excited about science and learning in general.

Go Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is definitely one of the fun summer camp field trip ideas to catch the eyes of your kid who loves animals, as horses are quite majestic creatures that really come alive through learning about them in a camp setting.

Going on horseback riding summer camp field trips with your kid can be beneficial for both of you, as it can help increase both your physical abilities. If your children are curious about horseback riding, this is a great way for them to learn more about it. You are providing them with the opportunity to acquire vital life skills while also engaging in an activity that they enjoy.

Riding a horse not only encourages children’s healthy physical and emotional development but also teaches them how to collaborate with one another, be supportive of their peers, and assume a greater degree of responsibility. Your kids will definitely enjoy horseback riding lessons during their summer camp field trips.

Visit a Museum

No list of summer camp field trip ideas will be complete without adding a stop to a museum. When you take your children to a museum, you not only foster in them an interest in learning and a passion for education, but you also help them develop their ability to think critically. A good museum can serve as an excellent informal learning platform that can enhance more traditional forms of education.

For instance, after studying past civilizations in their textbooks, it might be intriguing for youngsters to see the actual tools and ornaments that people from that time period used to decorate themselves with. Through these summer camp field trips, kids get to witness a rtifacts such as genuine fossils, and dinosaur bones can also evoke feelings of awe and pique kids’ interest. Instead of only reading about something, children can experience it in a variety of ways, providing them with a more comprehensive and multisensory education.

It will stimulate all of their other senses, which will ultimately contribute to improved retention and recall of key information. Interacting with your children as they explore a museum allows you to ask them questions about what they are seeing and experiencing, which can lead to further discussion on related topics when they return home.

Planting Outdoor Gardens

Planting outdoor gardens is an excellent educational tool for instilling in young people values of sustainability, respect for the natural world, and a wholesome diet. It’s also a fun activity that your child will enjoy doing together with their friends or family members. You can spice up the activity by introducing different types of plants, bugs, or insects in your garden.

You should definitely consider adding this to your summer camp field trip ideas list, as your son or daughter will be able to learn new things and develop important life skills such as responsibility, persistence, and hard work as they maintain the garden by watering, weeding, or trimming.

In addition to this, it is an excellent strategy for luring children away from the television or computer screen and into the fresh air, where they may be amused. In the meantime, you can have a conversation on the significance of cultivating a green environment and the various ways in which we can assist in the maintenance and conservation of the earth. This is one of those summer camp field trip ideas that’ll be an exciting experience for the entire family.

Hit the Beach

Summer camp field trips can’t go wrong with some fresh air, sun, and sand castles! With plenty of open spaces, your kids will have loads of space to run around and explore while they make a mess on the beach. You can pack your day with fun activities that you can do on the beach, such as building sandcastles, digging in the sand, playing with toy boats, going on treasure hunts, and searching for seashells.

You can take your family on a picnic to the beach, and your children will have a great time doing so because it is an exciting and enjoyable way to have a scrumptious lunch or snack on the sand.

While your children are having a good time at the beach, you can provide them with plenty of tasty treats, such as sandwiches, drinks, and even desserts, that they may enjoy.

If you like beach camping? here are some tips for beach camping: Beach Camping Checklist [Essentials For Beach Camping Trips]

Take a Chocolate Factory Tour

Up next on our summer camp field trip ideas list is something that your little sweet tooth will love. The moment your kids learn that they are going to a chocolate factory, they will become very excited and happy. Visiting a chocolate factory will be one of the best summer camp field trips ever for your kids!

A chocolate factory tour is something your kids will surely look forward to because, aside from being able to sample different types of chocolate, they also get to watch the entire process of making it.

Chocolate factory tours are fun summer camp field trips for your kids, and they’ll come home with unforgettable memories. When signing up for a chocolate factory tour, look for one that’s really a tour rather than a show. A true chocolate factory tour will show you how things are actually made and is also engaging enough for kids to love!

Watch a Movie Together

Lastly, on our list of summer camp field trip ideas, we recommend watching a movie together as a family in a theater or at home. Either way, it’ll be a great cover for the times you missed being with your kids. Watching movies with your child will not just be quality time but also fun learning hours.

Watching movies together with children can be a strong step toward emotional bonding. It will enhance your understanding of how your child feels in certain situations.

Your children may also break the shell and try communicating about what is happening to them, maybe among friends or at school. It will also promote you as a reliable person for your children to rely on.

Wrap It Up!

Summer camp field trips are a terrific way to connect with your kids and reconnect as a family, all while allowing them to learn new things about the world around them. Although each child is a unique individual, we believe summer camp field trips are beneficial for all kids.

No matter what your child’s interests are, these summer camp field trip ideas help children develop important social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Best of all, these summer camp field trips will help children create memories that last a lifetime.

Family camping is the best thing to do to spend your time with family. Also, there are some cool family camping games that you can play with your kids.

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27 Summer Camp Activities to Spice Up the Summer Camp Atmosphere!

How do you keep kids entertained and active all summer long at camp? You need a long list of fun, exciting, challenging ideas for summer camp activities that everyone will love. Great camp activities help build your program’s community spirit and offer something new to campers that keep them coming back every summer.  

From games to crafts, projects, experiments, and more, here is a list of 27 programming activities that will engage and delight kids of all ages. If you’re looking for more accessible activities that can work for kids who are in wheelchairs or who have neuromuscular disorders, check out this blog post.

1. Field day

Kids of all ages love Field Day where they can try their hands at all sorts of outdoor challenges. Set up several stations with group activities like a three-legged race, water balloon hot potato, relay race with eggs on spoons, potato sack race, beanbag toss, sprinkler limbo, super soaker tag, etc. Use your imagination to come up with fun outdoor games that let the kids get wet, dirty, and exhausted. Group kids by cabins, start each at a single station and have them rotate to a new station when they hear the air horn blow.

Looking for an activity that doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment? Try Cup-for-Cup, where all you need are plastic cups, buckets, and water.

• Each group stands in a line and the first person fills their cup from a bucket of water.
• Next, they lift the cup over their head and pour it backwards, trying to get as much water as possible in the cup of the person behind them.
• This passes to the last person in line, who pours all remaining water into an empty bucket.
• Groups repeat the process and can’t move to the next activity until they reach a fill line.

2. Cabin carnival

Give kids time in the morning to brainstorm a fun carnival game they can create with things they find in their cabins or outside in nature. Then set aside the afternoon for the kids to rotate from cabin to cabin playing carnival games they made. 

You can also provide some basic supplies such as:

• Empty cups and bottles
• Ping pong balls
• Rubber ducks

Instead of prizes, you can give each cabin a stamp or a sticker that campers can collect as they complete each activity. 

3. Junkyard Wars

Based on an old TV series from the early 2000s, give campers a task to build a machine using only the items you give them. Depending on the time available and the age of your campers, you can make this as simple or as involved as you want.

If your campers are safe using tools, one fun idea is to challenge them to build a catapult with scrap lumber, ropes, and cloth to launch water balloons. Split campers into groups, and then have them compete to see which catapult can send a water balloon the furthest. For younger kids, or indoor spaces, give them lightweight materials and tape, and see if they can build a cage for an egg. Each team will drop their cages from different heights to see which protects the egg from the highest. No matter which junk you choose, this is one of our favorite summer camp activities.

4. Myth Busters 

This list of myth buster activities offers a bunch of different examples for kids, and many of them don’t require a ton of special equipment. A few that can work well at camp are:

• Comparing fingerprints using an ink pad and paper
• Getting campers to yawn to see if it’s really contagious
• Setting a table with second hand plates to see if you can really pull a table close out without breaking anything.

If you wait for a particularly hot day you can do the egg test, where you crack an egg on a hot surface to see if the sun will really cook it.

5. Alka Seltzer rockets

What kid doesn’t love creating a rocket and launching it into space? And what could be better than an alkaline-seltzer powered rocket that uses simple parts and teaches a bit of science? PlayfulLearning.net has downloadable instructions and a template for rocket decorations. Kids can create their own rockets and measure whose goes the farthest.

6. Nature scavenger hunt

Scavenger hunts are always popular, and you can make these as simple or as challenging as you’d like, depending on the age of your campers.

Here’s one downloadable nature scavenger hunt we really like. Another tip is to research the plants and birds that are local to your camp, and create your list that way.

One note: If there are any poisonous plants that campers might come into contact with, train them on how to identify and avoid them before you get this activity started.

7. Water balloon dodge ball

Playing dodge ball is more fun when it involves water balloons. This is an excellent activity for those hot days at summer camp when the kids want a fun way to cool off. You can give teams different colored balloons and track which one has the most hits. Then have the top two teams square off for a final dodge ball war.

8. Ninja Warrior course

You may not have a warped wall, but that doesn’t mean you can’t adapt your existing camp apparatus, and add to it, to make a fun and safe obstacle course.

You can also get creative by using items in and around camp in new ways. Boxes, tree stumps, chairs, and more can be incorporated into a challenging obstacle course. 

You can separate the kids into teams and have them do a relay race through the obstacle course. The first team with all members successfully through the course wins.

9. Human Foosball

While there are online instructions for building foosball courts that require preparation, you can also do this by drawing 12 rectangles using chalk in an open field. Each player has to stay in their defined space, from which they must pass the ball to their teammates. 

Once you get your court set up, kids will enjoy this fun teamwork activity every summer. 

10. Talent show

Kids love showing off their incredible talents. All you need is a stage and a place for your audience to sit. 

Give the kids free time to plan their acts and rehearse, then hold your talent show in the evening after dinner. Make it even more fun for the kids by supplying an assortment of props they can use in their act.

If you’re worried that some of the shyer campers might not participate, encourage a few counselors to suggest a group act for their whole cabin.

11. Solar oven cooking

S’mores aren’t just for campfires—kids can cook s’mores in their solar ovens too.  You need aluminum foil, a pizza box, and a few other supplies to create an oven to melt s’mores into a gooey mess that kids love. Find instructions for building solar ovens here . You know if NASA says it’s fun, that it absolutely must be!

12. Volcanoes

Kids love creating erupting volcanoes . This is a fun way to learn a little science and get muddy at the same time. 

You can find an easy outdoor volcano project here. All you need is a water bottle, baking soda, vinegar, and dirt. To make it even more fun, you can include a little red food coloring, so it looks like real lava spewing from the volcano. 

13. Woodshop

Kids love working with wood and learning how to handle woodworking tools. Here is a collection of comfortable woodworking projects kids can make. You can start with simple projects, and as the children master safely using woodworking tools, you can move to more complex projects like birdhouses or hanging planters. It can be fun for kids to have several wood projects from their summers at camp.

If you don’t have a woodshop at your camp, popsicle stick projects can be the next best thing. Check through this list of 50 popsicle stick projects to do with kids. A few of our favorite suggestions are:

• Marble mazes
• Picture frames
• Miniature hockey sticks

14. The Beadery

Kids love making bracelets, necklaces, sun catchers, and more with beads. Stock your Beadery with wooden, plastic, metal, glass, and other beads, and offer plenty of stringing cords. Have a few designs on how to give the kids ideas and then set them loose to create their amazing pieces. You can also have a variety of cord, string, or yarn to show kids how to make friendship bracelets.

Another fun bead project is making homemade fidget spinners, which work especially well for kids with ADHD. Using bendable wire to make a shape, and thread on larger beads that will spin around. Campers can hang these from lanyards around their necks and use them to help maintain focus during activities.

15. Bird feeders

A simple way to make bird feeders is covering an empty toilet paper roll with peanut butter , rolling it in bird seed and running a string through the middle for hanging. Or if you have a woodshed, you can make more complex bird feeders. Have the kids track the different kinds of birds that show up over the summer at their feeders. Make sure they have plenty of supplies to keep their feeders full. Create a printable sheet of birds in your area and have the kids check them off their list as they see them.

16. Tie-dying

Another activity that doesn’t get old summer after summer is tie-dying. Parents Magazine shows ten simple ways you can tie-dye shirts to create stripes, dots, swirls, and more. After designing their tie-dyed shirts and following the instructions for curing and drying the dyed shirts, schedule a tie-dye day and have all kids dress in their shirts. You can have them vote for their favorite design, favorite colors, and more.

A smaller but just as fun approach uses coffee filters . Campers can use markers to make colorful designs, and then get the tie-dye effect by dripping water on the filters. You can even turn these little projects into cute butterflies using clothespins.

17. Gardens

Kids naturally gravitate towards playing in the dirt, so use that desire to grow a garden. Use fast-growing seeds like green beans and give the kids time every day to tend their patch in the garden. Here are instructions on how to make your seed tape kids can plant in the garden. They’ll learn how food goes from farm to table and make it even more memorable by giving them the opportunity to cook the food they grow and serve it to their peers.

18. Indoor games

Have these indoor games in your back pocket for rainy days. Play balloon tennis with balloons, fly swatters, and a net or rope strung between chairs. Another fun indoor game is a DIY laser maze or an indoor golf course that the kids can build themselves. Give them plenty of boxes and cans and set them free to create a challenging indoor putt-putt course.

19. Cooking

Introduce the kids to cooking, but make it fun and crafty too. Use this recipe to make two-ingredient pizza dough that requires no yeast. Give a portion to each camper, and lay out all sorts of toppings. These can be sweet, savory, spicy, whatever you like.

Let each camper make their custom combination cook them in foil packets. Then, like a cooking show, go around in a circle while everyone eats and have them name and describe their dish. You can also incorporate ingredients from your garden into your toppings.

Recipes can also make for a fun ice breaker. Give campers index cards and have them write out their favorite food, meal, or recipe. Mix the cards and have each camper choose one and read it aloud. Then the rest of the group tries to guess whose recipe it is. At the end of the activity gather all the cards and use them to make a cookbook to send home with campers at the end of summer.

20. Storytelling

Let the kids write their story ideas on a piece of paper, then fold them up and put them in a jar or a hat. You could separate the kids by cabins or let them choose their partners to work together to act out the story prompt they pick. Again, provide plenty of props to help them be creative and explore their theatrical sides.

Another variation of this is writing collaborative stories. Have each camper write two sentences on a large piece of paper. Then have them fold over the first sentence and pass the paper so the next camper can only read the second sentence. As the paper gets passed, each camper can only write a new line based on the one they see. At the end, have campers read the stories aloud to see how silly they have become over the course of the activity.

21. Field trips for summer camp activities

Field trips away from camp add fun variety to summer. Favorites often include fire stations, factories, museums, libraries, or zoos. You can also take kids to local water parks, the movies bowling, or to play mini golf. 

There are ways to go on adventures that don’t involve bus rides and logistics. Ask each camper to plan their dream vacation. Ask them where they would go, how they would get there, and what they would do. They can present their plan to fellow campers.

If your campers prefer art projects, give them a printed outline of a country and have them make an artistics interpretation of it using whatever supplies they can find. They lay them out in a world map orientation and hang it somewhere everyone will see.

22. Olympics

Much like a Field Day, your Olympics should include plenty of familiar games and sports. Use a mixture of individual sports like a hundred-yard dash or swimming two laps in the pool and team sports like soccer, kickball, or volleyball. You can have cabins compete against each other and attend an awards ceremony at the end of the day for the first, second, and third place teams and individuals.

23. Game show

Trivia is a great indoor activity, and one well-suited to kids who have limited mobility or are in wheelchairs (get more tips for campers with neuromuscular disorders here). You can use this list of questions to get you started. One approach we love is including trivia questions about your camp. When was it founded? How many campers attend each summer? How old is the camp director? There are all sorts of ways to fold your camp culture into this activity.

If you do end up playing trivia outdoors, you can include physical challenges. We also won’t try and persuade you from involving a little sliming action, if that feels right.

24. Camp newspaper

Start a camp newspaper. Have the kids brainstorm the different sections they want like news articles, features stories, editorials, sports, classified, etc. They might even want to include a daily crossword puzzle. 

If you want to save paper, or don’t have a printer, you can change this to a camp news station instead. Have campers volunteer to be reports or anchors, and let them read headlines and stories aloud before meals or at camp fires.

It can be especially fun to have campers interview each other or members of the staff to learn more about the people they see every day.

25. Campfires

Camp wouldn’t be complete without a campfire. It’s a time to make s’mores, sing camp songs, and hear ghost stories. There are also fun campfire games that are great additions and don’t need a lot of prep work to play. Some of our favorites are:

• Telephone – Have kids pass a sentence from kid to kid and see if they can go all the way around the fire without it changing
• Two truths and a lie – Let each kid share facts about their life and see if the others can identify which isn’t true

26. Inventions

Play the “what if” game to encourage children to come up with their creative inventions. For example, ask the kids, “What if when you flushed the toilet, it whisked you away to China?” Give them time together to brainstorm their invention ideas, and have them create a name, slogan, and sales pitch. You could offer ribbons for categories like Most Creative, Most Useful, etc.

Another variation of this is “Make a Better Mousetrap.” Basically, you show them an existing product, and have different teams come up with ways to improve it.

27. Life-sized board games

Another fun activity is creating life-sized board games the kids can play. For example, use spray paint on the grass to map out a checkers board with the kids as the pieces. Or spray paint a tic-tac-toe board and have the kids represent X’s and O’s. If you have older kids, you could create a chess board and have the kids be the pawns, rooks, Bishop, etc. for an to make an interactive activity.

Final thoughts on summer camp activities

Your summer activities program can be the highlight of your kids’ summer. These ideas should give you plenty of ways to create a memorable camp experience—one that keeps kids coming back summer and summer.

We’d like to hear your unique ideas for summer camp activities. What are some great ideas we should add to this list?

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The Tech Challenge Final Showcase | April 27 & 28 | More Info

Field Trips

• Know Before You Go

Science Labs

Innovation labs.

• IMAX Films for Field Trips
• Field Trip FAQ

Now Booking for 2023 - 2024 Field Trips!

All the resources you need to plan for a successful field trip to The Tech Interactive. 

Request a Field Trip

Experiences

The Tech Interactive has many options to choose from when it comes to building a custom field trip for your students. With exhibits, programs, and films for all ages, we’re sure to have something for everyone in your group!

53,000 square feet of interactive experiences sure to delight and engage innovators of all ages.

Explore Exhibits

60-90 minutes

Hands-on and minds-on facilitated sessions that offer deeper learning experiences to reinforce scientific concepts, help students develop 21st century skills and become the problem solvers of tomorrow. 

See Our Science Labs

Facilitated sessions of certain exhibits that offer a deeper engagement and exploration of the engineering design process and computational thinking.

See Our Innovation Labs

Educational IMAX Films

40-45 minutes

From the microscopic to the cosmic, IMAX films offer thrilling adventures in new worlds! 

BioTinkering Lab

In this evolving workspace, you can try creative biodesign activities, explore genetics with scientists from Stanford, participate in community projects, and experiment with new biotechnology. Use real lab tools to grow objects with living things, analyze DNA, design your own biomaterials and more.

Explore the Lab

The Tech Studio

Everyone’s a maker in this collaborative space! Explore your problem-solving potential with guided experiences in STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

See Our Activities

Field Trip Hours 2023-2024

School field trip hours:.

• Tuesday - Friday Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024, The Tech Interactive will be open to school groups from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; open to the public starting at 10 a.m.

Summer field trip hours:

• Tuesday - Friday June 21, 2023 - July 28, 2023, The Tech Interactive will be open to summer camps, schools, and programs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Beginning Aug. 1, 2023, The Tech will close at 3 p.m. 

We know that COVID-19 has made planning difficult this year, but we also know how important and inspiring a field trip can be for young people! Accordingly, we will be taking field trip reservations as we normally would, but if public health or school district guidelines change between the time of booking and your planned visit, we will work with you to reschedule your trip or refund your payment. You can also explore our Book A STEMbassador  schedule.

Field Trip Pricing 2023-2024

School field trips available Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024. Summer 2024 field trips available June 11, 2024 - Aug. 2, 2024.

Title I Schools*

Admission:  Fee waived

IMAX educational film:  $6 per student, $6 per chaperone, $6 IMAX Snack Pack**

Admission + IMAX combo:  N/A

Science Lab (60-90 minutes):  Scholarship provided; pre- and post-visit activity. Available Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024

Innovation Lab ** (45 minutes): No additional charge for school groups; pre-registration strongly recommended.

Non-Title I Schools

Admission: $7 per student

IMAX educational film:  $6 per student, $6 per chaperone, $6 IMAX Snack Pack

Admission + IMAX combo: $11 per student, $6 per chaperone, $6 IMAX Snack Pack

Science Lab (60-90 minutes): $300 per class of 32; minimum of 12 required.   Available Sept. 5, 2023 - June 7, 2024

Summer Camps

Admission: $7 per child

IMAX educational film:  $6 per child, $6 per chaperone, $6 IMAX Snack Pack

Admission + IMAX combo: $11 per child, $6 per chaperone, $6 IMAX Snack Pack

Science Lab (60-90 minutes): N/A

Innovation Lab** (45 minutes): N/A

Important Details

* If 40% or more of the students in your program meet the federal guidelines for free or reduced-price lunch, you are eligible for this discount.

**IMAX Snack Pack must be ordered in advance. Includes popcorn, small water, and a treat.

• Payment is due three (3) weeks after your reservation is confirmed
• Please ensure your student counts are accurate. No refunds will be issued for unused general admission and IMAX tickets. 
• Chaperones within the required adult to child ratio will be provided free admission. Please see our Field Trip Planning page for more information on chaperone requirements. 

Welcome to the revitalized FieldTripFactory.Org!

Featured Field Trips

Big al's aquarium supercentres.

• 8 Locations - Canada

Jr K-8th | Special Needs

Izzy the Adventurer at Giant Eagle

• Online Experience

PreK-3 | Special Needs

The ComEd Powering Lives Community Center

• Chicago, Illinois

Gr 6-Adult | Special Needs

Coming in 2024

We're just getting started!

• More programming
• More resources
• Add your field trip
• ... and even more!

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We'd love to hear your ideas on programs and resources to add! Send us your thoughts on our contact form...

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Our Services

Design + development.

We've been helping organizations and businesses connect with the communities they serve for over 30 years.

Scheduling + Booking

Our cloud-based scheduling system keeps booking orgs and location staff aware of what's going on at all times.

Outreach + Awareness

We've built an ever-growing network to get field trips seen and heard in the communities they serve.

Community + Staff Support

Our Community Support Team is ready to help booking organizations and location staff via phone, chat, and email.

• Helping connect organizations to the communities they serve for over 30 years....

In-Store Field Trips at Giant Eagle are Currently Unavailable

What can you do?

• Add your name to our Email Sign Up (up top page nav)
• This will ensure you get notified when new programming in your area (including Giant Eagle) is added or restarted
• Enjoy the new ‘ Izzy the Adventurer ‘ online content provided by Giant Eagle which is free, on-demand, and includes activities!

FieldTripFactory.Org is constantly working to add new programming and restart old favorites!

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Find awesome listings near you.

Summer & School-Break Camps

Green glowing liquids, strange objects flying through the air, messages written in secret code, autonomous robots, mystery substances that change from solid to liquid in seconds. Is this another planet? No, it's a Mad Science camp!

After-School Programs

Our after-school programs are as fun as they are educational. Our hands-on science programs cover different science topics including electricity, magnetism, optics, biology and more. They are a perfect break between school and homework!

Birthday Parties

We’re here to make sure that your child’s birthday is everything they’ve dreamed of! Our chemical reaction experiments, rocket launches, hovercraft rides, cotton candy making, and ready-to-go Goody Bags, loaded with multiple science-themed toys, are sure to make their day extra special!

In-School Programs

Assemblies & Shows

Say goodbye to boring school assemblies and events! Grab your students' attention while providing your entire school with educational and entertaining science shows and fun stations. Perfect for your science nights!

In-class Field Trips & Workshops

Would you like to enhance your science curriculum? Mad Science offers educational and fun science workshops for kids that reinforce concepts taught in class! All workshops are curriculum correlated to California state and provincial standards!

Science Nights & Fun-stations

Looking for an entertained STEM based science night? Our interactive science fun stations provide one hour of hands-on entertainment for students to participate in. You can even add a an interactive show similar to assemblies.

Programs for Organizations, Corporates, Day Cares

Shows, Workshops, Fun Stations

Our stage shows and fun stations will captivate all your guests on any occasion. Our children's events are hassle-free, adaptable, and action-packed! They are perfect for library programs, company parties, community center events, and much more!

Preschool Programs

Looking for entertainment for your preschool or day care? We offer shows and workshops for the little scientists too! Our shows and workshops teach them basic science for that age group with lots of fun and excitement.

STEM Saturdays        10am-1pm

Upcoming Events

Our mission is to inspire scientific wonder, learning, and pursuit.

Conservation Ecology Internship

Apply by April 26th

STEM activities for middle school- Project-based internship to teach young people how to reserve natural resources

STEM Saturdays

Every Saturday from 10am-1pm

Free programs and activities for families of young children, available weekly - a south suburban children's museum.

Girls STEAM Celebration

See you next year!

An exciting event for 6th-12th grade students to explore STEAM careers and have fun!

Summer Camps

Register today

Engaging out-of-school STEM experiences for children

Chicago Southland STEM Network

April 25th - "Spring Into Nature" - Register today!

Platform for diverse stakeholders to covene about STEM education and workforce development

Field Trips

Now booking PreK-8th grade

STEM field trips and explore play at Homewood Science Center

Challenge Island | The World's #1 STEM and STEAM Program

The World's #1 STEM/STEAM Program Providing Award-Winning Afterschool Classes, In-School Field Trips, Camps, Girl Scout Workshops, Parties, and More! Featuring F2F and Virtual Options.

Award-Winning Onsite Field Trips

Send your k-12 students on an action-packed, standard-aligned, steam-based island adventure without ever leaving school grounds, 15,000 schools have experienced the magic of challenge island standard-aligned field trips, choose from 100’s of field trips including these spotlighted “destinations”, our range of field trip options is vast and comprehensive. our field trip specialist will help design a perfect challenge island experience for your school’s unique curricular goals and personality..

Monster Truck Arena

Rev up your students’ engineering engines for an unforgettable ride through forces and motion, speed and energy, and marvelous monster truck design.

Ring of Fire Restaurant

Shake, rattle and sushi roll into steam learning in this one of a kind earthquake adventure set along the pacific ring of fire. steam teams are challenged to open their own japanese restaurants and design furniture that can withstand a major shake up.

Courageous Cave Rescue

This action-packed challenge is based on the real life cave rescue of a thai boys soccer team that became trapped inside a cave by a monsoon. steam teams recreate the famous rescue of the wild boars soccer team learning about extreme weather, caves and rocks, buoyancy and viscosity, world cultures and geography, and of course all design and engineering during this unbelievable and inspiring steam adventure..

STEAM Tank Entrepreneur

A perfect swirling of engineering and entrepreneurship, this popular field trip has steam teams innovating, strategizing and designing as they open their own businesses. choose which kind of business your students will create (options include a pizza parlor, a candy store, a pet salon and a haunted house) and your students will take it from there. can they convince the island sharks to let them open their business at challenge island mall don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind entrepreneurial experience.

Emperor Penguin Pop

During this colossally cool field trip, students take an imaginary trip to antarctic where they learn about the marvelous emperor penguin and the incredible adaptations that allow the adorable species to survive living in extreme cold and surrounded by hungry predators. students then engineer a popping penguin game that incorporates all that they’ve learned during this icy steam adventure..

Mount Vesuvius Eruption

During this red-hot field trip that combines engineering with states of matter, your students will time travel back to pompeii, italy in 79 ad where they will “experience” the historical eruption of mount vesuvius. they will collaborate, communicate, problem solve and create with their steam teams as they design volcano-safe houses for the residents of pompeii. can your class keep the people of pompeii lava-free when vesuvius blows its top.

Bigfoot Treetop Trek

Steam teams delve into the intriguing north american myth of bigfoot and use engineering and measuring skills to get their steam team safely through the forest. they use evidence-based judgement and critical thinking skills to assess whether bigfoot is real or not real as they roll full speed ahead into the unknown.

Simple Machine Treehouse

During this groovy simple machines-focused field trip, students time travel back to the 1970’s – a simpler time filled with pet rocks and treehouses. these concepts swirl together into an unforgettable adventure where designing pet rock treehouses is powered by all six types of simple machines..

Mechanical Engineer Orange Grove

During this juicy field trip, students learn about the farm to table process and what happens in an orange packing factory. your steam teams will take on the role of mechanical engineers as they design and build a complex orange sorting machine using various simple machines and their infinite creativity. this field trip culminates with a refreshing treat celebrating the fruits of their efforts.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

This adventurous field trip combines engineering, geography, climate zones, biomes and animal habitats as students embark on an extreme expedition to the the “roof of africa.” can they keep their steam team safe as they descend down the mountain through five different animal-filled biomes including arctic ice, alpine desert, moorlands, rainforest and finally, civilization.

Super STEAMio Jump

During this bouncing physics-focused field trip, students jump into potential and kinetic energy and elasticity their steam team’s challenge to create a super steamio game course through hot lava that will send a marble plumber bouncing his way through hot lava and evil turtles toward rescuing challenge island’s pineapple princess. this popular field trip choice is so much fun that students don’t even notice how much they are learning..

Hydra Head Launch

Hercules needs your students’ help to defeat the horrific greek mythological monster hydra steam teams must follow the challenge island steambuilding steps to design a hydra head launching machine that uses hydra’s poisonous breath (also known as air power) to rocket her snaky heads as far away as possible. the only problem is that every time one hydra head is launched, 2 grow back in its place.

Dracula's Blood Drive

A monstrous mashup of history, biology, circulatory systems and slime, this popular field trip introduces students to the legend of dracula while teaching them about red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. students will learn about blood types and the role of each part of blood in keeping people healthy and create challenge island’s trademark “blood” slime .

Jukebox Spin

Get ready to rock around the clock with us on the 50th day or any day this fifties-themed steam adventure revolves around forces and motion, potential and kinetic energy, and a good old fashioned sock hop.

Challenge Island Book Series Field Trips

During our signature book series adventures, steam teams work together to build a bridge over shark-infested waters or race across the amazon rainforest, just like the characters do in our bestselling challenge island books.

STEAMwarts Academy

During this spellbinding adventure at steamwarts academy, our steam teams explore states of matter, chemical and physical change and other marvelous sciency magic.

Wonderful Galaxy

This one-of-a-kind field trip integrates themes of kindness, empathy and compassion with space science and rocket-building. our proprietary steambuilding experience is at the heart of this very special challenge island adventure..

We Offer Year Round Onsite Field Trip Adventures

Challenge Island Offers 100’s of Standard-Aligned Field Trip Options Including These STEAMtastic Monthly Adventures!

Learn About Title 1, Title 4 and ESSER 2 Field Trip Funding

STEAM + Reading = STREAM!

Combine the magic of challenge island programs with the magic of reading with our bestselling book series.

Our STREAMy Onsite, Standard-Aligned Book Series Field Trips bring the story to life in your classroom!

Our Book Series Add-On Packages are a STREAMy Addition to Any Challenge Island Field Trip!

Add on to our signature bridge to sharktooth island adventure or to any of our 100’s of field trip themes., treasure chest package.

This gem of a schoolwide STEAM adventure is our most exquisite option: A 1.5-hour field trip, individual books for every child, book companion guides for every teacher and a schoolwide virtual author visit!

Palm Tree Package

This breezy schoolwide or grade level STEAM adventure includes a 1.5-hour field trip, a book and book companion guide for each participating classroom + a book purchase option for individual students!

Pineapple Package

This sweet STEAM adventure includes a 1.5-hour field trip, a book for the school library, teacher companion guides for participating classrooms + a book purchase option for individual students.

Main Website Contact Form

Contact us to learn more.

A Member of Our Challenge Island Ohana Will Reach Out to You Soon!

COVID-19: Things To Do, Virtual Classes, and Resources to Stay Safe and Informed

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School & Activities

• Field Trips
• Charter Schools
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• Home School
• Fundraising
• Learn on the Web
• Educational Resources
• Arts & Crafts
• Animal Encounters
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Children’s Art Classes

• Places To Party
• Special Themes

Children’s Art Classes offers your child a real studio-based art education. Nine month programs of study to include painting, drawing, design, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and much more.

• History, Cultural & Civics

About 30 program choices are offered in a variety of topics and field trips include time to explore the Museum, including Traveling Exhibits.

Orange Park Art Classes

• Arts & Crafts

We provide the instruction, art supplies and endless creative opportunities for our students!

All School & Activities In "Field Trips"

After Glow Experience

• Entertainment

Capture exciting moments with friends and family while giving everyone a keepsake to take home. 

Agricultural Canning Center

Students will learn about the canning process, watch cans as they are sealed, and learn the difference between high acid and low acid foods.

Amazing Grace Crop Maze

• Outdoors & Nature

Field trips available during October and November.

Amelia Island Lighthouse Tours

• Nature & Outdoors
• Historical Sites

Tours are available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 10am.

Amelia Island Museum of History

Housed in the historic Nassau County jail, the Amelia Island Museum of History showcases the island’s 4,000 years of Florida history.

There are four tours and presentations for students at the museum.

Anastasia Mini Golf

• Mini-Golf/Disc Golf Courses
• Physical Activities

18 Hole Miniature Golf Course in historic St. Augustine. Ice-Cream & cold drinks available. Open 7 days a week.

Anastasia State Park

Ranger-guided nature walks along the beach or through the marsh, as well as ranger show and tell.

Andrew Jackson High School of Advanced Technology

A Dedicated Magnet school that offers students programs in Cybersecurity, the Video Game Design, the Sports Medicine and Biomechanics, or the Air Force JROTC and Drone Flight. Students can also earn an Associate of Science degree in Networking Systems, IT Cybersecurity, through a partnership with Fl

Anne Miller - Private Art Lessons

Private Art lessons for children of 12 and above. Learn the basic principles of Color Theory, Value application, Proportions, Shape and Figure construction, Drawing and Painting techniques.

Anti Bullying Program with Magician Mark Alan

• Health & Safety

Mark Alan presents an anti-bullying program that’s sure to make a difference at your elementary school or public library.

Apple Store Field Trips

Area parks websites.

Find a local park for your next outdoor field trip.

Artist Series - School Performances

Age appropriate productions held throughout the year.

ArtLife World

• Special Needs

ArtLife World is a cultural arts resource with virtual and on-site programs for schools, organizations, groups and families.

Arts Corner

• Indoor Play

Art space in Arlington that offers art education, cultural experiences, art exercises, classes and parties.

Arts Ignited

Kids or adults choose the piece of pottery and the paint they want, paint their pottery, and then get it glazed and fired to pick up in a few days.

Auntie Annie’s Pretzels

Take a field trip to the St Johns Town Center to make pretzels.

Autobahn Indoor Speedway Field Trips

Field Trip Opportunities

Batt Family Fun Center

32 Bowling Lanes, 8 of which are in a private VIP area.  Snack Bar, Lounge, Krazie Glow Golf, Arcade-Video Games, and Laser Tag.

• Amusement & Water Parks
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• Kids Eat Free
• Ongoing Events
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• Things to Do
• This Month's Events
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• Explore All Categories

Welcome to the MN Field Trip Library!

This is your best resource for activities & field trips.

The MN Field Trip & Activity Library is a free resource for schools & groups of all types, all sizes and all ages that helps PLANNERS like you find MN’s  BEST  field trips, activities, entertainers, camps and even livestream programs! Plus fundraising programs that can generate needed funding!

Work Directly With Providers, Attractions & Destinations!

Check out the many MN providers in the menus displayed above.   Best of all, we’re not a booking service, so you can work directly with each Provider!

We have 5 easy and free ways to find and engage with providers, destinations and entertainers. Click on any of the buttons below to learn more!

BASE CAMP • NORTHERN STAR SCOUTING

Field Trip Destination for Scout Troops, Schools, Youth Groups and even Corporate Team Building • Click Pic for more info

WILL BJORNDALL, WILL SINGS SONGS

Educational & Entertainment Programs for Schools, Libraries, Scouts & Youth Groups

DAZZLING DAVE, NATIONAL YO-YO MASTER

On Site Performances and Science/Phy Ed Classes – Click pic for more.

THE SCIENCE CREW

Bringing hands-on science experiences directly to you!

BIG ROCK CREEK - ST. CROIX FALLS, WI

Good Ole’ Fashioned Family Fun

SKYROCK FARM & CAROUSEL

Field Trip & Tour Group Destination • Click the pic for more info

MISSISSIPPI PARK CONNECTION

Field Trips on & about the Mississippi River • Click the Pic for more info

SNAPOLOGY OF PLYMOUTH & APPLE VALLEY

Located inside Urban Air Plymouth. For more info, click the pic!

Fundraising Programs Featuring American Products Only! • Click the Pic for more info

STEM Builders Learning Centers

On Site Classes • Summer Camps • Fundraising • Click the pic for more info

OWATONNA AREA ATTRACTIONS

NATIONAL FARMERS BANK – an amazing Owatonnas tour stop! Click the pic for more info.

Teddy Bear Band

Great Music for Kids… around for 35+ years! Click the Pic for more info!

The Museum of Russian Art

Experience TMORA • Click the Pic for more info

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES

Tour Group Destination • Theatre Camps & Workshops • Click the pic for more info

CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE MALL OF AMERICA

Fun and educational field trips for school & youth groups! Click the Pic for more info

TAYLORS FALLS SCENIC BOAT TOURS

Scenic cruise tours & Field Trips for all ages on the spectacular St Croix River.

NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER

Student, Youth & Adult Classes & Programs • Special Eagle Viewing Events • Click the pic for more info

SHOREVIEW COMMUNITY CENTER

Have Fun at the Tropics Waterpark! Click the pic for more info.

SEA LIFE MALL OF AMERICA®

Field Trip & Tour Group Destination • Click the Pic for more info

HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES by Arn Kind

Customizing On-Site Programs for you • Supporting Minnesota Education Standards • Click the Pic for more info

GERTENS FUNDRAISING

Fundraising for every season. Click the pic for more info.

MINNESOTA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Field Trips & Family Programs • Outreach Programs • Click the Pic for more info

PARADISE CHARTER CRUISES & MINNEAPOLIS QUEEN

Field Trips, Charter Groups, Corporate Events & more… Click Pic for Video

NORTHROP MINNEAPOLIS

Educational Programs and Field Trips Grades 6-12 • Tour Group Performances • Click pic for more

KEVIN HALL - THE MAGIC MANIAC

Magician, Scientist, Teacher, Entertainer • Schools, Youth, Corporate • Click Pic for info

NICKELODEON UNIVERSE® MALL OF AMERICA®

Field Trip & Student Travel Destination • Educational Physics Program • Click the Pic for more info

SIDEKICK THEATRE

Performances for students, youth and adults! Click the Pic for more

INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER

Our WolfLink Virtual Learning Programs are now free to schools. Click here to learn more!

SCHUBERT CLUB MUSEUM

Offering field trips & tours of music-making through the centuries! Click the pic for more info.

TO FIND IF YOU’RE A DRAWING WINNER, CLICK THIS IMAGE

Did you sign up at a recent conference? Click the pic to see the winners and how to claim your prize if you won!

EAGLES NEST INDOOR PLAYGROUND

Hours of Interactive, Indoor, Physical Fun!

BRIAN RICHARDS, EDUCATIONAL SPEAKER & MAGICIAN

Educational & Entertainment Programs for Schools, Libraries, Scouts & Youth Groups • Click the Pic for more info

Announcements For Student & Youth Groups from our Latest Email Alerts!

PLAN BETTER WITH THE MN FIELD TRIP GUIDE!

• GERTENS FUNDRAISING | Fundraise with Gertens Plant Cards!

ANDERSON RACE MANAGEMENT | School 5k Fundraiser

• A TOUCH OF MAGIC | Everyone LOVES Bubble Parties!!!!

TEDDY BEAR BAND | Get Their Attention!

SEALIFE AT MALL OF AMERICA | Come Join Our Turtle Rescue Team!

SIDEKICK THEATRE | Fantastical Fun Musical For All Ages

THE NEW BRIGHTON COMMUNITY CENTER | Eagles Nest Indoor Playground!

DAZZLING DAVE YO-YO MASTER | Students Love Dazzling Dave!

BLUE SUN SODA SHOP | Star Tribune Readers: Best MN Tour!

TRIPLE SHIFT ENTERTAINMENT | Pizza, Shoes & Pop – OH MY!

THE BAKKEN MUSEUM | Interactive exhibits for all ages.

CAN CAN WONDERLAND | Fun Field Trips

WILL SINGS SONGS | Book Now!

PAPA JOHNS TWIN CITIES | Make your next event CHEESY!

NINJA ANYWHERE | We Added More Event Dates!

ORBIT EARTH EXPO | Whole School Astronomy Experience!

APEX LEADERSHIP | Dare to Be Different

KINNI CREEK LODGE & OUTFITTERS | Book spring kayak trips NOW!

HISTORICAL EXPERIENCES | A REVOLUTION to end the School Year

Announcements for active adults & senior groups from our latest email alerts.

VISIT OWATONNA | The Owatonna Mystery Tours

PARADISE CHARTER CRUISES | The Best Tours Include a Cruise!

CAN CAN WONDERLAND | Something fun for everyone!

AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT | We bring Laughter to your Group!

RICH & RESISTORS | Music, Joy & Laughter!

SKYROCK FARM AND CAROUSEL | Enjoy the Food, Fun and Magic!

TAYLORS FALLS BOAT TOURS | Absolutely Elvis by Todd Anderson

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRES | Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

TRIPLE SHIFT ENTERTAINMENT | Pizza, Pins & Pop! Oh My!

DAZZLING DAVE NATIONAL YO-YO MASTER | Dazzling Dave’s Show is Perfect for ALL Generations!

KINNI CREEK LODGE & OUTFITTERS | BOOK SPRING kayak trips NOW!

WHITE BEAR LAKE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY | Group Programs & Tours

SAINT PAUL BREWING | On the site of the historic Hamm’s

HOCOKATA TI | Learn About Dakota Culture

ESCAPE ROOM PARTIES | Exercise the BRAIN!

THE MUSEUM OF RUSSIAN ART | Experience Surrealist Art at TMORA

NATIONAL EAGLE CENTER | Enjoy SOAR: Spring Hatch in March

HOCOKATA TI | Learn about Dakota Culture!

Sign up to get the alerts our emails offer fresh news & announcements, give them experiences they will always remember.

Give them experiences they will never forget.

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Recent Posts

• NINJA ANYWHERE | Schools are Raving About NinjaTHONS
• TRIPLE SHIFT ENTERTAINMENT | Fundraise With Us!
• WILL SINGS SONGS | Music for your Fundraising Event!

• Field Trips

We look forward to field trips every Thursday. Sometimes we are gone all day like when we visit Guppy Gulch or the Renaissance Faire, and sometimes we are gone just a couple of hours after lunch like at Levitz Park or Fort Indiantown Gap Army Base. We have a lot of fun wherever we go, even if we have been there before! There's always something new and exciting to discover.

Renaissance Faire 01

Fort Indiantown Gap (Group Picture)

On Army Tank

Fort Indiantown Gap

Memorial Lake

FIELD TRIP SCHEDULE HERE

The entire camp goes on the field trips. There is no stay at camp option.

Field Trip Times  For all-day trips, we depart at 9:15 AM. Please arrive at camp on time so you make it on the bus. We usually get back by 3:30 PM, but if we are traveling from afar like from Lake Tobias or Guppy Gulch, we might arrive back at camp late due to traffic. We will inform you if there is a delay. *By popular demand, we have decided to visit Guppy Gulch twice this summer, and we have a time schedule change. We plan to arrive back at camp at 5:30 PM so the campers can have more time at Guppy Gulch. Likewise, the Knoebels field trip will be returning between 5 - 5:30 pm. Campers on bus routes can be picked up at camp just for these days.

T-shirts  We like to wear our T-shirts for field trips as an extra safety precaution. It helps our groups stay together, find each other easily, and they of course make for great photos. Please make sure you have a SKY Summer Camp T-shirt for field trips as it is a requirement.

Electronics Phones and cameras are allowed with parental discretion. We cannot be responsible for lost or broken items though.

Souvenir Money  Campers love to get souvenirs for themselves, and gifts for parents during field trips. Please send them with money in a marked purse or zip-lock bag. We suggest different amounts depending on the location, feel free to ask if you are not sure how much to send.

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Resources for Busy Moms!

50 Fun Summer Activities, Crafts & Field Trips (from Pre-K to Teens!)

by Sharon Rowley 2 Comments

Are you thinking about ditching the high price of summer camp for your kids and doing your own DIY summer camp at home? Awesome! Here are 50 fun summer activities- including craft projects, backyard games, and field trips for you to make your summer fantastic!

Fun Summer Activities- For the Backyard!

The basis for your summer camp at home should be fun things that you can do in your own backyard. And ideally- you set them up with your kids at the beginning of the summer, and then you can let them head outside to play on their own- with their siblings or friends!

Fun Summer Activities- That Can Be Enjoyed Indoors!

You'll want to have some fun summer activities planned for indoors as well- not only in the event of rainy days, but some afternoons it's just too hot to be outside all day- and you'll want to cool off inside while still having fun!

Check out some of our family's favorites! Here's our list of the best Backyard Games This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. and for those rainy days- here are our favorite board games This is an affiliate link: MomOf6 earns a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. !

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Fun Summer Crafts

One of my favorite things to do with my kids in the summer is crafting. I love to dig out all of the craft kits that they received as birthday gifts, but we never had the chance to make. And I especially love finding cool new ideas online and making them together!

Fun Local Field Trips

I like to plan outings that I think of as “local field trips” once a twice a week during the summer. These are places that are either free or don't cost a lot of money (especially if you purchase a family membership), and easy to visit for a couple of hours.

Summer Camp at Home Big Adventures

And no summer camp at home plans would be complete without some big adventures! Whether you save these to do on weekends with your spouse or join up with another family doing their own summer camp at home thing- these are the kinds of outings that will create lasting memories of a great summer together!

Looking for some great ideas for your DIY Summer Camp?

Please check out my DIY Summer Camp page for lots of ideas on how to host your own kids summer camp at home!

Here are some more great summer ideas for you:

• Why We Hold Our Own Kids Summer Camp at Home
• Free Family Summer Bucket List Printable
• Free Printable Summer Schedule

May 16, 2021 at 6:18 pm

Thank you SOOOO much! Love how this is organized!

Boyd Kobe says

September 29, 2018 at 1:15 am

So many fun activities you have here. it’s might be fun with my family. Thank you for sharing and inspiration.

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Join the Kzoo Parks Team this Summer!

Looking for a fun summer job where you can spend time outside and make a positive impact on your community? From park ranger to camp counselor, we have something for everyone!

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• Park Directory
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There is plenty of free fun to be had with our Super Rec program. Camps are sure to entertain and keep your camper busy all day! Choose from one of the five FREE Super Rec sites. Field trips include weekly trips to Kik Pool , a trip to Continental Lanes, Rollerworld, and K-10 Summer Movies.

Snacks will be provided, and breakfast and lunch will be provided starting on week 3. There will not be food service provided on June 19, July 3 or August 9. Please bring a water bottle daily. Space is limited. 

Transportation will be provided from the Oakwood Neighborhood Association to Southside Park and from New Village to Rockwell Park. NOTE: due to transportation, Oakwood parent drop off is between 8:45 - 9:05 a.m. and parent pick up is 4:45 - 5 p.m.

If you child(ren) requires special accommodations, please contact staff in advance so we can discuss the best way to ensure your child(ren) has a great camp experience!  

Program Details

7 years old - 12 years old

Monday - Friday

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

June 10 - August 9

(No camp June 19 & July 4)

Douglass Community Association/LaCrone Park

1000 W Paterson St

Southside Park

2156 Race St

Oakwood Neighborhood Association

Rockwell Park

1106 Trimble Ave

New Village

2400 St Albans Way

Registration:

Registration is set up for each week of camp. Registration opens in April.

Register Online

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New York City Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource for field trips for students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about NY’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more in New York City. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below to learn about these types of field trips.

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Adventurers Family Amusement Park

Open since 1966, Adventurers Amusement Park, formerly Nellie Bly, is the perfect place to enjoy a fun day for your group field trip or family outing in Brooklyn.

Area 53 NYC

Area 53 NYC- 3 locations – triple the fun. Choose between Adventure Park, Indoor Paintball and Laser Tag. Field Trips and Parties for school, scout, camp0, homeschool groups and family celebrations.

CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

A one-of-a-kind NYC tradition, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes® brings the joy of Christmas to life in a show for all ages.

Dave & Buster’s Brooklyn Atlantic

Groups will have a blast at Dave & Buster’s Brooklyn Atlantic! Start out with a delicious meal in the group-friendly restaurant and then move on to a large selection of games—in Dave’s Arcade.

Dave & Buster’s Brooklyn Gateway

Groups will have a blast at Dave & Buster’s Brooklyn Gateway! Start out with a delicious meal in the group-friendly restaurant and then move on to some games—12-lane bowling, shuffleboard, air hockey, and more—in Dave’s Arcade.

Dave & Buster’s Staten Island

At Dave & Buster’s Staten Island, your group will have a blast! Start out with a delicious meal in our group-friendly restaurant and then move on to some fun games for team building followed by a visit to arcade with the latest games.

Dave and Buster’s Times Square

Dave & Buster’s Time Square is your go-to place for FUN! For your next school event come eat, party, and play at Dave & Buster’s—your school group will thank you!

Disney On Broadway – The Lion King

More than 90 million people around the world have come to discover the thrill, the majesty, the one-of-a-kind Broadway musical that is “The Lion King.” Enjoy this landmark entertainment experience!

DISNEY ON BROADWAY – ALADDIN

Aladdin is an unforgettable experience that blends all the cherished songs from the film’s Academy Award®- winning score with new music written especially for this Broadway production.

Ferox Ninja Park

KingsFerox, the Biggest  ninja park with obstacles plus a whole floor of entertainment with massive trampolines, rock climbing and more.  Join the fun today!

Greenbelt Conservancy

Explore 2,800 acres dedicated to discovering the sounds, sights, and scents of nature. Programs include bird watching, learning about insects, spiders, and reptiles.

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!

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 New York City—early childhood through college. Search for class trips in New York City 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:

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• SCIENCE & NATURE Find New York City aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find New York City 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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Get our FREE Field Trip Reflection printable 🦁!

Field Trip Reflection Sheet (Free Printable)

Make your time outside the classroom meaningful.

Field trips are amazing! They give kids the chance to explore a new place, learn more about specific topics, talk to experts, and see demonstrations and examples you just can’t do at school. Whether you’re taking a field trip to a local library or zoo or you’re participating in a virtual field trip to a space center or aquarium, you’ll want the field trip to be a pivotal learning experience. That’s where our Field Trip Reflection Sheet comes in.

The impact field trips have on students often has to do with how they engage with the information they learn. Incorporating a field trip reflection worksheet helps students focus on what’s important to them and what it means for their learning and life. Get the free Field Trip Reflection Worksheet by simply filling out the form on this page .

What kind of reflection sheets are in the bundle?

You’ll find two field trip reflection sheets, one for elementary schoolers and one for middle and high schoolers. Each reflection sheet works for either in-person or virtual field trips.

Elementary School Field Trip Reflection Sheet

Elementary schoolers can identify where they are going and what they are going to learn about before they head out of the building or log in to the field trip. Then, during the field trip, students record observations and information they learn. After the trip, students choose one response as a reflection to help consolidate their learning.

Middle and High School Field Trip Reflection Sheet

Before the trip, older students activate background knowledge so they’re primed to connect new information with what they already know. Once on the trip, they record observations and information. After the trip, students can choose a question or answer a teacher-directed question to consolidate what they learned.

What are some field trip reflection questions?

Here are ideas for field trip reflection questions that you can incorporate into the Field Trip Reflection Sheet:

• What was the most important thing you learned on today’s field trip?
• What should someone else know about this topic?
• What was your favorite part of this field trip?
• Who else would enjoy this field trip and why?
• How does the information you learned on today’s field trip connect with what you already knew?
• What is one way that the information you learned today confirms what you already knew? What is one way that it challenged what you already knew?
• In five years, what will you remember from this field trip?

Use the Field Trip Reflection Worksheet as a way to keep students focused. You can also use it as an exit ticket or assessment after the trip. This is especially helpful for field trips that require parent chaperones as you can see what students were doing during the trip and provide some accountability for students’ learning.

Get your free Field Trip Reflection Sheet printable!

To get your free printable bundle, just fill out the simple form on this page for instant access.

Need field trip ideas? Check out these 260+ field trip ideas (in-person and virtual).

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