free field trips in boston

• Outreach Performances & Programs
• Fundraising
• Field trip lesson plans
• Field Trips Grants
• Service Learning
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Statewide / Region
• Daytona Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Orlando-Metro
• Palm Beach Metro
• Space Coast
• Tallahassee
• St. Augustine
• St Petersburg-Clearwater
• Atlanta-Metro
• Chicago-Metro
• Springfield
• Central Region
• East Region
• Indianapolis
• North Region
• South Central Region
• South Region
• West Region
• Bowling Green
• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans
• Baltimore-Metro
• The Berkshires
• Boston-Metro
• Cape Cod/Plymouth
• Greater Lowell
• Greater Springfield
• Capital-River Region
• Delta Region
• Gulf Coast Region
• Hills Region
• Pines Region
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Springfield-MO
• Delaware River Region
• Gateway Region NJ
• Greater Atlantic City
• Shore Region
• Skylands Region
• Southern Shore Region
• Capital District Region
• Central New York Region
• Finger Lakes Region
• Hudson Valley Region
• Long Island
• Mohawk Valley Region
• New York City
• North Country Region
• Southern Tier Region
• Western New York Region
• Canton Ohio
• Cincinnati Ohio
• Cleveland Ohio
• Columbus Ohio
• Oklahoma City
• Allegheny Mts. & Valleys
• Gettysburg/York
• Harrisburg-Metro
• Lakes & Erie Regions
• Lancaster-Metro
• Lehigh Valley
• Philadelphia Metro
• Pittsburgh & Laurel Highlands
• The Poconos
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
• Chattanooga
• East Tennessee
• Middle Tennessee
• The Smokies
• West Tennessee
• Bryan - College Station
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Panhandle Plains Region
• San Antonio
• Central Virginia
• Chesapeake Bay Region
• Coastal Virginia -Eastern Shore
• Coastal Virginia-Hampton Roads
• Northern Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley
• Southern Virginia
• Southwest Virginia-Blue Ridge Highlands
• Southwest Virginia-Heart of the Appalachia
• Virginia Mountains
• Martinsburg
• Madison Wisconsin

Boston-Metro Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource of Boston, Massachusetts field trips for elementary school students thru high school students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about Boston’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more, CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for further field trip information. For those unable to travel to these locations, check out our  Virtual Field Trips  section or  Outreach Field Trips & School Assembly Programs  section.

• Financial Support
• Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
• 360° of Fun
• American Revolution
• Geography & Mapping
• Ghost Tours
• Historic Places
• History Behind-the-Scenes Tours
• History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
• History Walking Tours
• Living History
• Multicultural & Heritage
• Observation Decks
• Sports History
• Boat Excursions
• Bowling & Bocce
• Indoor Amusement & Recreation Centers
• Outdoor Amusement & Recreation Centers
• Roller Skating
• Group-Friendly Restaurants
• Aquariums, Marine Life, Hatcheries
• Birds, Butterflies, Bees
• Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
• Planetariums & Astronomy
• Science Museums & Exhibits
• STEM/STEAM Enrichment
• Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Photography & Films
• Theater, Dance, Music, Movies, Shows
• Accommodations
• Group Tour Operators
• Sightseeing Tours
• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Boston Bowl Dorchester

Boston Bowl is where Boston comes to bowl! We provide a safe, clean & fun environment for all ages to bowl candlepin & tenpin, play state of the art arcade games & billiards.

Boston City Cruises

Boston Harbor City Cruises offers memorable dinner and lunch cruises showcasing the Boston skyline and famous landmarks like Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge, USS Constitution, and the Seaport District. Ideal for school and youth group events.

Boston Pizza Tours

Discover historic Boston slice by delicious slice! Boston Pizza Tours serves up fun and educational food tours, exploring the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Along the way, enjoy slices from Boston’s very best pizzerias.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

Join Samuel Adams and the Sons and Daughters of Liberty in protest of King George’s unjust taxes at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Explore via virtual tours and the research library.

Boston University Events & Conferences

From Memorial Day through mid-August, Boston University opens its residence halls, allowing groups to utilize campus facilities for overnight stays, on-campus dining, and a range of educational activities.

Carousel Family Fun Center

Carousel Family Fun Center of Whitman offers a safe, clean, colorful, fun, and friendly environment. We offer roller skating, music, videos, Pattino’s Pisa Pizza, Treasure Chest redemption shops, and arcade games!

Jay Gee’s Ice Cream & Fun Center

A seasonal family entertainment center, Jay Gee’s Ice Cream & Fun Center features a go-kart track, bumper cars, bumper boats, batting cages, 18 hole mini golf and arcade with the newest and most innovative games. Also a dining room for groups.

Massachusetts State House

The magnificent setting of the Massachusetts State House has housed state government for over two centuries has become an outstanding museum reflecting the history of Massachusetts since colonial times.

Patriots Hall of Fame Presented by RTX

The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX  is a modern, interactive museum experience that honors the greatest New England Patriots of all time. Virtual resources include online educational activities.

Salem Historical Tours & Haunted Footsteps Ghost Tour

Salem Historical Tours provide a wide range of historical and paranormal tours, covering Salem’s 400 years of history. Learn for yourself why we’re the most respected tour.

Salem Witch Museum

Field trips to the Salem Witch Museum gives groups a dynamic look at the history of the Salem witch trials of 1692. Take a virtual tour of the Salem witchcraft trial sites.

Town Line Luxury Lanes

Town Line Luxury Lanes is a 48 lane ten pin center including Bumper Bowling, Atomic Bowling, Redemption Arcade, Billiards and comfort food and snacks.

FieldTripDirectory.com offers field trip ideas for class trips, scout group trips, camp group field trips, and homeschool group field trips in Boston—for early childhood through college. Search for class trips in Boston 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 Boston art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD Find class trips to Boston children’s museums, petting zoos, and kids’ shows.
• HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES View Boston history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
• LIFE SKILLS Find Boston team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
• SCIENCE & NATURE Find Boston aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find Boston 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 & 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.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Boston for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Boston without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

23 best free things to do in Boston

No money? No problem. Here’s how to tour the best museums, parks, breweries and more for free in Boston.

If you know Boston, you know it’s a great town with lots to do, but also lots of expenses – if you’ve paid rent recently, you know what we mean. However, the high cost of living doesn’t stop the budget minded and bargain lover from finding fun, free things to do. With deep local history, charming architecture, free walking tours, world-class museums and peaceful green space, Boston boasts a number of wallet-friendly offerings, and we have the tips and tricks to get them all for free.

After having some fun for free, you can take those savings and use them towards a a ski trip at one of the best nearby resorts —or continue to keep it frugal with the best cheap eats around town or the best cheap things to do in Boston.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Boston

An email you’ll actually love

Best free things to do in Boston

1.  Stroll through the Public Garden and Boston Common

• Attractions
• Parks and gardens
• Boston Common

The Public Garden is truly the crown jewel of the city's parks, and makes for a lovely stroll any time of the year. America’s first botanical garden, the Victorian-era garden attracts visitors from all over the world who want to see the famous Make Way for Ducklings statues. Across Beacon Street is the slightly less manicured Common, where, depending on the season, you can ice-skate on the Frog Pond, toss around a frisbee or simply lounge on a bench with a book.

2.  Walk the Greenway

Possibly the most celebrated result of the Big Dig, this mile-long winding ribbon of grassy parks, outdoor spaces and public art only adds to Boston’s charm. Free to stroll, relax and people watch, this verdant strip provides plenty of resting places, a perfect option for a cheap date. Keep an eye out for the periodic festivals, events and art displays located on or near the park.

3.  Follow the Freedom Trail

If you haven’t walked the Freedom Trail when you have friends and family in town, this is your reminder that it’s one of the most fun and unique activities in Boston.The trail  provides a useful starting point for showing off some local history before diving deeper into the best attractions in Boston. The two-and-a-half-mile trail is easy to follow, allowing you to take a free, self-guided tour anytime you want. It’ll lead you from the Common all the way to Charlestown, letting you see all of the city’s most iconic sites—like the Paul Revere House, the USS Constitution and so much more—along the way.

4.  Walk the Black Heritage Trail

Massachusetts was the first state to declare slavery illegal (in 1783) and you can learn a lot about the history of slavery and the African-American experience by taking this tour. Free maps are available at the Abiel Smith School, where the Museum of African American History is located, if you want to do a self-guided tour, which will take you to 14 fascinating spots around charming Beacon Hill.

5.  Visit the city’s best museums

With the idea that art should be available to everyone, there are plenty of ways to get into Boston’s museums for free, it just might take a little effort. On Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm, the Institute of Contemporary Art is free, but get there early during nicer weather. Everyone gets a free pass into the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on their birthday, and anyone with the name Isabella gets in for free, now and forever (we love this). Every Wednesday from 3pm, the venerated Museum of Fine Arts allows guests to enter for $5 per person. Not quite free, but still a good deal.

6.  Take a Tour of Harvard and MIT

Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest, and most well-regarded, university in America. If you’d like to learn more, but aren’t actually a student, hop on the red line to the school’s home in Cambridge and join a free tour. You can do an official tour, or self-guided historical tour by downloading the school’s Visit Harvard app. Also in Cambridge is The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which is a mass of buildings you can explore with a free map from the information office.

7.  Explore the Old Bear Dens at Franklin Park

Boston’s largest park—527 acres spanning Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and Dorchester—Franklin Park offers the perfect blend of rural scenery, woodland preserve and many spots to toss around a ball or a frisbee. Head to the Long Crouch Woods section of the park to see where the zoo’s bears were once housed, before being moved to an enclosure better suited for them. While the Old Bear Dens no longer house any ursine animals these days, there are still beautiful stone carvings of bears to be found there, as well as a broad staircase leading up to a pavilion and the former pens. It is the perfect spot for a spooky photoshoot.

8.  Greet the seals at the New England Aquarium

• Zoo and aquariums

You don’t have to pay $34 a person to interact with sea life in Boston, just look right outside the main entrance to the New England Aquarium, and you’ll see the huge 42,000-gallon harbor seal exhibit, which is free to view and a favorite of kids and adults alike. With a little luck, you may even catch these animals during feeding time or as they participate in an activity—like painting—with their handlers. Yes, the seals can paint!

9.  Tour galleries during SoWa’s First Fridays

Every first Friday of the month, the SoWa Art + Design District in the South End opens their doors to the public from 5pm to 9pm. With more than 200 artists, galleries, shops and showrooms to see, there’s a wide variety of art to appreciate. Be sure to mind occupancy limits, as some of the artist spaces can be cozy.

10.  Gaze at the stars and planets

Almost every Wednesday night, Boston University’s Department of Astronomy hosts public open nights at the Coit Observatory. You’ll need to grab a ticket in advance , but you’ll be able to use telescopes and binoculars to gaze at the stars and planets. The program starts at 7:30pm in fall and winter, and 8:30pm in spring and summer.

11.  Explore around Jamaica Pond

Boston’s glorious Emerald Necklace, a series of over 1,100 acres linked throughout the city includes picturesque Jamaica Pond. The pond is actually a glacial kettle hole and the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. A 1.5-mile path completely encompasses the pond, offering reflecting views, a peek at the boathouse and, oftentimes, the opportunity to pet strangers’ dogs. Head to the Pinebank Promontory during the warmer months for the Summer Sundays in the Park series, which features free evening concerts and movies.

12.  Hear a talk or take a tour at the BPL

• Libraries, archives and foundations

The main branch of the Boston Public Library (BPL) is open to visitors, and the art and architecture tours of the half 19th-century McKim masterpiece, half modern marvel building run every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check the official website for exact times, and schedule a visit to coincide with an author talk, book reading or an intimate musical performance.

13.  Climb Bunker Hill Monument

• Monuments and memorials
• Charlestown

Step away from your screens—or finals—because we all need a little bit of nature from time to time, and there are fortunately plenty of quality hikes right near Boston. Walk through World’s End for stunning views of the city or hike to the top of Blue Hills for some serious relaxation and a healthy dose of fresh air.

14.  The Lawn on D

A relative newcomer to the park space in the city, the Lawn on D connects South Boston and the Seaport, and there are all sorts of free activities happening from May through October (check their website for the latest). There’s a lot to do on a warm afternoon or evening, including Instagram friendly light up swings, lawn games, Wi-Fi, art exhibitions and musical performances.

15.  Challenge yourself with the best hikes near Boston

16.  Check out the ICA Watershed

• Art and design
• East Boston

The East Boston annex of the ICA, aka the Watershed, has truly transformed the Eastie waterfront into a stunning venue for the kind of large-scale art that you don’t normally get in a crowded city and it’s free for all. Each summer, the ICA invites one artist to create a site-specific work or installation for the space. You can also peruse the Watershed’s gallery highlighting the history of the shipyard. Please note that timed tickets are required for entry and the Watershed is open seasonally from May through October.

17.  Conquer the Minuteman Bikeway

Starting in Cambridge near the Alewife T station and stretching 11 miles up to Bedford, the Minuteman Bikeway is a great, zero-cost way to get out of the city and enjoy some of Massachusetts’ prettiest towns. You can bike, rollerblade, walk or run—you just can’t drive on it. Be sure to keep to the right and take a breather at Arlington’s Spy Pond.

18.  Smell the flowers at the Arnold Arboretum

• Jamaica Plain

A jewel in the heart of the city, the 281-acre arboretum was planned and designed in collaboration with Frederick Law Olmsted. Open to the public every day, the arboretum isn’t just a park; it’s a botanical research institute with thousands of trees, shrubs and other flora. Take a stroll on your own, or try a free guided tour. Just call or check their website for details.

19.  Catch a show at the Hatch Shell

• Things to do
• Event spaces
• The Esplanade

From early spring through fall, Boston’s famous Hatch Shell hosts free outdoor events for just about everyone. Built in 1939–1940, it is one of the city's prominent examples of Art Deco architecture, and its annual line-up of shows includes live music (like classical or jazz), dance performances and family-friendly movies. Bring a picnic and a blanket, and enjoy the fresh air after a stroll through town to the waterfront. Performances can get crowded, so best arrive early.

20.  Window shop at the SoWa Open Market

• Markets and fairs

There’s a lot happening at the SoWa Open Market, which runs every Sunday from May through October. Think street festival meets farmers market, with roughly 200 vendors selling (and sampling) their crafts, snacks and more. Grab an inexpensive bite from a food truck or sip a cold local brew at the beer hall. It’s kid and pet friendly, so brace yourself for crowds on nice days.

21.  Relax at the beach

If you can’t make it out to The Cape, or don’t want to sit in traffic all day, Boston’s North and South Shores have gorgeous beaches that are often located less than an hour’s drive from the city (though we make no promises during peak summer traffic). Even closer are spots like Quincy’s Wollaston Beach, Southie’s Castle Island and Revere Beach, all of which you can get to via the T and a little walking. Some have a fee, especially if you’re driving in and need to park, but most are free.

22.  See Shakespeare for free on the Common

What’s more civilized than a trip to see Shakespeare performed? Bring a blanket, a basket of cheese and maybe some well-concealed wine, and grab a spot on the Common for an evening with the Bard. The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's productions take place in July and August. All performances are free, making for a perfect summertime date or relaxing group outing.

23.  Castle Island Park & Fort Independence

• South Boston

Located in South Boston, Castle Island isn’t really an island, it’s a peninsula. The 22 acre park is famous for Fort Independence, which you can walk around and has a picnic area for relaxing and eating. There are beaches and plenty of walking and running trails, and in the summer, for a few bucks, you can get a hot dog at the iconic Sullivan’s .

More wallet-friendly thrills

The best cheap eats in Boston

• Restaurants

Yes, Boston is a notoriously expensive place to live and dine. But there are a few spots where you can get a cheap, tasty meal. The best cheap eats in Boston offer satisfying fare that’s actually delicious. Here are some of our favorites that clock in at $10 or less.

The best cheap things to do in Boston

Though Boston is known for its high cost of living, there are a number of ways to enjoy some of the best things about the city while sticking to a budget.

Need somewhere to stay?

Unique Airbnbs to rent in and around Boston

From a Victorian townhouse to - yes - an actual lighthouse, these Airbnb properties make a trip to Boston all the more special

The 18 best hotels in Boston

Our guide to the best hotels in Boston includes top picks for vacations and staycations

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor Relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

• Climate Change
• Engineering

Plan a Field Trip

Explore, imagine, delight. Organize a Museum visit to enrich learning with exciting new exhibits and programs! By reserving a field trip, visitors agree to comply with the Museum’s full code of conduct .

School field trip reservations for the 2023 –   24 school year are now open!

Make a Reservation

Please review the helpful guide below for details around organizing a field trip.

Programs fill to capacity and there is a limit to daily school group admissions. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Please note: school field trips and programs are not offered during Massachusetts holidays and school vacation periods.

Call Science Central at 617-723-2500 to make a reservation. We are available 7 days a week, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Field Trip Reservation Fees

The Museum has limited funding available for students who qualify for field trip assistance. Please inquire about this if there is a need.

Multiple visits: If you return with the same students, you receive 50% off Exhibit Halls admission. When making reservations, inform Science Central that you will be visiting more than once with your students.

Field Trip Rates are not available during MA school vacation weeks.

**The $5.00 Exhibit Halls admission during the months of September, October, and January is available for schools with a population of economically disadvantaged students at or above 25%.

Theater Shows

Fees vary for reserved field trip add-on programs. Receive a discount if you reserve a show along with Exhibit Halls Admission. All prices shown are per-person.

School rates are available to accredited public and private pre-K – 12 schools that deliver compulsory education (primary purpose is required by law), except during Massachusetts school holidays and vacation periods.

School rates are also available for schools with extended days (all children enrolled in the school are involved in extended school hours) or schools in session through the summer months. After-school groups or out-of-school programs are not eligible for the school group rates.

Cost Planning, Savings and Scholarships

Payment for your field trip is required upon arrival and must cover the full number of students, chaperones, and teachers in your reservation.

Accepted Payment Types

Purchase orders: Arrange at least five days in advance with Science Central. Any amount above the approved purchase order amount must be paid in person via cash, school check, or credit card.

Cash: Large bills are appreciated.

Checks: Must be made out to Museum of Science. No personal checks. Bring check with you the day of your visit — please do not mail.

Credit cards: MC, VISA, Discover, or AMEX

Payments not accepted for field trip participants

• family memberships
• overnight patches
• free passes
• discount coupons

Eligible schools can take advantage of special pricing for field trips available during these months. Exhibit Halls admission for students and chaperones is $5 per person. This discount is available for schools with a population of economically disadvantaged students above 25%.

Pair your discounted Exhibit Halls admission with an IMAX film for just $4 more. To find out if your school qualifies for any scholarships: 617-723-2500.

If you plan to return to the Museum with the same students, they may receive 50% off Exhibit Halls admission for the second visit. When making reservations, please inform Science Central that you will be visiting more than once with your group.

Reduced Exhibit Halls admission is available for qualifying schools. Please note that funding is limited and is distributed first come, first served.

Important: If your group size changes after you make your reservation, you must notify us by 4:00 pm on the day before your visit. Contact Science Central by phone: 617-723-2500, or email: [email protected].

There are no refunds for dropped numbers on the day of your visit. Additional participants above 5 per 100 will be charged regular Exhibit Halls admission. There are no same-day refunds if you reduce your number of participants by more than 5 per 100. Any additions are subject to availability and are not guaranteed entrance to IMAX films or other shows/programs.

Please notify Science Central in the event of a cancellation: 617-723-2500, [email protected].

• One chaperone per 10 students is required for grade levels pre-K – 8.
• One chaperone per 15 students is required for grade levels 9 – 12.
• Chaperones must stay with students at all times and are responsible for the safety of the students and the exhibits they visit.
• Chaperones must be at least 21 years old.
• Educators and chaperones should act as facilitators, encouraging inquiry, and assisting students in navigating Museum Exhibit Halls and programs safely and appropriately.
• Stay with pre-assigned chaperone-sized group at all times, regardless of the students' ages.
• Adhere to the code of conduct established by school systems and community centers. Behavior that is not acceptable at schools and community centers is not acceptable at the Museum of Science. Please note: the Museum is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property.
• Sit together with students in venues such as the Mugar Omni Theater, Planetarium, 4-D Theater, and the Theater of Electricity.

Booking Details

There is no bus parking on Museum grounds except for drop-off and pickup. Buses may park at the Boston Autoport in Charlestown.

Chaperones and teachers may park cars in the Museum garage and will receive a $10 flat rate. In order to receive this discount, you must turn in your chaperone badge at the Information Desk at the end of your visit. Please note that credit or debit cards are the only form of payment accepted for garage transaction.

Field trip participants may either purchase lunches in the Riverview Café or bring bag lunches. NOTE: Due to space limitations in the café, you must reserve a 30-minute time slot for lunch when making your field trip reservation.

Pre-order meals are available for $7.25 per person.

Offered in the Riverview Café. Reserved seating, no hassles, and speedy service. Spend time enjoying your lunch instead of waiting in line.

We offer a choice of:

• Black Forest Ham and American Cheese on Sliced White Bread
• Roast Turkey and Cheddar Sub
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Hummus and Fresh Cut Veggie Box
• Black Angus ¼ Cheeseburger
• Individual Brick Oven 3 Cheese Pizza

Available in any monetary amount. Purchase them through Science Central, 617-723-2500.

If you plan to eat your bag lunch in the Riverview Café, please note that seating is currently limited. You must reserve a lunch space and mealtime when you make your field trip reservation. Bins will be provided for the storage of your group’s coats, bags, backpacks, and lunches upon arrival. Please advise students not to bring or store valuable items; the Museum cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged items.

Home School Information

Home school groups of at least nine visitors can make reservations over the phone and gain access to discounted school group pricing for teachers, chaperones, and students.

We encourage you to collaborate to form larger groups and set up a reservation. Call Science Central at 617-723-2500. Groups of fewer than nine should go to the Box Office where normal admission rates apply.

Frequent home school visitors will find Museum membership to be a better value than standard box office pricing. We offer several levels of membership, all of which include a variety of benefits such as IMAX and Planetarium passes, discounted parking, and admission to other science museums.

Learn about membership levels and benefits

Many public libraries throughout Massachusetts provide Museum of Science passes that allow up to four people per day to visit the Museum's Exhibit Halls at a significantly reduced rate.

These passes can be used for your home school visit. Contact your local library to find out if they participate and how to reserve your pass.

Drop-In Activities

Students can get hands-on science experience with our Drop-In Activities. Investigate human biology at the Biogen Foundation Exploration Hub or create like an engineer with Design Challenges in our Engineering Design Workshop!

To help us better accommodate your group during your field trip, please contact us to discuss planning a drop-in activity into your trip schedule.

For the Biogen Foundation Exploration Hub please email [email protected] . For Design Challenges please email [email protected] .

Placeholder for content by topic

Ready to Book Your Field Trip?

Historic Boston Field Trip Itinerary for Educators

Download our PDF of the  Boston Field Trip Itinerary for educators! 

Whether you go for one day or more, this itinerary will help you get the most out of your field trip to Boston, Massachusetts, a city rich with American history. Boston contains some of our Nation's most important Revolutionary War sites, from the location of the Boston Massacre to the Old North Church where the lanterns were lit to warn Patriots of the arrival of the British. Allow the American Battlefield Trust to guide you through Boston, introducing you and your students to some of our Nation's most treasured and historic locations.

Included in this itinerary are also safety precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Before You Go:

• We encourage you to apply to our History Field Trip Grant Program !
• Print or download our tour map .
• Charter a bus to transport your group.
• Explore Boston via our Boston Virtual Field Trip .
• Watch our Revolutionary War Animated Battle Map .
• Show your class our Boston Massacre Animated Graphic Novel .
• Watch some of our videos about the Revolutionary War, including our In4 videos and check out our YouTube channel !
• Explore the Freedom Trail online and see if you can book a tour . If not, many of the sites on the Freedom Trail are included in this itinerary.
• Contact your lodging and restaurant reservations to ensure everything is in order.
• Monitor Massachusetts’ public health notices and determine which sites are open to visitors.

Covid-19 Precautions

Before Your Trip:

• Each participant should limit contact with people outside of their household within 14 days of departure.
• Limit visits to public places within 14 days of departure.
• If an attendee becomes symptomatic of, or tests positive to Covid-19, they should not travel with the group.

During Your Trip:

• Ensure that any adult or student on the trip that shows symptoms of Covid-19 gets tested for the virus and safely isolates from others.
• Be sure to maintain excellent personal hygiene, set up open communication protocols, stay up to date on closures throughout Boston, and provide teachers and parents with safety plans to manage Covid -19 risks.

After Your Trip:

• Each person who attended the trip should closely monitor their symptoms and follow all local, state and federal laws for returning home. 

Ideal Itinerary if You are Visiting for One Day

Ensure that you contact these locations prior to your trip and look at the National Parks Service website to inquire about openings, closures, and modified hours .

Check for tours and events on the National Park Service event calendar .

Time: 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can book a guided tour along the Freedom Trail.

Places to Visit:

The Old State House and the Site of the Boston Massacre

• For large groups, you will need to make a reservation and pay admission.
• Email for questions about group bookings and tours.
• 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109 | 617-720-1713

Old South Meeting House

• 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108 | 617-482-6439

Faneuil Hall

• Check in the Great Hall (second floor) to see if there are any ranger talks while you are there.
• 4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109| 617-523-1300

Quincy Market

• Just across Dock Square from Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market is one of three granite building that make up Faneuil Marketplace.
• Within the market are many shops and eateries where you can stop for a quick bite or some souvenirs.
• 206 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109 | 617-523-1300

Paul Revere House (Only open Wednesday through Sunday)

• Check out their “Before You Arrive” page .
• Book a tour ahead of time through email or by calling 617-523-2338
• 19 North Square, Boston MA 02113

The Old North Church

• Due to the popularity of this historic site, you are encouraged to make a reservation for your trip at least a few months in advance. Be sure to also check their events calendar .
• Contact their Director of Education for specific questions or to tailor your visit to your specifications: 617-858-8231 ext. 106
• 193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113

If You are Visiting for More Than One Day

Use the one-day itinerary for the first day in addition to the following:

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum (Only open Thursday – Monday)

• Book a tour online or email for inquiries and group rates.
• 306 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210 | 617-531-6241

Bunker Hill

• Visit the FREE Bunker Hill Museum and the Bunker Hill Monument.
• Check for modified hours and closures.
• 43 Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129 | 617-242-7275

Minute Man National Park 

• FREE passes available at the Park. Check for Ranger tours .
• 174 Liberty St, Concord, MA 01742 | 978-369-6993

Copp’s Hill Burying Grounds

• 45 Hull St, Boston, MA 02113 | 617-635-7361

Restaurants That Serve Groups:

Call ahead or visit their websites to make reservations and ensure that they can accommodate your group.

Regina Pizzeria (Food to Go)

• Located in the Quincy Market Food Colonnade.
• 226 Faneuil Marketplace, Boston, MA 02109 | 617-742-1713
• Check out other eateries in Quincy Market as well!

Fajitas & ‘Ritas

• To inquire about group seating and tour packages, email [email protected] .
• 25 West St, Boston MA 02111 | 617-426-1222

Legal Sea Foods

• 225 State St, Boston, MA 02109 | 617-742-5300

Contact the Local Travel Experts

Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau

• 2 Copley Pl, Boston MA 02116 | 617-536-4100

Be sure to inquire about Covid-19 restrictions at the hotels.

Homewood Suites

• Complimentary Breakfast.
• 145 Beech St, Chelsea, MA 02150 | 617-660-9110

Holiday Inn & Suites, Boston-Peabody

• 1 Newbury St, Peabody, MA 01960 | 978-535-4600

The Revolution Hotel

• 40 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116 | 877-239-0882

Visit the Greater Boston Visitor and Convention Bureau website for additional lodging options.

Travel Tips

• Renting a bus can be costly in the Boston area. Budget accordingly.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking trail. In addition, much of historic Boston consists of cobblestone streets. Whether you are on the Freedom Trail itself or exploring historic Boston, you will be walking a lot.
• Weather in Boston is unpredictable. Be sure to check the weather for the week that you are traveling to the city. Ensure that all travelers pack according to forecast for the days that you are traveling and bring different layering options.
• Summer in Boston is the busiest time of year for tourists. Early Fall and late Spring tend to be the best time for field trip travel.
• It is always a good idea to bring sunscreen and a hat to prepare for hot, sunny days – even in the Fall and Spring.
• There are many places throughout the city to get a quick bite to eat or a drink of water, including the Food Colonnade in Quincy Market.
• Download the FREE app for the Freedom Trail if you decide not to do a guided tour. The app will give you insights into the different sites that you visit.

To learn more about how the American Battlefield Trust can help you fund your school trip to Boston, Massachusetts, check out our History Field Trip Grant Program !

Historic Philadelphia Field Trip Itinerary for Educators

Related battles, the battlefields today.

Visit Lexington and Concord

Visit Bunker Hill

Visit Boston

You may also like.

Newsletter Signup

• Museum + Ship
• Plan Your Visit
• Accessibility at the Museum
• Directions + Parking
• Hours + Admission
• Military + Veterans
• Museum Store
• Explore the Navy Yard
• Attractions + Points of Interest
• Schools + Youth
• Field Trips
• Major Events
• Ship Timeline
• Ship's Crew
• 1812 Cruises
• Publications
• Explore the Collection
• Research Library
• Image Licensing
• Fun + Games
• Online Games, apps, and downloads!
• The Captain’s Clerk
• Educator Resources
• Modeler Resources
• Museum + Library Professionals
• Join the Crew! - Online Exhibit
• Mission + Vision
• Sparking excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience.
• Impact + Recognition
• We are a top rated, audience focused institution, with a track record of delighted visitors.
• More About Us
• Museum History
• Annual Report

Give Your Students a Dynamic Learning Experience - for Free!

This school year, USS Constitution Museum is offering Massachusetts public schools an incredible opportunity: free field trips!

Give your students an exciting and memorable experience in Boston at our nation’s oldest commissioned ship, USS Constitution , and our award-winning, hands-on Museum. This means:

• FREE on-site programs for MA schools
• FREE virtual programs for MA schools

The Details

• Facilitated Field Trips
• Self-Guided Field Trip
• Virtual Field Trips

Facilitated field trips are available from September through June, Mondays – Fridays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

To request a school program, complete the Request Form at the bottom of the page. At this time, simultaneous programs are not possible due to space limitations.

Elementary School Programs

A Sailor’s Life for Me?

  Discover if the sailor’s life is for you in this interactive program. Through engaging activities, students will learn about the tasks and teamwork required of early U.S. Navy sailors. Short on time but still want a facilitated experience? This is a great option.

 Grade 3 and up | 10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration │Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10

Ship Design Challenge

USS Constitution was built for speed and strength, and her unique design and American materials helped make her a national symbol. Learn from this example in our galleries and on board the Ship with a U.S. Navy sailor, then complete a STEM challenge: can you construct and race the fastest and strongest ship using household materials?

Grades 3-5│10-30 students│2.5 hours│Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6 

Join the Crew

Learn about life at sea on USS Constitution first-hand! From recruitment to daily activities to battle, students will follow a typical day of a eight year-old Ship’s boy in 1812, and compare that to life in the US Navy today. This program is co-facilitated by a US Navy sailor on board USS Constitution .

Grades 3-5│10-30 students│2 hours│Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6 

Middle School Programs

 All Ages |10-30 people │ 30 minutes + Self-Guided Exploration | Required Chaperone Ratio 1:10

Grades 6-8│10-30 students│2.5 hours│Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6 

Learn about life at sea on USS Constitution first-hand! From recruitment to daily activities to battle, students will follow a typical day of a teenage midshipman in 1812, and compare that to life in the US Navy today. This program is co-facilitated by a US Navy sailor on board USS Constitution .

Grades 6-8│10-30 students│2 hours│Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6 

Active Citizens

What does it mean to serve your community, and your country? Examine the rewards and challenges of active citizenry through the lens of military service then & now. Compare the lives of an 1812 sailor and a current US Navy crewmember through primary sources, a live interview, and hands-on activities on board USS Constitution.

Grades 6-8│10-30 students│2.5 hours│Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6  

High School Programs

Grades 9-12│10-30 students│2 hours | Required Chaperone Ratio 1:6 

Self-guided field trips are available:

September through May:  Mondays – Fridays 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

May & June: Monday – Fridays 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

To request a self-guided field trip, complete the Request Form at the bottom of the page.

Self-Guided Visit

Don’t just learn about history, experience it! Your group can independently explore two floors of interactive, hands-on exhibits. Self-guided activities like scavenger hunts and quests are available to focus student learning. Students and their chaperones are encouraged to visit USS Constitution after exploring the museum.

All Ages │ 60 minutes recommended Chaperone Ratio 1:10

Please note: the ship USS Constitution is separate from the Museum and operated by the United States Navy. It can be visited during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that visitors must pass through a security inspection and show federal or state photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, before embarking on USS  Constitution . Visitors under the age of 18 do not require a photo identification card.

Virtual programs are available Mondays – Fridays from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

To request a virtual program, complete the Request Form at the bottom of the page.

Virtually visit USS Constitution in Boston MA, the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. In this field trip, you’ll walk the decks of this historic ship with a U.S. Navy sailor and learn about life at sea during the War of 1812 first-hand! From chores , to food, to sails and battle, this interactive field trip will keep your students engaged in games and demos.

Grades K-12 │ Maximum 40 students │ 60 Minutes | Zoom Meeting

Day in the Life of a Ship’s Boy

Experience “Old Ironsides” from the perspective of the youngest 1812 crew member, a ship’s boy! This 360 virtual tour, facilitated by a Museum educator, will have students exploring every corner of the Ship, from the powder magazine in the depths of the hull to the fighting tops, one hundred feet above the top deck. As students navigate the virtual tour platform, pop-up boxes with historical artifacts, videos of today’s U.S. Navy crew, and games bring the spaces to life. An on-demand, self-guided version of this virtual tour will be available soon.

Grades 3-5 │ Maximum 40 students │ 60 Minutes │Zoom Meeting

Day in the Life of a Midshipman

This 360 virtual tour, facilitated by a Museum educator, follows a day in the life of an 1812 midshipman: a teenage officer in training. Students will navigate through every deck of the Ship in this virtual tour, encountering pop-up boxes with historical artifacts, videos of today’s U.S. Navy crew, and games along the way. An on-demand, self-guided version of this virtual tour will be available soon.

Grades 6-12 │ Maximum 40 students │ 60 Minutes │ Zoom Meeting

Request a Reservation

To schedule a free trip to the Museum, please fill out the Request Form below. Once you submit the form, our Education Coordinator will reach out to confirm availability, finalize the reservation and provide information on bus invoicing.

• Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance for Museum-only programs, and 30 days in advance for Ship programs.

• Programs are available Monday – Friday between 10:00am and 5:00pm EST.

Questions? Contact our Education Coordinator by phone at 617-426-1812 x146 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Click here to see all of the Museum’s Group Policies and Procedures.

Massachusetts Field Trip Request Form

School information, contact information, reservation request, accommodations, other information.

Made possible by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Helpful Links

• Press + News
• Jobs + Volunteering
• Museum Pass Program
• ConstitutionCam
• Site Credits
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Affiliate Links

• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ways to support us

• 2022 Salute to Service
• Annual Fund
• Support Collections
• Colonel Drew Ley Fund
• Legacy Giving
• Memorial Gifts
• Matching Gifts
• AmazonSmile

Walk Into History®

Boston Common Visitor Information Center 139 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02111

Daily, 10 am, 11 am,  12 noon, 1 pm  (plus 2 pm Sat. & Sun.) Purchase Tickets  

Walk Into History® - Reverse

ArtsBoston Booth Faneuil Hall Marketplace  Boston, MA 02109

Starting May 4 Saturdays 10:30 am, 11:30 am Sundays 10:30 am

ArtsBoston Booth Faneuil Hall Marketplace  Boston, MA 02109 

Starting May 4 Saturdays  1:30 pm, 2:30 pm Sundays 1:30 pm

African-American Patriots®

June 19 - 10:45 am

February, select Saturdays-Sundays: 10:45 am

Thursdays - Saturdays through October 28 & Monday, October 30 6 pm (Group tours available via reservation)

Historic Pub Crawl Private Tour

Private tours Mondays - Thursdays, reservations required, based upon availability.

Private & Custom

Historic holiday stroll.

Nov. 17 - Dec. 30 Select Fridays & Saturdays 3:30 p.m.

Revolutionary Women

March, select Saturdays-Sundays: 10:45 a.m.

Freedom Trail Tour App

Walk into history® web tickets only tour.

Brewer Fountain Plaza, Boston Common (near the intersection of Tremont and Temple Street/across the street from 138 Tremont Street)

Suspended until further notice

• Edit Account
• Manage Interests
• Manage Memberships
• Check Benefits
• Automatic Renewal
• Video Content
• View Cart 0
• Time Remaining: 0:00

School Group Visits

Inspire students, connect to your curriculum, and provide the opportunity to engage with exceptional works of art in person through a visit to the MFA. A multimodal learner-centered approach encourages students to look through inquiry, reflect critically, and use art as a catalyst for meaningful discussion.

Book Your Group Visit Preparing for Your Group Visit Payment Policy and Financial Assistance

Field Trip Options

Self-Guided Field Trips

Teachers are invited to visit the MFA with their class for a self-directed experience. Classes engage with artwork in the galleries at their own pace to extend their classroom learning in this unique setting.

See Details for Self-Guided Field Trips

Teachers are invited to visit the MFA with their class for a self-directed experience. Classes engage with artwork in the galleries at their own pace to extend their classroom learning in this unique setting. Classes are welcome to bring pencils and notebooks or clipboards for written assignments or sketching activities. See Preparing for Your Group Visit for information about current exhibitions, gallery closures, and tips to share with your chaperones.

Availability

Through june 2024.

Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm

$175 per group

25 people maximum per group, including students and chaperones. If you have more than 25 people in your group, please reserve multiple groups. We require at least one chaperone for every 12 students.

Free admission available to Title I schools, public schools in Boston and Lawrence, and schools in Maine and New Hampshire.

Please note that bus grants are not available for self-guided visits.

Lunch Space

Reservations for indoor lunch space are not currently available. There is outdoor space available for lunch, no reservations needed. Check back here for updates in the coming months.

Guided Field Trips

Guided field trips are now sold out for the 2023–24 school year. Self-guided field trips are still available through June 2024.

Join us for a guided visit facilitated by trained volunteer School Group Guides who foster discussion among small groups of up to 12 students using 5–8 works of art across several collections.

Guided Tour Options

Community and identity.

October 2023–June 2024

Art of Ancient Egypt

March–June 2024

Community and Identity Tour

Engage your students in a guided tour about Community and Identity. Students delve into what art reveals about the beliefs and practices of communities and individuals across time and cultures using art as a primary source. Touching on multiple collections, students examine the choices different artists and cultures make to represent their identities and stories through art. In this multimodal, learner-centered approach, students practice looking through inquiry, making connections, and thinking critically, as they bring their experiences, thoughts, and ideas to the foreground through meaningful discussion.

This tour supports the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards.

Groups can stay to visit other galleries after their tour when the Museum is open to the public (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays). Please see Preparing for Your Group Visit for information about current exhibitions, gallery closures, and tips to share with your chaperones.

October 16, 2023–June 14, 2024

• Mondays at 9:30 and 11:30 am
• Tuesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 am
• Wednesdays at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 am
• Thursdays at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 am
• Fridays at 9:30 and 10:30 am

Tour Duration

75-minute duration (mondays, wednesdays, thursdays, and fridays).

Although the guided tour has a duration of 60 minutes, we ask that schools allot 75 minutes for visits to include the welcoming of students at the Linde entrance.

90-Minute Duration (Tuesdays)

Tours on Tuesdays, when the MFA is closed to the public, provide a lower sensory experience.

Tuesday guided experiences now have a duration of 90 minutes to allow some time for independent looking with your guide. Depending on the needs of your group, this may be a preferred day for a guided tour as the galleries are quieter.

Groups on Tuesdays must depart immediately after their tour; groups on other days are welcome to stay and visit other galleries, when the Museum is open to the public.

$225 per Group

Art of Ancient Egypt Tour

Starting in spring 2024, engage in a participatory tour of the Art of Ancient Egypt collection. Students use objects as primary sources for close-looking to grow in their understanding of the beliefs, values, and everyday lives of Ancient Egyptian peoples. Trained school group guides facilitate conversations that provide a humanizing context to the ways we talk and learn about the collection, especially when discussing human remains. Students reflect critically on questions of provenance and how we work to understand these objects outside of their original context. The tour is centered on the ancient Egypt galleries and also includes objects from ancient and modern civilizations outside ancient Egypt to help students build connections and further their understanding.

March 4–June 14, 2024

Book your group visit.

To get started, select the desired date of your group visit in the calendar, then click on the Tickets button below the tour option you’d like to book.

Reservations are available until two weeks prior for self-guided visits and four weeks prior for guided visits.

Preparing for Your Group Visit

Find useful information about how to prepare your group for your visit to the Museum, including details about entrances, chaperones, and policies, as well as tips to make the most of your visit.

Payment Policy

Partial or full prepayment for your visit is possible by credit card during the online reservation process; any remaining balance due will be confirmed after the reservation is complete, and final payment is due at the time of the visit. Payments at the time of the visit may be cash, check (US banks only), or credit card.

Financial Assistance

Free field trip admission programs.

The following groups receive free admission for guided and self-guided field trips:

• Title I schools
• Boston Public Schools
• Lawrence Public Schools
• Maine students, including homeschoolers and Maine residents attending college out-of-state
• New Hampshire students, including homeschoolers

Bus Funding

The MFA offers bus funding grants to assist schools in bringing student groups to the Museum for guided school field trips.

Bus grants for guided field trips are available up to $1,250 per visit from October through March, and up to $1,000 per visit from April through June. Self-guided field trips and Artful Adventures visits are not eligible for bus grants.

Grants are awarded based on a group’s demonstrated need (such as Title I status) and total transportation costs. Eligible schools will receive the application in confirmation materials after reserving a guided tour.

Lawrence Public Schools are reimbursed for bus costs for both guided and self-guided field trips.

Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Weather Policies

If you need to make changes to your reservation or your group is running late, please call MFA Group Experience at 617-369-3310 as soon as possible. School groups arriving more than 30 minutes late for their guided tour will instead visit self-guided; we’ll be sure to provide chaperones with a map and visit suggestions.

We realize that cancellations due to unexpected school/institution closures may occur on short notice. If you must cancel your visit due to closure or significant weather, please notify us as soon as possible by calling 617-369-3310. It is also sometimes necessary for the MFA to close unexpectedly due to inclement weather. If bad weather is expected in the Boston area on the date of your visit, please check mfa.org or call 617-267-9300 x0 to confirm whether the Museum is open to visitors for the day. Groups will not be billed for visits canceled due to Museum closure or significant inclement weather.

[email protected] 617-369-3310

MFA School Programs are sponsored by the Arbella Insurance Foundation. Supported by the Smith Family Thinking Through Art Program Fund; the Germeshausen Foundation Fund for Youth and Family Learning; the Edwin S. Webster Foundation Fund for School Programs; the Bernard J. Rothwell School Bus Fund; the School Programs for Lawrence Public Schools Fund; the Gallery Instructors and Gallery Instructor Associates Fund for the Partnership with the Boston Public Schools; the Ulf B. and Elizabeth C. Heide Education Fund; the Mabel Louise Riley Fund for School Programs; the Gloria and Irving Fox Fund for Education; the Education of Children in the Museum Fund; the Patricia and Robert Lawrence Fund for Education; the Dorothy Wagenknecht Fund; the Morton P. Prince Fund; and the Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation Fund.

The Gallery Instructor Program is funded through a generous endowment by Marcia and Louis Kamentsky. Additional support from the Bascha Snyder Education Fund, the Grace S. Dane Fund, and the National Docent Symposium Gallery Instructors Fund for Professional Development.

The Lunder Maine Student Membership Program at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is generously funded by The Lunder Foundation.

The McLane Family New Hampshire Student Membership Program allows New Hampshire students of all ages in public and private school, as well as those who are home schooled, to visit the Museum free of charge.

Artful Adventures is supported by the Michael D. Dingman Fund, the Pamela D. Adams Fund for Artful Adventures, the Richard W. and Marjorie S. Dammann Fund, the Mrs. Charles H. Taylor Fund, the William O. and Sally Taylor Fund, the Rieka, Samuel and Renée Rapaporte Fund for Educational Outreach for Youth and Families, the Kennedy P. and Susan M. Richardson Endowment Fund for Learning and Community Engagement, and the Bramhall Fund.

Access Programs are funded in part by the Bank of America Fund for Access.

• Purchase, NY
• Kenosha, WI
• Frequent Climbers & Gift Tickets
• The Experience
• Rules & Policies
• Course Levels
• Summer Program
• After School Program
• Birthday Parties
• Corporate Team Building
• School Field Trips
• Scout Outings
• Team Bonding Events
• Youth Camps
• Night Climbing
• Location & Hours
• Fundraisers
• Summer Programs

Check Out These Awesome School Field Trip Ideas in MA :: Boundless Adventures

7 Unusual School Field Trip Ideas in Boston/West Metro MA

December 13, 2019

Remember back when you were a kid? You always looked forward to a field trip day. Field trips take you out of the classroom and into the real world. They’re fun and give you a chance to experience something new and different.

Students learn a lot during field trips and make lasting memories and friendships that we’re all grateful for today. Whether they’re at a museum, an aquarium, or even ziplining, field trips provide a unique learning opportunity for students of all ages.

If you’re based in Boston, there are plenty of field trip destinations that your students will love. Here are some fun school field trip ideas in Boston that we love (even as adults).

The Top 7 Field Trip Ideas for Metro West & Boston Students

It’s important to remember that just because you’re based in the Boston/Metro-West area, all of your students may not be knowledgeable on the history or area surrounding your school!

1. The Freedom Trail Walking Tour

Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. English Puritans founded the city in 1630 while fleeing persecution. To experience the best of Boston’s history, take your students on the Freedom Trail Walking Tour.

This tour takes you past famous Boston landmarks such as Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, and Park Street Church.

You’ll follow a red brick-paved road with guides who will explain the landmarks and how they integrate with Boston’s history.

In addition to the walking tour, you can visit each individual location. Most of these landmarks host individual tours where you can see and learn more details about each place.

Keep in mind, the tour you take depends on the size of your class. Most Freedom Trail Walking Tours focus on small groups. Take student groups on different days or break your students up into small groups.

2. The New England Aquarium

Every student loves visiting the aquarium. They can witness so many different marine animals and even experience some interesting exhibits.

But what makes the New England Aquarium different? There’s a reason why the aquarium attracts over a million visitors a year. Your students will see exhibits and wildlife that they won’t see at other aquariums.

The New England Aquarium offers exciting attractions such as a shark and stingray touch tank and even a massive four-story Caribbean coral reef. But the penguin exhibit wins over the most students with their slick tuxedos.

In addition to the animals, the aquarium also hosts an IMAX theater that premieres a myriad of different animal and ocean biographies.

3. The Museum of Science

While science museums are popular field trip destinations, there’s no museum as interactive as Boston’s Museum of Science. The museum hosts popular exhibits such as the Theater of Electricity, Triceratops Cliff, and the Hall of Human Life.

The Theater of Electricity is one of the most unique exhibits, hosting the largest Van de Graaff generator which sparks lighting. Students can also meet Cliff, one of the four nearly complete Triceratops on display.

The museum also hosts an exciting biology exhibit — the Hall of Human Life. You emerge inside the human body, participating in over 70 interactive activities to gain a better understanding of our body and how it performs.

4. Franklin Park Zoo

Franklin Park is another historic area in Boston. Established in 1885, Franklin Park hosts a mall, garden, and different natural attractions. One of the most popular attractions is the Franklin Park Zoo.

Students can see animals such as tigers, lions, monkeys, and giraffes.

You’ll also see unique animals and insects not found in many other zoos, such as the Bactrian Camel and the Australian Walking Stick. There are also individual exhibits for younger children, such as the Children’s Zoo and Franklin’s Farm.

To provide students with a greater learning experience, schedule a tour with zookeepers.

The zoo is also open year-round so you can schedule your field trip during the slow season.

5. Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge Village is a recreated nineteenth-century village. Your students can see first-hand what life was like in colonial Boston.

Every building has architectural styles that were commonly seen 200 years ago. The village hosts livestock and old shops such as blacksmith businesses.

Students will love the re-enactments and it can help them truly connect with what’s going on around them. Actors dress in nineteenth-century clothing and act out the traditions that embodied the colonial Boston lifestyle.

Students will also love the hands-on learning approach, such as preparing food the old-fashioned way and even designing crafts that were popular back then.

6. Boundless Adventures

If you’re looking for a field trip with some more thrills and excitement, we have the perfect spot for your class. 

While many of our other picks focus on some educational learning around history, science and the human body…Boundless Adventures focuses on building up your students. 

With a mix of incredible activities such as ziplining, treetop adventures, and even an aerial ropes course, your students can improve their physical health while embarking on new adventures.

Boundless Adventures offers more than just a unique activity.

These activities improve teamwork and teach problem-solving skills. These are also activities your students have likely never done before. They will learn to get out of their comfort zone and try new challenges.

Don’t worry — these activities are safe. Every student has a harness and will take a lesson in safety training. Boundless Adventures even offers perks, such as free chaperone entry (as long as you’re not climbing).

It’s the perfect alternative to a Museum or Zoo visit (although we love those too)! 

With a ton of schools already visiting the Boundless Adventures park, we know your students will love it in the trees. 

You can learn more about our school field trip offerings and catch a sneak peek of the park here .

7. Paul Revere’s House

As an American Patriot during the Revolutionary War, Paul Revere is a staple in the Boston community.  In fact, his home was turned into a museum for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

Students can visit his home and learn about Revere’s life and his heroic actions that made him famous. Students will also learn about Boston’s history and how Revere and his home integrated with life in colonial Boston.

The house is currently the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston. Paul Revere’s house also hosts special events such as reenactments and special tours.

Our Top Field Trip Ideas in the Boston & Metro West Area

We know that every field trip listed here may not be the right fit for your class subject, the ages of your students or the number of students you need to bring on a trip. 

We felt that with a combination of Boston History and some outdoor adventure, you can find the perfect fit no matter the season.

The best part of your field trip search in the Boston Area is this: Boundless Adventures accepts nearly all grade levels, group sizes, and our class subject is fun 24/7.  

We love spending time in the trees and hope to show the future of Boston and Metro West how thrilling an outdoor adventure can be.

Sign Up To Get Updates & Promos

• Name * First Last
• Hidden Location

• Skip to global NPS navigation
• Skip to this park navigation
• Skip to the main content
• Skip to this park information section
• Skip to the footer section

Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, freedom trail audio tour.

Last updated: December 20, 2023

Park footer

Contact info, mailing address:.

Boston National Historical Park 21 Second Ave Charlestown, MA 02129

617 242-5601

Stay Connected

School Field Trips

Boston field trips for school groups, tour the freedom trail with author & paul revere relative ben edwards.

Now Booking Field Trips for Grades 3 and 5 for spring 2024! In-Person Field Trips for 2024 include a FREE Virtual Version over the winter months. Learn more below. Don’t Miss Out. Contact Us Today!    

Ben Edwards works with more than 1,400 grade school students on field trips of Boston’s Freedom Trail each fall and spring. Teachers and students enjoy Ben’s unique tour so much that he has worked with the same schools for years—many for well over a decade. Learn more about Ben .

If you are a grade school social studies teacher interested in touring the Freedom Trail with your students, or have done so in the past with another guide, consider the remarkable benefits of working with Ben:

• Ben is a knowledgeable, engaging, and fun tour guide. Your students will be intrigued with his family ties to Paul Revere and the fact that Ben’s ancestors walked the same cobblestone streets as Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams!
• During the tour your students will hold and read some wonderful primary sources including rare documents signed by John Hancock and participants in the Boston Tea Party, along with original colonial newspapers with ads for Paul Revere’s many businesses.
• Ben is a children’s book author and gifted storyteller who presents history in a fashion that increases retention, supporting and enhancing the material you’re teaching in the classroom.
• Each of your students will receive Ben’s children’s book One April in Boston , that tells the real story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride and covers the start of the American Revolution, in eBook and MP3 audio formats, in advance of the field trip .

Bonus Items for Teachers

Teachers booking a spring field trip receive Four Bonus Items : The print version of  One April in Boston , the book in MP3 audio format, a wonderful audio recording of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem “Paul Revere’s Ride” by award-winning narrator Phil Rosenthal, and FREE Zoom or Google Meet sessions for your students over the winter months (January-March). These sessions cover key  aspects of the Freedom Trail, Boston history, and Ben’s children’s book  serving to enhance the in-person field trip experience. No Other school field trip to Boston delivers this Added Value.  

THIS WORLD PENGUIN DAY:

Support Endangered Penguins at the Aquarium and Beyond!

Field Trip Guide

You’ll need to make many decisions as you set up your Aquarium field trip. Use this step-by-step field trip planning guide to make sure that you have covered everything, from reservations to check-in and parking to planning your choice of activities, lunch, and more. We also have  a printable Field Trip Checklist (PDF).

Make a Case for Your Field Trip

We understand it isn’t always easy to make a case for field trips, even valuable ones. Here are some  educational resources and activities we hope will help.

Pick a Date and Time

Make your reservations  at least two weeks in advance to receive the group discount rate. Book your field trip or program with our Reservations Team at 617-973-5206,  [email protected], or by completing a group inquiry form .

Other tips and considerations: 

• The Aquarium is at its busiest at the end of the week from 9 a.m.–12 p.m, April through June.
• Have a first and second choice of dates when booking.
• We recommend at least two and a half hours to make the most of the Aquarium experience. Consider time for visiting the exhibits , seeing a film at Simons Theatre , eating at the Harbor View Café , and exploring the Gift Shop .

Decide on an Itinerary

In addition to exploring the Aquarium, you may add a range of programs to your visit, including classes, films, guided tours behind the scenes, or an excursion on a New England Aquarium Whale Watch. 

Add a Simons Theatre film to your field trip

See what’s playing at Simons Theatre, New England’s biggest movie screen. Super-sized films will take your students to some of the world’s most remarkable places—from the bottom of the sea to outer space and almost everywhere in between. The films provide students of all ages with larger-than-life experiences, perfect for capturing the imagination and interest of young minds. Concession packs and teacher guides for films are also available.  Teachers and groups visiting the Aquarium may: 

• Arrange to see a movie. Please reserve your screening while setting up your field trip or making your group reservation.
• Ask about showing a film from our library 

Add a Whale Watch Cruise

Do your students want to see where we keep the really big animals? Join us for a  Whale Watch cruise ! If booked, plan to have your entire group assemble on the plaza near the Whale Watch check-in booth while the head chaperone checks in. Please make sure everyone in your group knows how to get ready for a whale watch, including proper clothing. 

Review Chaperones Requirements

The number of chaperones required is determined by the age and number of students.

• Preschool: one chaperone for every three students 
• Grades K–4: one chaperone for every five students 
• Grades 5–8: one chaperone for every seven students 
• Grades 9–12: one chaperone for every 10 students 
• Special needs groups: one chaperone for every student 

Other rules and considerations:

• Chaperones must stay with their group at all times. Please do not leave your group unchaperoned. 
• Please assign a group leader. This person is responsible for all communication between the Aquarium and your school. 
• Chaperones are admitted to the Aquarium free of charge. Additional adults pay the group rate. 

Plan for Lunch

Harbor view café voucher program.

• Group lunch vouchers are available ($12.00 + tax per person) for the Harbor View Café, located on level 2 of the Aquarium. 
• Please note that the Harbor View Café is only available for use if you are purchasing food or lunch vouchers. If you are bringing lunch, please arrange an outside location for your meal. 
• We are unable to store lunches at the New England Aquarium. 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace Food Voucher Program

Groups of all sizes can also enjoy a meal at any time from participating Quincy Market Colonnade Restaurants, about a five-minute walk from the Aquarium. Order your Faneuil Hall Marketplace Food Voucher and present vouchers when ordering.

Confirm Your Reservation

You will be emailed a confirmation packet. Please review this packet carefully, as it contains helpful information to ensure a successful visit. Make sure the date, time, and program match your records.

The email also contains a reservation confirmation number. Please refer to it when calling the Aquarium and when checking in for your group upon arrival.

Get the Most Out of Your Trip

Pre-visit videos.

Share this   shark and ray interaction videos with students and chaperones. 

Educational Resources and Activities

Explore educational activities for a more comprehensive look at an animal or topic. These activities can be easily adapted for home or the classroom. 

Chaperone Guides: Helpful Questions to Stimulate Discussion

Enhance your visit to the New England Aquarium and help chaperones feel confident about leading a group with these chaperone guides. Each is designed to build science skills and group discussion by providing guiding questions to explore during your visit. Select the grade span and topic that best supports your classroom curriculum or field trip goals. 

Grade level guides: 

• Pre-kindergarten–Grade 2
• Grades 9–12

Teacher Visit

If you booked a class to visit the New England Aquarium and want to make a trip to the Aquarium beforehand to plan your visit, you are welcome to do so. Teachers may present their field trip confirmation letter to gain free admission to the Aquarium.

Make Your Payment

• A 50% non-refundable deposit is due 30 days before your arrival date.
• Need to cancel or reschedule? Your deposit will be available for use 90 days from the date of your. cancellation/exchange/refund request. If the deposit isn’t applied to a trip within 90 days, the deposit will be forfeited.
• The final non-refundable payment and headcount are due one week prior to arrival.
• If you do not provide payment, your group will be refused entry to the Aquarium.

Make Sure You Have Everything You Need

• Do you have your Reservation Confirmation Letter with your confirmation number?
• Do you have directions to the Aquarium?
• Do you have a map of the Aquarium ?
• Do you have the bus drop-off/pick-up permit from your confirmation package to post on the dashboard of your bus? The New England Aquarium has no on-site bus parking. Please be sure you have directions to where you are parking your bus and the facility’s pricing. Review our parking information before your visit .
• Have you made your deposit? Final payment is due one week before arrival. If you do not have payment in full by the deadline, your group may be refused admission.

Reinforce Ocean Learning Back in the Classroom

Keep the ocean education flowing! Follow up your field trip with classroom activities and plan some ocean-related outdoor activities.

Boston Group Transportation Experts

Customer Support

781-535-6344

[email protected]

Top 10 Ideas For Field Trips In Massachusetts

by Local Motion of Boston | Dec 3, 2021 | Blog

People of all ages get a plethora of information during field trips and outings. Certainly, these tours enhance their view of the world and their learning skills. When we go on a field trip, we can better recall factual information with accuracy and detail and critical thinking and tolerance for different points of view.

Are you planning to go on a field trip in Massachusetts ?

Let us explore the top 10 field trip ideas that both you and your loved ones would enjoy while touring Massachusetts. Without further ado, let’s get started!

#1 Paul Revere House

No field trip to Massachusetts is complete without paying a visit to the home of Paul Revere, the famed patriot, artisan, merchant, and entrepreneur. In 1770, Paul Revere purchased the building and moved his family here from their Clark’s Wharf home. He held the house from 1770 to 1800. Albeit, he and his family may not have resided here for the majority of the 1780s, if not all of them.

 The mansion quickly became a sailor’s boarding house after Revere sold it in 1800. The home had become an immigrant tenement by the second half of the nineteenth century. Further, the ground level had been rebuilt for use as shops.

The house housed various stores. For instance, it included a fruit and a vegetable business at various times, an Italian bank, a tobacco factory, and a confectionery store. John P. Reynolds Jr., Paul Revere’s great-grandson, acquired the building in the early 20th-century to ensure that it would not be demolished.

Funds were raised over the next few years. Then, the Paul Revere Memorial Association was created to maintain and renovate the structure. The Paul Revere Home became one of the nation’s first historic house museums. It opened its doors to the people in April 1908. The house was restored in 1907-1908 to match its late-17th-century design. 90% of the mansion is original. It includes two doors, three window frames, and flooring elements, inner wall material, foundation, and raftering.

Tour Revere’s mansion and learn about the family life of the 18th century. Enjoy displays of silver and evocative items linked to Revere’s numerous business operations in the new education and visitor center. You will learn the true tale of his midnight ride narrated in his own words. Plan a visit while on your field trip in Massachusetts.

#2 John F. Kennedy: Presidential Library and Museum

Dedicated to making and maintaining the 35th President of the United States’ legacy, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will grab the interest of people who wish to know more about the art of politics.

The library aims to bring President Kennedy’s 1000 days in office to life. The Museum uses large-screen, high-definition projections, remastered videos, interactive displays, and original mementos from his life and times. JFK library proves to be a very historically enriching idea for a field trip to Massachusetts.

Visitors have hailed the Museum as an incredible voyage through American history. Moreover, it showcases the life of an extraordinary man.

We encourage you to travel back in time to the early 1960s to relive President John F. Kennedy’s words, beliefs, and deeds, which inspired Americans to wonder what they might do for their country.

The Library, which lies on a ten-acre park overlooking the sea he admired and the city that propelled him to glory, is a vivid homage to John F. Kennedy’s life and times.

You should definitely go and witness the museum, which depicts President John F. Kennedy’s life, leadership, and legacy, as well as his love for politics and public service and the nature of the presidency if you are planning a field trip to Massachusetts.

Apart from the field trip and visitation, students and academics can also use the compilation of available historical materials to research mid-20th-century politics and the 35th President’s life and administration.

The JFK Library and Museum are open to the public on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

#3 Battleship Cove: Fleet Museum

Battleship Cove, which opened on August 14, 1965, is the world’s greatest collection of US Naval ships. Various PT boats, a submarine, a destroyer, battleships, and as well as many other sorts of naval displays, may be found at this museum.

The USS Massachusetts is one of Battleship Cove’s most popular attractions. This ship was the first in the United States to fire a 16″ projectile. The ships on display here tell the tale of America’s past and allow tourists to travel back in time. The Cove’s marine museum offers educational activities, community programs, and various events, making it a perfect choice for a field trip in Massachusetts.

Battleship Cove is more than just an old battleship cemetery. The boats that moor here continue to play an essential role in educating visitors about American history while also providing opportunities for them to travel back in time.

Many diverse exhibitions, including the primary attraction of the USS Massachusetts, acquaint us with linkages between the various ships and their histories. Often known as “Big Mamie,” the USS Massachusetts took part in numerous wars. The USS Fall River, a warship primarily engaged for nuclear weapons testing, and the Hiddensee, a battleship first commissioned by the East German Navy, are among the other displays in Cove, in addition to the USS Lionfish, the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., and the USS Massachusetts.

The museum was visited by millions of people from all across the country when it initially debuted in the 1960s. The Cove has a variety of educational activities for children and teenagers. The Battleship Cove Community Boating Program is the major program they use. A Junior Sailor Program and overnight sleepovers aboard the ships are among the other programs available. Thus, the Battleship Cove is a very popular spot for field trips in Massachusetts for Local school children.

#4 Massachusetts Science Center

The Massachusetts Science Center Corporation, a 501(c) (3) educational nonprofit organization, was founded in 1995. They are part of GuideStar.org , a national web-database of charity organizations in the United States. They used the term “Weird Science” to promote the institution as a unique and exciting educational science center from 1995 to 1999. The science center was renamed Weird Science to Top Secret Science & Math in 1999 and has been a very popular place for field trips in Massachusetts.

Their goal for field trips in Massachusetts at this educational site is to foster a high level of curiosity and excitement for science and high technology. This will motivate youngsters to learn at a young age by broadening their horizons and piquing their interest in future learning.

Top Secret Science & Math provides an excellent setting for your child to develop a science foundation that will lead to a lifetime of learning. They have introduced hands-on science to more youngsters than any other institution in America over the last 20 years. Their programs are well above National Science standards, and this field trip in Massachusetts will provide you with an environment that is safe, comfortable, and enriching.

#5 iRobot Stem

Want to enjoy your time getting inspired by the next generation of scientists and engineers? Whether you are planning to visit this destination with an educational group, your robotics team, or simply your class, the time spent is truly going to be exceptional. The tour around the place includes a visit to a robot demo and a walk through their museum.

Started in the year 1990, iRobot Stem was founded by MIT roboticists Rodney Brooks, Helen Greiner, and Colin Angle. Sold more than 20 million robots worldwide, this organization has made practical robots a reality. For instance, these robots saved thousands of lives from crisis and conflict by finding Gulf of Mexico’s subsea oil that was dangerous to humanity. Also, the robots helped in revealing the Great Pyramid of Giza mysteries.

A company with a smart vision, a quick ride through iRobots will surely be a great memory to cherish. Don’t forget to wear the tech-savvy hat to find out more about it.

#6 Plimoth Patuxet Museums

A young archaeologist’s youthful ambition of telling the legendary tale of Plymouth Colony. Henry Hornblower II founded a fort on the historic waterfront of the Plymouth and the Museum as two English houses in 1947, with the love and assistance of friends, family, and professional colleagues. Since then, the Museum has developed significantly and has become a popular destination as a field trip in Massachusetts for history and culture enthusiasts.

Plimoth Patuxet offers compelling personal interactions with history based on deep research into the Wampanoag People and the Colonial English culture of the 1600s. On its main grounds, at the Plimoth Grist Mill on Town Brook and the State Pier on the waterfront of Plymouth, Plimoth Patuxet provides an immersive and interactive outdoor and indoor learning experience. Their permanent exhibitions tell the intertwined stories of two cultures: English and Native Americans.

The primary displays are supplemented by a broad program of special events, public programs, and workshops that provide a rich and varied understanding of the seventeenth century.

Many generations of families, countless school children, and millions of others from across the state and country have come to Plimoth Patuxet as a destination for a field trip in Massachusetts to partake in educational experiences that sparked their imaginations, delighted their senses, touched their hearts, and enriched their minds. The Plimoth Grist Mill (1994), The Craft Center (1992), The English Village (1959), The Hornblower Visitor Center (1987), The Wampanoag Homesite (1973), The Mayflower II (1957), and the Maxwell and Nye Barns (1994) are among the other significant attractions in Plimoth Estate.

#7 Museum of Science- Boston

The Boston Museum of Science, nestled on the Cambridge-Boston boundary, has much to offer children of all ages. It’s well worth a visit whether you live in New England or organize a field trip in Massachusetts with your children. It is one of the state’s largest scientific centers, featuring something for everyone.

As you enter the museum, you will notice that it’s divided into three sections. The café, gift shop, Planetarium, and IMAX theatre are all housed in the red wing, which runs along the front of the museum. A coat closet and space for moving displays are also available.

As you enter, the green wing is to your left. It houses animal and biology exhibitions, as well as a small space where you can see live animal shows. If you can squeeze one of those shows in, the younger kids will love it. The Green Wing’s centerpiece is the Hall of Human Life, where you’ll undoubtedly spend a lot of time.

The largest wing is the blue one on the right. It houses some of the museum’s most popular interactive exhibits, such as the Theater of Electricity. Also, it has Science in the Campground, Mathworks, and The Lighthouse. There is a regular performer at the Theater of Electricity. It is home to the world’s largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator.

Other than this, there are many other amenities in the museum of Science Boston. You can book tickets for it both online and on the counter if you plan to visit this destination as a field trip in Massachusetts.

#8 The Freedom Trail

The “Freedom Trail” is unarguably one of the most famous spots for a field trip in Massachusetts. Running down through Boston, it is a long 4.0-kilometer (2.5-mile) walkway. In addition, it passes 16 official sites that have played key roles in American history.

The trail begins at Boston Common and finishes at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stones and other signposts mark it. A naval frigate, houses, churches, graveyards, and historic structures are among the trail’s highlights. There are several more significant monuments and locations along the walk. For example, you will see the Boston Irish Famine Memorial, in addition to the formal 16 stations.

The Freedom Trail was first proposed in 1951, and within a few years, tens of thousands of people were walking it every year. Internal visits are available at most locations, with some being free and others charging admission.

The Freedom Trail does not contain all of Boston’s heritage places, such as the Boston Tea Party sites and the Liberty Tree. At Faneuil Hall, a visitor’s center provides guided tours and maps of the Freedom Trail. The stops among the famous Freedom Trail comprise:

•       The Bunker Hill Monument
•       Old North Church,
•       USS Constitution,
•       Copp’s Hill Burying Ground,
•       Paul Revere House,
•       Faneuil Hall,
•       Site of the Boston Massacre,
•       Latin School,
•       Old State House,
•       Meeting House,
•       Old South,
•       Old Corner Bookstore,
•       Benjamin Franklin statue,
•       King’s Chapel and Burying Ground,
•       Massachusetts State House,
•       Park Street Church,
•       Boston Common,
•       and finally Granary Burying Ground,

are among the stops on the Famous Freedom Trail.

It is by far one of the most immersive field trips in Massachusetts for adults.

#9 New England Aquarium

Starting with the Atlantic harbor seals who lounge out just next to the admission counter, your kids will find plenty to enjoy at the New England Aquarium if you plan to visit it for your family field trip in Massachusetts.

Here, you’ll find tens of thousands of marine animals to observe, as well as the Giant Ocean Tank in the center. More than 1,000 underwater species, including green sea turtles, eels, and barracuda, dwell in this four-story tank, which features a coral reef ecosystem.

You will find displays dedicated to penguins, sea jellies, and seadragons in various portions of the aquarium, as well as a 6-storey high projection cinema screen with a digital sound system where you can watch documentaries about sea creatures and more. Additionally, don’t miss out on the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, where visitors can gaze at sharks and rays from the glass as they swim by.

The hours of operation at the New England Aquarium vary depending on the season and day of the week. But, in a broad sense, the aquarium is open from 9 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. The price of the tickets is also very inexpensive. The aquarium’s main displays, toilets, gift shop, and cafe are all included in all tickets. You may have to pay a nominal fee to participate in a whale viewing trip or see a film. 

#10 MASM: Massachusetts Air and Space Museum

Massachusetts houses many internationally recognized museums, such as the American Heritage Museum in Hudson. Also, it has several such museums which you may not have heard of.

The Massachusetts Air and Space Museum tucked away in a Hyannis commercial plaza is a true treasure you should add to your list of museums to visit while planning a field trip in Massachusetts. You will love your time at The Massachusetts Air and Space Museum if you have an interest in learning about aviation and space exploration. 

When you visit, you’ll delve into the fascinating world of air and space explorations, history, and technology, as well as its connections to the state of Massachusetts and its inhabitants. You will find the “spacesuit” displayed as soon as you come through the door. It had once belonged to astronaut Jack Schmitt who wore it during his mission to the moon on Apollo 17. Children and grownups alike will enjoy learning, thanks to the numerous interactive displays. The flight simulator, which allows visitors to experience what it is like to fly a plane, is one of the most popular attractions of this museum. Throughout the exhibitions, you’ll learn about Massachusetts’ contributions to both the aviation and aerospace fields.

The Massachusetts Air and Space Museum is a new addition to the state’s museum system. It launched in February 2020 and continues to grow its display collection. When you visit this location for your field trip in Massachusetts, see what it has to offer. And, don’t forget to browse the gift store for interesting products.

Any field trip you take with your family, students, or loved ones, without a doubt, will be memorable. We can often connect with the world in ways we haven’t previously during field trips. Hopefully, this collection of places to visit for a field trip in Massachusetts will help you plan some fun trips! Good luck with your journey around Massachusetts. You can always make it more secure with our transportation services !

Off-Peak School Bus Web Special*

Recent Posts

• Safety First: Innovative Measures Transforming Charter Bus Travel in Boston
• Cheers to Victory: Student Transportation for Sports Events, Tournaments, and Rallies
• Navigating the Future: Overcoming Unique Challenges in Group Transportation
• Saving Dollars, Making Sense: The Economic Edge of Charter Bus Rentals in Boston
• Efficiency on the Road: Maximizing Time and Resources With Charter Bus Travel

Local Motion is your local group transportation expert, having provided over 25 years of safe and dependable charter bus, shuttle bus, corporate transportation and school bus service  throughout Boston and New England.

QUICK LINKS

Get in touch.

Office 781-535-6344

Fax: 781-535-6028

Braintree Office (Main) 66B Rocsam Park Rd. Braintree, MA 02184

Newton Office 161 North Street Newton, MA 02460

NEED AN INSTANT QUOTE?

Call 781-535-6344 and select option 2 to speak to a representative..

Terms & Conditions

Up And Social  -  Boston Web Design

(800) 334-4754 Call Us!

• New York City
• Philadelphia
• Washington D.C.
• Williamsburg
• Happy Customers
• Fundraising

Boston Field Trips

A field trip to Boston with Colonial Capital Tours sends us back to the era of the American Revolution. There is much historical touring to do and it is mostly all along the iconic Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail is the red bricked path that weaves through downtown Boston and reaches most all famous attractions including Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, Boston Massacre site, the State House, Granary Burial Ground and Boston Common. Continue to the North End where early Italian immigrants settled to see Old North Church and the Paul Revere Home.

A field trip to Boston will also include a visit to the other side of the Charles River to ascend Bunker Hill Monument and board the U.S.S. Constitution, the oldest commissioned U.S. Naval warship. We continue to Cambridge and visit the epicenter of higher education at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Your field trip to Boston would not be complete without a visit to some of Boston's famous museums such as the Boston Tea Party Ship Museum, the Boston Museum of Science, and the New England Aquarium. Harbor cruises depart from the Aquarium wharf for a relaxing, narrated sail of Boston Harbor with all its history.

Your Boston field trip is enhanced by visits to several attractions that are located outside of Boston such as Lexington and Concord battlefields where thanks to Paul Revere's warning, the Colonists were able to intercept the Redcoats as they marched toward Boston. At Plymouth Plantation, we board the replica Mayflower II and visit the Pilgrims as they go about their daily lives in the 16th century. At the Salem Witch Museum, we will experience what life was like for those accused of being witches at a dramatic Salem Witch Trial.

When ready for a field trip to Boston, think Colonial Capital Tours!

© 2024 | Colonial Capital Tours | Sitemap

Web Development by Cybernet

Virtual Field Trips

Revolutionize your curriculum by bringing the boston tea party ships & museum into your classroom.

Currently Sold Out: 2021-22 School Year --> Huzzah! Thank you to everyone who participated in our Virtual Field Trip program the 2021-2022 school year! The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum has sold out all availability for the remainder of this school year. If you are interested in information and setting up an experience for next year (2022-2023), feel free to contact us through the inquiry form below. We look forward to hosting you and your students for a virtual trip to Colonial Boston next school year!

Boston Tea Party Virtual Tour & Experience Learn about the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution without leaving the classroom! Students play an active role debating taxation without representation, and the issues that pushed Massachusetts down the road to revolution. Your class will storm aboard one of our eighteenth century replica vessels and cast off the yoke of tyranny by destroying the Crown’s tea. They will get a taste of what life was like in the eighteenth century by exploring below decks onboard one the vessels that moored at Griffin’s Wharf that fateful night. Finally, students will discover how the Sons of Liberty successfully overcame obstacles to accomplish their goals, and achieve independence. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to teach your class about the single most important event leading up to the American Revolution!

Other Virtual Experiences

• Boston Massacre Trial This exhilarating reenactment captures the tensions in the town between the occupying force of British regulars and the Sons of Liberty. Your class will be greeted by John Adams, who will present a compelling argument in defense of the soldiers, and Robert Treat Paine, who will argue that the redcoats should be found guilty. Students play the role of witnesses, magistrates and jurors in this emotionally charged, riveting reenactment of the historic trial held just months after the tragic event.
• Adventures at Sea in the Eighteenth Century (October 1-April 1) This tour is currently unavailable. Join us aboard one of our authentic replica vessels to learn about the challenges a sailor would typically face on the high seas! Your class will be invited above and below decks onboard a wooden merchant ship where they will discover the adventure of sailing across the ocean in the eighteenth century!
• Anecdotes from the Boston Tea Party This tour is currently unavailable. Join us at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum as we regale your class with the humorous anecdotes from the night of the Boston Tea Party. Your students will discover the funny stories and close encounters that happened on Griffin’s Wharf, as they play the part of the characters involved!
• Ladies of the American Revolution This tour is currently unavailable. Meet the influential founding mothers as they induct your class into the Daughters of Liberty! Your students will discover the creative ways that women resisted tyranny, and sacrificed for the cause of liberty. See how women were crucial to the success of the American Revolution!

Register for our free lesson plans >>

Sign Your School Up Today!

For more information, please fill out the inquiry form below, or call (617) 344-9370.

• School Name
• Contact Name *
• Contact Email *
• Contact Phone *
• Preferred Date * MM slash DD slash YYYY
• Preferred Time (EST) *
• Program Your Interested In * Boston Tea Party Virtual Tour & Experience Boston Massacre Trial
• Number of Students
• School Address * Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code
• Additional Comments
• share Facebook
• share twitter
• share linkedin

SIGNUP FOR SPECIALS & DISCOUNTS

Sign up to receive special offers, discounts and news on upcoming events.

• Name sign up *
• Email Address *

SIGN UP FOR OFFERS & COOL BOSTON INFO