Educational outing: 51 exciting and inspiring ideas
A field trip is a unique, exciting and inspiring experience. There is no doubt that most students enjoy field trips immensely. Indeed, an educational outing goes beyond the simple improvement of the understanding of a subject by the students. It teaches the best lessons like those of trust, curiosity and creativity.
To give you an idea of ​​how learning outside the classroom can help students develop, we’ve rounded up some benefits of school visits along with some creative and fun ideas for field trips:
Objectives of an educational outing:
Here are some objectives of a field trip:
A better understanding
One of the main benefits of field trips is to give your students a better understanding of their current study topics. Seeing a resource first-hand or learning a topic hands-on can help cement it in your students’  memories .
Discover new areas of interest
In addition to improving individual results, field trips can also help students discover a passion for new subjects.
Build confidence and independence
In addition to classroom rewards , the importance of field trips is most highlighted by the fact that they help students build confidence and gain independence. A particular benefit of school trips abroad is that taking students to more distant destinations can help build character and teach them life skills that go beyond the classroom.
The social connection
Field trips are a great opportunity for students to bond with classmates and teachers. Many students return from these field trips with stronger friendships and better classroom relationships because many activities allow them to work in teams and share their experiences with other students.
Broaden horizons
Finally, educational outings give students the opportunity to live a multitude of experiences that might otherwise escape them. From immersing yourself in new cultures, trying new cuisines, to exploring fascinating museums and important historical sites, field trips can help broaden your students’ horizons.
Example of an educational outing project
Here are 51 fun and useful educational outings:
Science
1. The Zoo
Who doesn’t love a trip to the zoo? Don’t forget to print out treasure hunts or printables to take with you.
2. The Science Museum
Science museums are a great way for children to explore the world of science at their own level but also to learn in a fun and hands-on way.
3. National parks
National parks are not only a great way to discover the country, but also to learn more about the nature and history of a country or region.
4. Nature walks
Take a nature walk in your area to collect leaves, study trees or look for animal tracks.
5. Aquarium
Aquariums are a wonderful way to explore the world of the ocean. Many aquariums offer hands-on activities for children to learn about and explore different types of aquatic life.
6. Planetarium
Want to know what it’s like to be in space? Plan a trip to the planetarium and learn more about the stars and our vast universe.
7. Visiting a laboratory
Some local labs may offer tours of their facilities where kids can learn about chemical reactions, pharmaceuticals, and more.
History and government
8. Historical sites
It is best to visit historical sites in your area to learn more about your country and your local community. Check out the photos from our Williamsburg adventure.
9. Old cemeteries
It might sound a bit scary, but visiting an old cemetery can give your area some historical context. Take some grave samples to study later!
10. Archaeological sites
There are many archaeological sites. Plan to visit them on a family vacation or on a day trip if you live close enough.
11. Birthplaces of Presidents
This is a visit to put on your bucket list. Visit some of the birthplaces of presidents, as part of your studies of your country’s history.
12. The Fire Station
A quick phone call to your local fire station will usually get you a visit. Know that they will leave you if they receive a call.
13. Police Station
Some police stations may offer tours of their facilities and the city jail, if you ask.
14. Historic trails
It is best to walk in the footsteps of history by visiting historic trails.
15. Post Office Tour
Learn how the postal system works, how mail is sorted and sent to the correct address by taking a tour of your local post office.
16. Historical re-enactment
If you live near a place where historical re-enactments take place, go there! If not, plan a trip at some point. It’s a great way to bring history to life for your children.
17. The Botanical Garden
It’s a great way to learn about botany and the world of plants.
18. Farmer visit
You can learn how and why a greenhouse works by taking a guided tour.
19. The campsite
Join a camp to learn about building fires, cooking meals over an open fire, and all the nature around you.
20. The Caves
Visit a cave to learn about how they form and the different parts of a cave.
21. The Astronomical Observatory
If you live near an observatory, this is a great way to see stars and planets on a larger scale.
22. Locks and dams
Most locks and dams don’t have guided tours but there are often plaques that tell you how things work and allow you to explore them at your own pace.
Culture
23. Theater
Get group discounts at a local, community or municipal theater to learn about plays and acting.
24. Art museums
Learn about past and future artists in a museum.
25. The Art Studio
Some art studios will allow you to shadow an artist or even take a class.
26. Local Festivals
Most countries have many festivals where you can go. It’s a great way to listen to music, see arts and crafts, and learn local history. Some even hold pioneer days where people dress up in period costumes for the occasion.
27. Photoshoot
It’s better to ask children to take their own photos to learn about lighting, focus, etc.
28. The pottery workshop
Discover how a kiln works and possibly make your own little piece of pottery.
29. Jewelery
Kids can learn how to solder gold, fit rings, learn about different metals, and maybe even make their own jewelry.
Industry
30. Visit a local factory
This could be a car factory, toy factory, bread factory or any other manufacturing factory that allows tours.
31. Train Station/Train Ride
Learn about the rail system or take a train ride to see how people once (and some still do) traveled across the country. This is a great opportunity to learn the history of the train.
32. The Farm
There are many types of farms to discover. Visit a local farmer to learn how to plant and/or harvest, raise animals (dairy farm, chicken farm) or just learn how a small local farm works.
33. The Aviation Museum
If you live near an Aviation Museum, it is better to visit it. Here you can study the pioneering aviators and the evolution of the industry.
34. Hatchery
It’s a great way to learn how fish are fed and bred to be donated to fish farms to continue growing for the fish industry.
35. The Recycling Plant
This excursion is ideal on Earth Day to teach children how the recycling process works and why it is important.
36. Orchard
We often live near a few orchards/farms that allow families and groups to come and pick pumpkins, apples, pears, etc. Often it is possible to coordinate tours for larger groups, such as a school group or co-op.
37. The Local Power Plant
Have your kids ever wondered where electricity comes from? It’s a great way to teach them firsthand.
38. The Sawmill
Lumber mills are a great way to teach kids about the lumber industry. And if you’re lucky like us, there might even be a logging company that shows kids how to fell trees.
39. The Nursery
Shop around at your local nursery to learn which plants are native to your area, which ones thrive in your climate, and how to care for them.
Community
40. Visiting historic houses
It’s a good idea to visit historic homes in and around your city. It’s a great way to learn more about where you live and how it came to be what you see today.
41. Visiting your city by bike or on foot
It’s a great way to see and read all those historical plaques in your town that you pass by so quickly.
42. Visiting a local animal shelter
You can take a tour of a local animal shelter to learn more about what they do and how you can help (even if you’re not interested in adopting an animal).
43. Visit a local contractor
If your town has someone who has grown a business from scratch, that person might be willing to talk to kids about getting a clear idea of ​​the business. This is a great activity for older students who want to start their own business.
44. The water treatment plant
Learn more about where your water comes from and how it is cleaned by visiting your local water treatment facility.
45. The Local Newspaper
It’s a good idea to find out how the world of journalism works by visiting a local newspaper.
46. ​​The Veterinarian
Children can learn what a veterinarian does and why it’s important to have their pets checked regularly by visiting a veterinarian’s office.
47. Library Tour
Most homeschoolers know their local library better than anyone.
48. The Bank
Visiting a bank is a great way to learn about financing, money, and how banks work.
49. The Courthouse
It’s a good idea to visit the courthouse to learn more about the offices there, visit a courtroom, and talk to an official to learn more about their job.
50. Local TV
If you live in a big enough city (or even near a city) that has its own TV station, you can coordinate a visit to learn more about how the world of TV news works.
51. The Printing House
It is possible to visit a local print shop to see how they print not only small items (office copies) but also large banners and the different techniques and signage they can use.
