Winter Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers

set against a snowy scene, blue gloved hands hold a pink woven heart

Field trips are great way for homeschooling families to add excitement and some real life learning to their days. Do you get out of the house with your kids?

It’s easy to take the time to get out during the spring and fall but a bit harder to get motivated during the colder winter months. It’s important, though.

It can become tedious to stay at home most of the day—for both you and the kids. Field trips give you all a chance to get out of the house, get some fresh air, learn new things, and interact with new people. Here are some ideas for field trips that are educational and fun.

Zoos, Wildlife Preserves, and State Parks

Most cities and towns have zoos and wildlife preserves, and you probably live within driving distance of a great State Park. Most of these places have indoor sections—a nature center, an education area, an aquarium, or (like our zoo) an enclosed rainforest habitat.

These places give kids a chance to experience natural science first-hand. They interact with animals and learn about the ones that live in their area of the world: what they eat, when they sleep, their social habits, and more.

They’re also wonderful for learning about different plant species that our local animal life depend on for survival and how human actions may be impacting them. It might be helpful to look online to see what these places offer and then write up a list of questions your kids have. Then help them find the answers while they visit.

Art Galleries

Even if your kids aren’t particularly interested in art, most children find galleries fun and interesting. Many even have exhibits that feature the work of child artists or have a special hands-on section where children can touch or create art. Take a look around and have your children write down the names of their favorite artists. Afterwards you can research each artist and learn more about their lives and their work.

History and Science Museums

Winter Field Trip Ideas for HomeschoolersI love taking my kids to science centers and history museums. With my age spread (2, 6, 8, 13), those types of places usually hold each of their interests for long periods of time.

History museums give the kids a look into mysterious times long ago. What child can resist a dinosaur, caveman, or ancient Egyptian exhibit? Not only can they see how people lived in times past, they can see first hand what prehistoric creatures like the wooly mammoth or the saber tooth tiger looked like.

Science museums usually give kids an opportunity to learn about science by seeing different scientific principles in practice. They may be able to learn about pressure and the effects of gas by launching a bottle rocket or about lasers by using mirrors on a grid. These museums also have seasonal exhibits that are sure to excite your kiddos, so check with yours often to see what they offer.

Follow up your trip to a museum with a visit to your library where you check out books for further reading about whatever your children are still curious about.

Indoor Play Zones

When all else fails, call ahead to an indoor play zone, a laser tag facility, or a trampoline or bounce house building. They may offer group rates, and you can put out a call to your homeschool groups and coops to have friends meet you there to let the kiddos blow off steam and let the mamas have some important adult conversation. Even the indoor playground at McDonald’s and a friend and her kids meeting for a late lunch has done wonders for my sanity. Try it out.

Local field trip spots are not hard to find and your kids–and your sanity–will thank you as you get out and move during the winter months.

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About the Author

Colleen KesslerColleen is a former teacher of gifted children who hoped for nice, average kids. Since things never quite work out as planned, she now stays at home to homeschool her highly gifted kids, trying desperately to stay one step ahead of them while writing about their adventures {and messes} at Raising Lifelong Learners. You can find her avoiding housework by playing on the trampoline or going for hikes with her kids. 

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