Homeschool Field Trips

I truly believe that kids learn more from one field trip than from hours of book study. Field trips make concepts come alive and allow kids to experience what they are learning.

I try to go on one field trip a month with my kids during the school year. While we don’t always hit the mark, I do make it a priority.

Here are a few tips for making field trips happen in your homeschool:

Look for Homeschool Days

Sure it is more crowded, but usually the tickets are deeply discounted or even free. Even though it is crowded, it is crowded with homeschoolers- which could be a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. If you want to find homeschool days in your local area set up a google alert for “your local area homeschool days.” You will get an email whenever information on homeschool days in your area hits the web.

Use Groupon and The Entertainment Book to Save Money on Field Trips

I have written about Groupon on my site and I am sure everyone is familiar with the Entertainment Book. Both of these resources are a great way to find coupons for local attractions. Many times the coupons are available for up to 6 tickets so even large homeschool families can benefit from these resources.

Go with a Homeschool Group or Co-op

Even if you aren’t part of a co-op many times they allow non-members to attend field trips. This is a great way to get discount prices on tickets as well as have extra hands to help with the kids.

Go with Dad

There were times when I just couldn’t manage all my littles without an extra hand from dad. During those seasons we went on field trips on either Saturday or Sunday after church. Those were some of our best trips!

You Stay Home/ Kids Go With Dad

There were also times when it was just easier for Dad to take the older kids and I stayed at home with the little ones. This was a great way for the older kids to get special time with dad and the little ones had fun with me.

Make Your Vacation a Field Trip

A few years ago we took our family vacation to Colonial Williamsburg. We visited Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown and Virginia Beach. We took advantage of the military discounts and visited many places. It was definitely a vacation, but the kids learned a ton. They still talk about that trip!

Ask for Season Passes for Gifts

There are times when I truly believe we own every toy ever made. The thought of getting more for Christmas or Birthdays usually induces migraine like pain in my head. Over the past few years I have asked for season passes to local attractions over gifts. This saves us money and it is truly the gift that keeps on giving all year long.

Think Outside the Box

When it comes to field trips, anything goes! A field trip can be anything from a trip to the grocery store to a trip to Disney if you make it an experience for your children. Capitalize on the moment and remember that living is learning.

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