GUIDE TO FIELD TRIPS AND FAMILY VACATIONS
Are you looking for great field trip ideas for your homeschooled children? Searching for the perfect educational and/or recreational vacation to take with the whole family? Then the Homeschoolers Guide to Field Trips & Family Vacations is for you!
Click on the photo below to download the Guide
Below is a list of the Venues that appear in the Guide. Scroll down for contact information.
ALABAMA
BELLINGRATH GARDENS & HOME, 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Road, Theodore, AL 36582, 251-973-0540, education@bellingrath.org. Experience Bellingrath Gardens and Home and learn about the fantastic educational opportunities that exist right in your backyard. Gaze out at the Fowl River from the boardwalk and stroll through the Gardens while learning more about the environment along the Gulf Coast with hands-on engaging educational opportunities that encourage your students’ drive to learn. We have designed our curriculum to help meet state and local Common Core Standards and our Scout Programs fulfill several requirements for badges. Join us for Homeschool Days in 2023-2024. 9 am-12 pm: September 21, October 19, November 16, February 15, March 21, April 18. https://bellingrath.org/
DAUPHIN ISLAND SEA LAB, 101 Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528, 251-861-2141, pr@disl.edu. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab is the state of Alabama’s marine research and education center. It was founded in 1971 by the State of Alabama Legislature to maximize the marine sciences capabilities of several Alabama institutions and minimize duplication. University Programs (UP) provide graduate and undergraduate education in partnership with the 22 members of the Marine Environmental Sciences Consortium (MESC). Students do not need to attend an MESC school to enroll in UP courses. Discovery Hall Programs (DHP) hosts classes, field trips, and summer programs for K-12 students and educators. The hands-on learning programs promote conservation to increase public awareness and understanding of our ocean. Through beautiful visual exhibits and engaging interactive exhibits, the Alabama Aquarium will leave you with a broader understanding of the interactions that take place in Mobile Bay, the fourth-largest estuary system in the United States. www.disl.edu.
HUNTSVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN, 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL 35805, 256-830-4447 ext. 253, education@hsvbg.org. Huntsville Botanical Garden loves to provide opportunities for everyone to expand their knowledge of plants, the environment, and their place in nature. It is the place to be to make science come alive for your students. Students will discover the amazing world around them in our action-packed STEM education adventures. We offer programming all year long in the form of field trips, camps, classes and volunteer opportunities for youth with our Youth Volunteer Program. https://hsvbg.org/
MCDOWELL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER (MEC), 105 Delong Road, Nauvoo, AL 35578 205-387-1806, mecdirector@campmcdowell.org The MEC offers a 3-day, 2-night field trip which includes 12 daytime class hours, 2 nighttime programs, meals, lodging, and 2 snacks a day. At the MEC students are taught by seeing nature up close; wading into a stream to catch macroinvertebrates, touching sandstone canyons on hikes, identifying trees using a dichotomous key, and solving group challenges with their teammates. For homeschool groups, we cater to students from second grade through high school and only require a minimum of 10 participants, including chaperones. If you have a smaller group, please contact our Conference Center for assistance with booking. www.campmcdowell.org.
MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER, 200 19TH Street N, Birmingham, AL 35203, 205-714-8300. A hands-on science museum in the heart of downtown Birmingham, Alabama. This immersive, science learning environment sparks wonder and curiosity while also supporting the educational and developmental needs of students and families. Through exhibits, science shows, directed educational programs and IMAX documentary movies. McWane Science Center is the perfect complement to the homeschool classroom. In fact, you might say: “we have this relationship down to a science.” https://mcwane.org.
USS ALABAMA BATTLESHIP MEMORIAL PARK, 2703 Battleship Pkwy, Mobile, AL, 36602, 251-433-2703, aryan@ussalabama.com. Step back in time as you explore a WWII battleship USS ALABAMA and submarine USS DRUM, both national historic landmarks. On the USS ALABAMA, you will explore 12 decks, from the bridge all the way down to the engine room. On the USS DRUM, walk inside a real submarine and see how 72 crewmen lived while on patrol. Discover over 30 historic planes, military vehicles and more in the Medal of Honor Aircraft Pavilion, including a B-25 Mitchell Bomber and A-12 spy plane. The self-guided tour allows everyone to spend time exploring and learning at their own pace. As you walk the grounds, you will see several memorials honoring our veterans. We recommend planning on two and half hours to tour. https://www.ussalabama.com/education/
FLORIDA
THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, 352-846-2000. The Museum is dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage, inviting visitors of all ages to experience the natural world like never before. Featuring hundreds of exotic live butterflies in the award-winning “Butterfly Rainforest” exhibit and more than 500 fossils, including a mammoth and mastodon skeleton from the last ice age, the museum encourages children and their caregivers to explore nature together. https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/.
History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, 305-664-9737, director@divingmuseum.org. Dive in for family fun and a creative learning experience. HDM is dedicated to telling the story of the “Quest to Explore Under The Sea.” Visitors venture through 4,000 years of history from early breath-hold diving to modern SCUBA. Peak into William Beebe’s lab and see what the Father of Marine Biology used to study the world below. The international collection highlights a diverse selection of early pioneers throughout the 14 core exhibits and 2 annual limited-time Featured Exhibits. Enjoy hands-on displays, fun scavenger hunts and take-home activity guides for students. The Museum is open daily from 10am-5pm, www.divingmuseum.org.
VERO BEACH MUSEUM OF ART , 3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, Florida, 32963, (772) 231-0707, info@vbmuseum.org. The Vero Beach Museum of Art is the largest accredited art facility on Florida’s Treasure Coast, presenting changing exhibitions of world-class art and its collection of more than 1,000 American and international art objects. The Museum is open year-round and has something to engage all ages and interests. https://www.vbmuseum.org/
VIZCAYA MUSEUM AND GARDENS, 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami Fl. 33129, 305-250-9133, vizcayainformation@vizcaya.org. https://vizcaya.org/.
GEORGIA
ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-733-4848, asogroups@atlantasymphony.org. The Atlanta Symphony is pleased to offer homeschooled students and their families $5 tickets to attend Classical and Family performances throughout the 2023/24 season. You will also find additional resources for families and students such as UpTempo Teen Nights, Student Chamber Performances + Tours, and Family Chamber Concerts, coming this spring. Offer is for Delta Classical (non-Premium) and Family Concerts. All programs, dates and artists are subject to change. www.aso.org/Homeschool.
MASSIE HERITAGE CENTER, 207 E. Gordon Street, Savannah, GA 31401, steve.smith@sccpss.com, massieheritagecenter.com
STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN OF GEORGIA AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, 2450 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605, 706-542-1244, garden@uga.edu. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, is one of the state’s most treasured resources. With 313 acres of natural areas and cultivated gardens, the State Botanical Garden offers unique experiences for nature lovers. The garden offers eight specialty gardens, including the Alice H. Richards Children’s Garden, and over five miles of trails within an Audubon-designated important birding area. Throughout the year, the garden hosts educational programming, including camps, classes, workshops, concerts and festivals for visitors of all ages. Facilities across the garden feature art exhibits and annual lectures, including the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. Botgarden.uga.edu
ALBANY, GEORGIA Conveniently located off I-75 and I-10 in southwest Georgia, easily accessed Albany, has adventure that is out of this world. Albany’s attractions provide an array of fun and informative programs for children, teachers, families, and groups of all kinds. Their programs are designed to help people of all ages and abilities learn through experience, involvement, and discovery. Whether it’s a homeschool field trip or a week-long camp adventure, our attractions are here to make your visit fun and educational. Visit Albany can assist with planning an itinerary, accommodation, and dining recommendations for your trip. For more information, visit www.VisitAlbanyGA.com.
MISSISSIPPI
MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM OF ART, 380 South Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201, 601-960-1515 visitorservices@msmuseumart.org, The largest art museum in the state, the Mississippi Museum of Art features a permanent collection, traveling exhibitions from around the world, and education programs for all ages. The Museum’s permanent collection is on display for free; traveling exhibition costs vary. The Art Garden at the Museum is a welcoming outdoor space free for all visitors. The Museum Store features one-of-a-kind gifts, exhibition-related items, and much more. msmuseumart.org.
PASCAGOULA RIVER AUDUBON CENTER, 5107 Arthur Street, Moss Point, MS 39563, 228-475-0825, prac@audubon.org. Adventure awaits at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point. The Center is the educational gateway to exploring nature and bayou habitats by offering educational programming for school groups while featuring local nature themes, a step back in time with the historic trolley ticket booth and Scout Hut, and hands-on learning opportunities to fit your needs. Daytime visitors can discover the outdoors on the nature trails, bayou pier, bird feeders, critter tanks, art gallery, kayak rentals, gift shop and more! Pascagoula.audubon.org.
TWO MISSISSIPPI MUSEUMS, 222 North St #2205 Jackson, MS 39201 https://2mm.mdah.ms.gov/.
NORTH CAROLINA
OLD SALEM MUSEUMS AND GARDENS, 600 Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, 336-721-7350, jupper@oldsalem.org. Discover all that authentic living history can offer at Old Salem Museums and Gardens! Encounter old world craftspeople and costumed staff in historically restored buildings and learn more about a unique early American identity! Old Salem: History Lives Here! oldsalem.org.
NORTH CAROLINA MARITIME MUSEUM IN BEAUFORT, 315 Front St., Beaufort, NC 28516, 252-504-7740. The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort reflects coastal life and interprets lighthouses and lifesaving stations, the seafood industry, motorboats, and more. Studies in marine life, science, and ecology are available for all ages. The museum is the repository for artifacts from Blackbeard’s wrecked flagship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. Its Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center teaches boatbuilding for all ages. The museum, located at 315 Front Street in Beaufort, is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The museum is open to the public with free admission. Donations are always appreciated. ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com
SOUTH CAROLINA
CHARLESTON COUNTY PARKS, 861 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-795-4386, customerservice@ccprc.com. Charleston County Parks in Charleston, SC feature a variety of ecosystems just waiting to be explored by young learners. The Homeschool in the Parks series teaches natural and cultural history through games, exploration and hands-on activities. Each program is led by a professional interpreter and highlights an ecosystem, animal, or culturally significant story in the parks. https://www.ccprc.com/110/Youth-Activities
HUNLEY, Friends of the Hunley, 1250 Supply Street, North Charleston, SC 29405, 843-743-4865, info@hunley.org, A visit to Hunley is remarkable and an entertaining educational experience. During the Civil War, the Hunley became the first submarine in world history to sink an enemy ship. After completing the mission, she mysteriously vanished. Lost at sea for over a century, the Hunley was raised from the ocean floor in 2000. A visit includes viewing the Hunley in her 90,000-gallon conservation tank, artifacts found onboard the submarine during excavation of the crew compartment, and 8,000 square feet of interactive exhibits covering the history, archaeology, engineering, and conservation sciences used in the Hunley project. www.hunley.org.
TENNESSEE
CHATTANOOGA SYMPHONY AND OPERA, 736 Georgia Avenue Suite 101, Chattanooga, TN 37402, box.office@chattanoogasymphony.org. https://chattanoogasymphony.org/.
MADAME TUSSAUDS NASHVILLE, 515 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214, 615-485-4867, monica.jackson@merlinentertainments.biz. Welcome to Madame Tussauds Nashville; world’s greatest wax museum where stars are born. We can’t wait to take you on a musical journey through time alongside a memorable cast of lyrical legends. Rock ‘N’ Roll with Elvis, wail out a tune with Jimi Hendrix, party with “Queen Bey” or take center stage with Reba and other country stars for a grand finale performance. We are located adjacent to the Grand Ole Opry, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Conveniently located inside Opry Mills. Call us today and take advantage of student/youth group booking discounts. www.madametussauds.com/Nashville.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117, 901-636-4100, info@membg.org. Nature is your classroom at the Memphis Botanic Garden! The 96-acre property includes 30 specialty gardens and a Level 4 Arboretum. The Garden offers a range of opportunities for homeschoolers. Homeschool groups can sign up for field trips, festivals, or programs. Sessions are offered on a diverse range of topics and are scheduled to fit your calendar. Not in a homeschool group? The Garden also offers fall and spring semester-based opportunities for children aged 6-12. Help bring your curriculum to life with these engaging & exciting lessons for your homeschool students https://membg.org/.
NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE, 25 Middleton Street, Nashville, TN 37210, 615-252-4675, info@nashvillect.org. NCT is the country’s oldest youth-centered professional theatre, nationally recognized as a premier culture, entertainment, and education destination for hearts and minds of all ages. The 2023-24 season includes THE THREE LITTLE KITTENS, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, THE GINGERBREAD KID, THE FLOBSY BUNNIES, and FINDING NEMO. https://nashvillechildrenstheatre.org/
WEST VIRGINIA
WINTERPLACE SKI RESORT, 100 Flat Top Road, Flat Top WV, 25841, 304)787-3221, winterplace@winterplace.com. Winterplace is the most accessible and affordable ski resort in the Southeast. The resort is the perfect place for beginners to learn to ski and more advanced skiers and riders to improve their technique with 100% snowmaking and over 90 skiable acres. Blue Ridge Outdoors named Winterplace “the best resort to learn to ski & snowboard in the Southeast.” It is home to the largest Snow Tubing Park in West Virginia with two Super Tubing Carpet Lifts and up to 14 lanes of tubing fun. The resort offers 27 total trails, 10 lifts and a Terrain Park. Winterplace typically opens in mid-December and the season lasts into March. The resort is located off Interstate 77, exit 28, Flat Top, WV. www.winterplace.com.