Summer Field Trip Ideas (with a Twist!)

If you’re looking for field trip ideas that aren’t the same old suggestions, start here.

Summer + outings = a natural pairing

And you probably don’t need ideas or reasons to head out to your favorite summer spots.

Still, a list of field trip inspiration is one of my favorite things.

And these summer field trip ideas aren’t the ones you usually find on seasonal lists, or at least not in the usual way. Those National & Interntional Day of ____? That’s the inspiration behind these ideas.

Are you ready to plan some field trips for June – August? Keep scrolling!

State Park Visitor Center

The National Parks aren’t the only ones with great visitor centers & staff. Head to a nearby state park for National Trails Day (first Saturday in June) or National Great Outdoors Month (June). The staff will be eager to share not-to-miss details. And they love to indulge kids’ interests, helping to pass on the love of parks to the next generation.

International Grocery Store

Or a “-town” if you live near a large city. June & July are FULL of independence days all over the world. A new sweet or salty snack is an easy entry to tasting foods from around the world. (How many kids can resist a sweet treat?!) Or even just wandering the aisles or sidewalks for a bit.

A New-to-You Playground or Park

Do you really need a reason to take your kids to the playground?! Of course not. But International Day of Play (June 11) is a good day to remember that movement, creativity, and relaxation are good for kids AND adults.

A New-to-You Nature Spot

Spending time outside is obvious during the summer, and most adults are rarely far from their phones. Combine the two on National Nature Photography Day (June 15). A favorite park, a new trail, or even the zoo can be the site for this activity.

The National Park Service’s list of photo scavenger hunt prompts is one that the whole family can use.

Airport Observation Area

The simple pleasure of watching planes take off & land can be pretty fascinating for kids. For National Air Traffic Control Day (July 6) or National Aviation Day (August 19), find an observation area at your nearest airport. This may be harder (and a hassle!) at a larger airport. Smaller airports that cater to private airplanes often have lunch spots that overlook the runway. And you’re more likely to actually chat with staff.

Planetarium

National Moon Day (July 20) is the perfect excuse to cool off at a planetarium. A couple of our local universities offer inexpensive shows, so don’t overlook those opportunities.

(If you have a museum or zoo membership, check if the planetarium is a reciprocal member.)

Campground

A newer ‘day of,’ Global Sleep Under the Stars (August 8) is an ideal way to celebrate the beauty of the night. Whether it’s a campground or your backyard, grab your sleeping bags & #SleepUnderTheStarsNight.

Amusement Park

Besides being a fun way to kick off a new homeschool year, National Roller Coaster Day (August 16) is also a fantastic way to explore the practical side of physics.

Tips for Planning Your Homeschool Field Trip

1. Have water & snacks ready in the car. You might need to pack something to eat for the field trip part. But you’re definitely going to need them when you’re done. Even if the little ones aren’t ravenous, they’re a great distraction while you load up the car, start your GPS, and head home.
2. Keep it simple. You don’t have to do a unit study around sound or lug art supplies to the zoo. Go, learn, enjoy.
3. An organized field trip to your destination will probably require a larger group. Find a couple of trustworthy families that field trip like you do (arrive on time, similar pacing, etc). Plan a monthly trip with them, even if a smaller group means you don’t get group rates. It’ll be worth it!

What’s your favorite field trip? Let me know in the comments.

Explore! A Year of Field Trip Ideas