14 Spring Field Trip Ideas (with a Twist!)

While it may be cold & gray right now, spring will be here soon. So, now is a perfect time to start planning some field trips for the spring.

While there is no shortage of spring field trip ideas — berry picking, a local botanical garden/arboretum, etc. — this list comes with a bit of a twist. Each idea is inspired by National and International Days, offering a fresh twist on places you may already visit or ones you’ve never considered before.

Are you ready to plan some field trips for March, April, and May? Keep scrolling!

Tips for Planning Your Homeschool Field Trip

• You don’t have to make it a whole “thing.” We homeschool moms often overcomplicate it. You don’t have to do a unit study around an inventor or lug art supplies to the zoo. Go, learn, enjoy. Or do those things, just do them because you WANT to not because you feel like you HAVE to.
• Have water & snacks ready in the car. You might need to pack some 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 start home.
• An organized field trip with your destination will probably require a larger group. But ask anyone who has organized homeschool field trips & you’ll know that we aren’t known for keeping to a strict schedule (a.k.a. arriving on time), actually showing up, etc. Find a couple of trustworthy families that field trip like you do. Plan a monthly trip with them, even if a smaller group means you don’t get group rates. It’ll be worth it!

Zoo or Wild Animal Rescue

Yes, this is a great time to visit the zoo because the animals are starting to get more active after a cold winter, but the crowds aren’t here yet. But there’s another reason to visit. World Wildlife Day is on March 3. Check now to see if a local zoo or wild animal rescue offers a spring session of classes.

If you’re in North Carolina, I highly recommend the classes at the Carolina Tiger Rescue.

A New-to-You Library or Bookstore

In honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2) or International Children’s Book Day (April 2), visit a new-to-you library or bookstore.

Butcher/Meat Market

If you’re lucky enough to have a butcher or meat market, head there for National Cold Cuts Day (March 3). Kids are often far less squeamish about such subjects than adults are, so this is a great opportunity for kids to talk to the employees and learn about where meat comes from, etc.

A Vintage Arcade

Impress your kids with your Pac-Man or pinball machine skills in honor of Retro Video Game Day (March 8).

Bakery

Pick up a pie & chat with the baker for Pi Day (March 14). Many bakeries offer group classes or take-and-bake kits. In their off-hours (late morning or afternoon) would be a good time for a visit or to arrange a group field trip.

Water Treatment Plant

One of the best homeschool classes we ever did was a water science class in Augusta, GA. And a big hit was the field trip to the water treatment plan. For World Plumbing Day (March 11) or World Water Day (March 22), arrange a field trip at a local water or sewer plant.

Someone Else’s Backyard

Okay, inviting yourself to someone else’s backyard may be a bit forward! But March 19 is National Backyard Day. Pick a day to arrange a “Spring is nearly here!” day with friends. Keep it casual — everyone brings a folding chair & a snack. Plan it for the afternoon (increased chance of warmth!) and relax with homeschool friends.

Theater Performance

World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People (March 20) is a great time to look for a daytime performance at your local theater. Many playhouses perform musicals in the spring. Get dressed up for the play and a special breakfast or lunch — or maybe even an afternoon tea.

Local or National Forest

Take a hike in a forest on March 21 is World Forestry Day. Before you head out on your trek, check out a field guide on your state’s trees from the library. No nearby forest you can visit? Plant a tree instead.

Jazz or Symphonic Concert

Enjoy a musical performance for World Piano Day (March 28) or Trombone Players Day (April 1).

A War Memorial

In older wars, the draft affected communities very differently than modern wars do. Many towns — both large and small — honor their hometown heroes with war memorials. While March 29 is National Vietnam Veteran’s Day, it’s a good time to honor all war veterans.

Planetarium or Space Museum

International Dark Sky Week is annually in the first week of April, so this is a great time to learn about space. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area with little light pollution, grab a blanket & just head outside.

A National Park

Did you know that the national parks have free entry several times a year? National Park Week kicks off on April 20 with free entrance fees. (If you have a fourth grader, they can get an Every Kid Outdoors pass that gets them into national parks & historic sites free all year long. The military, too, can get a free annual pass.)

A Unique or New-to-You Museum

May 18 is International Museum Day. While you could hit your favorite museum, why not search out a little niche museum or a new one? Do you live in Minnesota? Maybe the SPAM museum in Austin, MN. North Carolina has a museum dedicated to the former WWF wrestler Andre the Giant. Boston has a bad art museum. NYC has a museum dedicated to math. Have fun with it!

Atlas Obscura is one of my favorite stops for finding interesting, obscure places.

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