As both a homeschool mom and a public school mom, I adore field trips. I get to learn along with my kids and their friends. I’ve collected my top 10 homeschool field trips that I’ve experienced with my kids.
Whether field trips are associated with something being studied or just a way to switch up the monotony of the school weeks, the Twin Cities is full of options for out-of-the-classroom/out-of-the-home learning.
Field Trips to the Theatre
Children’s Theatre Company
South Minneapolis | Tuesday-Friday mornings, 10:30 am | Currently playing shows | $5-$10/student
Children’s Theatre Company has never disappointed me. Not all the stories are ones I would necessarily choose, but I’ve always walked away grateful and amazed that I had the privilege to see the show. What makes Children’s Theatre so incredible is that every single show is taken seriously: Prime Time Shows and Student Matinees.
Usually after the student matinees, some of the actors come out and chit chat with the audience and answer any questions. And again, they take every single question seriously. Every single one.
CTC offers a study guide that you can find and print before the show. Therefore, you work through it before and after your visit with your students.
Classroom Field Trips: Classroom Teachers need to submit the online Ticket Request Form that is at the top of each Show’s field trip page. Six weeks before the show CTC needs a confirmation of the number of students and adults attending. Four weeks before the show, pay for the tickets. When you arrive, you will be greeted in the ticket office lobby to give your final headcount and be welcomed to the show.
HomeSchool Field Trips: You must be enrolled in the Homeschool Family Program. The Homeschool Program tickets do not require a ticket minimum, but you MUST be enrolled in the Homeschool Family Program. Students who are homeschooling or enrolled in virtual education are included in this program. Apply Here
Nature-Based Field Trips
Bird Banding at Lowry Nature Center[/caption]
Lowry Nature Center
Victoria in Southwest Metro | Mondays-Fridays | 2 hour programs, chosen by you from a variety of topics including history, ecology, nature play |
I have been doing field trips with my kids for 10 years now, and this was by far my favorite field trip to date. The naturalists who taught the programs were fascinating and catered to the ages of kids in our group. Most importantly, the cost is determined by the size of the group, it’s one of the least expensive school trips we took (not counting the free ones).
The program was slow in a good way. We weren’t hurried from activity to activity. We discovered pieces of history, explored the nature preserve and played in the play area –even the big kids.
STEM Field Trips
Snapology
South Minneapolis | Schedule workshops M-F | Workshops centered around robotics, coding, technology, science and other STEM-themed activities | Price varies depending on the workshop chosen
Snapology designs its classes to teach STEM-based concepts through toys. And let’s be honest, the toys used most often are LEGO. This is a GREAT way to teach our kids technology. And maybe some of the chaperones.
Again I need to admit that I did not go on the field trip with our homeschool co-op, but I did organize it. My kids have been here frequently on various occasions and are big fans of this studio.
Setting up this field trip was one of the easiest I have ever set up. You fill out the form at the bottom of the link and they will contact you and answer all your questions.
Active Field Trips
Minneapolis Bouldering Project
North Minneapolis | Schedule climbs from 8 am-4 pm, M-F | Bouldering is rock climbing without ropes | Group rates vary starting at $10/student
My family members are 100% major fans of MBP. All the kids love it. It’s interactive and the act of climbing encourages kids to learn problem-solving skills in a super fun way. And it’s even good for a parent/teacher to learn how to instruct from a distance when someone asks for help (instead of getting all up in their business which is what I’m prone to do).
MBP takes safety precautions extremely seriously. There is a three foot mat on the floor throughout the entire building and around the climbing structure. Before you are allowed to touch the climbing walls, staff teach you how to fall safely. Therefore collecting safety waiver forms and getting chaperone ratios correct can be a little tricky on this one, but it’s completely worth it.
Your students will be gushing about this for years to come.
History Field Trips
Minnesota State Capitol
St. Paul | Schedule tours M-F | Various Tours | $0-$8/student, minimum of 10 students
Confession Time (Again): While I have never brought a group of students to the Minnesota State Capitol, I have taken a tour myself when I was a student. I have heard other families endorse the state capitol tours. Personally, I loved the tour 30 years ago. And now the Minnesota Historical Society has developed options to cater to what you are most interested in.
Most importantly, visitors interact with history, architecture, and governmental operations. Tours include options for preschoolers through high school seniors and are various lengths as well.
Possible tours include: “General Capitol Tour” | “Taking Issue, Making a Stand” | “Art Treasures in the Capitol” | “Rally Round the Flag Civil War Tour”
Free Field Trips
Minnesota Opera
Warehouse District, Minneapolis | Schedule Tours M-F | Behind the Scenes Tour | FREE
Even though it was one of the coldest days of January 2018, we had a field trip. And by golly, we were going to get there. Because Minnesota Opera performs on the Ordway stage, it needs a permanent space for rehearsing, production development, and office work is located in Minneapolis’ Warehouse District. Besides being a fun stroll to take on its own, the Warehouse District is even more fun when you can pop in and explore the interior of one of the buildings.
Our tour guide took us to the top floor all the way to the basement showing us props and backdrop designing, costume creation, and marketing. And at the end of the tour, we were given a souvenir to remember our experience. It was really fun and fascinating. The field trip opened the students’ eyes to the fact that opera is alive and well and interesting.
Serving Field Trips
Feed My Starving Children
Warehouses in Coon Rapids, Eagan , Chanhassen | 3 Shifts during School Hours, M-F | Hand-pack meal packets for the malnourished around the world | FREE
We return to Feed My Starving Children every year. Everyone who comes (beginning at age 5) is invited to pack nutritional packs that are distributed through partner organizations in areas of need.
Many public schools/organizations come to pack food knowing that FMSC will not preach at their students even though this is an unapologetically Christian-based service project. FMSC welcomes all hands of any/no faith. Every volunteer is needed and important. Keep in mind that FMSC strictly follows the adult-to-child ratios and health guidelines.
Learn More Here.
Art Field Trips
Rumriver Art Center
Anoka | M-F, by appointment | Art project workshops | $10-$20/student depending upon the project
We were eagerly welcomed with smiles when we arrived at Rumriver Art Center. We had scheduled a mixed media project and went right to work. For 90 minutes we were led through an involved project that was easily completed (or almost completed) by the beginners and challenging enough for the seasoned artists to enjoy (it was maybe a bit simple, but still super fun for them). The teachers are enthusiastic about teaching and about the creative process.
Field Trip Tours
Union Depot
St. Paul | Schedule during the weekday | Tour | Group of 25 is $90 (breaks down to $3.60/person)
Truth be told, I haven’t taken a field trip to Union Depot, but I did bring a large group of families to the Union Depot. We learned about the history of the railroads in Minnesota and about the way Union Depot is used today. The facility is large and beautiful with stories throughout the entire building. There are hidden gems to look for and delightful stories to hear. I love the Union Depot. History at work in St. Paul.
Animal Field Trips
Como Zoo
St. Paul | Monday-Friday | Zoo Exploration and/or Zoo Education Class | $0-$4/person suggested donation
We had a great time exploring, learning, eating our lunches, and exploring a bit more before we had to get on the bus. To schedule with a trip to the zoo, fill out the interest form and they will contact you.
These field trips offer a variety of educational experiences. There are dozens upon dozens of field trip opportunities in the Twin Cities. Be creative. Reach out to different businesses to see if they give tours or if they are able to bring in programming for your classroom. Never be afraid to ask. The most obscure idea may be the best field trip ever.