These field trip ideas are a fun treat that’s sure to add something special to your DIY summer camp at home.
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If you’re planning a DIY summer camp for your kids this summer, be sure to include a few family field trips!
They can be anything that gets you out of the house for a bit. A change of scenery is essential for beating boredom and using up that endless supply of energy.
Field trips are usually a mix of fun and educational. If that reminds you of school, our ideas are a bit of the same, but there’s so much more you can do when it’s just your family.
Check out our tips for making your trip fun and simple, then get inspired by our suggestions below.
Family field trip tips
- Plan your field trip to fit your weekly summer camp theme.
- Organize a few bigger items that need planning (the zoo), but make a list of places you can go on the spur of the moment too (the library).
- Look for discounts! Locally, our zoo is half-price on Wednesdays and our library has free passes to a history museum. Some places also offer reduced admission after a certain time of day.
- Some of the best things to do are free. Don’t feel like you need to make your family field trip into a big production.
- Although our list is mostly educational, don’t worry too much about that part. Kids are always learning!
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Fun field trip ideas
Museum or historical site
Big museums that focus on art, science, or history are easy to find and provide hours of fun and learning. Don’t overlook a smaller local gallery or historical site. An old cemetery, church, or business can be educational too.
Arboretum or botanic gardens
An arboretum or botanic garden is a great way to explore nature and plants you might not see in your neighborhood. While some focus on local plants, others may grow plants from around the world.
Check the calendar to see if your location offers summer programs for kids, such as chats with an arborist or guided tours. If you’ll be outdoors, be sure to plan for the weather and lots of walking.
Local business or facility
Having your child tag along on your weekly grocery shopping trip can be a field trip! Give them tasks to do, such as finding items on the list or comparing prices to practice math.
For more unique ideas, visit your local post office, recycling center, government office, or factory to learn how things are made.
Planetarium
You can find a planetarium at a science museum or local university. They offer children an amazing glimpse at the night sky that you won’t find in your own backyard.
Zoo or aquarium
Zoos and aquariums offer kids (and adults) the opportunity to see wild animals up close in a safe environment. Look for facilities that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which ensures animals are being cared for in the best ways.
Many zoos and aquariums have summer programs such as keeper chats or traveling exhibits.
Fire station
Visiting a fire station has a double benefit. First, it’s exciting to see fire trucks and meet firefighters in person. Second, letting kids meet and see first responders can help them understand that these people are there to protect them in an emergency.
Some stations even have special programs that teach kids fire safety. Contact your local fire station to find details.
Working farm
Both animal and crop farms may be open to the public for visits. Look for farms that offer pick-your-own produce or have special days for meeting the animals. Some may offer demonstrations and tours.
Visiting a farm not only exposes kids to the plants and animals there but gives them a connection to where their food comes from.
Escape room
Older kids and teens will enjoy the challenge of an escape room. Participants work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and get to the exit. This type of trip is even more fun if you bring along a few more friends.
Stage or movie theater
Keep cool in the heat and plan a few indoor field trips too. Get tickets to see a kid-friendly show at a local stage theater or catch a film in a movie theater. Several chains offer summer movie programs that screen older films at a discount.
Library
Plan a few trips to your local public library this summer. Not only is it the best place to get books for summer reading, but many offer tons of other resources. Check with your library to find out about borrowing movies, board games, and other things.
Most also have a summer reading program with planned kids’ activities.
Volunteer organization
If you have older kids, signing up to volunteer is a great way to spend a summer day. Check with a food bank, animal shelter, and other nonprofits to find opportunities and requirements. They may have a minimum age and likely require parents to participate also.
Park, natural area, or water
When the weather is nice, plan a trip to a natural area. It could be as simple as visiting a park in a different neighborhood or a local pond or lake. For a bigger day trip, visit a state or national park.
Arcade
For kids who love video games, plan to visit a retro arcade and introduce them to games you played as a kid. Arcades can get expensive fast, so plan ahead and set a budget, then be sure to jump in and have fun alongside your child!
Roller rink
For more retro fun, head out to skate at a roller rink. Kids of all ages will enjoy the challenge and it’s a creative way to get them moving.
Restaurant
Plan a special lunch or dinner at a restaurant you don’t visit often. You could try a new cuisine, practice fancy table manners at a casual place, or get silly and let the kids order dessert first!
Kids of all ages can benefit from exploring the world around them, especially by visiting places they’ve never been before. Add a few of these fun field trip ideas to your summer schedule or save them to include in your homeschool plans.
Plan your summer with the DIY Summer Camp Planner!
Our step-by-step guide will help you organize a day, a week, or a whole summer of fun activities for your kids.
