Where do I find ideas for field trips?
I LOVE field trips. Everything about them. The learning opportunities. The fun. The change in scenery. They are truly their own kind of magic.
But like everything else in teaching… it takes some work to actually get to that magic moment.
So, this week we are going to be talking all about field trip prep - what do we need to do ahead of time to be ready for the magic?
Did you just look at the calendar like…
”Uh, Kendra… it’s May… don’t you think it’s a little late for this step???”
Well… yes… and no.
May is the perfect time to start dreaming about field trips for next year. By this point, you probably know your building and grade level placement for next year and have formed some opinions based on how your field trips this year went. NOW is the time to start chewing on ideas for next year!
Ok, Ok, but what if you’re like,
“Kendra. I have a field trip in TWO WEEKS (or two days)! HELP!”
I got you!!
If you need field trip tips ASAP, just enter your name and email below and I will send you my complete Field Trip Prep Guide NOW (fo’ free)! It goes beyond just planning and includes tips for before the trip, paperwork, day-of organization, and what to do when you get back! We’ll get you ready for this year AND years to come.
However, if you’re ready to start thinking about field trips to come, let’s start at the beginning - Where do I find ideas for field trips?
Some districts designate the field trips each grade takes, but others leave the planning totally up to the teachers. (Lucky you!) If you or your teaching team is literally starting from square one, here are my suggestions for where to start:
How to Find Field Trip Ideas:
Google!
Start your search with ideas for field trips specific to your grade level, then narrow the list to options near you. Below are some common field trip destinations to check out that are often FREE for schools or may have grants available:
Zoo
Art Museums
Pumpkin Patches
Local Parks
Water Treatment Plants
Farms
Ask Around!
See if there are any field trips that have historically been designated to certain grades at your school or in your district. Ask which field trips have gone well in the past… and any that would not be recommended.
Make a List!
Write down all possible locations, special instructions, date options, and contact information. It might even be worth sending a message and asking the contact person how soon they would need your information & confirmation. It's always good to make a list of ALL the possibilities, so you have a backup plan if your first choice is not available by the time you are ready to book.
Next up, let’s talk about how to actually start making your field trip plan!
Want my full Field Trip guide filled with tips, checklists, organizing pages and more? Enter your name and email below and I will send it to you for FREE!
Looking for more Field Trip tips? Check out these posts!
