by Kim Jaworski, Homeschool Resource Specialist

 

This could never be a comprehensive listing of Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers, but at least it’s a start. Add to it as you come across additional ideas. Always check ahead of time for hours of operations and fees. If you are part of a homeschooling group, keep in mind there are often special rates for groups, so be sure to ask before you go. I've included specific sites in Minnesota, as that's where I homeschooled. But use this to help you think of local resources where you live or where you might be traveling to. 

 

Additional Resources to Consult for Classes, Activities and Events:

The Mn Explorer or your state’s travel site   www.exploreminnesota.com

Local magazines for parents and families or visitors to the area

Local Chambers of Commerce and Visitor Centers

Community Education Programs (your community or a neighboring community)

Parks and Rec Programs (yours and nearby communities)

Library Programs (Explore other libraries in your county or a neighboring county or when you travel)

County Historical Societies (classes on local history or beginning genealogy)

County Parks Programs & Nature Centers (snowshoing, crosscountry skiing, kayaking and canoeing with equipment rental on site, maple syruping demos, birding, bug walks, dogsledding rides etc  are all offered through various County  and State Parks)

 

Sampling of Parks, Nature Centers and Outdoor Activity Opportunities:

State Parks (Metro & Greater MN)  www.dnr.state.mn.hs

--Junior Naturalist Programs, interpretive centers, self-guided tours, classes on rock hounding, mushroom hunting, birding, etc.

 

Do an online search for these types of places: Arboretums, nature preserves, animal wildlife areas, nature centers, animal rehabilitation sites, Lakeside parks, camping areas, fishing areas, outdoor recreational areas, public flower gardens, City, County and State parks.

 

Demonstrations, Exhibitions & Attractions:

Search for any of these catagories in your area or in the area of where you might be traveling. Zoos, your state Capital tours, water attractions, aquariums, historical sites, Art Centers, Science museums, Bookshops, Clay Studios, Museums, Art Galleries, Art Exhibits, Art Shows, Natural History, Cultural Sites, Archeological Sites,

 

Seasonal Ideas:

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Ice Boat Races

Winter Carnival

Renaissance Festival

Cultural Celebrations

Local Fests and Fairs

 

Sampling of Museums in MN:

Science Museum

Children’s Museum

Walker Art Center (Minneapolis)

Bell Museum of Natural History

Minneapolis Institute of Art

American Swedish Institute

Bakken Museum 

Museum of Russian Art

Museum of Questionable Medical Devices 

Mill City Museum 

Hennepin History Museum

Minnesota History Center

Schubert Club Museum of Musical Instruments  

Pavek Museum of Broadcasting 

Mn Museum of American Art

 

Plays and Performances (MN):

Orpheum Theatre

Ordway Theatre

Guthrie Theater

Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre

Children’s Theatre Company

James Sewell Ballet

Minnesota Dance Theatre 
Minnesota Opera 

Minnesota Orchestra

St Paul Chamber Orchestra 

Great American History Theatre 

Fitzgerald Theatre 

Old Log Theater 

StageCoach Theatre Arts 

Stages Theatre Company

O’Shaughnessy Auditorium

Illusion Theater 

Northrup Auditorium 

Zenon Dance Company

Landmark Center

Minnesota Symphonies 

Minnesota Youth Symphonies

Stepping Stone Theatre 

Youth Performance Theatre 

 

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

County Fairs (seasonal)

State Fair (seasonal)

Community Festivals & Events (seasonal)

Horseback Riding (trail rides, lessons, horse camps- check your phone book for stables)

Ride the Light Rail

Bunker Beach and Wave Pool (seasonal)

Grand Rios indoor water park (Brooklyn Park) 

Cascade Bay outdoor water park (Eagan) 

Gameworks    

Grand Slam (indoor rock climbing, lazer tag, bumper cars, batting cages, mini-golf)

Raceway to Fun (Newport) (go carts, bumper boats, driving range, mini-golf. Best go cart track I’ve ever been on!)

Corn Mazes (seasonal)

Roller Skating and Inline Skating Rinks (check phone book for one near you)

Bloomington Water Park

Apple Orchards/ Pumpkin Patches (seasonal)

Rock Climbing

Snowboarding/ Snowtubing (seasonal)

The Depot (Minneapolis)    

Apple Valley Aquatics Center 

Wild Mountain   

Tropics Indoor Water Park (Shoreview Comm Ctr)

Green Acres (Lake Elmo)   

Ekobacken 

Padelford Boat Company

Look Out Ridge Indoor Playground (Woodbury)

Eagles Nest Indoor Playground (New Brighton)

Spring Lake Amusement Park 

Thunder Alley  (Brooklyn Center)

Lava Links (Roseville)

Lilliputt Minigolf and Bumper Boats (Coon Rapids)

Buck Hill (Burnsville) 

Afton Alps (Afton) 

City of St Louis Park Family Aquatic Park 

Maple Grove Community Center      

Edina Aquatic Center

Northeast Water Park 

Richfield Outdoor Pool and Adventure Play 

Battle Creek Water Works 

Scuba Center 

Adventure Park (Ham Lake)

 

Beyond the Metro:

Caves-- great activity for hot summer days as caves are always cool!

Crystal Cave (Spring Valley, WI)  

Mystery Cave (Forestville, MN)    

Niagara Cave (Harmony, MN)   

Soudan Underground Mine (Soudan, MN)

 

Lark Toys (Kellogg, MN) 

toy store, book store, toy museum, hand carved indoor carousel, and awesome mini-golf course.

Lutsen     Great alpine slide! You ride the ski lift to the top. Great views.

Iron World       iron mining museum and more.

Silver Bay Marina (Silver Bay, MN) Great boulder penninsula hike. Discover your inner billy-goat!