We, here at Integritas Academy, are set up on a year round school. We take a summer break, but it is a little shorter than most...only about 6 weeks. This allows us a more flexible schedule throughout the year and longer holiday breaks. That being said, I have to admit...my favorite kind of summer learnin' is the kind that takes place out of the classroom.
It's so much easier to get our crew out the door and to a field trip when I'm not worried about the daily schedule. And who really worries about a schedule in the summer anyway?!
So, without further ado, I present to you our Top 10 Summer Field Trips...
10. Willy Wonka Chocolate Tour
A few summers ago we participated in a field trip to a local fondue restaurant. You can read more about it here, but basically this restaurant hosted Willy Wonka themed field trips, teaching the kids about the history of chocolate and letting them do taste tests. I don't think I really need to tell you why this one was a fav...I mean seriously, it was yummy!!
9. Aquarium
Summer is the perfect time to head to an aquarium. The closest one to us is a little over an hour away, but a summer was made for day trips! I don't need to convince you of the educational value here. Your kids are going to learn without even realizing it an aquarium.
8. Zoos and Wildlife Centers
Now, I have to admit, I am not one of those year-long-family-zoo-pass kind of mamas. One zoo trip a year is really kind of enough for me. Toddlers are really the best to take to the zoo. I love watching their faces light up when they are seeing those big, strange animals for the first time. However, if you have a wildlife center in your area than you have a real treasure. The one near us is free, has a great education center, and is rarely crowded.
7. Confectionery Tour
I'm aware of two different candy shoppes within driving distance of us that offer tours that teach about the candy making process. And then of course you get samples as well! Another great idea for summer is to tour an ice cream shoppe that makes their own ice cream. We have a Graeters shop that does this near us.
6. Boating and Fishing
Now, we have not always been the best at this but seriously, summer should not be complete without a boating and fishing trip. And why not add this cool, free Fish and Fishing Unit Lapbook from Homeschoolshare to your Summer fun studies?
5. Children's Museums
Take a break from the heat and head inside a children's museum or science center. Try this site to find one near you.
4. Walking Tour of your City
Last year we had the awesome opportunity to participate in a walking tour of our city. We joined with some other homeschool families who were setting up this field trip, so I'm not really sure who you contact to get this done. But it would so be worth the investment of your time to find out how to do this. We were blessed with an awesome guide who shared all sorts of history and explanations of the architecture of the buildings, etc.
3. Living History Museum
We never miss a summer without heading to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana to enjoy their living history museum. It's a long drive for us, but no one in the family complains.
2. State Fair
Oh yes, the State Fair is always a favorite of the summer. Last year, our daughter entered several sewing projects into competition. It was great to see her work and she earned several ribbons. Plus, we got discounted tickets! Woo-hoo!
1. Hiking
It's free. It's awesome exercise. All ages love it. We could hike every single weekend of the summer without complaints. Need I say more?
Not convinced walking in the woods is educational? Well, than you should definitely check out the nature study resources at http://www.shiningdawnbooks.com/ .
So what are you waiting for? Grab some sunscreen and head out the door!
You had me at Willy Wonka...
ReplyDeleteWilly Wonka AND a confectionary?!?! I want to go on field trips with you!!
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