In traditional schools, field trips often only happen once or twice a year. But Microschools usually have much more flexibility, meaning it’s easier to leave the classroom and take learning out into the world. Smaller class sizes can make it possible to schedule more personalized encounters, too. These new and different Microschool field trip ideas will bring learning to life for your students!
University Research Center
STEM projects and lab experiments are terrific for hands-on learning, and you can expand on the experience by seeing real-life scientists at work. Microschool field trips like these double as early career and technical education, exposing kids to potential future job options.
Local Farm
Farm field trips are pretty common for young kids, but Microschools can look for more specialized opportunities at any age. Arrange for your students to spend a day actively working on a farm, then dine at a farm-to-table restaurant that uses the produce you helped care for. Think outside the box, and include hydroponic facilities, urban farms, and even rooftop gardens on your field trip list.
Restaurant Tour
Combine lessons in nutrition with some career and technical education by going behind the scenes at a restaurant. Discover where the food comes from, see how it’s prepared, and find out more about jobs like server, maitre d’, chef, sous chef, and other restaurant careers.
Historical Reenactment
Museums are wonderful, but living exhibits are even more impactful for kids. Rather than just visiting one, why not find out if you and your class can become part of one instead? Wear the clothes, eat the food, and live life the way it was at the time you’re exploring. Immersive field trip ideas like this one are what Microschools are made for.
Food Bank or Community Kitchen
Community service promotes social emotional learning, building empathy and a sense of belonging in your students. Consider “adopting” a local food assistance center. Your students and their families can raise money or gather donations, then take regular field trips to drop off your contributions and spend time helping as needed on site.
Cultural Festival
Offer the chance for students and their families to join you on weekend visits to cultural festivals in your area. Spend time learning about the specific culture in advance, and attend the festival to see it all in action. Consider inviting guest speakers or performers who may be in town for the festival to join your students in the classroom, too.
Local Culture Group
If there aren’t any festivals in your area, visit with cultural organizations instead. Interview members, visit important local sites, and participate in meetings or other group activities. Developing a relationship with these organizations can help your students meet a more diverse variety of people and build connections in their community.
Archeological Dig
At any given time, there are a surprising number of research digs taking place around the world. Spend a day visiting and helping at a local site, or arrange a longer trip to see a dinosaur dig or historical building excavation in progress.
Historical Cemetery
Local cemeteries are a fascinating source of history and stories. They also help build a sense of respect for all people, living and dead. Volunteer to help with maintaining an old cemetery, and look for interesting graves while you’re there. Then, do some research to find out more about the people whose graves you saw. (This is a truly unique way to explore primary sources!)
Makerspace
If your Microschool doesn’t have its own 3D printers, sewing machines, or wood shop, you can still access these resources at a local makerspace. Many communities are installing makerspaces in places like libraries, and they welcome students to visit and work. You might make this a regular Microschool field trip to give your students hands-on exposure to tools and resources they wouldn’t otherwise get to use.
Theater
Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours, and some traveling shows even have their own programs to engage local students. Theater staff may also be willing to work with you to customize your experience, helping your students spend a day creating, rehearsing, and presenting their very own show.
Music Studio
Go beyond the ordinary concert field trip and head to a recording studio instead. Kids will be fascinated to see how music is created and recorded step-by-step, and to learn about all the people and equipment involved. Maybe your class can even write and record their own composition to share with the world!
Art Studio
Art museums are popular for field trips, but art studios can be just as fascinating (if not more). Look for a collective in your area that welcomes visitors, or contact a local artist who’d be willing to meet with your class and share their creative process. Finish the day by creating your own artwork inspired by what you’ve seen.
Artisan Workshop
Many local craftspeople offer workshops to teach people their vocation. Students can learn to build with wood, work with metal, sculpt with clay, make their own jewelry, and much more. If you don’t see a workshop you’re interested in locally, contact an artisan and ask if they’d be willing to arrange one for your Microschool.
Media Outlet
Media in all its forms has more power than ever in today’s world. Take a trip to a local newspaper, radio station, TV station, or other media outlet to learn how they gather, research, and report important news to their audiences. Kids might even get the chance to be on air or publish an article themselves!
Conservation Project
Bring environmental science to life by taking a Microschool field trip to participate in a conservation project. Depending on what’s available in your area, you might plant trees, clean up the shoreline, count butterflies or birds, or help restore natural habitats.
VR/AR Center
Virtual and augmented reality experiences have become truly impressive, but the technology can be pricey. Find a VR or AR center in your area and arrange a time for your students to try out the various programs and experiences. This can be like multiple field trips in one, with opportunities for adventure, exploration, friendly competition, and more.
Escape Room
Encourage teamwork and problem-solving with an escape room, where participants have a set amount of time to solve the puzzles that will unlock the door and set them free. Afterward, hold a debrief session for students to discuss what went well, where they faced challenges, and how each person contributed to the overall experience.
Animal Care Facility
Wildlife rescue centers often offer tours of their facilities, showing people how they care for animals who can no longer return to the wild. Animal shelters may welcome you too, especially as volunteers to clean cages or help exercise or socialize their residents. This could even be the perfect opportunity to choose a new class pet!
Pro Sports Facility
Emphasize the importance of physical fitness with a trip to a professional baseball stadium, basketball arena, or football field. Many provide behind-the-scenes tours, and might even be able to arrange for kids to meet some of their favorite players.
