Field trips are something that every family can enjoy doing together, and are a wonderful and I would even say essential part of a vibrant and robust home education program. Look at parks, museums, businesses, and events in your community and region as an opportunity for experiential, hands-on learning. All ages benefit from getting out of the “classroom” and into the world, so take advantage of opportunities for all the ages in your family.
Field trips can be just your family, or a whole group of families exploring a place together. Sometimes discounts and special educational opportunities are offered for groups, so check with the destination to see what they offer.
Check the location’s website for information or instructions regarding hours, pricing, age requirements, group visits or field trips, special events, planning a visit, and other important information to know before you go. Check also for virtual tours and online presentations during time of emergency closure.
Parks, Wildlife & Nature Centers
- North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro)
- Duke Lemur Center (Durham) research center
- Agape Center for Environmental Education (Fuquay-Varina)
- Blue Jay Point County Park (Raleigh) nature classes, discovery boxes
- Clemmons Educational State Forest (Clayton) living outdoor classroom
- Durant Nature Preserve (Raleigh)
- NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher (Kure Beach)
- NC State Parks & Recreation Areas
- Cape Fear Botanical Garden (Fayetteville)
- JC Raulston Arboretum (Raleigh)
History Museums & Historic Sites
- Alamance Battleground (Burlington) – site of pre-Revolutionary War battle; annual Colonial Living Week in October features variety of costumed interpreters demonstrating life in 18th century backcountry
- Camp Flintlock (Four Oaks) – Colonial American living history programs
- Duke Homestead (Durham) historic home, farm & tobacco manufacturing business
- Guilford Courthouse National Military Park (Greensboro)
- Historic Oak View County Park (Raleigh) 19th century farmstead, history of cotton farming
- Historic Stagville Plantation (Durham) state historic site dedicated to teaching about the lives, work, families and culture of enslaved plantation workers
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum (Greensboro) at the site of 1960 Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins
- Joel Lane House (Raleigh) 18th century Colonial history
- North Carolina Railway Museum (New Hill)
- NC Museum of History ( Raleigh) history of the Tarheel State, everything from pirates to the Civil War to sports legends
- NC State Capitol (Raleigh)
- NC Executive Mansion (Raleigh)
- Tryon Palace (New Bern) North Carolina’s first capitol
- Old Salem Living History Museums & Gardens (Winston-Salem) 18th & 19th century Moravian settlement
Government. Military & Community Helpers
- U.S. Army Airborne & Special Ops Museum (Fayetteville)
- Battleship North Carolina (Wilmington)
- Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (Goldsboro)
- NC General Assembly- Legislative Building (Raleigh)
- Wake County Landfill (Apex)
- tour of fire station, police station, K9 unit, post office – contact one in your community for details
Health, Medicine & Wellness
Science & Technology
- Harris Nuclear Power Plant Energy and Environmental Center (New Hill)
- Martin Marrietta Minerals Rock Quarry (Raleigh)
- Morehead Planetarium & Science Center (Chapel Hill)
- Museum of Life & Science (Durham)
- NC Museum of Natural Sciences (Raleigh)
- NCSU Engineering Place/ Solar House (Raleigh)
- RDU Airport Observation Park (Raleigh)
- WRAL TV-Studio & Weather Center (Raleigh)
The Arts – Art, Music, Dance, Theater
- Carolina Ballet (Raleigh) student matinees
- Carolina Theater (Durham) Arts Discovery educational performances
- NC Museum of Art (Raleigh)
- NC Symphony (Raleigh) – Education concerts
Agriculture / Agritainment / Food
- Hill Ridge Farms (Youngsville) hay rides, train rides, farm animals, country store, giant slide, spash pad, etc.
- Homeland Creamery Dairy Farm (Julian) visit an operating dairy farm
- Millstone Creek Apple Orchard (Ramseur)
- Videri Chocolate Factory (Raleigh) self-guided tours for small groups; paid guided tours for larger groups
Imagination & Discovery
Marbles Kids’ Museum & IMAX Theater (Raleigh)
Fairs & Festivals
NC State Fair (Raleigh) – more than just rides and food, the State Fair has agricultural and horticultural exhibits, artists and craftspeople, live performances and competitions, arts & crafts and 4H displays, and more
The Viking Experience (Stem) -this weekend festival provides in interactive Viking experience in Granville County, with performers, vendors, food, and interactive activities, including a special kids’ area; the founders of this festival are a homeschool family
Athletics
Durham Bulls Education Days (Durham) baseball game and activities
The best kept secret in Raleigh is the JCRaulston Arboretum at NC State! 😉 Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 we’re closed right now…but hope to reopen soon!
Thanks, Joy! I’ll add it to the list!