Field Trips
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Suggestions for Finding Field Trip Destinations
Use these suggested links to find a destination for your next field trip. Consider visiting a
- nearby national park or search for your state’s directory of state parks.
- neighborhood historic treasure protected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- convenient traveling exhibition created by the Smithsonian Institution.
- local Smithsonian Affiliate museum or community center.
- museum near you, like one recognized by the American Association of Museums.
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Suggestions for Other Community Field Trips
Any place can be a field trip if you go with the idea that it’s a place to learn! Consider taking a field trip to these places in your community. While you’re there, encourage your child to ask questions. Talk with the people who work in these places. Use all of your senses to explore them!
- Grocery store
- Post office
- Park
- Pharmacy
- Doctor’s office
- School
- Restaurant
- Shopping Mall
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Field Trips as OurStory Activities
Some of the OurStory subjects have suggested field trips, which come with suggested questions and ideas for exploring. See a list of OurStory field trips.
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Guides for Exploring
Check out this "Ask Yourself" guide from the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies. Print out a guide (available in English and Spanish) to inspire questions and excitement on your next field trip.
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Whether you live in Washington, DC or Washington state, there are great field trips in your neighborhood. And don’t think that museums are the only good field trips—you can easily turn everyday errands into learning opportunities for your kids!