A School of Exploration

This week's blog cruise asks: What are some field trips that your family has enjoyed?

We love field trips – big ones, small ones and all in between.

We have been blessed over our three years of homeschooling to go on some really amazing field trips. The principal, AKA my hubby, likes to schedule a special excursion for us each year. I’m hoping it becomes tradition!

Our first year homeschooling, we were looking at ancient civilizations. Scott surprised us by taking us to Cancun so that we could make the trip to Chichen Itza to see the Mayan ruins. What an amazing trip! It made such a difference seeing these ruins up close and really understanding the history and the building that went along with the culture.

 

While we were there, I was able to finagle us an almost free snorkeling trip in the gulf of Mexico. We got to see the reef and its inhabitants. Normally, I don't do cold water, but this time it was just take the plunge and enjoy the experience.


Year two we were still in World History, but were up to more recent times. This time he took us to Washington D.C. We’ve been before, but not in many years. It was good for the boys to go back. We saw the Air/Space Museum, Natural History Museum, American History Museum, National Art Museum, Monuments (Washington, Jefferson, WWII, Vietnam, Korean War), Capital Building, Library of Congress, National Archives. Phew! Yes, it was a whirlwind.


At the end of last year, we went to Tybee Island in GA for a field study. If you can go, I HIGHLY recommend it. Very inexpensive with lots and lots of science. See my post about this trip.


This year, we’ve been to the Ashley Woods Living History Day. I have a post about this too! Yet another great adventure where we got to meet reenactors and see vehicles and equipment from the Civil, Vietnamese, Korean, and World wars. Admission was $2 for adults and free for kids. Can’t beat that!

What we’ve really learned is that there is SO much out there for homeschoolers to do and experience. We have another Civil War history day scheduled for November. Most factories have free tours – we’ve been through candy factories, a tea factory, art galleries, museums, etc. The best thing to do is just stay connected with the homeschool community. That is where you find out about these wonderful activities and can dive in!