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Field Trips

A field trip to Pacific Science Center is a time-honored tradition for students of all ages across Washington state. Our hands-on exhibits, shows, and innovative programs ignite students’ curiosity for science in a day of exploration to enhance your curriculum and spark a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.

ELIGIBILITY

Visiting parties that fit into one or more of the following categories—academic and childcare institutions, including public and private schools, homeschools, daycares, or community organizations—may be eligible for our field trip rates. Eligible parties must adhere to the registration guidelines found at the bottom of this page.

If your group does not qualify for a field trip rate, you may be eligible for our group visit rate. For more information, visit our Group Sales webpage . If you’re looking for a private rental of our facilities, visit our Venue Experiences webpage .

Below is a pricing table for our field trip rates. Qualified low-income schools may receive up to 100% off field trip rates. Typically, schools with 40% of the student body or higher receiving free and reduced lunch qualify for financial aid. Eligibility is checked by our team when you reserve your visit. To learn more, please email Field Trips .

Add-on Experiences

In addition to admission to the Science Center, PacSci offers extra experiences to enhance your learning and support your curriculum, including:

• Documentary IMAX Movies : During the school year, we offer Teacher’s Choice where teachers can book one of two open documentary slots, if your school is the first to book. Email our Field Trips team for a complete list of documentaries.
• Daytime Laser Show : Be dazzled by a Daytime Laser Show in our Laser Dome. Packed with 10,000 watts of concert sound, experience a one-of-a-kind show on one of the largest geocentric domes dedicated to lasers!
• Planetarium Show : Enjoy a live, immersive presentation in the Willard Smith Planetarium. Blast off to the universe’s outer reaches or explore the planets in our solar system. There is always something different to experience! Seating is limited to 36 students and four chaperones (or any combination of the two with a maximum of 40 participants. Chaperone ratios must be observed). Limited showings are available.

Paired Digital Discovery Workshop

Deep the impact of your students’ Field Trip experience by participating in a live, 40-minute digital workshop in the days before or after your PacSci visit.

Focusing on cross-cutting concepts and science and engineering practices, this virtual program primes learners to get the most out of their PacSci Field Trip:

The Art of Observation

Hone your observation and inference-making skills by sketching like a scientist. Learn how to use art to slow down and notice more about biological structures, then make predictions about their possible functions. Examine butterfly specimens from our Tropical Butterfly House and take a deep dive into a flower dissection as you refine your scientific observation skills in connection with your PacSci Field Trip. (Grades K-8; content adapted to fit participant age)

These programs can be delivered to up to 50 students at a time with as many workshops as needed to reach every participating student. Digital Discovery Workshops start at $200 with discounts for booking three or more programs. Qualified low-income schools may receive up to 100% off.

Learn more about Digital Discovery Workshops and indicate in your Field Trip Reservation form if you are interested in this add-on.

REGISTRATION

To register for your field trip, please submit a reservation form . A representative will get back to you in 2-4 business days.

Reservation guidelines:

• Have a minimum of 10 individuals for your group. We recommend having one adult for every 6 students. Please add a comment to your form if you have accessibility aides attending your visit.
• Regardless of age or grade level, chaperones must remain with their assigned students for the duration of their visit.
• Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks prior to your visit date.
• Payment for your visit will be due 1 week prior to your visit date.
• Agree to follow  PacSci guidelines

If you have any additional questions, please email our Field Trips Team .

download our Educator Guide

Meet our PacSci Educators, learn more about our programs, and book a program for your students today!

Generous Support Provided By:

Field Trips are generously supported by NASA under award No. 80NSSC23K0796. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Additional support comes from more than 1,500 individuals, companies and foundations that donate to Pacific Science Center each year, as well as more than 13,000 member households from every corner of Washington State and around the country. Learn more about ways you can support Field Trips and Pacific Science Center .

Environmental Education & Outdoor Learning

Follow us on Facebook to learn about the latest programs and events

Check out our 2023 Year in Review  infographic and our  nature videos.

If you would like to donate to help support Nature programs in Seattle Parks visit our fundraising page https://arcseattle.org/Citywide-Environmental-Education-Programs

Jump to your section of interest using the links below.

• Public Programs

School and Organized Group Programs

Community partnership programs and special events, citywide environmental education advisory council, nature and environmental education - public programs.

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers Nature and Environmental Education classes and programs in parks all over the city. To find classes on native plants, birds, urban forest walks and low tide beach explorations, search our registration portal using keyword "nature" . If this is your first time registering for classes, create an account. Once you are logged in you can choose your programs and pay online.

For staff assistance with registration, you may call Camp Long Environmental Learning Center (206) 684-7434 or Discovery Park Visitor Center (206) 386-4236 . 

For more information about our programs, Follow us on Facebook

Excitement, joy, energetic exploration and a healthy learning environment!  Teachers and group leaders, this is what your group will experience on a field trip to Seattle parks. Derive the benefits of a lesson plan integrating Next Generation Science Standards and Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements led by highly trained Seattle Urban Nature Guides. Seattle Parks and Recreation's Environmental Education team provides pre-school through fifth grade field trips in Seattle parks for school classes or your own personalized organized group.

These engaging programs are provided at parklands adjacent to YOUR school or community or at destination parks like  Discovery Park ,  Camp Long ,  Carkeek Park   and West Seattle beaches .  Contact [email protected] to ask if we can come to your park.

Choose from a variety of programs, from ponds and beaches to forests and other seasonal offerings  - such as an exciting spider program to encourage students to engage in learning in a natural fun-filled fashion. Download the  information flyer for more information. Programs are offered Monday through Friday (mornings and afternoons) year-round.

For more information and to schedule your school or organized group field trip program, please call  (206) 484-5994  or email  [email protected]

Pricing and Scholarship Info:

• $225 for up to 30 students, $7.50/student after the first 30
• $75 for up to 30 students for low-income schools/classrooms (50% or more receive free or reduced lunch)
• Free bus transportation available for Title 1 Seattle Public Schools once per year

Questions? or for more information, please call (206) 484-5994 or email [email protected]

Using the  Equity and Environment Agenda  as our framework, Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Naturalists work across Seattle to partner with community-based organizations, connecting people with engaging and meaningful experiences in nature.  

We strive to collaborate with our partners to provide relevant outdoor and nature programming, within communities which historically have not had access to these resources.

We partner with community-based organizations, such as:

• Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association
• Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
• Duwamish Valley Youth Corp
• Kids & Paper
• Seattle Housing Authority
• Basilica Bio
• and many more

If you would like our team of naturalists to bring a program or booth to your next special event or community festival, or if your community organization would like to become a partner, please contact:

North Seattle and Indigenous Communities Gina Lee - Community Naturalist

Central and Southeast Seattle Nicolasa Hernandez – Community Naturalist

Southwest Seattle and Internal Partnerships Nicole Parish-Andrews – Community Naturalist

Become a Seattle Urban Nature Guide (SUN guide) and Volunteer with Seattle Parks and Recreation to share your knowledge of the natural world with kids, families, schools classes and community groups.

Or join the Citywide Environmental Education Advisory Council and  volunteer to help support our programing though fundraising, marketing, advocacy and running special events.

See Environmental Education Volunteering page  for more information on volunteering with our team.

We are excited to introduce the newly recognized Citywide Environmental Education Advisory Council (CEEAC). The CEEAC works with Seattle Parks and Recreation to offer community perspective, advice, and consultation on environmental education opportunities across Seattle.

The Citywide Environmental Education Advisory Council envisions programming that promotes representation where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.  Uplifting the experiences and knowledge of BIPOC will help guide the CEEAC mission so that our communities can engage with and learn from nature.

Meetings are scheduled on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30-8:00 pm. Meetings are being held virtually until further notice.

All are welcome! These meetings are public and open to the community; please join us! For access to the next meeting or general questions please email [email protected] .

Parks and Recreation

AP Diaz, Superintendent Mailing Address: 100 Dexter Ave N, Seattle, WA, 98109 Phone: (206) 684-4075 Fax: (206) 615-1813 Email: [email protected]

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Woodland Park Zoo

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FIELD TRIPS

Self-guided field trips are available to any group visiting for an educational purpose

  To be eligible for the education rate, groups must:

• Be coming for an educational purpose (preK-12th schools, colleges, out-of-school camps, daycare centers and senior groups). If you are a homeschool group please reach out to us at [email protected] for information on home school days.  
• Make reservations at least three weeks in advance.
• Have a minimum of one adult chaperone (teacher or parent/guardian, age 21+) for every six students.  Groups of college age and older participants do not require chaperones.  Note:  Please do not include 1:1 aides/para-educators in your chaperone count. Please contact us for more information on 1:1 aides and chaperone requirements.
• Chaperone students (regardless of age/grade) at all times while on zoo grounds.
• Agree to follow Woodland Park Zoo’s  Rules of Conduct .
• Pre-pay by credit card at the time of registration, we are no longer accepting POs.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you may be eligible for the  Group Rate .

Important Parking Information

Parking availability in Woodland Park Zoo parking lots is very limited, available on a "first come, first served" basis, and is not guaranteed. Parking fees are paid at the parking kiosks. Please contact [email protected] for more information about bus and car parking.

Learn more about parking at the zoo

Verify Eligibility and Prepare Collect the information you will be asked at the time of registration (group leader's name and phone number, your school's name its address including zip code and phone number, FRL %, grade, number of students, number of chaperones, and a credit card)

Book Your Trip

Use the registration button below to start your booking. 2024 dates will be released on a six month rolling calendar. Everyone on the trip will need a ticket including teachers, don't forget to add them to your chaperone count.

After Booking 

Once booked, email [email protected] if you need to change or cancel your visit. Adjustments can be made up until the day before your arrival. Tickets bought day of will be at the daily admission rate. We recommend prepurchasing all field trip tickets.

Education Rate

The education rates listed below are per person for students and chaperones (educators, teachers and parents/guardians). January 1 — June 30:   $11.00 July 1 — September 4:   $13.00 September 5 — December 31:   $13.00

Financial assistance is availale to eligible groups. For more information and to register please visit our financial assistance page. School-to-Zoo Levy Available: September — June Wasington Low Income (WALI) Available: Year-round

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Classroom Resources

Discovery den.

Connect your class to the Zoo before, during, and after your field trip using Discovery Den. A free, continually-updating resource library by educators, for educators.

On Discovery Den, you'll find resources such as:

• Standards-aligned lesson plans
• Authentic data sets
• Printable activity sheets
• Behind-the-scenes videos
• Curriculum connections to field trips... and more!

Access Discovery Den

City Nature Challenge

Join us in a fun nature observation weekend.

Woodland Park Zoo is thrilled to help mobilize people across the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area (all of Snohomish, King and Pierce counties) to join the City Nature Challenge – a nature observation event using the iNaturalist app.

Help the Seattle-Tacoma Metropolitan Area (including Everett, Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and any place within Snohomish, King and Pierce counties!) show the world how biodiverse our region is by making observations and identifications during the City Nature Challenge. City Nature Challenge typically happens near the end of April each year – so mark your calendar!

Get involved!

Field Trip FAQ

When are field trip dates released?

We aim to release field trip dates on a 6-month rolling window. However, there are times when we need to pause our window while we adjust our ticket quantities and prices.

Can I change the time, day, or number of tickets on my order?

Absolutely! We can make adjustments until 24 hours before your arrival. We will not make changes day of. Please email [email protected] to make changes to your order. Please include your order number and the number of student and chaperone tickets you are requesting.

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Your tickets must be prepurchased to receive the field trip admission rate. You can email [email protected] to adjust your tickets up until 24 hours before you arrive. Tickets purchased on the day of will be at the daily admission rate. We recommend pre-purchasing all field trip tickets.

Can I get a refund for my tickets?

Yes! We will refund your tickets as long as we have at least 24 hours' notice. Send your cancellation or adjustment request to [email protected] . We cannot refund tickets on the day of or after your visit.

Can I pay with a purchase order?

No, we no longer accept purchase orders. If your school or district does not have a purchasing card, please email [email protected] .  

Can students use memberships?

We cannot admit students using memberships without the named adult on the membership in attendance on the field trip.

Is bus reimbursement available?  

Bus reimbursement is available for King County schools that meet the requirements listed on our financial assistance page.

Who is considerered a chaperone?

All adults over the age of 18, this can include educators, teachers, and parents/guardians. Note:Please do not include 1:1 aides/para-educators in your chaperone count. Please contact us for more information on 1:1 aides and chaperone requirements. 

What should we do to prepare for a successful visit?

Please review the zoo rules of conduct with students. Help prepare your chaperones with the Zoo Visit Chaperone Sheet . Don't forget to see which programs and activities are offered during your visit!

Is there space to park a bus at the Zoo?  

There is limited bus space in our parking lot, and we cannot guarantee parking. We can accommodate 6 buses on a first come, first served. Buses are required to pay for parking at the self-serve kiosks.

Where do we enter the Zoo?  

All field trips enter through our South Entrance located off the Hippo Lot.  

What should I do if my group is running late?

If your group is running late, please call our guest services line (206-548-2604) and let them know your group name and when you expect to arrive.

Do you offer any accommodations for individuals or groups?

Yes, additional information about accommodations can be found here . Please send an email to [email protected] to request an accommodation.

Will there be maps available?

Please preprint your group's maps. You can find maps here .

Is there a place to store our lunches?

We do not have space to store lunches.

What is the cost of parking?  

Parking costs can be found here .

For additional questions or assistance, please contact the registration office at [email protected] .

EARLY CLOSURE The zoo will close early at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 for a private event.

Top Seattle Field Trips

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One of the great things about moving to a new town is the opportunity to explore. I created a list of Seattle field trips for my family to check out.

Two years ago we moved from the East Coast to the West Coast.  We traded in a home located in the Washington, D.C suburbs for a home in the other Washington.  Now we live in a small town outside of Seattle.  One of the perks of uprooting and moving across the country is that there are plenty of new field trip opportunities! 

We are slowly working our way though as many Seattle field trips as possible.

Tip: Many Washington libraries allow you to check out admission tickets to popular museums and venues. This is a great way to save money while still exploring all of the field trips in the Seattle area.

Table of Contents

• Seattle Chocolate Factory  
• Museum of Flight 
• Woodland Park Zoo 
• Pacific Science Center 
• Bellevue Art Museum 

Nordic Heritage Museum

Cougar mountain zoo, the museum of pop culture, seattle children’s theater, seattle shakespeare company, bellevue college planetarium, frye art museum.

• Issaquah Salmon Hatchery 

Seattle Aquarium

• Reptile Zoo 

Kelsey Creek Farm

Seattle chocolate factory.

The Seattle Chocolate Company offers tours of their factory every day except Sunday. Tours cost $10 per person, but I thought it was worth it. 

We went on a tour after reading Chocolate Fever and loved every minute of it.  The tour started in a classroom learning about the history and farming of chocolate.  This is also when we got our first chocolate sample.

Next, we walked along a second-story platform that runs the length of the factory.  We actually saw the employees making and packaging the candy. 

The tour included more chocolate samples.  Finally, we ended the field trip with a chocolate tasting.  This was my favorite part!

Reservations are recommended, but be aware that children under the age of 6 are not allowed on the tour. This was our favorite Seattle field trip! Years later we still talk about it.

Related: A Sweet Field Trip at the Seattle Chocolate Factory

Museum of Flight

The Museum of Flight is a ‘must-see’ for anyone in love with airplanes.  The museum includes real aircraft as well as reproductions.

The museum is very child-friendly.  There is an entire area dedicated to teaching children about the physics of flying.  We even pretended to work a flight control tower. 

If you have ever wanted to sit in a fighter jet without the military commitment, this is the place to do it.

My son and I enjoyed this Seattle field trip while my daughter was in a class.

Related: Museum of Flight Field Trip Review

Woodland Park Zoo

The Woodland Park Zoo is pleasant zoo to explore.  They have penguins,  giraffes, zebras, and more of course.  We enjoyed seeing animals that are not in the National Zoo in D.C. 

There were several volunteers roaming the park with educational carts. We definitely want to go back once the weather is nice again.

Related: Woodland Park Zoo Tips

Related: Take a Fun Virtual Zoo Field Trip

Pacific Science Center

The Pacific Science Center takes up 7 acres in downtown Seattle right near the Space Needle. It’s location downtown makes it one of the Seattle field trips you don’t want to miss. 

It is full of hands-on and kid-friendly experiences.  In addition to all of the standard exhibits, traveling shows, and Imax theater, there is also a planetarium, butterfly room, and touch pool.

Bellevue Art Museum

The Bellevue Art Museum houses an eclectic collection of art.  The exhibits tend to be unconventional and designed to encourage conversation about art.

The exhibits in the Nordic Heritage Museum include a multi-century old viking ship, Nordic Christmas traditions, and an area dedicated to Nordic immigration to the US. 

The Nordic Heritage Museum will loan out themed educational boxes to homeschoolers and school groups so you can bring the museum right to your kids.

This was one of our first Seattle field trips. I loved being able to pick up a box of educational items to extend the learning.

The Cougar Mountain Zoo is much smaller than the Woodland Park Zoo.  Everything can be seen in just a few hours.

We enjoyed checking out the reindeer exhibit, seeing the cougars and tigers up close, and watching the beautiful birds.

The Museum of Pop Culture (formerly known as the Experience Music Project) is located next to the Space Needle. 

This is one of the Seattle field trips that may not fit traditional school subjects, but there is always something cultural to explore.  I suppose in a way that provides a little modern history education? 

The exhibits change regularly, but include things such as Hello Kitty, Star Trek, Jim Henderson, and Marvel Comics.

The Seattle Children’s Theater is known for their family friendly theater productions.  These plays are often based on children’s books, such as Mr. Popper’s Penguins. 

Homeschool field trips are available!

The Seattle Shakespeare Company offers two options specifically for homeschoolers.  Homeschool groups can sign up for an intensive workshop, designed to immerse students in the world of Shakespeare. 

Families can also take advantage of the student rate for the matinee performances.  We saw a live performance of Romeo and Juliet here our first year in Washington and were very impressed.

Bellevue College offers a FREE monthly planetarium experience.  Be sure to register well in advance so you can get tickets.

The Frye Art Museum is an art museum in downtown Seattle that offers FREE admission.  Students are encouraged to study the artwork and sketch their own rendition. 

Story time with art is offered weekly.

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is the best place to go to observe salmon. 

We visited the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery one fall and were amazed at all of the salmon fighting their way up the creek.

This is one of the Seattle field trips that is not right downtown, but it is an easy drive from Seattle to Issaquah.

The Seattle Aquarium is located in downtown Seattle, near the Pike Place Market.

Teaching kids to care about the oceans and aquatic animals is easy once they have a chance to see the animals up close. Kids can explore the Puget Sound tide pool.

Related Free Virtual Aquarium Tours

Reptile Zoo

The Reptile Zoo is a bit outside of Seattle, but is worth the drive if you have a reptile lover. 

This small zoo is home to many varieties of snakes, small reptiles, turtles, and an alligator. A zookeeper teaches children about an animal every hour. 

Children are even given the opportunity to hold the animal (obviously a safe animal) if they choose.

Read about our Reptile Zoo field trip.

Kelsey Creek Farm is a surprisingly rural park, hidden away in downtown Bellevue!  This park is full of farm animals.  We enjoyed just walking around observing the cows and goats, but tours are available.

Is there anything I’m missing? What Seattle field trips do you recommend?

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Welcome! My name is Jennifer. I am a teacher at heart. Before my children were born I was a public school teacher. Now, I am a homeschooling mom of two.

Love all the ideas! I will definitely keep this article for when we travel there one day!

ah.. .. you make me want to go to Seattle. I could field trip with you. 🙂

Let me know if you are ever in the area. We would love to meet up for a field trip 🙂

The Ballard Locks, The Imagine Children’s museum in Everett. The Kid’s Quest museum in Bellevue, Adventure playground for building your own playground.

Those are great suggestions!

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8 Field Trips That Make the Grade for Families (& Pods)

If you’re looking for a way to move your family’s adventures to the head of the class, try one of these fascinating field trips around Seattle. From a secret sculpture park hidden in the forest, to the sweetest visit in town, these small group tours and experiences earn an A+ in fun. No bus needed!

In-Person Trips

Price sculpture forest.

Ride the ferry to Whidbey Island for this field trip that combines art and nature. Your destination? The new Price Sculpture Forest in Coupeville. Stop by any time between dawn and dusk to take an informative self-guided tour around the 16-acre property on two loop trails. Our favorite for families is Whimsy Way where your Littles will spy the beloved T-Rex, go ape over the gorilla and marvel at the Playa Flowers that were brought in from Burning Man. At each stop, you’ll get to hear from the artists themselves as they talk about their pieces standing right where you are. And the built in incentive of wondering what they’ll find next will keep kids motoring along the stroller-friendly trails. Fair warning—once they’ve done a loop they may want do it again!

Cost: Free, donations appreciated Ages : All

678 Parker Rd. Coupeville, WA Online: sculptureforest.org

The Museum of Flight

Prepare for take off with The Museum of Flight’s premium tours. It’s a chance for aviation enthusiasts of all ages to go behind the scenes, see airplane artifacts and take jet-setting experiences in a private museum setting. The tours are available for up to four people from the same household. We think families will learn lots at The Firsts Tour… In Space where the Space Race of the ‘50s and ‘60s takes center stage. Or walk the red carpet at The Celebrity Tour starring planes and props used in some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. The other tour available for families is all about Diversity in the Skies. It’s a chance to explore the backstories and innovation of flyers who broke the racial, sexual and cultural boundaries of the industry.

Dates & Times: varies, based on tour Cost: $75-$100/person Ages: 5 & up

9404 E. Marginal Way S. Seattle, WA 206-764-5700 Online: museumofflight.org

Seattle Chocolate Factory Tour

Live out your Charlie Bucket dream when you bring the kids on Seattle Chocolate’s Factory Tour. It’s 50 minutes behind the curtain at this Willy Wonka operation, where you’ll learn how the folks at Seattle Chocolate make their fabu confections, discover fascinating facts about the history of chocolate and even get a taste their signature chocolates to enjoy when you get back home. If you ask us, it’s totally worth the hairnet hair!

Times & Dates: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $10/person Ages: 6 & up

1180 Andover Park W. Seattle, WA 425-264-2705 Online: seattlechocolatefactory.com

Creating a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt

Take a local civics lesson when you and your group embark on MOHAI's digital scavenger hunt around the South Lake Union neighborhood. All it takes is a smartphone and a willingness to track down clues and answer questions as you make your way around the neighborhood to see how civic action shapes a community. It’s the history lesson you’ve been waiting for. No classroom required! Plus, if you finish up by July 4, 2021 you’ll be entered for a chance to win a MOHAI membership.

Good to know: Families can also participate in this field trip virtually from home. Simply register to get the need-to-know details.

Cost: $10 Ages: All

South Lake Union Neighborhood Seattle, WA Online : mohai.org

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

You don’t need a sweet DeLorean to travel through time with your group. Simply turn back the clock with a visit to the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum in Tacoma. Here, families will learn what pioneer life was like around Puget Sound in 1855. When you visit you’ll get to explore the old fort buildings, like the Factor’s House, Wash House and Smoke House. You'll really get a feel for everyday life at this globally connected settlement. Or wander the crop fields, orchard and meadows. Who knows, maybe your trip will inspire a new, old school hobby.

Good to know: Want to Fort from Home instead? You can find Fort Nisqually’s monthly virtual content on our events calendar .

Dates & Times: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Cost: $9/adult; $6/kid, ages 4-17; free, kids 3 & under; $30/family (2 adults & up to 5 kids) Ages: All

5519 Five Mile Dr. Tacoma, WA 235-404-3970 Online: metroparkstacoma.org

Virtual Experiences

Pacific science center.

If your crew misses the live presentations at PacSci, why not host one in your living room? No matter the age or interest of your bunch, you’ll be able to find a virtual field trip to match. Choose Wetland Wonders and Radical Reactions to captivate preschoolers. Or turn to Robots on Mars and Ecosystem Investigators that build on your STEM-loving grade school kiddo’s interest. No matter what direction you go, these programs bring science to life. Pricing starts at $200 and each program has a 40-minute run time.

Online: pacificsciencecenter.org

Bellevue Botanical Garden

Your kiddos don’t have to have a green thumb to really dig these virtual field trips that bring the Bellevue Botanical Garden’s Living Lab into your living room. With programs for preschoolers through fifth graders, there’s a little something for everyone. Whether your group learns about seeds, trees or soil, they’ll build an understanding of earth sciences by watching and doing. The best part? It’s all offered for free.

Online: bellevuebotanical.org

Mary Olson Farm

Your group may not be able to wander the Mary Olson Farm property or meet the animals, but you can still dive into local history and learn about the White River Valley region with this virtual field trip series. All it takes is about an hour or less to tour the farm house, wander through the orchard and even take a peek in the old barn and weaving shed to make your journey complete. Great for Littles with shorter attention spans, these quick clips make it fun.

Online: wrvmuseum.org

—Allison Sutcliffe

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School Recycling & Waste Reduction Resources

Seattle Public Utilities' (SPU's) solid waste services partner with organizations to offer several opportunities for public and private schools resources to help improve recycling and composting and reduce waste.

Public Schools

A Seattle Public Schools Resource Conservation Specialist is available to work with every school in the District to support the transition to mandatory composting and improve recycling and waste prevention efforts.

For more information and resources, visit Seattle Public Schools or contact Rina Fa'amoe at (206) 252-0618 or [email protected] .

Private Schools

Private schools are eligible to receive free compost, recycling, and garbage containers, posters and stickers through SPU's Green Business Program .

To request these free resources or ask questions about recycling and composting, please call (206) 343-8505 or email [email protected] .

School Training & Education

Washington Green Schools provides private and public schools a free web-based Green School Certification program in six categories: Waste and Recycling, School Grounds and Gardening, Water, Healthy School Buildings, Energy, and Transportation. Green Teams implement action projects on their school campus, resulting in awards such as a Washington Green School flag.

You can also contact the company that collects your school's food waste for onsite trainings and presentations:

• Recology offers engaging and hands-on waste reduction, recycling and composting workshops for preschool, elementary and middle school students in Seattle. To schedule training, email [email protected] or call (206) 250-7500 .
• Waste Management offers training for school Green/Compost Teams and staff. To schedule training, email [email protected] .
• Contact the Cedar Grove Composting education coordinator at (206) 459-6767 for food waste program training for your school's green/compost team, staff, and classrooms.

Tilth Alliance 's Master Composter/Soil Builder program is a great resource for presentations about the importance of compost, the decomposition process and the soil food web, how to compost at home, and recycling. Contact [email protected] or (206) 633-0451 , x101, for more information.

Field Trips

Classes are invited to take self-guided tours of the North Transfer station viewing room and tour of the J.P. Patches Viewing Room at the South Transfer Station. The Viewing Room overlooks the tipping floor so visitors can see the station's daily operations and learn about Seattle's solid waste system through educational displays and videos.

Cedar Grove Composting offers occasional facility tours, educational events, and summits. Send an e-mail to [email protected] for more information.

Students may also enjoy visiting the Bullitt Center , the greenest commercial building in the world, to learn about a broad range of green building design strategies. Visit the University of Washington Center for Integrated Design website for information on how to schedule a private tour for your students. Regularly scheduled public tours are also available. Tour tickets are $5 per person.

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104 Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177 Phone: (206) 684-3000 Email: [email protected]

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Lifelong Recreation Fall Activities & Field Trips

Have you been considering signing up for a Fall class or field trip with Lifelong Recreation? Lifelong Recreation provides programs for adults ages 50+. Listed below are some of the activities that still have space, organized by sectors or Signature Program. View more details about each activity by clicking on the activity name. To see all the programs we offer, view our Fall Brochure . 

Register online or by contacting your neighborhood Seattle Parks and Recreation Community Center in person or by phone, contact list here . 

Field Trips: 

• Pumpkin Patch at Fall City Farms (SE) , #69985, Friday 10/8, 8:45am – 2:45pm, $18. Celebrate Fall with a field trip to the pumpkin patch! Enjoy the fall colors on our drive to the farm. Pick a pumpkin, visit the farm animals or enjoy a hot beverage. After we’ll explore Fall City for lunch. 
• Seattle Chocolate Factory , #70105, Wednesday 11/20, 9am – 3:30pm, $35. Join us on this yummy factory tour to learn how chocolate confections are made and enjoy samples! 

Activities and Classes:  

• New this Fall, we are offering free Watercolor and Acrylic Painting classes through our partners Seniors Creating Art. There is still space at Rainier Beach , Jefferson , International District and Delridge Community Centers. See activity descriptions for more details.  
• New Pickleball Skills and Drills classes at Rainier Community Center on Wednesdays. Choose from Beginner , Beyond Beginner and Intermediate Levels. 
• Cheesecake Baking Workshop , #70457, Friday 11/8 at Rainier Community Center, 10am – 1pm, $25. We’ll make a mini cheesecake from scratch and learn to make beautiful designs. You’ll get your own mini cheesecake pan to keep!
• Enhance Fitness is new at Jefferson Community Center on Thursdays, 9/12 – 12/5, 10 – 11am, Silver & Fit Eligible , #69999, $0. Or Self Pay , #70000, $77. If you haven’t participated in Enhance Fitness before, or in the last 2 years, please submit this secure Enhance Fitness online form to get started. 
• Enhance Fitness is new at Garfield Community Center on Mondays and Wednesdays, 9/9 – 12/11, noon – 1pm. Sign up here if you’re a returning participant, or if you haven’t participated in Enhance Fitness before, or in the last 2 years, please submit this secure Enhance Fitness online form to get started. 
• Gentle Hatha Yoga , #70001, Fridays at Jefferson Community Center, 9/13 – 12/13, 10 – 11am, $91
• Qi Gong , #69989, Tuesdays at International District Community Center with new instructor Saya, 9/10 – 12/10, 10 – 11 am, $91
• Soul Line Dance with Michelle S, #70026, Mondays at Rainier Community Center, 9/16 – 12/9, 11:45am – 12:45pm, $70. 
• Carpinito Fun Farm , #69257, Thursday 10/3, 10am – 2:45pm, $35
• Dance Fit , #69234, Thursdays at Delridge Community Center, 9/12-12/5, 10:15 – 11:15am, $77
• Global Fitness , #69243, Tuesdays at High Point Community Center, 9/10-12/10, 10 – 11am, $91
• Line Dance , #69246, Thursdays at High Point Community Center, 9/12 – 10/5, 11:15am – 12:15pm, $77
• Line Dance Intermediate , #69245, Thursdays at High Point Community Center, 9/12 – 12/5, 12:20 – 1:20pm, $77
• Taichi – All Levels , #69255, Mondays at High Point Community Center, 9/9 – 12/9, 11am – 12pm, $77
• Vini Yoga – #69259, Wednesdays at Delridge Community Center, 9/11 – 12/11, 11:30am – 12:30pm, $91
• New this Fall, we are offering free Watercolor and Acrylic Painting classes through our partners Seniors Creating Art. There is still space at  Delridge Community Center. See activity descriptions for more details.  
• Gate Foundation Discovery Center , #69718, Wednesday 10/9, 10am – 2pm, $10
• Snoqualmie Casino , #69962, Thursday 12/5, 10 am – 3:30pm, $25

Activities and Classes: 

• Bettyball (Social Basketball) , #70460, Mondays at Green Lake Community Center, 9/9 – 12/9, 10 – 11am, free
• Chair Strength and Tone , #69709, Wednesdays at Bitter Lake Community Center, 10/9 – 12/11, 10:30 – 11:15am, $24 
• Flow Yoga , #70188, Saturdays at Green Lake Community Center, 9/14 – 12/14, 12:30-1:30pm, $84
• Gentle/Vini Yoga , #70273, Saturdays at Ballard Community Center, 9/14 – 12/14, 11:30am – 12:30pm, $91
• Juicy Joints , #69693, Wednesdays at Bitter Lake Community Center, 9/11 – 12/11, 9-10am, $31
• Tai Chi , #69699, Wednesdays at Green Lake Community Center, 9/11 – 12/11, 11:45am – 12:45pm, $91
• Tai Chi (Shape Up) , #68115, Wednesdays at Bitter Lake Community Center, 9/11 – 12/11, 6:30-7:30pm, $45
• Climbing Schurman Rock (transportation from NE), #69798, Friday 9/27, 9:20am – 2pm, $45
• Hunter’s Breakfast (transportation from NE), #69541, Saturday 10/12, 8:15am – 5:15pm, $64
• Seattle Meowtropolitan Cat Cafe , #69543, Wednesday 12/4, 1:20-4pm, $38
• Seasonal Tea Service , #69544, Friday 12/13, 10:40am – 3:30pm, $74

Activities and Classes : 

• Basketball Skills – Intermediate , #69480, Fridays at Magnuson Community Center, 9/13/-12/13, 2:25 – 3:45pm, $125
• Qigong and Beginning Tai Chi , #69522, Wednesdays at Ravenna Eckstein Community Center, 9/11 – 12/11, 2 – 3pm, $91
• Gentle Yoga – Chair Options , #70497, Mondays at Ravenna Eckstein Community Center, 9/9 – 12/9, 5 – 6pm, $77
• Mortgages and Other Programs , #70005, Wednesday 9/18 at Northgate Community Center 1:30-2:30pm, Free – come learn from experts in the field about mortgages and other programs tailored for your situation in this 1hr class! 

Outdoor Recreation 

• Field Trip: Dragon Boat , #69948, Tuesday 9/17, 9:15am – 1:15pm, Dragon boating is a low-impact, full body workout for people of any experience level. This event consists of a 30 minute intro briefing, instructions, and paddler prep, 1 hour on the water (with some team building exercises), and 30 minute post water for debrief, team pics and snacks (bring your own). $60
• Climbing Schurman Rock , #69950, Friday 9/27, 10-12:30pm at Camp Long. With the help and support of trained Camp Long staff belayers, participants will learn about rock climbing and try a few routes on Schurman Rock. No previous experience required; all safety equipment will be provided. $35
• Field Trip: Lake Sammamish Adaptive Cycle Adventure , #69959, Wednesday 10/16, 10am – 3pm. In partnership with Southwest Lifelong Recreation and OutdoorsforAll, join us on a Lake Sammamish Cycling adventure! Please bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy after adaptive cycling. $68 
• Wreath-Making with Seattle Parks Plants , #69965, Friday 12/13, 10am – 12pm at Discovery Park. Learn to make your own wreath! Participants will be provided with a variety of seasonal greens – collected from Seattle Parks – to adorn their wreath. $18

Dementia-Friendly

• Joyful Movement , #70103, New! 4x series at Rainier Beach Community Center. Fun music, and a feast for the body and soul. Tuesdays, 10/1 – 10/22, 10:30 – 11:30 am. No cost to participants. 
• Art in the Park , #70101. Enjoy fall at the Japanese Garden in the Arboretum and a wet-on-wet watercolor painting experience. No experience needed! Tuesdays, 10/29 – 11/12, 10 am – 12 pm. No cost to participants. 

Search for “ Dementia-Friendly ” in ActiveNet for additional programs, and scroll down for Community GROWs special event. 

First time participant? See full program descriptions to proceed. 

Rainbow Recreation

• Powerful Poetry , #70092, New! Time for reflection, writing, and sharing. Prompts and questions to inspire and support you to creating meaning and connect with others. No experience needed! Thursdays, 10/3 to 10/17, 2 – 4pm. No cost to participants.
• LGBTQ+Affirming Book Group , #70057, New! Fall book pick is Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. Pick up book from Miller Community Center anytime after registering. Tuesday, 10/23, 2 – 3:30 pm. No cost to participants. 

Search for “ Rainbow ” in ActiveNet for additional programs for LGBTQ+ community members and their allies. 

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SAH Awards Field Trips Grants to AIA Chicago, Chicago Architecture Center, and Seattle Architecture Foundation

The Society of Architectural Historians is pleased to announce three new grants totaling $16,200 awarded to AIA Chicago Chapter, Chicago Architecture Center, and Seattle Architecture Foundation. Read below how each recipient will connect with learners.

These grants help fund awe-inspiring design education programs for youth and docent-led architecture and landscape tours administered by nonprofit organizations. Since its inception, the program has supported architectural and cultural heritage organizations, house museums, creative placemaking sites, summer workshops focusing on architecture and design, schools of architecture with youth outreach programs, and arts and architecture high schools.

SAH established the Field Trip program in 2015 through an anonymous gift from a generous SAH member. The goal of the grant program is to share the wonders of architecture and landscapes with students whose educational interests in the arts and humanities have been underserved due to racial, social, or economic inequity.

CAC's field trips program facilitates on-the-ground exploration of Chicago’s built environment, building students' science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics skills by presenting lessons grounded in the past, present, and future of Chicago architecture.

Educators choose from three field trip categories: (1) Standing Workshops at CAC: Standing workshops present evergreen topics such as: "LEGO Inspiration," where LEGO building blocks become a medium for students to learn how architects take an idea to materialization; “Science of Architecture," which takes students into Chicago's Loop neighborhood to learn about the engineering of tall buildings; and "Design Your Neighborhood," a lesson in urban planning and community development tied to an activity building scale models of neighborhoods.

(2) Rotating Exhibit Experiences at CAC: These experiences are based on current exhibits. The newest interactive field trip explores "LOOP as LAB," which utilizes Chicago's Loop neighborhood to illustrate pressing challenges facing downtown districts across the nation. It includes a guided tour of CAC’s galleries and a related hands-on design challenge.

(3) Docent-led Tours in Chicago’s Neighborhoods: Students partake in docent-led walking and bus tours, such as "Historic Treasures of Chicago’s Gilded Age" to explore 1890-1930s buildings along Michigan Avenue and State Street, and “Historic Skyscrapers” to see Chicago's skyscrapers submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage List. CAC works with educators to identify one of our 85 tours that best fits their lesson plans.

Seattle Architecture Foundation - Awarded $7,200

Students, teachers and SAF staff will reflect on these experiences through conversations that reinforce the field trips' learning goals and themes. These activities will stimulate their perception of the city.

For more information about a specific field trip program, please contact the organizations directly.

Cover image: Middle school tour group overlooks the Chicago River. Credit: AIA Chicago.

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10 School Field Trips That End in Unforgettable Lessons

Tips for Creating a School Field Trip Itinerary

One of the most challenging parts about preparing for a school field trip is planning the itinerary with things to do – but luckily, we’re here to help build a foundation for you to get started towards curating an impactful and fun experience.

The Non-Negotiable of the trip – The Itinerary

Before we get into some tips for starting your planning it is important to understand the importance of having a structured itinerary. The biggest advantage to creating an itinerary is being able to stay organized and aware of what is ahead and needed for each portion of the trip. It also allows you to get the most out of each activity by not having to deal so much with wasted time figuring out direction. 

Lastly, an itinerary helps to ensure that parents are seeing the value for the money that they have spent for their student to participate. This is usually a topic of discussion at some point during the trip-planning process. At Student Adventures we know how crucial this is, and thats why we created the TripWheel, a resource for you to help assist and prepare you at every step of the trip!  

Now that we can see some of the value in creating an itinerary, here are a few tips to help you get started in curating your own.

The first step to planning an itinerary is researching activities and determining a destination. 

Sometimes it helps to pick places and activities that are inline with course curriculum or themes that you may be currently teaching your students. This provides a hands-on element to the educational process that can have positive lasting impacts on comprehension.

Make sure that in your research for a destination you also consider your class size, temperament, and learning style. These factors can make or break a field trip experience. 

• Prioritize Your Activities 

Make it a point to strategically plan what activities will be happening when and think about how those activities in the order you choose will work for the group you have. 

Starting with activities that aren’t collaborative, hands-on or engaging can start your trip off on the wrong foot causing many students to check out mentally. It is always a good idea to start strong with something that will capture the attention of your students and set the tone for a day of excitement and fun. 

• Time Management 

To get the most out of your trip it is important to stay on a time schedule – do your best to not stay longer than you have planned at a given station. This helps to create an expectation that the trip has a purpose and that you are intentional about everything you have planned to do and see. It also helps to keep students in a mode of anticipation. 

• Backup Plans

For the most part any place that you visit on a field trip will be prepared to accommodate you given the information you have provided them and see to it that all things planned get done.

However, sometimes things happen that are out of your and their control and in those instances, it is important to have plans in place to counteract these inconveniences and maintain an enjoyable experience.

• Maintain Balance

School trips are fun, but they are also still a learning opportunity and the way to get the most out of any school field trip is to have a good balance of exciting activities and learning opportunities. Maximize the time with your students by presenting them with various opportunities to reflect, perceive, challenge and grow within the experience.

Now you’re ready to plan and execute an exciting school field trip itinerary! If there is anything that we can help you with as you navigate this process know that our experts are available to help guide you! For any questions or additional help don’t hesitate to call Student Adventures at 1.877.873.7550 or email us [email protected]! Be sure to visit our website for more information on school trips and some destinations worth touring!

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Small classes, field trips every day: What’s a microschool?

Scott Gelman | [email protected]

September 3, 2024, 3:45 AM

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From vaping to the cost of supplies and cellphone policies, the WTOP team is studying up on hot-button topics in education across the D.C. region. Follow our series “WTOP Goes Back to School”  on air and online this August and September.

During the final minutes of the second day of school at Blue Montessori in D.C.’s Anacostia neighborhood last week, about a dozen students gathered on the carpet for what school leaders described as community time.

Sometimes there’s dancing too, and the gathering provides a final opportunity for students to interact before they either head home or to aftercare. An apprehensive mother watched the afternoon’s final moments and started to cry.

She was nervous about coming into the school, and for the first time, watched her child interact with several other kids. Her daughter was new to the school, and the mom was worried about how she’d behave around other kids in a formal setting.

But as she looked on, the girl was smiling and other kids were helping her.

“What she noticed is that her daughter is fitting in, and even on the second day, is already making friends and having positive interactions with her teachers and her classmates,” said Jordan Kerstetter, teacher-leader at Blue Montessori.

Blue Montessori is one of several “microschools” in the D.C. region. Microschools usually serve a small group of students of various ages, offering them support in an untraditional environment. In some cases, there’s not much regulation, and educators get to work on and implement the curriculum. Lessons typically involve field trips, too.

Some microschools host students from kindergarten through high school, while others are catered to a specific age group. They’ve become increasingly popular since the pandemic, and there are just under 100,000 microschools in the U.S., according to the advocacy group National Microschooling Center.

Blue Montessori just opened its doors to a dozen students last week. It’s a D.C. Wildflower Public Charter School, and it’s hoping to get 15 to 20 kids fully enrolled before October. It’s serving pre-K students, and will eventually enroll kindergartners.

“Parents are coming to us because they want a smaller classroom size for their child, but they’re staying because it’s a smaller school for the parent,” said Clifford Bussie, teacher-leader at Blue Montessori.

More back-to-school stories:

• School districts across DC region return to class
• Most kids who vape want to quit. Why don’t they?
• Proposed policy would prohibit student cellphone use at elementary and middle schools in Arlington
• Fairfax Co. expands cellphone storage pilot program to include 9 high schools

‘Opportunity to listen’

Formal microschools can be set up in different ways. They can be established as private schools, which can be accredited or unaccredited. Microschools may also be launched as learning hubs that follow a given state’s home schooling rules.

Some are opened by licensed teachers, others are launched by parents.

Microschools serve an average of about 16 students, according to Don Soifer, CEO of the National Microschooling Center. They’re deliberately small to enable educators to get to know their students.

Depending on funding models, they can either charge tuition or operate as a public charter school to receive state-level funding.

“In microschools, kids have the opportunity to listen, to be heard, to be seen and to participate in meaningful ways,” Soifer said.

“Very often, when microschools are smaller, they have more opportunities to build meaningful relationships with their educators and with the other kids in their microschool because microschools have the flexibility, because they don’t have the rigidities that more traditional, larger systems have. Kids don’t waste a lot of time during the day.”

As Blue Montessori evolves, for example, it’s planning to enroll a maximum of 28 to 30 students. The small class sizes allow educators to be flexible in each day’s schedule, adjusting plans based on a student’s needs.

In some cases, microschooling can also be considered a type of homeschooling. Parents of students who are attending certain microschools may indicate they’re homeschooling their child, according to Dr. Kellie Rolstad, an associate professor in the University of Maryland’s College of Education.

A parent may be responsible for overseeing that process for their own children or others in the community, and in some cases, they might hire a licensed teacher to do it. In those cases of more informal microschooling, two days of the week are usually dedicated to academics. The rest of the time, students are playing, socializing or pursuing projects they’re interested in, Rolstad said.

“We tend to think of the curriculum at school as requiring seven hours a day, five days a week, but it doesn’t,” Rolstad said.

‘We pay attention’

When Siri Fiske opened MYSA School in Bethesda in 2016, she started with a focus on customized and individualized learning for each student. The school charges tuition, but has received grant funding because it’s operating as a nonprofit.

At the time, students spent one-third of the week outside the classroom, taking yoga or kickboxing classes and exploring new ways to learn outside a traditional classroom. Now operating in D.C., MYSA welcomes between 20 to 60 students, depending on the year. It’s been K-12 up until this year, and the school uses the same standards that public schools use.

MYSA went through the accreditation process last year. It groups students differently, and requires them to show they’ve actually learned something before getting credit for it.

“If we have a student who is in seventh or eighth grade and they’re interested in U.S. history, then … they can study that,” Fiske said. “If they’re motivated and want to learn that, there’s no reason that they have to wait until a specific time.”

For some students, the goal of attending a microschool is to help them socialize or catch up academically before returning to a different public or private school. Others may remain on a less common track outside a traditional school before attending college or launching a career.

“Every kid could use that, right? A place where, if you miss school, it’s noticed,” Fiske said. “The kids at our school, if they don’t come to school, we notice it. We pay attention. We know what’s happening with their family. We know when they’re in a bad mood.”

Personalization makes a difference

At the Grand Magnolia School in Richmond, Natalie Summerville has taken a similar approach. She won’t work with more than 12 students, and the current crop of 10 ranges from 4 to 10 years old. Every child has a list of skills they’re working on.

Sometimes, a student may be less interested in math and more interested in creating a comic strip, which can serve as a language arts lesson. Every day, students participate in an excursion, whether it’s to a zoo, museum or splash park.

“We’re learning how to talk with one another,” Summerville said. “We have a very strong program based on, ‘How are you going to develop an understanding of your feelings and emotions, and how do you convey them to others?'”

Her students pay tuition to attend, and she works with another teacher and hosts mentees doing internships during their time as students at local colleges and universities.

The personalization makes a difference, she said.

“People are looking for an environment where their children are seen and heard,” Summerville said. “And what I mean by that is that if you can imagine children in a classroom with 24 to 32 children and a teacher who’s trying to address that, either alone or with maybe one aide, it’s very difficult for many children to feel like that’s a good place for them.”

Finding a ‘flow state’

At Blue Montessori, meanwhile, the schedule is catered to students’ needs. School goes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and if students need a movement break, the schedule affords them the flexibility to do so.

In the morning, the microschool uses a three-hour work cycle. They find the materials and start working, while Kerstetter and Bussie offer support.

“It’s a three-hour work cycle because we want children to be able to achieve that flow state that we all kind of yearn for as adults, where we really don’t want to be interrupted,” Bussie said.

Then, the students meet on the carpet around 11 a.m., singing songs and reading a book. Afterward, they spend about 45 minutes outside. That’s followed by lunch and a nap, and around dismissal time, there may be time to dance.

Because Blue Montessori is part of a public charter school in D.C., it receives funding from the city. There are milestones that each charter school has to hit, and older students do take standardized tests.

“We don’t have a traditional school building full of classrooms and kids and schedules,” Kerstetter said. “We get to choose what we want for our kids.”

As the concept of microschools evolves, Fiske and MYSA said many of the newest are chains and are for-profit. Sometimes, they don’t want to go through the accreditation process and have little oversight.

“These little schools that are starting, it’s great in some ways,” Fiske said. “Sort of nationally, there’s no oversight, and depends on the state, but there’s often not a lot of oversight. I think that’s something to sort of keep an eye on just as this is unfolding.”

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Scott Gelman is a digital editor and writer for WTOP. A South Florida native, Scott graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019. During his time in College Park, he worked for The Diamondback, the school’s student newspaper.

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