Oh, how I love a field trip! They can be just plain fun with very little educational value or can be chock-full of educational material, and might even be on the boring side (for those who are more hands-on in their homeschooling approach). But I love ‘em all! 

I love a good road trip, too, and even when it’s just me and a girlfriend, I’m constantly scanning the road, the little town, the countryside for anything of possible interest. My favorite road trip is when we can take the time to stop at every historical marker along the route. It’s icing on the cake when I can stop at an old cemetery. Think of the history in those places!

Any time you leave the house can be considered a field trip. Having a fresh outlook whenever you leave your home can help you see possibilities where you might normally only see mundane chores or errands. A trip to the grocery store can be all about supply & demand, economics, or unit price vs. price per ounce, and for the younger crowd, colors, shapes, or foods by geography. (Where were those particular bananas grown? What about the kiwi?) 

For the vast majority, especially if they love their job, men and women in various careers are pleased to share their love with your child. There are some establishments that need a minimum number for an actual field trip, but there are many businesses who would be happy to share some time with the next generation, even if it is just one mom and her child. Think about the place that makes hearing aids, the corner bakery, the fire station, police department, post office, or telephone company. Be sure to call ahead and ask if they could give you a little time explaining their job to your child. Explain how many children you have, their ages, and that you will be accompanying them. Some families have been greatly surprised at the willingness of some to go the second mile and provide coloring books or hand-outs, and sometimes samples or give-aways. What is the worse thing that they can say? A simple no, we can’t accommodate you, really is the only thing and all you’ve done is lost a little time either talking to them in person or over the phone. 

If you plan to go to the fire station, the police department, or other service organization, think about bringing a dozen or two of cookies with a big thank you card that your child created. I’m sure it will give them a big smile while they are so busy serving their community. For any organization sending a thank you note specifically to those who gave you the tour and/or their supervisor, putting in names of all the people you came in contact with, is a big thing! In this day and age, thank you notes are starting to be an uncommon thing. When you are out and about in the community, you are representing homeschooling to all who come in contact with you. Give these businesses and organizations see that homeschoolers are different and are appreciative. (Take notes or request business cards from those who are taking you on your tour.)

So get out there and find some uncommon field trips—don’t forget to share either here or on your own blog so others can get some great ideas on where to go! Have fun! 

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