Fantastic Free/Low Cost Field Trips

The end of the year is a fantastic time to take your class on a field trip! By then testing is over, most curriculums have ended, and you need something to keep students attention until the year is over. Why not go on a field trip?!

Now, you might be thinking, “Why is she writing this post at the end of the year? I can’t plan a field trip that fast.” And you’re right. It takes time to plan, but, also, to complete permissions and requests through your district, hand out permission slips, and collect them. That is why I am writing this now, so you can plan for next year. This is a great time to consider field trips for next year and how to get them funded. With advance planning the trip for your students could be just the cost of bussing or free!

Funding Sources

There are several ways to go on a no/low cost field trip. One way is through grants. There are grants available for field trips. If your district sends out a current grants list, check them out. If not, do a little research and you’ll find there are many grants available to you.

Another way is to look into discounts and specials at local places of interest. Check their websites for special student rates or call them to see what they can offer. Definitely mention if your school is a Title 1 school. Oftentimes, places are able to help when the school population comes from low income families.

You can, also, look into getting a sponsor or donation from a local business. Local businesses like to partner with schools to give back and be involved in the community. This, again, will involve some e-mails, phone calls, and/or in-person visits. Be sure to check in with your admin before going this route. You want them to be on board and aware of what you are doing. It shouldn’t take too much time, though, and it will be worth it!

Field Trip Locations

Finally, choose locations that are free to visit! There are many educational and interesting places that can be visited for free. Then, families only have to pay the cost of bussing, which can sometimes even be worked into the school budget, if you ask your admin.

Here is list of options for free field trips to get you started. However, this list is not all inclusive.

1. Fire Station-learn about fire safety

2. Library-storytime, learn about library resources, get a library card

3. Grocery Store-learn about healthy eating, budgetting, how food gets from farm to the store

4. Veterinarian Office-learn about pets and their needs

5. Post Office-get a tour and learn about how mail gets to your home, have everyone bring a letter to mail

6. Park-take a nature walk, use large motor muscles on playground equipment, simple machines

7. Dentist Office-learn about dental health

7. Some local museums-learn about local history, see artifacts, fossils, and art

8. Some theaters (check for free student matinees)- appreciation for the fine arts

Field Trips Can Come To You

Another option is to have field trips come to you! You can have speakers come in to have an assembly for your class, grade level, or school. Some ideas for this are firefighters, police officers, local authors, and librarians. I, also, know some places that have programs that can travel to you. Our aquarium has one, the animal shelter, and if you’re in South Carolina the Columbia Marionette Theatre puts on a free show for elementary schools about litter.

Field trips are memorable experiences for students and teachers. It gets us out of the classroom and learning in the real world. Remember field trip locations can be as simple as going to a pizza place, frozen yogurt shop, or restaurant. These are all trips I’ve done in the past that were fun and educational. By putting in a little advance planning in now, your class could be visiting some wonderful places next year on a fantastic field trip! Let me know in the comments any field trip locations you would add to the list!