Field Trip Planning Guide

5 Planning Tips

1) Research

Even 15 minutes of researching the location/experience/destination can save you tons of trouble later on. I always check a few of my favorite Travel Links before heading out the door.
Museum reciprocal programs such as ASTC Travel Passport Program, Time Travelers program, and Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Experience the Authentic. Use museums, archives, and other collecting institutions that hold authentic artifacts in trust for the public to see the “real thing” and center learning in primary sources. Visit Iowa Museum Association to find a museum near you.

2) Pack the car

3) Before you go; plan for coming home

The fun won’t last forever and it’s always better to come back home to an organized kitchen and a prepared hot meal. Read my 4 Helpful Tips to be prepared!

4) Excite the kids

Incorporate the field trip into your curriculum.
Read and prepare ahead of time for the trip – we used the St. Louis Zoo website to learn about the different animals we would see before we visited. This enhanced our visit.
Try out Virtual Field Trips to add depth to local tours. Ask your students questions.
- How did the virtual field trip of the museum compare to visiting our local museum?
- Did it feel different to view the art in person vs on a computer screen?

5) Invite friends

My #1 rule for organizing a field trip is to only plan group events that we want to do at a time that works for us. When I first started organizing group events I would always adjust things to please one or two other members. When those members wouldn’t be able to make the event; I would be left feeling frustrated. Now, I only plan what works for us and if others can join, then we are excited to have them!

I love my travel box! I save brochures from all our favorite places! Field Trip Planning Guide Essentials!