If you ask me why I homeschool, I can’t narrow it down to one reason. However, one thing that I do enjoy about homeschooling is being able to take my kids on fun field trips. We love exploring and learning together as a family. There are so many wonderful sites in northern California that can help teach your child in a fun way. In fact, I bet they won’t even realize that they’re learning! Here is just a brief list of five places that we love for homeschool field trips in northern California.
fun homeschool field trips
California State Railroad Museum
Located in Old Town Sacramento the California State Railroad Museum is the place of any train lover’s dreams. With educational exhibits, historic artifacts, and full-size trains cars this museum is the definition of hands-on. You can even walk onto them! When you’re done learning all you can about trains and their impact on early California history you can take your kiddos up to the third level and have them unwind at the toy train tables for a bit. If you have a 4th grader you can apply for an Adventure Pass and get in for free!
Insider tip: During certain times of the year they have train rides on their steam engine down the Sacramento Riverfront! Go early in the day to avoid the heat in the summer months.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
When your kids are ready to learn about California state history Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park is a must. Explore their park which involves a portion of the town of Coloma. Then, check out the replica of the original saw mill as well as several preserved historical buildings. If you stop by the visitor center you can even pick up a Junior Ranger book for your kids to fill out on their visit.
Insider tip: It gets HOT in the summer so go early and bring swim stuff to cool off in the American River!
Apple Hill
You could go to any farm for a fun field trip on agriculture. However, Apple Hill is a conglomerate of several different farms where you could literally spend all day and not see everything. Use their website to navigate through their farms of different produce and offerings before you make the trip. Several farms also boast stores, restaurants, and fun kids activities so do a little research before you go. Find out more of our tips and favorite farms here!
Insider tip: Plan your field trip mid-week because weekends are ridiculously busy! Check websites ahead of time to check schedules and availability at farms.
California Academy of Sciences
You could visit the California Academy of Sciences over and over and never get bored. From permanent exhibits like the aquarium and rainforest, to rotating exhibits, and even a planetarium there is something for everyone. They even have Curiosity Grove which is a fun indoor play area for younger ones.
Insider tip: Consider purchasing a membership if it’s worthwhile for your family. A membership for us was only a little more than 5 one day tickets and we knew we would be going again!
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known throughout the world and for good reason. You could spend a couple days here and still not see everything. With nearly every type of aquarium exhibit you can imagine and plenty for kids to do you’ll quickly fall in love. Their website also offers an assortment of printables for classroom use that you could incorporate into your lesson planning seamlessly.
Insider tip: Check out their website for information on their free homeschool admissions.
When you’re ready to explore one of these field trips together as a family check out this free printable! I use this for my kids to help jog their memories. I can also use it to turn into our personalized learning teacher.
Do you have a favorite educational spot to explore with your kids?
