educational field trips west virginia

11 Amazing Field Trips Every West Virginian Took As A Kid... And Should Retake Now

Tammy Marie Rose

Tammy loves life in West Virginia and couldn't imagine raising her three children anywhere else.She loves the simple life and believes that the key to a happy life is simplifying! She is an author, who enjoys living outside the box and coloring outside of the lines.

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School field trips were always the best – the bus ride, the laughter, the bagged lunches…and adventure! In West Virginia we are blessed with so many amazing destinations for field trips. Those destinations offer kids everything from animals and history to swimming. These 11 field day destinations have stood the test of time and are worth revisiting today.

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Revisit your childhood and take a trip to these great destinations again! Did we miss your favorite field trip destination? Share it with us in the comment section!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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West Virginia Field Trips

Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips .

Our listing of West Virginia field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a West Virginia field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.

Long known for its panoramic views, the park offers a modern, 31 room lodge for the comfort of overnight guests. Below the lodge, the New River forms peaceful Hawks Nest Lake. Above the lake, the narrow canyon and rushing water create one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation.

Hawks Nest State Park website

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An ancient hemlock forest of majestic proportions, and one of the last living commemorations of the vast virgin hemlock forest which once flourished in the Appalachian highlands. Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form cloisters in the park. Throughout the woods, eastern hemlock is the dominant species.

Cathedral State Park website

Many varieties of migratory water fowl, neotropical songbirds, raptors, whitetail deer, fox, even an occasional passing black bear may be viewed while visiting the park. The early spring brings with it the welcome call of different species of frogs and toads. Spring wildflowers are a common sight to hikers and those who look carefully as they walk or bicycle along the roads and trails. Fishing is one of the most common activities that visitors and overnight guests may enjoy. The lake is known for largemouth and hybrid striped bass, catfish, walleye, saugeye (a cross of walleye and sauger), and bluegill.

Beech Fork State Park website

Little Beaver State Park is a 562-acre day-use park that features many outdoor recreational opportunities. At the center of the park is an 18-acre lake open for fishing year-round. The lake has may types of game fish including bass, crappie, channel cat, bluegill and trout. Paddle and rowboat rentals are available seasonally.

Little Beaver State Park website

lThe Bathhouse first opened in 1930. Since then, thousands have enjoyed the variety of baths and treatments in the warm mineral waters that flow from the springs at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs discharge from five principle sources and numerous lesser ones, all within a hundred yards, approximately 2,000 gallons of clear, sparkling water per minute. Bathing in the springs has been popular since before the days of George Washington.

Berkeley Springs State Park website

Offering 6,000 acres of exciting outdoor getaways any time of year. Cacapon Resort State Park provides golfing, lake activities and hiking opportunities in West Virginia's eastern panhandle, while providing top visitor service in a first-class lodge.

Cacapon Resort State Park website

Pinnacle Rock State Park is one of the more interesting wayside park operated by the West Virginia State Park system. Towering above the rugged mountains of southeastern West Virginia, Pinnacle Rock is an unusual sandstone formation reaching 3,100 feet above sea level. This park provides a relaxing picnic area in an unusual scenic setting.

Pinnacle Rock State Park website

Before the turn of the century, West Virginians were drawn to the natural beauty of the Middle Fork River and its surroundings. This area is now Audra State Park, a heavily wooded riverside campground that continues to awe visitors.

Audra State Park website

Named for the horseshoe curve of the North Fork of the Hughes River, North Bend State Park in West Virginia, offers a multitude of recreational facilities in a beautiful pastoral setting. The fishing streams, hiking trails, abundant wildlife and excellent overnight accommodations and restaurant are among this year-round park's most popular features.

North Bend State Park website

Camp Creek State Park was formed from Camp Creek State Forest in 1987, when a tract of approximately 550 acres was set aside to create this recreation area. Still adjacent to the park lies Camp Creek State Forest. Consisting of nearly 5,300 acres of forest land this property is managed to demonstrate sound forest management principles through the concept of multiple-use. A hunter will find many species of game including deer, native wild turkey, ruffed grouse and a variety of small game. Camp Creek, from which these areas take their name, is one of the best stocked trout streams in the state and can offer hours of fishing enjoyment.

Camp Creek State Park website

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers excursions that transport you back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to Cass are filled with rich histories of the past, unparalleled views of a vast wilderness area, and close-up encounters with the sights and sounds of original steam-driven locomotives.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park website

We invite you to discover a world of Music, Theater, Art and Science. From exciting performances to family fun days, you're sure to find the Clay Center to be a priceless experience that will cause you to say, "WOW!" The mission is to inspire creativity, learning and wonder through experiences in the arts & sciences for all people of West Virginia and the region.

Clay Center website

Located just seven miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, this forest's close proximity to the heavily populated Kanawha Valley has made it a recreational haven. Some of the state's most popular picnic areas are here, along with significant hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. A playground attracts families during the summer season and the fully equipped campground is one of the few in the Charleston area. The 9,300-acre forest is noted among naturalists for its diverse wildflower and bird populations. Rich cove forest sites provide nesting habitat for 19 species of wood warblers, a feature which draws birders from as far away as Canada.

Kanawha State Forest website

First thoughts of the Chesapeake Bay often bring up images of crabs and oysters. But, as the largest estuary in North America, the Chesapeake Bay has touched and influenced much of the American story -- early settlement, commerce, the military, transportation, recreation and more. The Bay and its surrounding 64,000 square mile watershed hold a treasure trove of historic areas, natural wonders and recreational opportunities.

Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network website

Babcock State Park offers its guests 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon and mountainous vistas to be viewed from several scenic overlooks. All of this variety is located adjacent to the New River Gorge National 'River and the heart of the whitewater rafting industry of West Virginia.

Babcock State Park website

The ultimate vacation destination. Nestled amid more than 6,300 acres of state parkland on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest. This inspiring West Virginia mountain resort is cradled by picturesque terrain and breathtaking countryside. It is surrounded by 18 miles of trails - in wetlands and northern hardwood forests - as well as open meadows, abundant with wildlife. Choose from a thrilling variety of fun activities including golf, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.

Canaan Valley Resort website

Named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia.

Blackwater Falls State Park website

Cabwaylingo State Forest is located on 8,123 heavily forested acres in the heart of Southern West Virginia in Wayne County. Built in the 1930's, the forest gets its unique name from the four surrounding counties from which it serves: CABell, WAYne, LINcoln, MinGO.

Cabwaylingo State Forest website

Oldest of West Virginia's state forests, Seneca borders the beautiful Greenbrier River in Pocahontas County. The forest offers pioneer guest cabins; a four(4) acre lake for trout, bass and bluegill fishing; a small campground and 11,684 acres of lush woodlands for hiking, hunting or communing with nature. The lake and forest are named after the Indian tribe which once roamed the area. Seneca's large size and modest development make it a great place to find peace and solitude.

Seneca State Forest website

We provide a home for local and visiting artists across a wide variety of media. From exhibits to performances to art education, the Center is supported by the community it serves.

Randolph County Community Arts Center website

Perched on a small rise overlooking the confluence of Prickett's Creek and the Monongahela River, this rustic log fort is a re-creation of the original Prickett's Fort of 1774, which served as a refuge from Native American war parties on the western frontier of Colonial Virginia. Built in 1976 by the Prickett's Fort Memorial Foundation, the "new" fort serves as a living history site where interpreters recreate late 18th century lifestyle through period attire and demonstrations of a variety of colonial crafts. Throughout the season, visitors may find blacksmiths, spinners, weavers and other traditional artisans at work, and a gun shop which features the only public demonstrations of 18th century firearm manufacturing in the state.

Pricketts Fort State Park website

Valley Falls State Park is a place of scenic beauty and historical significance and has continued to grow in popularity with both local and out of state visitors.

Valley Falls State Park website

Tucked away among the hills on the southeastern edge of the state lies Moncove Lake State Park. Located in the pastoral setting of Monroe County, Moncove Lake State Park seems worlds away from everyday realities. With all park facilities located within easy walking distance, this is the place to enjoy the simple things in life. Local groups and individuals have been using the park for years as a location for social outdoor gatherings, a place to do some quiet reading, take a stroll, or to put a fishing line in the water. In more recent years, campers have discovered the quiet, easy-paced life in this area and have been returning on a regular basis. Even during the busier summer months lazy afternoons are commonplace and a moments rest is only a sunset away. However, for your best chance at total quiet and solitude the spring and fall seasons present the best opportunities.

Moncove Lake State Park website

A living landscape that provides an unspoiled experience for visitors and a haven for a variety of plants and animals. The park protects a 10.5-mile section of the Bluestone River in Southern West Virginia.

Bluestone National Scenic River website

A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.

New River Gorge National River website

Wild and Wonderful: The 25 miles of free-flowing Gauley River and the six miles of the Meadow River pass through scenic gorges and valleys containing a wide variety of natural and cultural features. The Gauley River contains several class V+ rapids, making it one of the most adventurous white water boating rivers in the east.

Gauley River National Recreation Area website

One of the unique aspects of the Cedar Creek State Park is the check-in station, a restored log cabin which was formerly a Gilmer County historical landmark. Further adding to the charming ambiance of the park, a reconstructed one-room schoolhouse has been erected as a testimonial to the early years of education. The schoolhouse has been faithfully restored complete with student desks, inkwells and a potbellied stove. Guided tours of this nostalgic attraction are offered on Saturdays during the summer months.

Cedar Creek State Park website

A cozy, quiet getaway for couples and families. It sits among West Virginia's rolling hills and alongside 10-mile long, 1,750-acre Tygart Lake.

Tygart Lake State Park website

Discover the wonders of the Green Bank Science Center, where interactive exhibits and captivating displays introduce you to the fascinating world of radio astronomy in an entertaining manner. The Science Center at the Green Bank Observatory extends a warm welcome to the general public. Allow at least 2 hours of your time to fully experience the GBO tour, embark on an exciting exhibit hall scavenger hunt, and browse through our delightful gift shop. The majority of activities are tailored to accommodate groups of 20 individuals. For those planning a day trip, our Starlight Cafe offers lunch.

Green Bank Observatory website

The dense forests of Holly River State Park provide guests with a natural feeling of peaceful solitude. Located near the center of the state in Webster County, it is far from the hustle and bustle of city life making it a perfect vacation getaway.

Holly River State Park website

The John Brown Wax Museum graphically tells the story of John Brown and the raid on Harpers Ferry. Voice, music, and animation enhance the experience. Ages 6 through 60 will benefit from this educational and entertaining museum. This is a favorite of junior high schoolers. Lower group rates are available. Everyone's a student when you bring 10 or more. All adults that accompany 10 or more students pay the student price too.

The John Brown Wax Museum website

Harpers Ferry is best known for its role in the Civil War as the location of John Brown's raid on the Armory in 1859. The website offers many links to educate history buffs on the people and stories involved with that time in American history.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park website

Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.

Beartown State Park website

The site of West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the Museum, Lookout Tower & other buildings in the 1930's.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park website

Encompassing over 2,100 acres of rugged, heavily forested, mountainous terrain, Bluestone State Park provides a wide variety of water-oriented activities for guests and residents of southern West Virginia. In the midst of this wilderness park, just five miles south of Hinton, are nestled modern cabins, a campground and fine recreational facilities. The extra plus is that Bluestone is adjacent to Bluestone Lake, the state's third largest body of water.

Bluestone State Park website

Visitors enjoy the beauty of glass, particularly that from the Ohio Valley; the wisdom and whimsy of Appalachian folk art; the functional artistry of American furniture and firearms; the serenity of 19th and 20th century American and European paintings; and the intricacy of Islamic prayer rugs. They can ponder the exotic mysteries of Middle Eastern arts; the exquisite acrobatics of sculptures by Calder and Rickey; and the marvels of nature's own canvas.

Huntington Museum of Art website

The Zoology Zone & Science Center is a non-profit that offers exhibits for all ages of different rescued reptiles and amphibians. Prices range from free for children up to 3, $5 for those 4-12, $7 for 13+, and $5 for seniors 65 and older. Entry fee includes all day access with story time and lab.

Zoology Zone Science Center website

Kumbrabow State Forest is located along the western edge of the allegheny Highlands atop Rich Mountain. The 9,474 acres of forest range from 3,000 to 3,930 feet above sea level, making Kumbrabow the state's highest forest. Acquired in 1934, the forest derives its unusual name from the three prominent families, KUMp-BRAdy-BOWers, who were instrumental in the purchase of the land.

Kumbrabow State Forest website

The park and town share the name of the Chief of the Cayuga Tribe (also known as the Mingo tribe). This 4,000-acre park is one of the most visited in the state park system. The park features a 25-site campground, outdoor amphitheater, and wildlife center. The recreation enthusiast can enjoy miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool with water slide, tennis, and miniature golf. Picnic shelters and playgrounds are found throughout the park.

Chief Logan State Park website

The heritage of early West Virginia is preserved in the pioneer homestead restoration at this park. Through the wisdom of a descendent, the late 1700s farm of Watters Smith was bequeathed to the state park system to be preserved for posterity. A log cabin similar to the original was moved and reconstructed on the park, the Smith family home (c. 1876) has been restored as a museum, and an additional museum houses many early farm artifacts. Guided tours are offered from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. In addition, the park features swimming, picnicking, hiking trails, and horseback riding.

Watters Smith Memorial State Park website

Watoga State Park is located in the mountains of Pocahontas County just 14 miles south of Marlinton, West Virginia. The park consists of 10,100 acres filled with a multitude of recreational activities including hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Watoga State Park.

Watoga State Park website

Enjoy an invigorating hike to "Cranny Crow" with its commanding views of the surrounding ridges, stroll around park headquarters or enjoy a book on a park bench under the massive branches of an ancient pine. All of this creates an atmosphere of peacefulness and serenity for visitors to Lost River State Park.

Lost River State Park website

Set in the rugged mountains of Southern West Virginia, Twin Falls Resort State Park is the ideal site for nature seekers. Visitors here enjoy overnight accommodations ranging from a 20-room lodge located on the mountain top to secluded cottages and deluxe and standard campsites.

Twin Falls Resort State Park website

The People's Path and America's First National Scenic Trail. The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is more than 2,175-mile long footpath stretching through 14 eastern states from Maine to Georgia. Conceived in 1921 and first completed in 1937, it traverses the wild, scenic, wooded, pastoral, and culturally significant lands of the Appalachian Mountains.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail website

Located at the extreme tip of West Virginia's northern panhandle, Tomlinson Run provides a wide range of recreational opportunites to a large number of local and out-of-state visitors. The park's 1,398 acres extend along the stream from which it gets its name, both of which are named for a family of early settlers, to within a mile of the stream's confluence with the Ohio River. Roughly divided into two sections, the park offers a wilderness area of heavily forested hills, overhanging cliffs of sandstone and shale, and a profusion of wildflowers and fauna. Featured within the developed areas of the park are picnicking, boating, miniature golf, basketball and volleyball courts, swimming, a campground and a group camp.

Tomlinson Run State Park website

Located in the rugged hills near West Virginia's southern border with Virginia and Kentucky, Panther offers a small campground in heavily wooded surroundings. Hiking trails to scenic overlooks, trout fishing, picnicking, swimming and hunting are featured at the forest.

Panther Wildlife Management Area website

The Island is open May 1 through October of each year. While visiting our park you should allow at least three hours for a complete tour. This includes the boat trip to and from the island. Blennerhassett Museum should be the first stop of your tour. It is the perfect orientation for all that you will see throughout the day. Your museum visit begins with viewing the video that briefly explains the lives of Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. You will then be free to tour the three floors of intriguing archaeological and historical exhibits.

Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park website

The "Year-round Crown Jewel of West Virginia State park." From beautiful scenic overlooks of the Bluestone Gorge to the two lodges, vacation rental cottages, campgrounds, golf courses, restaurants, modern conference facilities, and much more, Pipestem Resort State Park has something for everyone.

Pipestem Resort State Park website

At the junction of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers stands this monument which commemorates the frontiersmen who fought and died at the Battle of Point Pleasant. This battle was fought with Chief Cornstalk on October 10, 1774, and is recognized as the decisive engagement in a proactive series of Indian wars. The name "Tu-Endie-Wei" is a Wyandotte word meaning "point between two waters."

Tu-Endie-Wei State Park website

Our historic tracks run deep into the heart of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad crosses sweeping valleys and rolling countryside to our most popular destination, the wild and wonderful Trough Canyon. Named by George Washington and steeped in history, the canyon is home to American bald eagle families. Journey along the South Branch Potomac River and thrill to the spotting of these mighty raptors, our namesake, thriving in their country home. Bring binoculars for eagle spotting and wildlife viewing while you learn aboard our living classroom.

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad website

Reenactment of the Jones-Imboden Raid in Rowlesburg, WV, when General W.E. "Grumble" Jones led an attack on the town to destroy the vital B & O railroad bridge and the famous Tray Run Viaduct. Union forces under the command of General Charles Hill defended the town with 250 soldiers and townsmen. Union forces were outnumbered 1500 to 250 but were successful in turning back "Jones' Raiders" and preserving "Lincoln's Lifeline". Union and Confederate camps will be represented and a weekend full of activities will be presented, along with reenactments of the Battle of Greenland Gap and the Battle of Rowlesburg. Check website for details of event held in May.

Jones-Imboden Raid website

An important Civil War battle site. This Civil War battle represented the failure of a Confederate drive to regain control of the Kanawha Valley. As a result, the movement for West Virginia statehood proceeded without serious threat from the Confederates.

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park website

Oglebay Institute operates six facilities in the Wheeling area: The Schrader Environmental Education Center, the Mansion Museum and the Glass Museum in Oglebay Resort; the Stifel Fine Arts Center and School of Dance on National Road; and Towngate Theatre and Cinema on Market Street. The Institute also operates Terra Alta Mountain Camp in Terra Alta, West Virginia.

Museum of Oglebay Institute website

The Wheeling National Heritage Area celebrates the city's dramatic setting along the Ohio River, providing experiences in Victorian architecture, waterfront park development, historic city markets, renovated industrial buildings featuring retail shops, restaurants and interpretive exhibits, and West Virginia Independence Hall, the birthplace of the state of West Virginia during the Civil War.

Wheeling National Heritage Area website

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NEW Comprehensive WV Field Trip Guide!

by CHEWV | Oct 5, 2023 | News

We are beyond excited to introduce CHEWV’s newest member resource: a comprehensive field trip guide! Three months in the making, our 41-page resource includes exciting field trip destinations for all 55 WV counties, along with planning and curriculum tips.

Step out of the textbooks now and then to make learning come alive! I t’s now easier than ever via field trips all around our resource-rich state. Surprising and little-known destinations can be at your fingertips.

Access our guide through your member benefit page using the updated password recently sent to your inbox. Now yet a member? Fix that easily here .

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Plan a Field Trip to Jackson's Mill

WVU Jackson’s Mill offers custom field trip packages emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), Outdoor Education, and History through hands-on engagement. Half-day, full-day and overnight options are available throughout the school year. Programs are age appropriate and provide instruction supporting West Virginia Department of Education Content Standards. Meal and snack packages also are available through WVU Jackson’s Mill Dining Services, which meet USDA and school meal program standards.

STEAM skills are vital to future success. WVU Jackson’s Mill offers an array of STEAM-based activities that incorporate problem solving skills, computer science fundamentals, and other science concepts with a growth mindset. Visits can be customized for grades K-12 and may include courses such as engineering design, kitchen chemistry, animal adaptation and more.

WVU Jackson’s Mill is steeped in history. Visitors can participate in demonstrations that transport you back in time, including grist milling, weaving, spinning, basket making, candle dipping, blacksmithing, paper marbling and other heritage arts. These activities are set against the historic backdrop featuring the Old Mill and other authentic 18th and 19th century buildings.

The Mill’s picturesque nature provides the ideal setting for outdoor education experiences, including nature walks, team building, ATV safety, shooting sports and more. Recreational opportunities abound on-site, from kayaking on the West Fork River to climbing the WVU Jackson's Mill Climbing Wall. Our faculty and staff will customize adventures that provide students with unique experiences and opportunities to gain an appreciation for the outdoors.

Explore our options in STEAM , History , and Outdoor Education programming. Reserve your spot by calling WVU Jackson’s Mill Group Reservations at 304-269-5100 .

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Alerts in effect, field trips.

Harpers Ferry has a variety of on-site learning opportunities for students. Whether you are looking for a self-guided experience or would like to request an Education Ranger to engage your students in an immersive, experiential lesson, we hope this site helps you find what you need for your field trip planning.

Make a Reservation

We ask that all education groups, whether you are planning for a self-guided experience or are requesting a ranger-led lesson, make a reservation. This allows us to better serve you and your students! To make an education reservation, please email us . Educational groups should also make reservations a minimum of three weeks in advance. Unless the group has been granted an official fee waiver , all fees apply. It may be possible to accommodate shorter request periods, but it is not guaranteed. If an education reservation is not made within the stated three week period of advance notice, the group will be subject to paying normal park entrance fees upon arrival.

Apply for a Fee Waiver

Entrance fees do not apply for K-10 groups that successfully make an education reservation. Groups 11th grade and up should request for entrance fees to be waived. See the Fee Waiver Checklist & Instructions for more information on how to request a fee waiver. Fee waiver requests should be completed a minimum of three weeks in advance of the visit. It may be possible to accommodate shorter request periods, but it is not guaranteed. If an official fee waiver is not submitted within the stated three week period of advance notice, the group will be subject to paying normal park entrance fees upon arrival. Please check our Education and Fees Frequently Asked Questions page, or email us if you have questions.

Request a Ranger-Led Education Program

When you make your reservation, you can request a ranger-led education program. We offer the following curriculum-based programs:

Trek the Trails (K - 12 th grade) -- Students participate in ranger-led hikes to some of the less-traveled places of Harpers Ferry NHP. Hikes vary in difficulty and subject relevance. Explore the river environment, climb a mountain, walk a battlefield, or discover ruins. Emphasis is on fun, physical activity, and appreciation of the natural landscape! 1 - 2 hours
Harpers Ferry: A Place in History (3rd -12 th grade) -- Students explore 250 years of the American history experience as told through the Harpers Ferry story. Teams compete to decipher truth or fiction in an interactive game format while visiting significant history sites. 1 hour (3-8), 1.5 hours (9-12)
To Arms! Soldiers' Story (4th - 9th grade) -- What was life like for soldiers garrisoned at Harpers Ferry? What military action took place here? Why was Harpers Ferry so important? Students are “enlisted” into the infantry, issued a wooden gun, and taught drill. A soldiers' trivia competition determines what “company” will move ahead to capture the Confederate flag. 1 hour
Reporting the Raid: John Brown’s Raid (3rd - 12th grade) -- It is October of 1859. The students just arrived in Harpers Ferry during the aftermath of the John Brown Raid. They will work as newspaper journalists, by interviewing witnesses, to determine what happened during the Raid. From the information they gather, students will write a short telegram and attempt to send it out on a telegraph machine. Students will explore why all perspectives in history are important. 1 hour

Request Self-Guided Activities

We strive to have a ranger available to meet each self-guided group and provide a brief orientation upon arrival to the park. You can request self-guided activities, including history searches and scavenger hunts, when you make your reservation. You can also check out our curriculum materials .

Get Questions Answered

If at any time you have questions, please email us . You may also want to see our Education and Fees Frequently Asked Questions page, which provides information about education groups, reservations, and fees.

Last updated: November 28, 2023

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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park National Park Service PO Box 65 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

304 535-6029

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Unique learning opportunities, field trips available at WVU Jackson’s Mill

As a new school year starts, so do new chances to go on personalized field trips at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill . Half-day, full-day and overnight field trips are offered to school and home school groups grades K-12 throughout the academic year.

A variety of activities are offered in the content areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), outdoor education and history education. The programming is grade appropriate and instruction supports the West Virginia Department of Education Content Standards.

“These field trips are beneficial to students because the content we offer aligns with the West Virginia school standards the students need to meet and teachers can make sure they are checking those boxes,” Emma Gardner , WVU Extension specialist and teaching assistant professor computer science technology and engineering, said. “During these field trips, students can participate in hands on experimental learning and experience something new.”

A variety of STEAM-based activities can be offered on these field trips that incorporate problem solving skills, engineering design, physical science, computer science fundamentals and other growth mindset concepts.

“One of my favorite engineering design activities I lead is having the students make a flying machine. They have specific supplies to use, but the rest is up to them, and they are free to build whatever they want,” Gardner said. “It is cool for me to see the growth mindset in action because they will test their machine and if it does not work, they will change something and test it again until it works. Not only are they using the engineering design process, but it is giving them a safe space to fail and try again until they succeed.”

WVU Jackson’s Mill also provides the ideal setting for outdoor education experiences, such as nature walks, a low ropes course, a climbing wall, canoeing, field games, team building, outdoor survival skills, outdoor cooking and more. All these activities can be adjusted to fit every age group.

“Outdoor education is important because it allows students to learn a variety of translatable skills, get more in touch with nature, learn about the environment and discover what they enjoy about the outdoors,” Jeff Schmoll, WVU Extension program coordinator, outdoor education and recreation, said. “I fully believe that the outdoors is for everyone, and it is just a matter of finding what aspects of the outdoors suits you.”

Outdoor education and recreation adventures provide students with unique experiences to gain an appreciation for the outdoors and try something new that they do not have the opportunity to try in the classroom.

Beyond that, WVU Jackson’s Mill is steeped in history, dating back to the mid-1800s. During field trips, students can participate in a variety of demonstrations that transport you back in time, including grist milling, weaving, spinning, basket making, candle dipping, blacksmithing, paper marbling, historic games, a tour of the historic area and other heritage arts activities.

“We do history programming that is hands on, engaging and interactive, such as rope making and candle dipping that they would have used back in the day, and the students can take it home with them,” Joe Obidzinski, WVU Extension program coordinator, history and heritage, said. “All of the activities are geared toward the early development of this area and the students can think about who these people were and what they experienced. When they go back to the classroom, teachers can talk about what they saw and experienced.”

In addition to field trips, a new event is coming to WVU Jackson’s Mill specifically for fourth graders. On Friday, October 20, 2023, fourth graders from around the state can participate in a history and heritage themed weekend. This is an opportunity for fourth graders from different schools to come together to engage and learn from a potter, a blacksmith, a weaving guild and other history and heritage related activities.

This event is for fourth grade students since that is when they are introduced to West Virginia history in the classroom, explained Obidzinski.

“Schools do not have access to the activities we can offer at Jackson’s Mill, like a climbing wall and a functioning gristmill, so it is neat that students can come here and learn in engaging ways outside of the classroom,” Gardner said. “During these field trips, we can offer content in all three areas – STEAM, outdoor education and history education – in one day, and that is unique to these field trips.”

Teachers or groups interested in scheduling a field trip should have several dates in mind for scheduling purposes. To schedule a field trip or reserve a spot for the fourth-grade event, contact WVU Jackson’s Mill at 304-269-5100 or email [email protected] .

If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

sd/09/5/23

CONTACT: Sophia Darmelio

Marketing Strategist

WVU Extension

304-293-9490; [email protected]

First published: Thursday, September 07, 2023

School Trips

Take your students on an adventure to gritt’s fun farm.

Gritt’s Fun Farm School Trips Return September 2024!

Experience Gritt’s Farm in its full glory. Each fall, all 300 acres of our Buffalo, WV farm land transform into a fall fun destination. Gritt’s Fun Farm features nearly 30 attractions and learning experiences for students to enjoy.

Reservation Portal Opens Late August 2024.

Book Online

All school trip reservations for Gritt’s Fun Farm must be made online.

No down payment required.

Please inform us at least one week before your scheduled trip if there are any changes to your reservation.

Parents that plan to join your trip must purchase a Parent and/or Sibling Ticket online or at the gate.

Teachers & Chaperones

We offer FREE admission for:

Teachers (head of class)
Paid Staff (with credentials)
Bus drivers for public and private schools and daycare groups
Special Needs individuals are welcome to one support person each at no charge.

Additional chaperones in attendance will be charged for a General Admission ticket.

Payment & Tax Exempt Forms

Please have your payment and your tax exempt forms ready before exiting the bus at the farm.

Payment is required per head count on the date the school visits the farm at the beginning of the tour.

Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit/debit card.

Students may not exit the bus until payment is collected & a Gritt’s Fun Farm Tour Guide has discussed the Fun Farm rules & regulations to your group.

Self-Guided Tours!

Field Trips will be guided by Teachers & facilitated by Gritt’s Farm! What does that mean? Teachers will be responsible for separating groups into 40 students or less upon arrival at Gritt’s Fun Farm and guiding them through the experience. Gritt’s Farm will supply Teachers with a schedule of events upon arrival at Gritt’s Fun Farm.

Gritt’s Farm Tour Guides will be on-hand throughout the farm to help facilitate the experience & answer any questions.

All students must stay with teachers at all times.

At no point are teachers, chaperones, or students permitted to leave the tour and venture out on their own.

Most tours are about 3 hours long, and we’ll be sure to help you cover as much ground as possible!

All buses are to park in our designated upper-gravel bus parking lot. Children and teachers must stay on the bus until further instruction is given by a tour guide. The teacher who has the Fun Farm Field Trip payment should be ready to give it to a tour guide once the guide has boarded the bus. Fun Farm rules and regulations will be discussed with the students, then the real fun begins!

Teachers are encouraged to print off directions and give them to the bus driver on the day of the trip or prior to the trip, if desired. Please be sure to allow enough travel time to reach the farm for your scheduled appointment. Classes arriving late may miss out on activities. We suggest arriving about ten minutes early so that we may take care of the bookkeeping & ensure that students receive the ultimate Gritt’s Fun Farm experience!

Please do NOT rely on GPS to get you to the farm, or you may end up on a gravel road! We recommend utilizing the WAZE travel app for the fastest route from your school.

Additional Rules & Regulations

Guests on our farm are expected to be on their best behavior. Teachers and chaperones are expected to handle any behavioral issues with students during field trips and not rely on tour guides. Tour guides are professionals in providing the best experience to your group and will not be expected to correct behavioral issues. There will be no refunds for groups asked to leave the farm due to behavioral issues.

Wagon Rides

Our farm tours will take place in both greenhouses and outdoors. Students and teachers should wear comfortable clothing, and closed toe footwear is required. Be aware of weather conditions for the day. Because we are entering the fall season, we could experience 90°F to 50°F days with the potential rain or snow. Additional layers of easily removable clothes are suggested.

Teachers should not cancel due to rain. Tours will still resume during a light rain, and activities will shift more into the greenhouses, if needed. If severe weather persists with lightning, we will ask groups to return to their buses and wait out the storm. Efforts will be made to reschedule or reimburse tours depending on how far along the group got on the tour. Tours beyond the half-way point will most likely not be reimbursed.

Food and Beverage

School groups are welcome to bring student lunches. Teachers must schedule a specific lunch time with Gritt’s Farm upon booking reservations. Typically, lunch is around the half-way point of the tour after about 1 and a half hours, but can vary depending on specific needs of the students. We recommend lunches be packed in coolers on the bus. We ask that lunch stays on the bus until just before lunch. A tour guide will ask a teacher to get lunches together and pulled by wagon to a designated area 10-15 minutes before students are ready to take a lunch break. There will be concessions available for chaperones, bus drivers, parents, etc.

Parents are encouraged to pack a snack along with their child just in case the child needs a snack before or after lunch. Snacks should fit easily into the child’s pocket and not be messy (eg. granola bar). Concessions are available during lunch for purchase. Water containers are welcomed as long as they are easy for the guest to carry and have a secured lids (eg. Nalgene bottle).

Signing Out Students

Parents or guardians who will be signing their children out to stay an extended duration at our Fun Farm are to do so at the end of the scheduled tour. Schools are 100% responsible for students on the field trip until the end of their scheduled tour. No exceptions.

Photography

Guests are encouraged to take photos while on tour as long as it doesn’t interfere with the tour or tour guide instructions. We welcome posting any photos of our farm on Facebook or Instagram and tagging our accounts, @grittsfarm .

Gritt’s Farm

864 Gritt Road, Buffalo, WV 25033

(304) 937-2565

Buffalo Farm Hours

Garden Center

10 am – 6 pm Monday – Sunday

Capitol Market Hours

10am-6pm Monday – Saturday | 12pm-5pm Sunday

St. Albans Hours

Reopening July 2024

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We are a farm first! Please help us honor & respect the land & crops that we are growing.
Please respect the natural environment and the crops we are growing.
Use care and caution around landscaping.

Please supervise all children at all times, this includes the photographer’s own children while on Gritt’s Farm property. Also, ensure they are not injuring plants, and items that are growing in any way.

Nothing may be picked and used during your session, unless purchasing the item.
Multiple clothes changes on site are not appropriate.
Vehicles are NOT allowed in flower fields under any circumstances.
All props must be carried to your photoshoot location. Props or equipment that cannot be carried easily should not be used.
All props must be removed upon departure.
We require that all trash is removed from your photo site.

West Virginia Alliance for STEM and the Arts

Promoting STEM & the Arts programs to help people of all ages find their passion and chart a path to their life's work

Virtual Field Trips and Career Pathways

Oh the places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

Who doesn’t love a field trip?! Everyone has a favorite field trip they have been on – whether with their class, an organization, or their family. Sometimes that field trip is life changing – you imagine yourself in the surroundings and accomplishing things you witness and think – this is what I would like to do! Field trips usually are close by, in your community or not too far of a drive. Right now, some field trips just aren’t possible due to the pandemic. We understand how important field trips are for learning as well as how much they can inspire creative ideas and actions – even dreams of a future career. So, like the Learning Resource Guide, we have gathered some great trips provided virtually from some great organizations to allow you to explore these exciting places and make plans to visit in person as soon as safely possible. A couple of quick points before you travel (virtually!):

• Some visits here are listed as Virtual Field Trips and some are listed as Virtual Visits. The difference is a Virtual Visit is something you can schedule specifically for your class, group, family, etc. and receive a personal tour or interactive experience. More information on how to schedule a virtual visit is presented in the resource link. • We will be adding more experiences frequently, so be sure to check back for new additions. The revision date will help you keep track of any updates. • If you have any issues with the links, or would like to add your resources, please email us at [email protected]. We would love to share a field trip to your organization!

Thank you to the great organizations who have put together these exciting adventures! Stay safe and well on all of your travels!

To see more information about each link in the table below, please use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the table.

Virtual Field Trips and Career Pathways rev. 11/20/20

Horizontal scroll bar will allow you to see more descriptors of each resource listed in the table above.

Thank you to these organizations for being leaders in their fields and for sharing education resources to the Community!

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Are you sure.

School Programs Please Note: We are now fully booked for spring 2024

The west virginia botanic garden is offering science-based field trip opportunities for students in pre-k through 8th grade.

Within the site you will find several different types of forest, wetlands, wet and dry meadows, streams, pools, and a variety of beautifully designed flower beds. In other words, it’s an ideal outdoor classroom for nature study of all kinds. The West Virginia Botanic Garden represents a convenient, affordable, and meaningful place to educate students. This is a place where students can learn about the world that exists around them, a place where they can develop a personal connection to nature and watch the Garden grow.

There are several programs available.

Habitats, Humans, & Energy- updated for 2023-24!

Age group: 5th-8th grade.

Students will go on a walk to view different habitats, play an interactive game about habitat needs and disturbances, and view a presentation on energy. Students will learn about how organisms rely on habitats for survival, and how disturbances to habitats, both natural and human-caused, will impact the lives of organisms that live within them (including humans!). Students will also learn about different energy sources and how to conserve energy. Each student will receive a journal to take notes in to take home.

Cost: $5 per student, adults are free.

Thanks to a grant from the equitrans midstream foundation, spring field trips will be offered free of charge for qualifying schools. contact education director erin smaldone for more information. spaces are limited, so act fast to reserve your spot, made possible with support from.

Please contact us to discuss special topics.

New field trips for older students are currently under development..

Are you ready to schedule?

Do you have questions, contact education director erin smaldone.

Phone: 304-322-2093

Send Erin a Message

Email Address

Field Trips

Individual Giving
Corporate Giving

Book your Field Trip Today!

Spark! offers field trip opportunities for your classroom, day care, after school program, and summer camps. In the museum’s hands-on educational exhibits, students can explore engineering, space, nano science, and more! A hands-on science program can added-on for an additional cost. Descriptions of these programs can be found below.

Field Trip Pricing

Free Play $6.00 per student Free admission for teachers and chaperones

Add-on Hands-on Science Program $6.00 per student Additional $100 up to 49 students or $150 over 50 students Free admission for teachers and chaperones

Schools unable to pay may be eligible to receive free or reduced admission.

To schedule your visit or outreach program, email Tiffany at [email protected] or call (304) 292-4646.

We offer the following interactive and fun science program for field trips:

Program: Bear’s Shadow Age group: PreK, Kindergarten Description: Specifically designed for younger audiences, this introduction to astronomy will engage learners through interactive activities about the Sun and its relationship with Earth.

Program: Polar Opposites (Polar Bears vs Penguins) Age group: PreK , Kindergarten , 1st grade Description: Discover how two different animals on opposite sides of the Earth survive their harsh environments through a combination of crafts and hands-on experiments.

Program: What is Nano Science? Age group: 1st grade , 2nd grade , 3rd grade Description: What is smaller than small? Students will participate in hands-on activities to learn about nanoscience: the study of materials that are a billionth of a meter.

Good Vibrations: The Science of Sound Age group : 1st grade , 2nd grade , 3rd grade , 4th grade Description: A set of hands-on activities and demonstrations will engage your learners by allowing them to visualize sound, while exploring how sound travels and why we can hear what we can hear.

Rainbow Lab Age group : 1st grade , 2nd grade , 3rd grade , 4th grade Description: Your students probably know the colors of the rainbow, but do they know why we can see these colors? In this program, students explore the colorful world of the visible light spectrum through special equipment and hands-on activities.

The Ins and Outs of Air Pressure Age group: 1st grade , 2nd grade , 3rd grade , 4th grade Description: What do kids and air molecules have in common? They both love to bounce around! In this program, students learn about air pressure while exploring how everyday objects respond to changes in pressure in a variety of engaging hands-on activities.

Groups of ten or more must schedule their visit.

Support for field trips and outreach programs is provided by a grant through a collaborative effort between YCF and the Arts Council of Greater Morgantown, with funding from the City of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission and the Douglas H. Tanner Memorial Fund for the Arts and from the United Way of Monongalia and Preston County.

Awesome Places To Visit In West Virginia With Kids & Teens

Planning a trip to West Virginia? Keep up on the COVID-19 information concerning travel to West Virginia here .

West Virginia with kids & teens

West Virginia is such an interesting state. Its history involves William Penn, and was once part of Virginia, but decided to become its own state when leaders could not agree on important issues of the day. West Virginia is also quite pretty. This travel destination for families with kids and teens is an exciting place you won’t want to miss exploring. It is considered one of the ‘mid-Atlantic States’ even though it doesn’t have a coastline. Your family will be captivated by all of the history and exciting places to explore and learn about. These West Virginia family travel destinations are perfect places to add for an exciting family travel itinerary of the mid-Atlantic United States. If you are wanting to road trip or learn virtually, keep reading because you can explore and have awesome adventures in the beautiful state of West Virginia with kids and teens.

West Virginia With Kids & Teens – Road Trip!

As you head north (or south) along the mid-Atlantic coast, turn left and head for West Virginia. You can stretch your legs with a good hike, explore the beautiful outdoors, and be captivating by the mountains and valleys of West Virginia. Perfect for a road trip or a few days relaxing in nature!

Does your family do road trips? Ours does! In our family, road tripping a series of car journeys from one destination to another to do a field trip. 5-day road trip usually means at least three of those days will be filled with activities and attractions. But if you live locally or regionally, you may decide to take that road trip in smaller chunks and plan several field trips around the beautiful state of West Virginia. Below are all the resources you need. Included are super fun ideas that will also super-size your child’s learning about US History, Geography, and famous people & places. So have fun using the world as your classroom with intentional family travel. Let’s explore West Virginia with kids and teens!

West Virginia Historical Sites & Parks

Harpers Ferry : Historic town in Jefferson County, West Virginia.
New River Gorge Bridge : Steel arch bridge in Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Canaan Valley : State park in Davis, West Virginia.
Summersville Lake : Reservoir in central West Virginia.
Seneca Rocks : Rock landmark in Pendleton County, West Virginia.
Wheeling Island : Island in the Ohio River, in the city of Wheeling, West Virginia.
Blackwater Falls State Park : State park in Davis, West Virginia.
Monongahela National Forest : National forest in Elkins, West Virginia.
Cacapon State Park : State park in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.

West Virginia – Museums & Galleries

Clay Center : Art museum in Charleston, West Virginia.

West Virginia – Places Not To Be Missed

Camden Park : Amusement park in Huntington, West Virginia.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum : Former hospital-turned-landmark in Weston, West Virginia.
Charleston Civic Center : Municipal complex in Charleston, West Virginia.

West Virginia – Add These To Your Itinerary

Snowshoe Mountain : Ski resort in Snowshoe, West Virginia.
The Greenbrier : Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Big Sandy Superstore Arena : Municipal complex in Huntington, West Virginia.

West Virginia offers so many exciting things to do in addition to enjoying the outdoors. Are you finding it hard to fit it all in or afford to do it all while you are visiting? Luckily, there are great online resources at many of the museums and parks so you can keep learning about West Virginia.

West Virginia With Kids & Teens – Virtual Travel & Learning

Make the most of learning about West Virginia by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the West Virginia State Study pack into your pre-and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the people and places they will be visiting. Add in a good book, some digital activities to learn history and geography, and some super art for easy ways to inspire and educate. It’s all in these US State Study resources.

West Virginia – Use The World As Your Classroom

The West Virginia State Study pack makes it easy for your family to have fun learning about West Virginia at home (virtually) or on the road.

Learn About West Virginia’s Famous People

Pearl Sydenstricker Buck – Writer
Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson – Civil War military leader.
Chuck Yeager – Pilot

Learn About West Virginia’s Famous Landmarks:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Bluestone National Scenic River
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
America’s Battleground
Harpers Ferry

You will also find resources for science, art, and geography to round out a packed week (or longer) of learning resources for kids aged 3rd grade to 12th grade.

The West Virginia State Study pack has all the resources in a PDF. You and your kids can pick and choose which ones you want to complete. It is a carefully curated course for middle/high schoolers. There are exciting videos and selected lessons so your family can easily learn online.

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Exploring The Mid-Atlantic States?

Delaware , Virginia , & Maryland are exciting stops for families that love to use the world as their textbook. These posts will help you homeschool, travel, and learn together. Have fun! Below are a few more resources to help you use the world as your classroom.

More Great Places to explore

collage image of USA landmarks with text overlay. Explore America! 51 United States Worksheet Packs from CaptivatingCompass.com

Education & Field Trips

Attention teachers.

Are you looking for an educational, fun field trip for your students? Consider a guided tour through Lost World Caverns. We’ll take your group on a 1-hour informative journey through the cave, where they will learn how caves are formed, the difference between stalactites and stalagmites, what kind of life can be found in caves, and much more. Afterward, they can browse our dinosaur museum , which features a large collection of dinosaur fossils and replicas, including ones that were found in the cavern. Gem mining is also available for an additional fee, where students will enjoy the thrill of finding a variety of semi-precious gem stones, arrowheads, minerals, or fossils the old-fashion way by using a screen and an authentic water sluice. Anything they find is theirs to keep! After students can enjoy lunch at our large picnic area before heading home.

We Offer Special Rates for School Outings:

Kindergarten: $3.50 per student
Grades 1 through 8: $4.50 per student
Grades 9 through 12: $7.50 per student
One adult Free for every 10 students
Additional adults are $9.00 each
Teachers and Bus Drivers get free admission

To reserve your field trip, please call us at (304) 645-6677

Virtual Opportunities

Although the current pandemic limits our capacity to host large groups of visitors, we remain available as a resource for WVU, the community, and the state of West Virginia. We’re here to help your group or class continue to engage with the art in our exhibitions and collections.

Virtual Field Trip

On Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 am - noon, museum education staff are available to host virtual K-12 “field trips.” The field trips will consist of a walk-through of current exhibitions with 4-6 stops at selected works of art for more in-depth looking and questioning. The themes and content of these stops can be tailored to your curricular needs. Teachers will also be provided with lesson plans for a related art-making activity.

University instructors can arrange similar virtual tours for their students based on their class schedule and educator availability (not limited to the K-12 timeframe).

Virtual tours must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance.

Fill out the Virtual Tour request form

Customized Synchronous Sessions with Museum Staff

In addition to virtual tours, the museum staff is here to support you and your teaching in a variety of ways, including:

A guest lecture from a member of the museum’s curatorial or education staff on a topic central to your learning goals.
A class conversation about professional opportunities in the museum field.
A customized collection visit featuring images of works from the museum’s collection, not currently on display.
A facilitated workshop related to the themes and topic of your course. There are a variety of possibilities including, but not limited to:
A writing class using our collection to inspire ekphrastic poetry or descriptive text.
An education class creating lesson plans inspired by our collection.
A science class using art as a forum for honing observation skills.

To arrange any of the above, please contact educational programs manager, Heather Harris at [email protected] .

Virtual Events

We are planning to offer a free virtual programming for the general public and we invite you to consider including them in your syllabus or lesson plan. Event descriptions will be posted as they are confirmed. Museum staff are available to help you link the content of the programs to your curricula.

Online Resources

In addition to the synchronous options detailed above, the museum also has art kits and videos available online for you and your students. If you have any questions about the content of these resources or need more information about the artworks featured, please contact educational programs manager, Heather Harris at [email protected] .

Stay in the loop

Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: CLOSED
Thursday: 12:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Nearest visitor parking is available at the following Evansdale Campus lots:

ST-1 (pay lot)
ST-9 (pay lot)
Area 51 (no permit required after 5 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends)

ADA accessible parking is available at the bottom of the driveway adjacent the Art Museum’s entrance.

Home » Experiences » Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles

Since 1991, Potomac Eagle has operated scenic rail excursions through the South Branch Valley of West Virginia. In addition to the beautiful scenery and rich history, passengers can enjoy the opportunity to see American bald eagles.

Because of the clean water, tall trees, and breathtaking environment, the South Branch makes a perfect home for these birds. As you roll through the valley, you’ll be able to view these birds in their natural habitat. These majestic creatures are easy to spot with their distinctive white head and tail features, and yellow beak and feet.

Ready for some Bald Eagle Trivia? Learn some fun and interesting facts about these beautiful birds before you get on board for our immersive experience.

Adopted as America’s National Symbol in 1782
Protected by state and federal laws
They mate for life.
Eaglets weighing 9-12 lbs. leave the nest at about 10-13 weeks of age.
An adult bald eagle is 2½ ft. in length & has a wingspan of 6½ -7 ft.
The first bald eagle nest in West Virginia was discovered along the South Branch of the Potomac River in 1981.
As of early 2017, WV Division of Natural Resources says there are 8 documented nests in the Trough.
Eagles tend to be more active in overcast and/or rainy weather.

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Educational Technology

How to plan a school field trip

Steps to planning a school field trip

Commit to early planning
Decide on your destination
Get buy-in from administrators
Contact the site
Arrange transportation
Plan food options
Recruit chaperones
Prepare students for the trip
Get permissions from parents

Students love field trips — especially since they break up the normal school routine — but they’re often stressful for the educators who have to plan them. Pulling off a successful school field trip requires an enormous amount of preparation and organization, but it all translates into a rewarding educational experience for participants that has a long-lasting, positive impact.

According to a study cited by the National Education Association , students who took part in school field trips had better grades and graduation rates from both high school and college. They also eventually earned a higher income than their counterparts who hadn’t participated in such trips as students.

The hands-on, experiential learning students get from school field trips delivers a lot of other benefits — like increased knowledge retention, a more developed sense of independence, access to other cultures that broaden students’ horizons, and the chance to bond with other students and create life-long memories.

And the planning part? It doesn’t have to be daunting if you start early. Plus, we’re making it a little easier by giving you nine tips for organizing a successful school field trip and 23 field trip ideas.

9 steps to planning a successful school field trip

1. commit to early planning.

The earlier you begin planning, the less stressed you’ll be if and when obstacles arise. There are a lot of details to iron out, such as

Researching and selecting a destination
Getting feedback from administrators, parents, and students on the destination
Planning the educational portion of the trip
Getting parental permissions
Arranging transportation
Figuring out a meal plan
Recruiting chaperones

Giving yourself a long lead time will help you tackle any unexpected snafus along the way.

2. Decide on your destination

Do some initial research and brainstorm potential school field trip destinations based on your learning objectives and curriculum goals. Consider location, cost of entry and parking, the ages and number of participants, the duration (e.g., a day-long excursion or an overnight trip), and any other key details that factor into the selection of an appropriate field trip destination.

Once you come up with a couple of good options, get feedback from colleagues, administrators, parents, and, if appropriate, the students themselves.

3. Get buy-in from administrators

Once you’ve decided on the ideal location for your field trip, be sure to get clearance from the appropriate administrators before you discuss trip details with students. You don’t want to get their hopes up if the administration rejects your carefully laid out plans!

Share the costs, the benefits of the trip for students, the days and times for the trip, and any other relevant details to help get the administration on board.

4. Contact the site

Once you have a “yes” from the powers that be, get in touch with the site and confirm that your preferred days and times are available. Make reservations if necessary, find out about group rate discounts and cancellation policies, pay any required deposits, and verify the site is accessible to those with disabilities. You can also share the number of children that will be in attendance and the special needs your students have, if any.

If it’s possible, conduct a site visit before the trip to get the lay of the land, locate the restrooms, note where students will be eating lunch, and any other relevant information it would be helpful to know before the field trip.

5. Arrange transportation

Now that you know where you’re going and when, it’s time to plan how you’re going to get there. You’ll likely travel by school bus, but if your group is smaller, you might get there in staff vehicles or even via public transportation. If you’re using school buses, you’ll need to reserve them in advance to be sure they’re available the day of your excursion, and you’ll have to fill out the required forms.

6. Plan food options

Of course, a day-long outing is going to require some serious planning, because no one wants a bunch of hungry kids on their hands!

There are a few options for food. Students can bring their own lunches, which can make things easier for everyone. Or you can make plans to eat at an onsite restaurant or cafeteria if one is available (which you may be able to reserve in advance).

Then there’s the option of eating at a restaurant, which might be the least palatable choice, given that kids might get unruly, you or they will have to handle money, and ordering could take a long time.

7. Recruit chaperones

Depending on the age of your students and the activities you’ve planned, it’s best to have a ratio of at least one adult to every 10 kids. If the students are younger, you may want more adults present.

You’ll need to recruit and confirm chaperones at least two to three weeks in advance, and be sure you have a list of alternates in case a chaperone has to drop out for any reason. Be clear with your chaperones that this is an educational trip and clearly share what you need them to do.

8. Prepare students (and parents) for the trip

Once all of your plans are in place and everyone’s excited, it will be time to share trip details with students and parents, and let them know what’s expected of them.

Hold an informational meeting for parents to discuss trip details, chaperone information, and rules and expectations regarding students.

Share trip rules with students and be clear about appropriate behavior. Let them know what the day’s itinerary looks like, what to bring, what to wear, and what not to bring (for example, anything of value that could get lost or stolen).

9. Get permissions from parents or guardians and automate the process where possible

Gathering permission slips from parents for school field trips is essential. Jotform can help simplify the process. If you want some tips to make this easier, check out our guide on how to collect online permission slips from parents .

We’ve also made it easy to automate your field trip planning with all the forms, tables, and templates you need for a successful school field trip:

Field trip interest form
Field trip permission form
Field trip approval request form
Field trip signup sheet
Field trip permission slip template

And last, it probably goes without saying that you should be prepared in case you run into any emergencies. Bring along an emergency or first aid kit, and keep a list of parent contact information on hand.

Now that you have your planning to-dos sorted, how about some field trip ideas?

23 field trip destination ideas

Here are a few destinations that would make ideal learning experiences for students, depending on your curriculum goals and objectives:

Botanical gardens
Nature centers, bird sanctuaries, and wildlife refuges
State and national parks and other natural attractions
County and city parks
Farms, orchards, greenhouses, and nurseries
Community gardens
Historic sites
Planetariums
Art galleries
Cultural centers
Radio and television stations
Newspaper or local publication offices
Police and/or fire stations
Animal shelters
Behind-the-scenes theater tours
State Capitol Building and/or county buildings
Local businesses
Colleges and universities

If an onsite field trip isn’t feasible, you can plan a virtual school field trip as an alternative. Many of the organizations above can provide this service via video, guest speakers, demonstrations, or other presentations. Our handy virtual field trip registration form can get you started.

Try Jotform

Because Jotform loves educators, we have special pricing plans just for you. Get started today and receive a 50 percent educational discount for any paid plan . We have three plans to suit your needs:

Bronze costs just $34 per month and includes 25 forms and 1,000 monthly submissions.
Silver is $39 per month with 50 forms and 2,500 monthly submissions.
Gold costs $99 per month and includes 100 forms and 10,000 monthly submissions.

We also offer a 30 percent discount on Jotform Enterprise for educational institutions. This powerful multiuser plan allows you to create beautiful, customized forms and protect response data securely online.

Hopefully, these nine steps, plus Jotform’s many resources for educators, will help you plan a stress-free school field trip that has a long-lasting, positive impact on everyone involved.

Photo by Norma Mortenson

Thank you for helping improve the Jotform Blog. 🎉

Wheeling Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource for field trips for students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about West Virginia’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more in Wheeling. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below to learn about these types of field trips.

Financial Support
Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
Government, Civics & Presidents
History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
Living History
Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
Early Childhood
Elementary School
Middle School
High School

Children's Museum of the Ohio Valley

Children’s Museum of the Ohio Valley strives to stimulate the creativity and imaginations of young learners through interactive play. Exhibits at CMOV include a kid-friendly rock-climbing wall, a circuitry makeshop, soft play areas, woodworking makeshop and more.

Museums of Oglebay Institute

The Museums of Oglebay Institute celebrate culture and history. Explore the past through artifacts, photos and heritage programs. The 1846 Mansion Museum is the former home of Cleveland industrialist Earl W. Oglebay.

Oglebay Good Zoo

The Oglebay Good Zoo features over 50 species including 20 that are rare or endangered. Explore the Outback Exhibit and Lorikeet Landing. Observe animals including cheetahs, lemurs, red pandas, and river otters.

Schrader Environmental Education Center

At the Schrader Environmental Education Center nature experience a sense of a shared love of nature. Study West Virginia’s native habitats and connect to nature through hands-on experiences.

West Virginia Independence Hall

The West Virginia Independence Hall was constructed in 1860, it was originally built as a custom house for the Western District of Virginia. Its completion provided a facility for heated political discussions that led to eventual statehood.

FieldTripDirectory.com (formerly ClassTrips.com and CampDirectorsResources.com) offers field trip ideas for class trips, scout group trips, camp group field trips, and homeschool group field trips in Wheeling—early childhood through college. Search for class trips in Wheeling by by group type, cost, activity/curriculum type, grade level, distance, and venue name or keyword. Day class trips are divided by curriculum and subject area:

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Find Wheeling art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
EARLY CHILDHOOD Find Wheeling class trips to children’s museums, petting zoos, and kids’ shows.
HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES View Wheeling history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
LIFE SKILLS Find Wheeling team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
SCIENCE & NATURE Find Wheeling aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
RECREATION Find Wheeling field trip ideas for adventure parks, ropes courses, ziplines, boat excursions, amusement parks, waterparks, kayaking, rafting, tubing, laser tag paintball, roller skating rinks, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf attractions, indoor amusement & recreation centers, and outdoor amusement & recreation centers.

Overnight field trips include trips to NYC, trips to Boston, trips to Washington, DC, trips to Chicago, trips to Atlanta, and other historic cities throughout the US. Retreats are available for environmental education, team building, and recreation. We created field trip lesson plans to help teachers, scout leaders, camp counselors, and homeschool parents provide an enriching experience for their groups. We know funds for class trips are limited, so we’ve included grants for field trips that cover admission, transportation, and more. It’s important that students and youth explore new environments, learn about other cultures, and develop an understanding of inclusivity as part of the educational process. People learn in different ways—through hearing, seeing, touching, talking, or doing. Class trips can provide a multi-dimensional learning experience. FieldTripDirectory.com can help you find the right trip for your group. A world of experiences is just a click away at FieldTripDirectory.com.

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It can be daunting to come up with new places to take field trips all
40 Fun and Educational Field Trips Check out these fantastic field
Educational Field Trips
School Field Trips
5 Tips For Planning Successful Educational Field Trips
The Reasons Why Educational Field Trips Are Important For Students

VIDEO

Rizal's House Museum
"Fruitful Learning: Educational Field Trips to Orchards"

COMMENTS

West Virginia Field Trips
Two socially prominent West Virginians owned the property. The mansion house has been restored with great attention to authenticity and features. GRADE LEVEL - All Grades PROGRAM TYPE - Day Trips, Guided Tours COST - Fee GROUP TYPE - School, Scout, Camp, Homeschool WEST VIRGINIA. Philippi TEL - 304-457-1587.
11 Field Trips In West Virginia Everyone Should Take
6. Clay Center For The Arts & Sciences. The Clay Center, located in Charleston, is dedicated to promoting the arts and science. The Clay Center opened in 2003 and has been a popular field trip location ever since. The center holds the Avampato discovery Museum an interactive science museum and art gallery.
West Virginia Field Trips
Pinnacle Rock State Park is one of the more interesting wayside park operated by the West Virginia State Park system. Towering above the rugged mountains of southeastern West Virginia, Pinnacle Rock is an unusual sandstone formation reaching 3,100 feet above sea level. This park provides a relaxing picnic area in an unusual scenic setting.
NEW Comprehensive WV Field Trip Guide!
Three months in the making, our 41-page resource includes exciting field trip destinations for all 55 WV counties, along with planning and curriculum tips. Step out of the textbooks now and then to make learning come alive! I t's now easier than ever via field trips all around our resource-rich state. Surprising and little-known destinations ...
Plan a Field Trip to Jackson's Mill
Our faculty and staff will customize adventures that provide students with unique experiences and opportunities to gain an appreciation for the outdoors. Explore our options in STEAM, History, and Outdoor Education programming. Reserve your spot by calling WVU Jackson's Mill Group Reservations at 304-269-5100.
Field Trips
Trek the Trails (K - 12 th grade) -- Students participate in ranger-led hikes to some of the less-traveled places of Harpers Ferry NHP. Hikes vary in difficulty and subject relevance. Explore the river environment, climb a mountain, walk a battlefield, or discover ruins. Emphasis is on fun, physical activity, and appreciation of the natural ...
Unique learning opportunities, field trips available at WVU Jackson's
The programming is grade appropriate and instruction supports the West Virginia Department of Education Content Standards. "These field trips are beneficial to students because the content we offer aligns with the West Virginia school standards the students need to meet and teachers can make sure they are checking those boxes," Emma Gardner ...
School Field Trips
Gritt's Fun Farm School Trips Return September 2024! Experience Gritt's Farm in its full glory. Each fall, all 300 acres of our Buffalo, WV farm land transform into a fall fun destination. Gritt's Fun Farm features nearly 30 attractions and learning experiences for students to enjoy. Reservation Portal Opens Late August 2024.
Educational Field Trips
Educational Field Trips. Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad invites your group to come aboard for a Trough Canyon educational railroad adventure. Your students will enjoy a three hour excursion through the scenic Trough Canyon located in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia. The journey travels across rolling farmland and through a remote and ...
Virtual Field Trips and Career Pathways
Right now, some field trips just aren't possible due to the pandemic. We understand how important field trips are for learning as well as how much they can inspire creative ideas and actions - even dreams of a future career. So, like the Learning Resource Guide, we have gathered some great trips provided virtually from some great ...
Charleston Field Trips
A historic residence located near the Kanawha River, the mansion is a Colonial Revival style building. GRADE LEVEL - Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College PROGRAM TYPE - Day Trips, Guided Tours. COST - Free GROUP TYPE - School, Scout, Camp, Homeschool WEST VIRGINIA. Charleston TEL - 304-558-3588.
School Programs
All programs were designed to meet Science K-8 Content Standards and Objectives for West Virginia Schools. Field trips last approximately two hours and can be adapted to meet the needs of your group. ... Contact Education Director Erin Smaldone. Phone: 304-322-2093. Mailing Address: 714 Venture Drive, PMB 121, Morgantown, WV 26508. Send Erin a ...
Field Trips
A hands-on science program can added-on for an additional cost. Descriptions of these programs can be found below. Field Trip Pricing. Schools unable to pay may be eligible to receive free or reduced admission. To schedule your visit or outreach program, email Tiffany at [email protected] or call (304) 292-4646.
School Field Trips in West Virginia
Nationally Recognized Education Resource Website. We help find the right School, College, Camp, Library, Museum, Program, Business in your community. Education Topics. ... School Field Trips in West Virginia. Continue to browse this directory by selecting a City: Big Horn; Fairmont; Huntington; Moundsville;
Find On-Site & Virtual Field Trips
Search for class trips by geographic area, distance, and venue name or keyword. Find art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips. Find class trips to children's museums, petting zoos, and kids' shows. View history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
Awesome Places To Visit In West Virginia With Kids & Teens
West Virginia With Kids & Teens - Virtual Travel & Learning. Make the most of learning about West Virginia by taking a few virtual field trips and incorporating the West Virginia State Study pack into your pre-and post-visit activities. Your kids will enjoy hands-on activities and museums more when they have a little understanding of the ...
West Virginia Field Trips for Homeschoolers
Homeschool Field Trips in Allegheny Plateau, WV. Clay Center for the Arts & Science of West Virginia, Charleston, WV - Opened in 2003, this 240,000 square foot facility houses an art museum, discovery museum, and a performing arts center. Families can take part in educational programs and workshops at the art museum, numerous hands-on ...
Field Trips & Education
Grades 9 through 12: $7.50 per student. One adult Free for every 10 students. Additional adults are $9.00 each. Teachers and Bus Drivers get free admission. To reserve your field trip, please call us at (304) 645-6677. Lost World Caverns is accommodating to groups. Our cave tour, as well as our visitors center, is great for school and church ...
Virtual Opportunities
Virtual Field Trip. On Tuesday and Friday mornings from 9:00 am - noon, museum education staff are available to host virtual K-12 "field trips.". The field trips will consist of a walk-through of current exhibitions with 4-6 stops at selected works of art for more in-depth looking and questioning. The themes and content of these stops can ...
Morgantown Field Trips
The Cook-Hayman Pharmacy Museum at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy houses a unique collection of 18th and 19th century pharmacy memorabilia. GRADE LEVEL - Middle School, High School, College PROGRAM TYPE - Day Trips, Guided Tours. COST - Free GROUP TYPE - School, Scout, Camp, Homeschool WEST VIRGINIA. Morgantown TEL - 304-293-5212.
Bald Eagles
An adult bald eagle is 2½ ft. in length & has a wingspan of 6½ -7 ft. The first bald eagle nest in West Virginia was discovered along the South Branch of the Potomac River in 1981. As of early 2017, WV Division of Natural Resources says there are 8 documented nests in the Trough. Eagles tend to be more active in overcast and/or rainy weather.
Educational Field Trips for Elementary Students
Accredited like a school. Learning outside the classroom is crucial, and that's why WorldStrides is accredited by the same educational bodies across North America and Canada that accredit K-12 schools. It allows us to offer students high school and college preparatory credit, and teachers free professional development.
How to plan a school field trip
9 steps to planning a successful school field trip. 1. Commit to early planning. The earlier you begin planning, the less stressed you'll be if and when obstacles arise. There are a lot of details to iron out, such as. Researching and selecting a destination.
Wheeling Field Trips
The 1846 Mansion Museum is the former home of Cleveland industrialist Earl W. Oglebay. GRADE LEVEL - All Grades PROGRAM TYPE - Day Trips, Self-Guided Tours, Guided Activities COST - Fee GROUP TYPE - School, Scout, Camp, Homeschool WEST VIRGINIA. Wheeling TEL - 304-242-7272. Oglebay Good Zoo.