eastern nc field trip ideas

10 Homeschool Field Trips in Eastern North Carolina

Looking for eastern North Carolina field trip ideas to work into your homeschool plans? Here are some fun and educational spots you’ll love!

We’re still learning our way around eastern North Carolina, but we’ve found some great places for field trips in our time here.  Whether you live in eastern North Carolina or may be visiting soon, be sure to add these locations to your to-do list. They are the spots you don’t want to miss if you’re looking for homeschool field trip ideas!

10 Fantastic Eastern North Carolina Field Trips for Homeschoolers

1. tryon palace in new bern.

Tryon Palace is best known for being the location of North Carolina’s first state capital and is the perfect field trip for anyone wanting to experience a taste of colonial NC.  Not only is Tryon Palace home to the first Governor’s Palace, it also has living history demonstrations, historic homes for touring, 16 acres of gardens, and the North Carolina History Center.

2.  North Carolina Aquariums

There are a few different aquarium locations to choose from for North Carolina field trips, but the Fort Fisher location is our favorite.  Complete with touch pools and interactive experiences, the aquarium is naturally a good match for homeschoolers or any kids who love ocean creatures.  We personally enjoy the free admission they provide to homeschool families each year.  How great is that?!?

3. Cape Fear Museum of Science and History

We love the Cape Fear Museum !  Since we’ve only lived in North Carolina for a few years, this place is gem to us because it’s helped us understand more about the science, history, and culture of NC’s lower Cape Fear region.  This is a great place for homeschool field trips even for those who aren’t new to the area, though!

4. USS North Carolina Battleship

Studying World War II?  The USS North Carolina is where you need to be!  Japanese radio announcers claimed six different times that this battleship had been sunk, but she survived and has much to offer her visitors.  I can’t think of a better way to step back in time and view World War II than to experience it through the eyes of those who served so bravely.

5. North Carolina Maritime Museums 

There are three coastal locations, but each of the NC maritime museums are unique and are great choices for homeschool field trips.  From Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge to marine life and conservation to shipwrecks, these museums have more than enough to keep your kids busy and engaged.

6. The Children’s Museum of Wilmington

Wilmington’s Children’s Museum is such a fun place for a field trip, especially for younger kids!  Here you’ll find an awesome toddler room, Teddy Bear Hospital, and Port of Call, just to name a few exhibits.  These are great, but our favorite children’s museum features are the Art Room and Courtyard.  My kids can’t get enough of these!

While there are actual field trip programs available, we prefer just to visit as a family.  We still get to take part in all the museum offers that way and do it at our own pace.

7 . Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

There’s great work happening at the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehab Center and, while educational programs aren’t available year-round, there is much to learn here.  And even if you forgo the actual Rehab Center, attending a sea turtle release also makes for a great homeschool field trip.

8. Liberty Hall

Liberty Hall is an antebellum home belonged to one of the area’s earliest settlers and gives visitors a look at life in the early 1800s.  You can get the general idea of what to expect by viewing the guided tour on the website, but it’s definitely worth seeing in person.

9. Moore’s Creek National Battlefield

The Revolutionary War comes to life during a field trip to the Moore’s Creek Battlefield !  This battlefield is homeschool-friendly and offers programs that showcase colonial clothing, musket demonstrations, and tours through the historic site. Bonus: their website includes a ton of free  teacher resources for your field trip!

10. Airlie Gardens

This spot was one of the first places we learned about when moving to the area and we’re so glad we didn’t miss out! 

Airlie Gardens is a great place for homeschool field trips because you can find gardens, walking trails, historical structures, a mosiac-style chapel made from glass bottles inspired by artist Minnie Evans, and an oak tree that’s been around for more than 400 years all in one place!  While we’ve enjoyed all of these aspects of Airlie Gardens, the Tranquility Garden and all of the butterflies there just might be our favorite.

This list of Eastern North Carolina field trip ideas is by no means exhaustive.  This area has tons to offer homeschool families and these are just ten fantastic locations to visit!  

5 thoughts on “10 Homeschool Field Trips in Eastern North Carolina”

If you’re ever looking for more field trips in North Carolina, visit http://www.classtrips.com/region-landing/2781/school-field-trips-in-north-carolina

Hi Emily – You might contact Camp Don Lee in Arapahoe or Trinity Center in Salter Path. They have fabulous environmental education programs during the school year and Don Lee does salt marsh (my favorite, actually!) and beach learning sessions at Atlantic Beach. Ft. Macon is also a favorite of mine.

Thanks for the suggestion, Mary! I’m not familiar with Salter Path and it’s been years since I’ve been in the Fort Macon area (well before I was married!), but I can’t wait to check into these!

Great ideas. We loved going to the Wright Brother’s memorial when we were on the east coast last year. Blessings, Dawn

That sounds like a great stop, Dawn! We haven’t made our way to that part of the NC coast yet, but we’ll add it to our to-do list. :)

Comments are closed.

Privacy Overview

FIELD  TRIPS

NCMNS Greenville and Contentnea Creek provide astronomy education, environmental education, and outdoor recreation to the children, adults and families of eastern North Carolina. Our field trip programs offer students a chance to move through the trails of our park led by highly trained educators for a hands-on learning experience that reinforces and brings to life the concepts that are taught in the classrooms.

Our field trips are correlated to the NC Essential Standards and to the Next Generation Science Standards according to grade level and subject area using academically-based curriculum materials. We feature four distinct habitats – stream, forest, swamp and ponds – that are ideally suited to enhance the fundamentals of environmental science in a controlled setting. We can customize a program to meet your needs. Please call us if you have comments or questions. We look forward to working with you and your school group.

Field  Trip Programs 

For prek-12th grade classes.

Greenville 

Explore the Museum with your K-12 class during a trip to NCMNS Greenville. Classes of up to 50 students are guided through a series of activites themed after the exhibits on display. Topics include Astronomy, paleontology, water quality, and animal science.  

Contentnea Creek

Explore nature and the wonders of the night sky with your K-12 class during a trip to NCMNS Contentnea Creek. Each trip to Contentnea Creek includes a guided trail hike, a hands-on activity, a planetarium show, and time on the Nature Playscape.

UpTown S.T.E.A.M.

NCMNS Greenville has partnered with the Greenville Museum of Art to offer guided tours of each museum for K-12th grade classes during the 2022-2023 school year. Students will enjoy hands-on lessons as they experience each museum.

Preschool Science

Explore the Museum with your preschool class during a trip to NCMNS Greenville. Choose one of three science-based lessons: Tree Talk, Animals Are You, or Fun with Fossils. Each program includes hands on activities and a visit to the Discovery Forest.

About Our Field Trips

Field Trips By Grade Level

Start booking your trip..

Email Address

Phone Number

Grade Level

Museum Museum Contentnea Creek Greenville Uptown S.T.E.A.M.

Preferred Dates (Choose 3) - Date Format XX/XX/XXXX - Comma Separated

Number of Students (minimum of 25)

“The findings are stunning: environment-based education produces student gains in social-studies, science, language arts, and math; improves standardized test scores and grade-point averages; and develops skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making.”

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

Field Trip Ideas

Places to see around nc.

• Alamance - Alamance Battleground

Field Trips are open to K-12 students and teachers. Each Field Trip can accommodate up to 25 students. Click the link to request a date and time, and an Apple Specialist will call back to confirm with you. Field Trips last 60 to 90 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for setup. To schedule more time, contact a Specialist at your local Apple Store. To cancel, please contact your Apple Store at least three days in advance.

Art, classes and field trips. Call 828-433-7000 or EMAIL  for information. Visit their website for class schedules

Pine Knoll Shores

Visits - changing exhibitions, folk art, art classes

Homeschool classes for K-12, visits, tech club, butterfly habitat, etc.

Special Group Rates Available - Contact Us for Reservations by phone at (828) 488-2587. Located immediately outside the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Q Deep Creek camping area. Look for the gazebo on the left before entering the park.

Located on beautiful Lake Hiwassee just 11 miles from Murphy NC. The lake is a world class fishing destination and home to the second largest WORLD RECORD striped bass ever caught in fresh water.  Located in the Nantahala National Forest this homeschool field trip can include fishing, boating, hiking in nature or other fun activities with pontoon boat rentals & pedal boat rentals. Reservations for pontoon boat rentals are suggested but not required. For more information call (828) 837-2863 or EMAIL HERE

Teen Science Cafe is at 415 South Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472, for more information about programs, call 910-914-4185 or EMAIL .

Fire fighting equipment from the 1800 to 1900's - other exhibits

North Carolina's First Capitol

• Dare - NC Aquarium

Visit the website to see all this facility offers.  Level up Fitness is located at 117 - F Liberty Drive in Thomasville, NC 27360 EMAIL or call 336 - 781 - 6512 for more information about homeschool group rates & scheduling a field trip visit.

Site of confederate surrender of the southern armies of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Historic Moravian settlement - restored exhibits and rein-actors.

• Forsyth - Children's Museum

Art Gallery - revolving exhibits

An architectural wonder and fun trip!

Excellent homeschool activities for multiple ages

History, Art - monthly salons and other events.

Great Historical site - special events in the fall, at Christmas, and spring days - homeschool days and summer activities.

American Art - lot of educational programs - super homeschool friendly

Lots of hands-on exhibits

• Forsyth - SE Center for Contemporary Art

Children's shows.

Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine - visit the website for group information & prices Admission is free. Closed Jan. & Feb. Open, March - November from 9am - 5 PM ,7 days a week. Closed Thanksgiving. Located at 6771 Sylva Road in Franklin, North Carolina 28734. Call 828-369-5271 or  EMAIL

Founded in 1902 by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, Palmer Memorial Institute transformed the lives of more than 2,000 African American students. Today, the campus provides the setting where visitors can explore this unique environment where boys and girls lived and learned during the greater part of the 20th century. The museum links Dr. Brown and Palmer Memorial Institute to the larger themes of African American history, women's history, social history, and education, emphasizing the contributions African Americans made in North Carolina.

Groups of 10 or more $11.50 +tax per person. Schedule 2 weeks in advance.

Public skating schedule and pricing for groups of 10 or more.

Student field trips and tours - homeschool friendly visit!

Open November - March, & using one of the most advanced snow-making systems in the Southeast on 16 lighted slopes, 5 lifts including 3 moving carpet lifts, and 4,000 sets of snow sports equipment. Cataloochee offers a PSIA AASI member Snowsports School for all ages and abilities and Children’s Learning Center for kids ages 4-12. Groups of 15 or more receive free beginner lessons when renting equipment. A cozy fireplace, restaurant and lounge. A day at Tube World brings memories of childhood sled rides rushing back. Tube World opens mid Dec. & Kids of all ages enjoy tubing, perfect for a family or group outing. No walking up; step on our carpet lift & let it do the work. Must be 42 inches tall. Only Tube World equipment may be used. No two-person tubing allowed. Please remember tubing is on a first come basis. Sessions are one hour and 45 minutes long & run every two hours. Homeschoolers get special discounted rates for day skiing. See "Homeschool Days" on the website for details.  Located at 1080 Ski Lodge Road,  Maggie Valley,  North Carolina   28751 you can call  (828) 926-0285 or Toll Free 1- 800 - 768 - 0285  or EMAIL HERE. 

A wonderful Homeschool field trip - tak e a hike on the 3.37-mile trail to The Pinnacle. The trail follows an old logging road and reaching the actual Pinnacle requires locating and following the narrow trail through the rhododendron bushes at what appears to be the end of the line - but keep going & the short, rocky trail leads to the actual Pinnacle, which offers panoramic views of Sylva and the Scotts Creek valley. Open year round on Fisher Creek Road in Sylva, North Carolina 28779. Call for more details at 800-962-1911 or EMAIL

According to the Governor's Office, North Carolina has more residents of Scottish heritage than any other state in the union (Alabama is second, with Georgia being third). North Carolina even has more Scots than Scotland. The mountains of western North Carolina are home to many descendants of Scots Irish migrants. Franklin is centrally located between two of the largest and most prestigious gatherings of Scottish families in North America -- the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in Linville, NC and the Stone Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of the Clans in Stone Mountain, GA.

Call for group information: (828) 524-7472 Located at 86 E Main St. Franklin, NC, 28734. Museum Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM, Closed Sunday & Monday. Admission Fees: Adult $4.00 plus tax & 12 and under $2.00 plus tax Children 6 & under are free.

Secular Homeschool group for teens - events and activities group.

Latta Nature Center always has great programs (some free & some have a small fee)  available for home educated kids to benefit from - hiking, learning about reptiles and other animals. Check out their page on "Meetups" to see what is on the homeschool schedule that is FREE.

Join our group to stay updated on all the current homeschool programs happening at Latta Plantation Nature Center in Huntersville, NC. We'll share free and low-cost programs for children and families ages 2 and up. We offer science classes, hiking clubs, outdoor adventure, nature exploration, summer day camp and more! Be sure to call the nature center at 704-875-1391 to sign up for any programs you want to attend.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame located in Charlotte North Carolina is revving up its education programming by offering Home School Days on select Tuesdays throughout the year. On Sept. 18, join us for a day filled with NASCAR-themed workshops. Our education team will be on hand to make sure activities—and state and national learning standards—stay on track. Also special teacher days & field trips for groups.

Homeschool groups of 10 or more get group rates of $10-14 per person (1 free chaperone per 15 students)  depending on programs you pick - field trips, programs STEM Days, train rides - it doesn't get any better than this!

Free group tours or self guided tours - Raleigh

Info here for three different locations and events - Raleigh, Prairie Ridge and Whiteville, NC

Homeschool Day in the Spring and Teacher Appreciation Day in the Summer...other special events throughout the year.

1st Sunday is Free day for New Hanover residents

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher in Kure Beach NC - North Carolina home-school groups, are admitted free if registered in advance. For more information regarding Home School visits, please contact the Registrar at [email protected] or call 910 - 772-0542.

$8 per jumper through the New Hanover County School Year for homeschoolers (June 7th for 2018). For Groups of 10+ they will work with homeschool groups on using their party area and bringing in your own refreshments etc. You need to call Justin Hosler at 940-232-5266 for details or to work out specials.

FREE admission for NC Home Schools if your NC Home School is registered with the State. Admission is free for students K-12 and one educator. Additional adults and children pay the regular admission rate as posted at the gate. To register (15 days notice) call 336-879-7700 or 1-800-488-0444 x7700. Home Schools must make individual reservations, not as a group, may call beginning August 22, 2016 to complete a reservation and must comply to the same policies as any other NC School.

Many different science programs - several permanent exhibits and planetarium shows.

Special rates for homeschool day in the spring - train and turntable ride included in admission

Homeschool Fall & Spring dates, field trips and educational programs.

Free (except for special events) 308 Horne Creek Farm Road, Pinnacle, N.C. 27043. Call 336-325-2298 or email [email protected]

A favorite activity in the area for adults and children. Professional gem stone consultation available onsite. Rain or shine, as we have a covered sluice. No entrance fee. Professional gem stone evaluation and cutting is available onsite through our gemologist, Gene Elliott. Gene has received local and national recognition for his honesty, fairness and expert craftsmanship.

Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine Hours & Seasons: Mid May - mid October Located at 11900 US Hwy. 19/74 West in Bryson City, NC 28713. Call for group information at (828) 488-3854

TACKS is a casual group for Triad Area, Catholic families who want to connect with like-minded friends and do great family activities. You can post things here that are family friendly that are coming up. AND you should indicate if you're planning on going, so people can jump on the bandwagon if they'd like to join you. So, it's a place to find local opportunities and a place to create "planned" or last minute outings. Note: A lot of us are home schoolers, so some of the posts may take an educational/field trip bent, but anyone is invited. New members should PM me with a request to tell me how they are connected to this area/community so we don't get any "creepers".

Special homeschool days and rates for homeschool groups!

Educational Programs for groups available - other special events available

FREE Admission except for special exhibits - Located at 2110 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh NC 27067, the museum has a cafe' a park/outdoor art area and wonderful exhibits. For information visit the website or call  (919) 839-6262

FREE - Located at 5 East Edenton Street in Raleigh, North Carolina 27601, open Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday: Noon to 5:00 p.m. , Call 919-807-7900 with Questions.

FREE entry (except for special exhibits) Located at 11 West Jones Street in Raleigh, NC 27601  Call (919) 707 - 9800 , Open Monday—Saturday: 9am—5pm and Sunday, noon—5pm

September - November - miles of corn maze, lots of activities -  groups must include at least 20 paying participants, teacher & assistant are free. Call 919- 779-4765 with questions, or schedule your trip online at the website.

Group discounts for homeschool trips: Located at 201 East Hargett Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, Call: 919-834-4040

Schools in Holly Springs and Cary - 30 day free trial. Also (Greensboro Classes) Instruction in medieval combat, Fencing, Sword/Stage Combat. Lectures, or combat demonstration from their knights for special events, schools, or festivals in combat and duels from the crusades, hundred years war, Renaissance, or any combination thereof, suitable for all ages. Combat Seminars in North Carolina - one-day seminar around sword, rapier, pike, sword & shield, or any other weapon we teach. Group rates are available for organizations. Equipment sales - they sell authentic armor, weapons, clothing and equipment.

Skiing & Snowboarding - Reserve 1 week ahead of time. Call or  EMAIL to ask pricing for Homeschool Days t or call 828-295-9311 to make reservations & let them know amount of people in your group, level of lessons etc.

Admission Costs Adults & Children: $5 plus tax, museum members and children three & under are FREE. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. 224 Nash Street E, Wilson NC. for questions call 252- 291-5113.

Popular Searches

Conferences.

• Charlotte Catholic Homeschool Conference
• Charlotte Mason HS Retreat
• Creating Connections - Heart for Homeschool Conferences
• Homeschool With Joy
• LifeSchooling Conference
• Love to Learn Conference
• Raleigh Catholic Homeschool Conference
• Refresh Conference
• SE Homeschool Convention
• S.E.N.G. Annual Conference
• Summit Conference
• Teach Them Diligently Convention
• Thrive! NCHE Conference
• Write2Ignite Conference
• Teen Leadership Conference - Southeast Homeschool Expo
• Liberated Minds Expo - Black Homeschool & African Centered Education Expo
• SEA Homeschoolers 2018 Atlanta Conference
• NCHE Moms' Retreat
• HECOA - Not Back to School Summit
• Homeschooling Special Needs Conference
• Homeschool Bootcamp
• Learning Ally - Spotlight on Dyslexia
• Fitting it All In Homeschool Summit

FRUGAL HOME EDUCATION

• Ambleside Online
• Ambleside Online - Charlotte Mason
• Annenberg Learner
• Art Skills Lessons
• Curriculum Free for Shipping
• Energy Kids
• Family Mint - Financial Ed
• Flash Card Maker
• FREE Keyboarding Online
• Free KeyBoarding Online Game
• Free Language Education
• Free Online Art Lessons
• Free Unit Studies
• Heart of Wisdom
• History & Geography
• Kids - Government
• Math Brain - Math Arcade Games
• Math Geek Mama - Free Math Lessons
• Pizza Hut Book It! Program
• SAT Practice
• Scholastic Parents
• Statewide - Homeschool Curriculum Free for Shipping
• Teach Your Monster to Read
• The Frugal Homeschooling Mom
• The Homeschool Room
• TimezAttack - Multiplication Game
• Wake - Dollar Book Exchange
• Wake - Quail Ridge Books

SECULAR RESOURCES

• Barefoot Homeschoolers
• Buncombe County- HOME
• Buncombe - HOME
• Cary Homeschoolers
• Cumberland - HOME
• Gaston County Homeschool Network
• Guilford County- GSO- SE Triad Home Educators
• Halifax County Homeschoolers
• New Hanover - Kingdom Colors
• North Wake Teens
• N Charlotte Secular HS Co-op
• NC Homeschool Adventures
• NC Secular Network
• Onslow Secular Home Schoolers
• Wake - The Homeschool Experience
• Wilmington - WHO
• Wilson - Inclusive Homeschoolers
• Secular Families Who Homeschool
• Lincoln - Secular Homeschoolers
• Wake Homeschool Connections
• Triad Homeschool Activity Group - THAG
• Mecklenburg - Home-Based Educators
• Wake - Homeschoolers of Holly Springs
• New Hanover - Wilmington Circle Group
• Lake Norman Secular Homeschool Prom
• Forsyth - Miller Park Co-op
• Wake - NCH Adventures
• Mecklenburg - Homeschool Teen Adventure Group
• Rocky Mount Homeschoolers
• Wake, Franklin - Wake Forest Homeschoolers
• Alamance - Mebane Area Homeschoolers & Unschoolers
• Johnston & Wake Counties- Secular Homeschoolers
• Tar River Home Educators
• Burke County Home Educators- BCHE
• Madison County- Co-op
• Cabarrus - Enrich

SPECIAL NEEDS RESOURCES

• ABC of NC Child Development Center
• Asperger Experts
• Gifted Home Scholars
• GIFTSNC Online Support
• GHF - Gifted Resources
• Hoagies Gifted Education
• Piedmont Triad - Gifts at Play
• Special Needs Scholarships
• Special Needs Homeschooling website
• Homeschooling Asperger's - ASD
• National Autism Center
• Learning Ally -
• Teaching Tips for Children & Adults With Autism
• Scholarships for Differently-Abled Students
• Etap - Online Curriculum
• Foundations Educational Services
• Tuck - Sleep Resources & Information
• Bindrim Testing & Educational Services
• Charlotte Area - Special Needs Homeschool Teens
• Salem Educational Assessment Services
• Central Piedmont Area - Aspie & ADHD Homeschool Co-op
• Autism Support - Christian Group from NCHE

Search this Site

• Alamance - Fifth Street Books
• Statewide - Joy's Homeschool Books
• Forsyth - McKay's Winston-Salem
• Wake County - Stone's Education
• Guilford - Gate City Books
• Cumberland County - School Tools
• Greenville, SC - Learning Cycle Store
• Wake - The Homeschool Gathering Place
• Union, Mecklenburg - The Homeschool Room - locations in Huntersville & Matthews
• Surry - Access Books
• Iredell, Stokes, Forsyth - Gullion's - Stores in King & Statesville
• Mecklenberg - The Last Word
• Forsyth - Bookmarks
• Great Smokies Used Curriculum Sale
• Seabolt's 2nds - Curriculum Consignment
• Guilford - Apple Educational Supplies

ONLINE RESOURCES

• Learning Games by JumpStart
• IXL - Online Diagnostic Testing
• The Homeschool Mom - Encouragement, Tips & Practical Helps for Homeschool Moms
• The Homeschool Gossip
• NC Homeschool Teen Artists
• Morah Sheli Village - Creative & Cultural Education
• Build Your Library Facebook Support
• Free Homeschool Help Videos
• History - Primary Sources from the Library of Congress
• Science - SciJinks from NOAA/NASA
• History Primary Sources for Focusing on African American History
• Liberty Online Academy - K-12 Classes Online
• Muslim Homeschool/Unschool & Attachment Parenting
• The Homeschool Connection
• NC Homeschooling for College Credit
• Homeschool Buyers' Co-op
• NC - Hearts
• College Board - Career Info.
• The Animation Course
• TED-Ed Lessons
• HomeSchool Math Crusade
• EduPlay - Free Educational Games
• Prodigy Free Math Game - Grades 1-8
• Blick for Educators
• Videos - The Kid Should See This
• Homeschoolers Passionate About Writing
• High Point Christian Academy - Online Bible Classes

• Garden Hours and Tickets
• Featured Garden Exhibits
• Policies and Rules
• CFBG Exhibits
• Facility Rentals
• Garden Ceremonies
• The W.C. English Foundation Grand Hall
• The Ralph and Linda Huff Orangery
• Outdoor Weddings
• Schedule A Tour
• Submit Inquiry
• Education Blog

Therapeutic Horticulture

• Field Trips, Classroom Programs, and Tours

Public Programs

• Discovery Backpacks

Education Partners

• Memberships

RIGGSBEE ROAD IN CONCERT – OUTDOOR SUNSET SERIES – FRIDAY, JUNE 21 (CLICK FOR DETAILS) Garden Hours : Mon-Wed & Fri-Sat: 9am-5pm * Thurs: 9am-7pm * Sun: 12noon-5pm

Education, Field Trips & Learning

Learn & connect.

Cape Fear Botanical Garden provides a variety of educational opportunities for all ages in the Fayetteville community. Attend a workshop to refine your gardening skills, bring your group for a guided tour, try your hand at art, drop by for storytime, or join us on a nature walk – there’s something for everyone here at the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens! View the  Field Trip & Tours  section for information on guided tours or student field trips which are designed to match the NC Essential Standards for Science and other subjects. Check our calendar for upcoming activities, workshops, story times, and family programs. Come and grow with us!

The Botanical Garden offers a variety of programs for adults, children, and families in the Fayetteville, NC, area. With cultural events to inspire and excite, and educational activities to energize and delight, we have something for everyone including gardening workshops, nature study, fitness programs, concerts and art exhibits. Check our Calendar for details, age requirements and fees on upcoming programs. Information is also available on the Garden’s Facebook event listings. READ MORE

Field Trips & Tours

Cape Fear Botanical Garden provides tours and educational programs for all ages and abilities. The Garden is a NC Environmental Education Center and an approved Cumberland County Field Trip Destination. Using the living laboratory that exists at the Garden, we offer guided tours, camps, adult workshops, hands-on projects, research opportunities, public special events and more. We can accommodate small or large groups, formal or informal, and will work with you to cater our programs to fit your needs. READ MORE

Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s Therapeutic Horticulture programs are uniquely designed to enhance an individual’s experience with nature and plants through motivational and inspirational activities. Research has shown that one’s overall well-being improves with a cognitive, physical, psychological, and social interaction with nature. Our programs offer individuals of all abilities an opportunity to participate in gardening activities, forest discovery walks, energetic hikes, creative nature crafts and healthy snacks, and projects that give back to the community. READ MORE

Cape Fear Botanical Garden strives to serve this region as a center for conservation, education, research and the encouragement of environmental stewardship. Education is one of the Garden’s highest priorities. READ MORE

Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N. Eastern Blvd.  Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910)-486-0221 [email protected]

Website By Minuteman Press Web Design

These 12 Unique Day Trips In North Carolina Are Ideal For When You Have Nothing To Do

OnlyInYourState Staff

Researched and written by our staff writer who enjoys contributing about their state for our site.

More by this Author

One of the best parts about living in North Carolina is the opportunity to explore a variety of landscapes without having to ever leave the state. The Tar Heel State is blessed with an abundance of mountains, beaches, and rivers just waiting to be discovered. Or, if you’re seeking something else entirely — a cultural exhibit, historic site, or something off the beaten path — we’ve got that too! There’s truly no shortage of unique day trips in North Carolina , and we’ve got just the list to prove it. So without further ado, here are 12 unique days trips in North Carolina that are perfect in just about any season.

Related Stories

5 Memorable Train Day Trips You Can Take In North Carolina

9 One Of A Kind Day Trips In North Carolina You'll Absolutely Love

This North Carolina Nature Reserve Makes For The Perfect Peaceful Day Trip

What are your thoughts on these unique day trips in North Carolina? Have you enjoyed any of them before? We’d love to hear all about your memories and experiences in the comments below!

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

Want more North Carolina in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around North Carolina!

Thank you! You will receive your first newsletter soon.

An error occured.

More to Explore

Unique day trips in north carolina.

What are the best little-known attractions in North Carolina?

Some of the best little-known attractions in North Carolina like a fountain of youth, swinging bridges, and much more can be found on our list of 10 places only locals know .

North Carolina is positively brimming with little-known attractions just waiting to be discovered. In addition to the unique day trips in North Carolina that we've outlined above, there are several others that belong on any explorer's itinerary. For example, did you realize that North Carolina has its own Fountain of Youth? How about a swinging bridge that will give you a jarring and incredible perspective of a waterfall?

What are the most well-known parks in North Carolina?

• The Great Smoky Mountains
• Goose Creek State Park
• Morrow Mountain State Park
• Signal Mountain

The most well-known park in North Carolina is undoubtedly Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Situated on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. In fact, it's one of the most popular parks in the United States. With abundant wildlife, verdant foliage, and its iconic mist-covered mountains, this park is perfect for camping enthusiasts, hikers, and those with an appreciation for natural beauty. If you're curious to explore the most well-known state parks in North Carolina, you might start with Goose Creek State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, or Signal Mountain State Park.

What are the oldest attractions in North Carolina?

• Alexander Long Plantation House
• Salem Tavern
• St. Phillips Moravian Church

It comes as no surprise that a state as historic as North Carolina has an impressive array of historic attractions. Some of the oldest buildings include the Alexander Long Plantation Hosue, Salem Tavern, and St. Philips Moravian Church. Of course, the towns of North Carolina are also incredibly historic. Here's a list of the 11 oldest towns in the state.

Related Articles

• 12 Unforgettable North Carolina Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
• The Friendly Small Town In North Carolina That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip
• This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across North Carolina Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset
• Our 9 Favorite Day Trips To Take In North Carolina Before Winter Ends
• The Spontaneous Road Trip Through North Carolina That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure
• I Experienced This Charming North Carolina Town Through The Eyes Of A Local
• Pick Your Way Through Haywood County in North Carolina At These Smoky Mountain Pick-Your-Own Farms And Produce Markets
• This Day Trip In North Carolina Took Me Past A Pop-Up Craft Store, A Historic Church, A River Access Spot, And An Old General Store

Explore North Carolina

Featured addresses.

• Outreach Performances & Programs
• Fundraising
• Field trip lesson plans
• Field Trips Grants
• Service Learning
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Statewide / Region
• Daytona Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Orlando-Metro
• Palm Beach Metro
• Space Coast
• Tallahassee
• St. Augustine
• St Petersburg-Clearwater
• Atlanta-Metro
• Chicago-Metro
• Springfield
• Central Region
• East Region
• Indianapolis
• North Region
• South Central Region
• South Region
• West Region
• Bowling Green
• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans
• Baltimore-Metro
• The Berkshires
• Boston-Metro
• Cape Cod/Plymouth
• Greater Lowell
• Greater Springfield
• Capital-River Region
• Delta Region
• Gulf Coast Region
• Hills Region
• Pines Region
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Springfield-MO
• Delaware River Region
• Gateway Region NJ
• Greater Atlantic City
• Shore Region
• Skylands Region
• Southern Shore Region
• Capital District Region
• Central New York Region
• Finger Lakes Region
• Hudson Valley Region
• Long Island
• Mohawk Valley Region
• New York City
• North Country Region
• Southern Tier Region
• Western New York Region
• Cincinnati Ohio
• Cleveland Ohio
• Columbus Ohio
• Metro Canton Ohio
• Oklahoma City
• Allegheny Mts. & Valleys
• Gettysburg/York
• Harrisburg-Metro
• Lakes & Erie Regions
• Lancaster-Metro
• Lehigh Valley
• Philadelphia Metro
• Pittsburgh & Laurel Highlands
• The Poconos
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
• Chattanooga
• East Tennessee
• Middle Tennessee
• The Smokies
• West Tennessee
• Bryan - College Station
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Panhandle Plains Region
• San Antonio
• Central Virginia
• Chesapeake Bay Region
• Coastal Virginia -Eastern Shore
• Coastal Virginia-Hampton Roads
• Northern Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley
• Southern Virginia
• Southwest Virginia-Blue Ridge Highlands
• Southwest Virginia-Heart of the Appalachia
• Virginia Mountains
• Martinsburg
• Madison Wisconsin

NORTH CAROLINA Field Trips

To help plan JUNE enriching focused activities, field trips or end of the school year celebrations, these June themed celebrations might be a helpful focus. MONTHLY CELEBRATIONS : African-American Music Appreciation. Camping Month. Effective Communication. Great Outdoors. Gun Violence Awareness. Immigrant Heritage. LGBTQ+ Pride. National Pollinators. National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable. National Safety Month. National Zoo and Aquarium. DAY CELEBRATIONS : June 1- National Say Something Nice Day. June 4 - Seaweed Day. June 6-National Yo-Yo Day. June 7 - Daniel Boone Day. June 8 - World Oceans. June 14 - Flag Day. June 16 - World Sea Turtle Day. June 19 - Juneteenth. June 29 - National American Eagle. June 21 - Summer Solstice. June 22 - World Rainforest Day. June 26 - Forgiveness Day. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for activity type of field trips to learn about.  

• Financial Support
• Children's Museums & Indoor Fun
• Petting Zoos/Barnyard Fun
• Archaeology/Paleontology
• Government, Civics & Presidents
• Historic Places
• Historical Railroad Excursions
• History Museums, Exhibits & Sites
• Lighthouses & Seaports
• Living History
• Multicultural & Heritage
• People & Notable Figures
• Transportation: Boats, Planes, Trains, & Trollies
• Team Building
• Mobile Recreation, Games & Fitness
• Mobile Science, Astronomy & Planetarium, Nature & STEM Programs
• Adventure Parks, Climbing, Ninja & Ropes Course, Ziplines
• SAME-DAY BOOKINGS
• Aquariums, Marine Life, Hatcheries
• Birds, Butterflies, Bees
• Botanical Gardens & Arboreta
• Caves, Canyons, Mines & Gorges
• Environmental Studies, Outdoor Education, Conservation, Sustainability
• Farms, Mazes, Pick-Your-Own
• Marine Science
• Mineral & Gemstone Panning
• Planetariums & Astronomy
• Science Boat Excursions
• Science Museums & Exhibits
• STEM/STEAM Enrichment
• Zoos, Wildlife, Safari Tours, Reptiles, Animal Shows, Vertebrates
• Art Museums, Design, Exhibits, Photography & Films
• Authors, Literacy, Poetry, Storytelling & Writing
• Literature, Poetry & Shakespeare
• Theater, Dance, Music, Movies, Shows
• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

Learn about the process of apple cidering at Apple Hill Orchard & Cider Mill. From Aug.-Oct., groups of all ages can take an educational tour of the orchard and cider mill, and also visit for apple picking fun.

Asheville Art Museum

Asheville Art Museum has an outstanding collection of American art spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. Discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history.

Asheville Museum of Science

The Asheville Museum of Science offers a full range of science lessons, including a popular geology program, as well as weather and physics activities. Try the virtual Daily Science  activities.

Enjoy a fun learning experience at Aw Shucks Farms ! The farm features a variety of barn animals and attractions for groups include the Barnyard, the Corn Maze, and the 1950s Soda Shop.  

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is a two-mile journey across the Cape Fear River from Southport, NC. Amid the island’s 12,000 acres, youth groups will find 10,000 untouched acres of beach, marsh and maritime forest preserves.

Bardo Arts Center

Home to Western Carolina University’s Performance Hall , Niggli Studio Theatre, and the WCU Fine Art Museum, the Bardo Arts Center enriches the vibrant artistic and cultural legacy of the Western North Carolina region.

Bechtler Museum of Modern Art

The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art features a collection of modern and abstract art including paintings, sculpture, and drawings work by artists such as Giacometti, Warhol, and Le Corbusier.

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Visit the 19th-century Bellamy Mansion Museum, known for being one of North Carolina’s finest examples of pre-Civil War architecture. Take a virtual tour of the Mansion and download some activity worksheets .

Bennett Place

Bennett Place is a museum and site of the last surrender of a major Confederate army in the American Civil War, when Joseph E. Johnston surrendered to William T. Sherman. Learn about military life.

Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site

Visit the site of the Civil War’s 1965 Battle of Bentonville. The historic site offers groups a chance to see Harper House, which served as a field hospital for the Union Army, as well as a Confederate cemetery and Union trenches.

Billy Graham Library

The Billy Graham Library is dedicated to religious leader Billy Graham. Discover the history of his career through interactive kiosks, and stroll through the Memorial Prayer Garden.

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM)

BRAHM provides cultural enrichment to the High Country communities and promotes Southern Appalachian arts, heritage, and history. Learn virtually about some of their collections and fun hands-on activities at  BRAHM at Home .

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 North Carolina—early childhood through college. Search for class trips in North Carolina 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 North Carolina art museums, theater, dance, and music concert field trips.
• EARLY CHILDHOOD Find North Carolina class trips to children’s museums, petting zoos, and kids’ shows.
• HISTORY/SOCIAL STUDIES View North Carolina history museums, government & civics, historic sites, living history museums, and multicultural field trip ideas.
• LIFE SKILLS Find North Carolina team building field trips, health & safety exhibits, and character education experiences.
• SCIENCE & NATURE Find North Carolina aquariums, botanical gardens, environmental studies & nature centers, farms & mazes, planetariums, science museums, STEAM & STEM field trips, dinosaur exhibits, and zoos.
• RECREATION Find North Carolina 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 Philadelphia, trips to Washington, DC, trips to Chicago, trips to Atlanta, trips to Austin, 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.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE Ice Cream Coloring Pages! 🍦

260+ Field Trip Ideas for Grades Pre-K Through 12 (In-Person and Virtual)

Get out of the classroom and explore the world!

Field trips are a quintessential school experience. You usually only get one or two a year so it’s important to do it right! Our roundups of unique field trip ideas have something for every age, subject, and interest. We’ve even got resources like permission slip forms and chaperone tips. Get ready to leave the classroom behind to take learning on the road!

Preschool Field Trip Ideas

Early-grade field trips help kids learn about the world and also teach them good field trip behavior. These are our top picks for the pre-K crowd, but many of the options on our kindergarten list are perfect for this age group too.

• Library: Not every student’s parents take them to story time. Schedule your own trip, and show kids that having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!
• Farm: Whether you learn how vegetables are grown or where milk and eggs come from, the farm is always a hit.
• Grocery store: Go behind the scenes at the supermarket, and use this trip as the foundation for lessons on healthy eating.
• Park: From local playgrounds to majestic national parks, it’s always worth getting kids into the great outdoors.
• Children’s museum: This is the age group most children’s museums were designed for! They’ll love all the hands-on fun and excitement.
• Post office: Learn how mail is sorted and shipped, and teach students about stamps and other mail-related items.
• Bank: Money is a new concept for these kiddos, and they’ll be fascinated to step inside the vault and learn other bank secrets.
• Fire station: There’s just something about a fire truck that gets every little one excited.
• Nursing home: Is there anything sweeter than watching seniors and wee ones spend time together?
• Animal shelter: For kids who don’t have pets at home, this can be a good introduction to animals. Others will just enjoy the time with dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes.

Elementary School Field Trip Ideas

@mjdstoronto

These are the prime field trip years! Here are our favorite trips for every grade.

• 14 Kindergarten Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 First Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Second Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 15 Third Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 23 Fourth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)
• 22 Fifth Grade Field Trips (Virtual and In-Person)

Middle and High School Field Trip Ideas

@salinasvalleybasingsa

For this age group, you’ll need to step up your game a bit. (They’ve probably already been to the zoo, the aquarium, and the art museum.) Try some of these locations, which offer educational, social-emotional, and real-life learning opportunities.

• Food bank: Hold a food drive, then arrange a trip to your local soup kitchen or food pantry. Volunteering makes for truly meaningful field trips.
• Recycling facility: In a time when reducing landfill waste is more important than ever, a trip to a recycling facility can help drive home the message.
• Theater: Many theaters offer behind-the-scenes tours for schools and discount pricing when you buy tickets in bulk. (Want to go virtual? Check out the Hamilton Education Program !)
• Community college: Parents sometimes take kids on college visits, but a community college trip offers opportunities for even more students to see themselves getting a higher education.
• TV station: Kids interested in communications or technology will find this completely fascinating.
• Courtroom: There’s no better way to understand the justice system than to see it in action.
• State or county capitol: Every government class should visit a local capitol to meet with officials and see how the government works.
• Local business: This can be a cool way to learn about managing a business, working with customers, or discovering how products are made.
• Wildlife rehab facility: Introduce students to the people who help injured wild animals recover and live free once again.

Virtual Field Trip Ideas

@edtech_tusd

The terrific thing about virtual field trips is that they eliminate so much of the hassle. No need to collect permission slips, arrange for buses, or recruit chaperones. Plus, they’re usually free!

• 40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips
• 20 Terrific Virtual Art Museum Field Trips
• 18 Incredible Virtual Zoo Field Trips
• 15 Fascinating Aquarium Virtual Field Trips
• 3 Science Virtual Field Trips Let Kids Travel the World

Field Trips by Location

If you live in one of these cities, check out some of our favorite spots.

• 16 Cool Field Trips in Houston, Texas
• 21 Terrific Field Trips in Chicago, Illinois
• Top 10 Washington D.C. Field Trip Ideas

Field Trip Tips and Resources

There’s a lot to do when you’re organizing an off-site field trip. These resources are here to help.

• Preparing Parent Chaperones for a Field Trip
• Free Printable Field Trip and School Permission Forms To Make Your Life Easier
• Things To Do Before Taking Your Students on a Major Field Trip
• Mistakes To Avoid When Planning a Field Trip for Students
• Why I Hate Field Trips (And How I Learned To Deal)
• Help! Is There Any Way I Can Get Out of Our End of the Year Field Trip?

Bonus: Looking for a laugh? Check out  Ways School Field Trips Are Like The Wizard of Oz !

What are your favorite field trip ideas? Come share your thoughts in the  We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus,  virtual college campus tours to explore from home ..

You Might Also Like

The Best PreK and Kindergarten Field Trips (Both Virtual and In-Person!)

From the pumpkin patch to the fire station. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256