georgia capitol field trip

Georgia Capitol / Georgia Capitol Museum & Tour Program

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Caroline Eubanks

A visit to the Georgia Capitol allows guests to see the role of the government firsthand. It’s free to go on a self-guided tour of the grounds and capitol and if the House and Senate are in session, you can watch from the gallery, too. The museum on the fourth floor features exhibits on Georgia wildlife and natural resources as well as artifacts from the history of the capitol itself. When you get outside, admire the Dahlonega gilded dome.

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Georgia State Capitol

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206 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 404-656-2846

Completed in 1889, the Georgia Capitol remains one of the most impressive buildings in the state. Still a working government building, the Capitol’s recent renovation offers visitors a unique experience in exploring Georgia both past and present.

The Georgia Capitol Museum is a public educational institution housed in the Capitol building under the administration of the Office of Secretary of State. The Museum collects, maintains, and exhibits artifacts, including historic flags and works of art. The Georgia Capitol is open to the public 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends and holidays. Visit us online at www.sos.ga.gov for tour information.

• Guided Tours
• Self-Guided Tours

Nearby restaurants

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint - 0.36 Miles

Metro Diner & Bar - 0.42 Miles

Breakfast at Barney's - 0.53 Miles

Glenn's Kitchen (Glenn Hotel) - 0.63 Miles

Nearby hotels

Origin Hotel - 0.23 Miles

Fairfield Inn & Suites Atlanta Downtown - 0.33 Miles

Springhill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Downtown - 0.48 Miles

Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Downtown - 0.51 Miles

20+ Atlanta Field Trip Ideas

Another great field trip location is the Fernbank Museum of Natural History . Offering a perfect blend of education and fun, this Druid Hills-area museum allows kids to explore astonishing dinosaur displays, experience the magic of immersive giant screen movies, and engage in hands-on science activities.

With outdoor exhibit areas including WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, a visit to Fernbank inspires a deeper understanding of our natural world. Order lunch through Fernbank Café, or brown-bag it!

5. Atlanta Botanical Garden

For more outdoor field trip fun, head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden . This Atlanta field trip destination offers a captivating escape for kids, weaving together nature, art, and education. Book a guided tour, or opt for a self-guided adventure. Guided tours are offered for school groups from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Here, teachers can foster creativity and play by wandering through the Children’s Garden filled with interactive sculptures and imaginative spaces. Plus, find art exhibitions, seasonal displays, canopy walks, and educational programs that teach about plants and conservation.

6. LEGO Discovery Center

LEGO Discovery Center  immerses young learners in a vibrant world where imagination takes center stage. Kids can build, play, and marvel at intricate LEGO creations that transport them to fantastical realms. Plus, enjoy a thrilling show at the 4D cinema to add an extra layer of sensory excitement.

LEGO shares that their school group experiences “are designed to bring math, science, engineering and language to life and encourage skills in communication, collaboration, critical-thinking and problem solving.” Get learning with LEGO!

Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Middle School Groups

7. georgia aquarium.

A mesmerizing underwater world awaits at the Georgia Aquarium . Here, groups can witness marine life up close, including dolphins, sea otters, tropical fish, sharks, and more!

Amongst seven distinct exhibits, the aquarium’s towering tanks become windows into the ocean’s intricate ecosystems. Spend the day here to learn about and ignite a sense of awe for the delicate balance of ocean life.

8. Fernbank Science Center

Unaffiliated with the Fernbank Museum of Natural History – but located nearby – the Fernbank Science Center is a fantastic destination for middle schoolers. Operated by the DeKalb County School District, this spot offers hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and opportunities to explore astronomy and environmental science.

The center offers a variety of school programs depending on age group; all are aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence. Each visit includes a tour of the current night sky with their “iconic Zeiss planetarium star projector and a presentation using our new state of the art 4k projector…”

9. High Museum of Art

As Atlanta’s premier art museum, the High Museum offers middle schoolers a chance to explore diverse collections of art techniques spanning centuries, cultures, and genres.

In addition to viewing its stunning collections, students can actively engage with the art through educational workshops that inspire hands-on creativity. Field trips are available for student groups ages K-12, with brown bag lunches welcome.

10. Tellus Science Museum

Located outside Atlanta in Cartersville, The Tellus Museum boasts interactive exhibits about science, paleontology, astronomy, and geology. Plus, make your visit easy with box lunches available for purchase.

With programs that make learning exciting and engaging, students can transcend the confines of textbooks and classrooms with this field trip idea. Engage students in a journey that ignites their passion for discovery and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

11. The College Football Hall of Fame

Need to get some energy out? Look no further than The College Football Hall of Fame ! Located in Downtown Atlanta, this attraction offers groups a dynamic blend of sports history, interactive exhibits, and educational enrichment.

Great for middle schoolers’ curiosity and energy, this spot allows students to tap into the game’s themes such as sportsmanship and collaboration to provide an enriching field trip experience.

12. Zoo Atlanta

A Zoo Atlanta field trip is always a hit with any age group! The zoo offers traditional field trips – plus sleepovers, guided tours, a zoomobile, and virtual field trips!

Here, students can marvel at a diverse range of animals from around the world, including Safari wildlife and kings of the jungles. Plus, tap into a range of expert-led talks, interactive programs, and informative signage for students to learn about conservation efforts.

Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for High School Groups

13. world of coca-cola.

The World of Coca-Cola explores the history and impact of the iconic Atlanta beverage brand. School groups can embark upon interactive exhibits, tastings, and insights into marketing and innovation.

Recommended for 8th-12th grades, a field trip here allows students to engage in tactile learning and opens the door to conversations about marketing, branding, and cultural impact.

14. Delta Flight Museum

Groups with aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the Delta Flight Museum ! Here, explore Delta Air Lines’ history with interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and vintage aircraft displays.

Going beyond the mechanics of flight, this hometown airline museum also fosters discussions about the broader impact of aviation on global connectivity, commerce, and culture.

15. Georgia State Capitol

A field trip to the Georgia Capitol Museum offers students a glimpse into the legislative process and civic engagement, making it an excellent destination for students studying government and politics. The Georgia Capitol Museum seeks to “preserve and interpret the history of the Georgia Capitol building as well as the events that have taken place within its walls.”

Foster a sense of connection to the democratic process and explore the power of advocacy, the importance of informed voting, and the ways in which individuals can shape public policy through participation.

16. Sports Venue Tours

Depending on the season, students can tour iconic sports venues like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena . Going behind the scenes, these tours allow groups to delve into the strategic and logistical aspects of sports management.

While touring, students can gain insights into sports management, venue operations, security protocols, event planning, logistics, and teamwork.

17. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Another field trip idea great for students learning about government is the Jimmy Carter Museum . Here, explore the presidency of Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter.

Venture through exhibits full of historical artifacts and gain insights into global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. Docent-guided and self-guided tours are available, with a variety of educational programs to choose from.

18. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights  explores the history of civil rights movements and human rights struggles globally. Through curated exhibits, workshops, and facilitated discussions, students can engage in important conversations around social justice issues.

In addition, this field trip idea will encourage students to challenge assumptions, broaden horizons, and feel empowered to advocate for positive change in their own communities.

19. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center

This contemporary art museum features thought-provoking exhibitions and installations. As a result, it’s a perfect location for student groups looking for an art-based field trip.

While touring galleries, spark discussions about modern art, culture, and societal issues. Use a field trip here not only as an adventure into different art forms, but also as a catalyst for discussions that go beyond the art.

Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Small Groups

20. historic market and food tour + biscuit class.

Experience the tastes of the south on this 2-hour interactive food tour and class at Atlanta’s historic Municipal Market! The Historic Market and Food Tour + Biscuit Class is the perfect activity for groups of up to 14 to enjoy some quality time together and tasty Atlanta food.

Throughout the class, sample flavors from five different restaurants. Additionally, participate in a hands-on mini class on classic Southern biscuits. Here, your group will learn the secrets of crafting these perfect flaky treats!

Have a larger group interested in this tour? Not to worry – reach out to make arrangements!

21. King Historic District Walking Tour

Have a small group of students learning about the Civil Rights movement? On the Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour , follow in Dr. King’s footsteps to learn all about his life, legacy, and impact on Atlanta and the world.

During this tour, students can explore firsthand the places in Atlanta that inspired this Civil Rights leader. Best of all, a live expert guide will lead your group during this experience, sharing knowledge and answering your questions along the way. While the typical tour hosts up to 14 people, larger groups can reach out to make arrangements!

To explore more Atlanta field trip ideas, check out Unexpected Atlanta’s full list of walking tours and our Atlanta activity guides ! With ideas for every age group, interest, and group size, let us connect you to all of Atlanta’s can’t-miss activities! 

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Georgia State Capitol

206 Capitol Avenue Southwest Atlanta , GA 30334 United States

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In 1864, Federal troops encamped on the grounds of Atlanta City Hall. Today's Georgia capitol stands on this site. The dome of the classical Renaissance building is topped with native gold. Statues of Civil War governors and other historic figures, as well as United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) historic markers, are located on the grounds. Capitol museum collections include Confederate-era flags, portraits, and statuary.

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Top Field Trips for Schools, Groups and Families in Atlanta and Beyond

Great field trips build on classroom learning and inspire students. Make these destinations part of your 2024-25 school year plan.

[Featured Field Trips]

Table of Contents

Alliance Theatre

Alliance Theatre offers developmentally appropriate field trips for preschool through 12th grade. Working with the country’s top theater talents, these world-class productions create the powerful experience of shared theatre for a diverse audience. Title I and group discounts are available.

Atlanta History Center

Atlanta History Center offers multi- disciplinary and interactive guided tours for students of all ages that are educational and engaging. Students are encouraged to interact with historical objects while touring award-winning exhibitions, historic houses and gardens. Teachers and homeschool families have the additional option for self-guided tours.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

The Chattahoochee Nature Center has provided environmental education programs to metro Atlanta schools for the past 40 years. Programs are designed to engage students’ natural curiosity and provide experiential learning opportunities in nature. Whether you are studying water quality, fungi, mammals, or geology, CNC’s programs will add a vivid new dimension to your lesson plans.

Chick-fil-A Backstage Tours

Students will learn the story of the company’s history as well as the values and vision of S. Truett Cathy, an entrepreneur who launched one of the most successful chicken restaurants in the United States. Plus, on the Deluxe two-hour tour, they’ll get a sneak peek into the future and an inside look at Chick-fil-A’s test kitchen and Training center.

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

Immerse students in the rich traditions and pageantry of college football while gaining valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership and hard work. With more than 50 interactive experiences, witness the greatness of legendary players and coaches. The free STEAM curriculum aligns with classroom learning, integrating real-world experiences and academic concepts.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

As Atlanta’s premiere destination for learning through play, Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers a wide range of programs geared toward students in pre-K through third grade. Led by the Museum’s professionally trained educators to support your curriculum, CMA’s programs bring learning through play to your students in fun, hands-on, immersive ways.

Creekwater Alpaca Farm

Embark on an immersive, educational journey and enjoy a truly hands-on encounter with Creekwater’s delightful animals. This charming animal sanctuary has over 100 rescue animals and is a haven for animals and animal loves of all ages.

Fernbank Museum

Interactive STEAM field trips at Fernbank Museum inspire curiosity through adventures in science, nature and human culture. Students can explore three floors of interactive exhibits, explore new places through science documentaries in the four-story Giant Screen Theater, and discover 75 acres of outdoor nature explorations in WildWoods and Fernbank Forest.

Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium’s school programs provide opportunities for students to discover the aquatic realm in an immersive, standards- based learning environment. Students discover conservation efforts and connect with nature through instructor-led programs. Other programs include: self-exploration or bring Georgia Aquarium to your school through Outreach or Virtual Programs.

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

Interactive Neighborhood for Kids is a wonderful extension of the classroom. Museum exhibits re designed to complement and enhance classroom learning by providing experimental, hands-on learning opportunities in a realistic setting. Educators are given the tools to: encourage hands-on, interactive play, to develop and build new skills, to be eager and curious about learning together.

LEGO ® Discovery Center

Inspires students’ imaginations with educational play! LEGO Discovery Center’s workshops incorporate the LEGO Education BricQ Motion Essential sets to engage students in the exploration of physical science and help foster an understanding of forces, motion and interactions by providing easy hands-on learning experiences. Field trips offer a wonderful balance of learning and fun.

The Michael C. Carlos Museum

Immerse students in the vibrant world of art and culture at Emory’s Michael C. Carlos Museum. Through interactive and interdisciplinary thematic tours, students explore Africa; ancient Egypt, Nubia, and the Near East; ancient Greece and Rome; the Indigenous Americas; and South Asia. Highly trained docents facilitate inquiry and discussion by encouraging observation, analysis, communication and critical thinking.

Museum of Aviation

Take a flight through history! The Ask. Challenge. Educate. (ACE) field trip program offers 1st-5th grade students interactive STEM experiences highlighting goal setting and problem-solving skills. The programs feature grade-specific hands-on curriculum and activities correlated to the Georgia Science Standards of Excellence.

Museum of Design Atlanta

At Museum of Design Atlanta’s IRL and virtual field trips and workshops, students learn design and STEM skills so they can become tomorrow’s changemakers. Whether designing cities, learning about biomimicry, architecture or game design, or trying out new technologies, they’ll learn to think like a designer while honing problem-solving skills and exploring a diverse range of career fields.

The Pettit Preserve

Field trips at the Pettit Preserve include educational, hands-on, outdoor-based curricula, designed to teach about local environments and standards-based science concepts. The Preserve provides on-site Georgia Standards of Excellence aligned environmental education programs for PreK-12th grade, as well as programs for colleges, scouts, and individuals and families.

Piedmont Park Conservancy

Piedmont Park Conservancy field trips are STEM-based and aligned to Georgia Standards of Excellence. From hands-on experiments to educational hikes and outdoor games, the Park’s carefully crafted programs will captivate students of all ages. Choose from an on-site field trip in the green heart of Atlanta, or have an environmental educator come to your classroom for an exciting outreach program.

Zoo Atlanta

Connect students to animals, careers, conservation, and all things Zoo Atlanta through a variety of field trip options, such as Self-Guided, Wild Walks, and Zoo Challenge Programs. Students can also take a trip to the Zoo without getting on a bus with Virtual Field Trips. All programs align with the Georgia Standards of Excellence and connect students to issues affecting wildlife and wild places.

Museum Field Trips

Atlanta History Center. Atlanta. Atlanta Preservation Center. Atlanta. APEX Museum. Atlanta. Bartow History Museum. Cartersville. Booth Western Art Museum. Cartersville. Chick-fil-A Backstage Tours. Atlanta. Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. Atlanta. Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Atlanta. Computer Museum of America. Roswell. Fernbank Museum. Atlanta. Fernbank Science Center. Atlanta. Georgia Aquarium . Atlanta. Georgia Capitol Museum . Atlanta. High Museum of Art. Atlanta. Hudgens Center for Art & Learning. Duluth. Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, Inc. Gainesville. LEGO Discovery Center. Buckhead. Margaret Mitchell House. Atlanta. Michael C. Carlos Museum . Atlanta. MODA: Museum of Design Atlanta . Atlanta. Museum of Illusions. Atlanta. Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking.  Atlanta. Southeastern Railway Museum . Duluth. Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History. Kennesaw. Teaching Museum North. Roswell. Teaching Museum South. Hapeville. William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum. Atlanta. World of Coca-Cola. Atlanta.

Nature and Science Field Trips

Atlanta Botanical Garden. Atlanta. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve. Johns Creek. Big Trees Forest Preserve. Sandy Springs. Chattahoochee Nature Center. Roswell. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Atlanta. Dahlonega Butterfly Farm. Dahlonega. Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve . Lithonia. Dunwoody Nature Center. Dunwoody. Elachee Nature Science Center. Gainesville. Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center. Buford. Johns Creek Environmental Campus.  Alpharetta. Jurassic World: The Exhibition (through Nov. 12). Atlanta. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Kennesaw. McDaniel Farm Park.  Duluth. Panola Mountain State Park. Stockbridge. The Pettit Preserve. Dallas. Piedmont Park Conservancy Atlanta. Sloomoo Institute. Atlanta. Tellus Science Museum. Cartersville. Truly Living Well Center for Natural Urban Agriculture. Atlanta.

Performing Arts Field Trips

Alliance Theatre. Atlanta. Center for Puppetry Arts. Atlanta. Medieval Times. Lawrenceville.

Historic Sites and Homes Field Trips

Bulloch Hall. Roswell. Funk Heritage Center. Waleska. Georgia Capitol Museum. Atlanta. Governor’s Mansion. Atlanta. Historic Mable House. Mableton. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Site. Atlanta. Oakland Cemetery. Atlanta. Root House Museum. Marietta. Smith Plantation. Roswell. The Wren’s Nest. Atlanta.

Adventure Field Trips

Atlanta Braves Truist Park Tours. Atlanta. Illuminarium. Atlanta. Malibu Grand Prix. Norcross. Mountasia Family Fun Center. Marietta. Six Flags Theme Park. Austell. Stone Mountain Park. Stone Mountain. Treetop Quest. Buford and Dunwoody. VanGogh: The Immersive Experience (through Oct. 30). Atlanta.

Animals and Farm Field Trips

The Art Barn At Morning Glory Farm. Canton. Creekwater Alpaca Farm . Snellville. Georgia Aquarium. Atlanta. L&R Alpaca Farm. Douglasville. Pettit Creek Farms. Cartersville. Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. Dawsonville. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary. Lilburn. Zoo Atlanta. Atlanta.

Field Trips Beyond Atlanta

Anniston Museum and Gardens. Anniston, Ala. Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center. Mountain City. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Bryson City, N.C. Museum of Aviation. Warner Robins. North Georgia Wildlife Park. Cleveland. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Chattanooga. UGA Marine Center and Aquarium. Savannah.

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Atlanta was not Georgia’s first capitol—and this building was not the first meeting house of the legislature in Atlanta.

What is on top of the Georgia State Capitol?

Miss Freedom, originally named Goddess of Liberty, is the statue adorning the dome of the Georgia State Capitol since 1889. Commissioned in 1888, the hollow copper statue is painted white, weighs over 1600 lbs and is over 26 feet tall. She was sculpted with a torch in her right hand and a sword in her left.

This project is a work of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement and Georgia Humanities. We have a number of partners who made this possible as well.

This project is a work of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement and Georgia Humanities.

We have a number of partners who made this possible as well.

Join us for a virtual tour of this beautiful building and leave knowing more about your government!

Photography – Francesco Kozerski

There are no rules of architecture

One of the most recognizable features of the Atlanta skyline is Georgia’s gold-domed state capitol, located several blocks southeast of the center of downtown. Although dwarfed by nearby skyscrapers, the dome glistens from the same hill that supported the first state capitol building in Atlanta.

If you are an educator and would like to have access to items that support 8 th  Grade Georgia Standards of Excellence (Government), then please email us at  [email protected] .

Credits: Photography – Francesco Kozerski

If you are an educator and would like to have access to items that support 8 th  Grade Georgia Standards of Excellence (Government), then please email us at [email protected] .

Capitol Activities

These activities allow students and families to explore the Capitol in an exciting way. Brochures of these activities are generally available at the Capitol tour desk, but we recommend printing these materials before you arrive at the Capitol, especially if you are bringing a large group.

Fun with Miss Freedom – Full version (approx 30 minutes) Fun with Miss Freedom – Family version (approx 15 minutes)

Field trip fun with miss freedom (30 minutes), field trip scavenger hunt (30 minutes), family scavenger hunt (15 minutes), outdoor scavenger hunt: full version, outdoor scavenger hunt a, outdoor scavenger hunt b, outdoor scavenger hunt c.

This activity is a great way to explore the Georgia Capitol Museum’s fourth floor exhibits. If using the full version, large groups should be separated into groups of ten and each group should start on a different page to avoid crowding around the same exhibits. The family version can be used by smaller school groups.

Capitol Art Search (approx 20 minutes)

Explore the Capitol’s Art Collection by finding objects within paintings and sculptures.

Capitol Art Puzzler (approx 30 minutes)

Solve challenging riddles to explore the Capitol’s art and memorials

• 206 State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia 30334
• 404-463-4536 Tour Reservations and Museum Information
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• Closed Georgia State Holidays
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3rd Grade Field Trip, but mom was... - Georgia State Capitol

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3rd Grade Field Trip, but mom was impressed!

This is one of those places that most people don't think to visit, but it makes for a great few hours and its FREE. We went during the holidays, so the building was decked out in Christmas cheer. There was a beautiful tree in the center room and garlands and bows were everywhere. You can come at any time and observe the Senate or House in action, a great opportunity for students to see our government in action. There is also a museum that is sort of strewn around the floors with display cases and portraits of important Georgians all around the building. We also visited the governor's office and got free candy canes and signed his guest book. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and the kids did too.

I have worked for the Governor's Office and spent many a lunch time taking in the various historical display's and displays in the various parts of this truely historic building, others should do the same too.

Any resident of Georgia should definitely stop and have a look at the capitol and, if possible, watch the legislature in action. Any resident may schedule a tour or a meeting with their representative or senator or can simply view from the gallery, but make sure that the legislature is in session if that is a primary factor in visiting. The architecture and design of the building and the grounds is something to appreciate in itself.

Nothing to rave about - if you are into that sort of thing monuments etc, then you might enjoy this but otherwise just another building.

Another nice structure. The building features a beautiful golden dome which is the highlight of the capitol. the grounds are well maintained and feature a number of monuments and statues dedicated to important historical and/or political figures. The Jimmy Carter monument on the grounds is very well done with exception of the fact that the statue is the same size as the back drop so you cannot read the full text from the front of the statue. Another unique feature to this capitol is a number of histoical plaques marking critical aspects of Atlanta's involvement in the Civil War.

Interesting place. Everyone should see a state Capitol. It's free admission and it's part of everyone's history.

This One Guy Made the Washington DC Field Trip a Middle School Rite of Passage

No, not the cherry blossoms. It’s the middle school T-shirt, the unofficial signal that spring has sprung in the nation’s capital.

Every year, more than one million eighth graders—about one in every three —can be seen running up and down the National Mall in matching school-colored tees, pacing awkwardly in the Smithsonian , taking lunch at the L’Enfant Plaza and Pentagon City food courts, and racking up soda fountain tabs at the Hard Rock Cafe.

A field trip that started as a business idea has since evolved into a decades-long tradition, bolstering economies and creating entirely new ones . And while it’s become the subject of debate in school districts from Ohio to Massachusetts , in DC, it remains both a fact of life and a total vibe .

Filling the Void

It was quite a different experience from what you might expect of DC tourism these days. In the 1960s, due to political strife and moral resentment against America’s involvement in Vietnam, many young people didn’t have an interest in visiting the president’s house. Bus companies and airlines took note, leaving a void for trips centered around our nation’s history for younger generations. Moreover, Wendel tells me that during his initial trip, “I’m listening to some tour guide who’s probably been picked off the corner, and he’s lecturing kids.”

Convinced he could do better, Wendel coordinated the following year’s trip with a fellow teacher, attempting to give his students a more academically driven experience. The year after that, he founded Lakeland Tours solely to coordinate travel for eighth graders to DC Wendel sold Lakeland Tours in 1999, but he estimates the company helped bring a million students to DC overall; the company is now known as WorldStrides , one of the largest student tourism companies in the country.

All the while, much larger trends were emerging as well. One of the most important—beyond the rapid growth in air travel—was the evolving access to museums. In the early 20th century, museums were seen as bastions of elitism, a place where culture lived but only existed for those deemed worthy of entry. “Culture for culture’s sake was what the Smithsonian meant to its lay visitors,” wrote Louise Connolly in her 1914 book, The Educational Value of Museums . “Young people led through it contracted, not the museum habit, but museophobia, a horror of museums.”

But that sentiment began to change heading into World War II with the rise of the museum as an educational companion (the concept of “visual education,” i.e., using visual aids to enforce concepts , was introduced in the early 1920s). No longer were museums reserved just for the upper echelons; they were a place to engage, learn, and question, no matter who you were.

Today, museums welcome approximately 55 million students from school groups .

How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?

For three to five days—the usual length of the trip—students are whisked around the city from dawn until dusk. It’s not atypical for every day to last from 8:30 am to 10 pm, says Lindsay Hill, the associate director of visitor experience and group tours at Destination DC, where she helps tour groups coordinate with tour operators. She says the jam-packed days are a win-win for everyone involved: Students get to see as much of the city as possible, and there’s less time for them to get into trouble (more on that later.)

The usual stops are the usual suspects: the US Capitol, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the MLK Jr. Memorial, several war memorials, the Smithsonian Museums, Arlington National Cemetery, the National Zoo, the Holocaust Museum, and the Ford Theater. (All of these landmarks are free to visit.) You might also have been lucky enough to get a tour of the White House (also free but more challenging to plan), meet your local congressperson, or travel by boat to Mount Vernon to tour George Washington’s landmark estate. Or better yet, maybe you were whisked around DC in an amphibious World War II vehicle — as part of a so-called “duck tour”—allowing you to view landmarks by land and water (a tour that, sadly, no longer operates).

Meanwhile, the Hard Rock Cafe serves as a beacon of sustenance that helps to fuel all that sight-seeing. The Hard Rock not only plans for these travelers—a student group-focused menu, including a soda, entree, and chocolate chip cookies for dessert, ensures that students are “in and out in about an hour,” says Sara Lester, a regional sales and marketing manager at Hard Rock Cafe—but it relies on them, too. Case in point: Through March and April of this year, they’ve welcomed a total of 25,000 eighth graders, putting them on pace to reach 50,000 students by the end of the field trip season.

Not to mention, the Hard Rock isn’t without some political significance. Among its many pieces of music-themed memorabilia, two, in particular, speak to our nation’s history/sense of patriotism: 1) a saxophone played by President Bill Clinton; and 2) a red, white, and blue outfit worn by Beyoncé.

Not-So-Unruly Behavior

“Eighth graders are in a unique position where they’re big enough to be self-reliant, but not so big that they’re going to run out and create havoc in the streets,” explains John Raymond, the vice president of sales and marketing of student tourism company Grand Classroom, which oversees the travel of some 20,000 students to Washington, D.C. annually.

Raymond estimates that over the course of three decades, there have been just five or six instances where students were sent home on a trip. If anything, such rarity speaks perfectly to the eighth-grade mindset. “You don’t want to be outside of the herd. You don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to yourself,” Raymond says.

It helps, too, that the trip isn’t cheap—prices average from $2,000 to $3,000 per student. Additionally, parents must sign a liability waiver that holds them responsible for any financial damages incurred by their child, and no kid wants to have that conversation with mom and dad.

That said, if there is a mischievous will, eighth graders will surely find a way, an attitude that prompted Wendel, while at Lakeland Tours, to hire enlisted military members to sit outside students’ hotel rooms to ensure they didn’t sneak out at night. “That isn’t to say that the kids didn’t win some of the battles,” Wendel says. “But once we had a lights out or a curfew, with about 99% certainty, we were able to keep the kids confined to their rooms.”

It’s worth noting, too, that any havoc the students create is often unintentional and harmless. Or, in true eighth-grade fashion, just plain awkward. “I was accidentally locked in my hotel bathroom during my eighth-grade field trip to DC,” recalls Dan Howie, now a recruiting manager from North Carolina. “Maintenance had to come in and drill through the lock. It took about two hours for them to get me out, and there was quite an audience waiting to see if I’d emerge. It certainly added to my eighth-grade cool-kid mystique.”

The Kids Are Alright

As a result, what may be thought of as a few days for students to get away from their parents and vice-versa—a pitch that Wendel used while working at Lakeland—has become an opportunity for personal growth and cultural exposure. “Getting outside of your home base and what’s comfortable for you is where the change in perspective and the ability to really understand different cultures and people’s backgrounds comes from,” Hill says.

For that alone, maybe it’s worth the trip—matching T-shirts and all. Want more Thrillist? Follow us on  Instagram ,  TikTok ,  Twitter ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest , and  YouTube .

Colin Hanner is a freelance writer based in Chicago. He writes about food, travel, and whatever else he’s interested in.

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GEORGIA 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.  

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Camp Carousel

The Camp Carousel Petting Zoo is home to over 100 animals—a number of which are rescued animals. See friendly sheep and goats, ponies, pigs, ducks, and more. IN-PERSON PROGRAMS: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina.

Chick-fil-A® Backstage Tour

The guided Chick-fil-A® Backstage Tour offers a fun, storytelling experience about the fascinating history, culture, and values of Chick-fil-A® founder S. Truett Cathy, the unique “Eat Mor Chikin®” Cows business model, and more!

Epworth By The Sea

Epworth By The Sea  on a spacious riverside campus complete with economical lodging and meal package, ropes course, on-site recreation, coastal ecology tours and a comprehensive museum for history and education.

Fantasy Theatre Factory

Fantasy Theatre Factory is dedicated to creating original and quality educational theatrical programs for children, families, and the public, and to expanding access to these programs to people of all cultures and backgrounds.

Georgia Capitol Museum

The Georgia Capitol Museum teaches the history of the Georgia Capitol building and the events that have taken place within its walls. The Museum collects, maintains, and exhibits significant artifacts, including historic flags and works of art.

Georgia Southern Botanical Garden

The Georgia Southern Botanical Garden features over 11 acres of gardens. Wander the trails, paths and courtyards and explore the natural and cultural wonders of the southeastern coastal plain.

Pettit Environmental Preserve

A 70-acre nature preserve encompassing forest and lake ecosystems, the Pettit Environmental Preserve serves as a diverse habitat for Georgia’s native wildlife.

Savannah Riverboat Cruises

Sail along the historic Savannah waterfront with Savannah Riverboat Cruises! Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine, learn about the history of the Savannah River, or dance the night away aboard our beautiful Georgia Queen or Savannah River Queen!

SparkPoint Innovations

SparkPoint Innovations is an Orbit Earth Expo, in-school astronomy experience students will never forget! Taught in the dark with a light to represent the sun, students manipulate huge teaching models to discover secrets of the solar system!

Albany Museum of Art

The Albany Museum of Art includes an impressive collection of 19th and 20th Century American and European art and houses one of the largest collections of traditional African art in the Southeast.

Apex Museum

The APEX Museum is solely dedicated to telling the rich and often untold story of people of the African Diaspora, providing visitors with a complete view of African and African American history and culture.

Atlanta Beltline Arboretum

Atlanta Beltline Arboretum puts Atlanta on a path to 21st-century economic growth and sustainability provides a network of public parks, multi-use trails, transit, trees, and plants by reusing 22 miles of historic railroad paths.

FieldTripdirectory.com offers enriching experiences for Georgia school groups, scout groups, homeschool groups, camp groups and families at Georgia Museums.

Georgia Museums offer field trips that offer hands-on exhibits, guided tours and guided activities for early childhood through high school grades. Georgia Art Museums , Science Museums , History Museums , Multicultural Museums and Children’s Museums offers educational experiences that support classroom curriculum and scout badge achievement. Beside museums, you can search for other learning experiences at Botanical Gardens, Planetariums, Living History Programs, STEM & STEAM, Planetariums, Farms, Zoos and Aquariums, Theaters and Concerts, Service Learning and more.

Can’t go on a field trip to a museum, your students, scouts, and families can still experience these fun enriching experience by scheduling a Museum Virtual Field Trip anywhere and at anytime.

Want the fun to come to you- book a School Assembly Programs, Outreach Field Trips or Residency at your school, homeschool association or scout council. They support and enhance a school’s curriculum, offers opportunities for scout badge achievement and enriches a camp program. There are mobile museum exhibits, traveling planetariums and classroom and grade level workshops and residencies.

To help fund field trips, virtual programs and school assembly programs visit our section on Grants and Fundraising Programs .

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