Field Trips
Who says homeschooling has to happen at home? Most homeschoolers will tell you that they spend almost as much time out of the house as in it. Field trips are learning opportunties that offer fun ways to make every life experience a learning experience. You'll also find tips and strategies for planning, managing, and attending field trips with your homeschool support group.
Resources
Field Trips: Bug Hunting, Animal Tracking, Bird-watching, Shore Walking
With Jim Arnosky as your guide, an ordinary hike becomes an eye-opening experience. He'll help you spot a hawk soaring far overhead and note the details of a dragonfly up close. Study the black-and-white drawings -- based on his own field research -- and you'll discover if those tracks in the brush were made by a deer or a fox.
In his celebrated style, this author, artist, and naturalist enthusiastically shares a wealth of tips. Jim Arnosky wants you to enjoy watching wildlife. He carefully explains how field marks, shapes, and location give clues for identifying certain plants and animals wherever you are. He gives hints for sharpening observational skills. And he encourages you to draw and record birds, insects, shells, animal tracks, and other finds from a busy day's watch.
Community Field Trips in Colorado
YA YA Farm & Orchard
YA YA Farm & Orchard began farming in 1896. Through the years, there have been many changes to the farm and apple orchard. The present incarnation of YA YA Farm was begun in 2003. In addition to U-Pick It produce, the farm is also home to Percheron Draft horses.
Swetsville Zoo - UPDATE: CLOSED 2016
Located at 4801 E. Harmony Road in Fort Collins, the Swetsville Zoo is an outdoor art gallery filled with metal animal sculptures. Bill Swets, creator of the Swetsville Zoo, built them all from car parts, farm machinery and scrap metal. Admission is free, but they do take donations. To read about the closing and moving of the sculptures, refer to the link in the title of this entry.
CiCi's Pizza Field Trips
CiCi's Pizza offers Lunch & Learn Field Trips for school groups. This is a hands-on workshop at CiCi's designed by teachers to help kids develop basic math skills. Students use pizza ingredients and other related items to solve problems, and in the process make and enjoy their very own pizza! They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced math level curricula.
Colorado Homeschool Field Trips and General Outings
This is an all inclusive group for homeschoolers of all ages to organize outings. We all homeschool for different reasons. We may be part of other various groups/co-ops. Since we often travel for trips to places like the zoo, and some of us may be from more rural areas, this is a chance to make friends, network, and take advantage of group discounts.
State Capitol Building
The Colorado State Capitol is available for tours. Visit the historical Capitol Building, Attic, and take a legislative tour. You can visit the House and Senate Galleries and meet a lawmaker. The Colorado State Capitol welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year. Tours allow you to enjoy the beauty of the building while learning about the work of the General Assembly and Colorado's unique heritage. Tours are free of charge. Note that student group tours during the legislative session running January through May are extremely popular and space is limited. It is recommended that reservation requests are made early.
Berry Patch Farms
Berry Patch Farms is a certified organic working farm that offers pick-your-own produce. The farm is 40 acres and no fees or membership dues are charged. You are encouraged to bring your children so they may learn more about agriculture and to have an authentic farm experience. School groups are most welcome. They are located in Brighton, just north of Denver.
Homeschooling Littles in Colorado
This group is for people planning to or homeschooling their littles and older. Their goal is to grow together as a group forming friendships and camaraderie along the way. Almost all events planned are geared towards preschool to elementary aged kids. However, this doesn't bar you from bringing your older children. They are welcome to join in all the events.
Colorado Homeschool Field Trips
This is an all inclusive group for homeschoolers of all ages to organize outings. Since we often travel for trips to places like the zoo, and some of us may be from more rural areas, this is a chance to make friends, network, and take advantage of group discounts!
Factory Tours in Colorado
Myers' Gourment Popcorn Factory
Learn all about popcorn with a visit to the Myers' Gourment Popcorn Factory, located in Cascade, Colorado, west of Colorado Springs. They are happy to arrange for a tour of their facilities.
United States Mint Tour
Touring the United States Mint is a fascinating experience for those of all ages and one that will be remembered for a lifetime. Tours cover both the present state of coin manufacturing as well as the history of the Mint. Learn about the craftsmanship required at all stages of the minting process, from the original designs and sculptures to the actual striking of the coins. There is a also a gift shop at this location selling commemorative coins, books, games, and other souvenirs. There are some security procedures associated with your visit. Be sure to check their website for their current security status. The U.S. Mint at Denver offers free tours of its production facilities.
Celestial Seasonings Guest Tours
Celestial Seasonings offer free tours of its facilities, including an art gallery, teapot and teacup collection, the herb garden, and the factory. Special highlights include the tea sampling and a trip through the Mint Room, which houses crates full of peppermint and spearmint. From raw ingredients to finished products, you’ll learn all about the wonderful world of tea and see how their wholesome products are blended, packaged and shipped. You'll never look at tea the same way again! The tour is free and located in Boulder, Colorado. The tour runs about 45 minutes and includes a video introduction and walking tour through the tea factory. Tours are guaranteed on the hour for walk-in public with a 45 guest maximum per tour.
Pepsi Center Tours
Ever wonder how long it takes to convert the arena floor from hockey to basketball? Interested in seeing the Club Level and the luxury suites? Want to go behind the scenes to see where national artists and entertainers prepare for their event? Come to Pepsi Center for your All Access VIP Tour. See where the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoth call home, plus have backstage access to where the big names in music have performed. There is a fee associated with this tour. Groups are encouraged to place advanced reservations.
Argo Gold Mine and Mill
In 1893 construction of the Argo Tunnel Began. It would be 17 years before it would reach Central City , over 4.5 miles away. The tunnel would provide water drainage, ventilation and economical transportation of the gold bearing ore from the many mines it would intersect along the way. The Argo Mill was constructed to process the gold bearing ore from these mines. When completed, the Argo would be the largest mill of its type in the world. The mill processed over 100 million dollars of gold ore at the old time prices of $18.00 to $35.00 per ounce and stands today as a memorial to the hard rock miners of the day when gold was king! The Argo Mill, Mine and Museum tour is educational and fun.
Hammond's Candy Factory
Hammond's complimentary candy factory tours are fun and educational for candy lovers of all ages. Hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe have seen how their famous, handcrafted candy canes, ribbon candy, and lollipops are pulled, twisted, and shaped by hand – just like they were in 1920. This factory tour will give you a bit of Colorado-proud history, some tidbits about nostalgic candy, a little science, and a lot of fun. With large video screens installed throughout the factory and the tour, you’ll get an up close and personal experience with their delicious candies and the people who make them. This free tour showcases how Hammond's Candies makes their candy in small batches, with most being hand-pulled and hand-twisted. Hammond's makes homemade candy canes, ribbon candy, lollipops, traditional hard candies, and chocolates. You'll enjoy a free sample of candy at the end of the tour and the opportunity to shop in their gift shop. Located just north of downtown Denver. Tours are available Monday through Saturday.
Van Briggle Pottery Factory Tour
Born in 1869, Artus Van Briggle from an early age demonstrated a unique artistic gift. He eventually open a pottery studio in Colorado Springs, using local clays found in the Colorado Springs area. His work earned him many honors. Artus Van Briggle died in 1904, but his wife continued to operate the pottery company. Today, the factory continues to produce many of Van Briggle’s original designs, often in his turquoise Ming matte glaze. The factory offers free tours.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
One visit to their store and you'll discover why Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is the number one destination of chocolate lovers everywhere. Throughout the store you will discover a fantastic variety of yummy chocolates and confections to satisfy cravings of even the most ardent chocoholic! Watch as they dip crisp apples in thick, bubbling caramel from a traditional copper kettle. Smile as we roll them in a rainbow of tasty toppings to complete your old fashioned treat. Linger awhile longer and learn how fudge is made as they fashion a creamy loaf on a traditional marble slab, the old fashioned way, right before your eyes. And of course, everyone gets a free sample! Tours are free.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour
The Anheuser-Busch Fort Collins Brewery Tour and Clydesdale Hamlet offers a look at the Brew Hall viewing area overlooking the brewing control room, the packaging lines in action and the lager cellar, where the beer undergoes natural fermentation. At tour's end, there is a complimentary tastings of the company's beers. With a panoramic view of the scenic foothills of Fort Collins, Colorado, the brewery tour is an immersive experience where you can hear, smell, touch and taste the components that go into some of the world’s most popular beers.
In addition to any of the brewery tours and signature attractions, Fort Collins is the home to the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales West Coast Team. When the hitch is back from one of their many public appearances, you can get an up-close and personal encounter and have your picture taken with these iconic horses right here in Fort Collins. Guests visit the Budweiser Clydesdales in their beautiful Rocky Mountain home. The tour is free.
Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium Tours
Public Tours of Sports Authority Field at Mile High are coordinated through the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum and are professionally guided by knowledgeable and friendly tour guides. Areas visited on the approximately 75 minute walking tour include: the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum, a party suite, visitor's locker room, a keg room, Thunder's stall, the TV production area, the team store, and of course, the field. Fun for guests of all ages, stadium tours are informative, educational, insightful and enjoyable for sports fans and non-fans alike and for locals or visitors from out of town. Tours start from the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame & Museum located at Gate #1 on the stadium's west side.There is a fee associated with this tour, with a discount for groups of over 25. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Phoenix Gold Mine
The Phoenix mine is operated by the oldest continuous gold mining family in Colorado, Al and Dave Mosch. It is a working gold mine where miners actually do the work. Take a guided tour of the mine and then do some actual panning for gold in the stream. There is also an area to picnic. This tour has a fee associated with it. Panning is included in the cost of the tour and you may keep any gold that you find in the stream while panning.
Great Divide Brewing Company
Great Divide Brewing Company is located in two Denver locations: 2201 Arapahoe St. and 1812 25th St. They offer free tours of the breweries daily. Average tour time is 20 minutes. The tours are open to the public and free, but limited to the first 20 guests. Participants must be over the age of 12. The tour includes samples of their award-winning beers.
Coors Brewery Tours
Located in Golden, Colorado, and Memphis, Tennessee, Coors Brewery offers free tours of its facilities. Since 1873 the Coors brewery has thrived on a legacy of quality, innovation and customer service. The tour showcases the company’s history and passion for brewing.The brewery experience includes a 30-minute self-paced tour highlighting their malting, brewing and packaging processes. Cool off in the “fresh beer room," where visitors can sip a cold sample and rest on ice-cube benches in a refrigerated room. At the end of the tour, view old photos, neons, historical beer cans, bottles and memorabilia, and have the opportunity to sample our refreshing products. Be sure to shop in the Coors & Co. gift shop.
Zoos & Wildlife
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
CWWC conducts guided educational tours and programs that focus on dispelling myths about wolves and wild canids and helping people to appreciate the roles wolves play in their ecosystems. Tours cover topics such as pack hierarchy, territory, communication, prey impact, and conservation. What is unique about the tour is that people also learn about the history of each wolf, coyote, and fox at the center. Some of these being personal rescue stories and unique personalities of many. Although some of our animals have been rescued from college dorms, roadside zoos, photo farms, and the fur industry, we also have adopted ones from other educational organizations as well. The history of the animals compels visitors to walk away with a compassionate respect to honor the fact that “wild means wild.”
Buffalo Herd Nature Preserve
The County of Denver maintains this buffalo herd about twenty miles west of the city. The bison are direct descendants of the last wild herd of bison in the U.S. They all came from a herd of 7 bison brought from Yellowstone National Park in 1914. The bison herd can be seen from I-70 when heading west into the mountains on the right right side of the road.
Downtown Aquarium
Located in downtown Denver, This world-class aquarium doesn't just display underwater creatures - it recreates their habitats and tells a story of two great rivers and their journeys to the ocean -- the Colorado River as it flows to Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and Indonesia’s Kampar River along its journey to the South China Sea. The aquarium displays 15,000 specimens, representing 300 species of fish, birds, mammals, and invertebrates, including tigers and sea otters, living amidst 1,000 live plants.
Denver Zoological Gardens
The Denver Zoo houses more than 4,000 animals representing nearly 685 species, and the nation's first environmentally-friendly natural gas-powered zoo train. The new 5,500 square-foot Dragons of Komodo exhibit for the rare Komodo dragon features the largest indoor habitat for Komodo dragons in North America. The Denver Zoo's other state-of-the-art exhibits include Tropical Discovery, an indoor rainforest where visitors journey past waterfalls, darkened caves, jungle ruins and tropical riverbank exhibits, and Primate Panorama, which spans seven acres and exhibits 29 of the world's most spectacular species of primates and features a one-acre habitat for the endangered western lowland gorilla.
Pueblo Zoo
The Pueblo Zoo covers 25 acres, is located in Pueblo City Park and was established in the 1920's. It is easily accessible for all visitors including those using strollers & wheelchairs. The zoo exhibits more than 300 animals of 110 different species from throughout the world. Under the Zoological Society's direction, the zoo is being developed as a "biopark," a place where animals are exhibited in natural settings, where the interdependence of Earth's life - plants and animals, including humans - is made clear for all to see.
Among its exhibits are the African Lion exhibit; the Ecocenter, where visitors will find a tropical rainforest and the Black-footed penguin exhibit; the Herpetarium, which houses a collection of cold-blooded creatures including reptiles, amphibians and insects; the education building, which houses the hands-on Mahlon T. White Discovery Room; and the Pioneer Farm with its many domestic animals that can be fed by visitors.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Situated on 146-acres, 70 of which are developed, at an elevation of 6,800 feet in Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the only mountain zoo in the United States. The Zoo is home to more than 600 animals representing some 142 species from around the world, over 30 of which are classified as endangered or threatened. Special features include Primate World, Wolf Woods, Asian Highlands, and Lion’s Lair, My Big Backyard, and the African Rift Valley. A leader in conservation, captive breeding and animal care, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo connects people with wildlife and wild places through experiences that inspire action.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a state and federally licensed zoological facility and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are located outside of Keenesburg, Colorado, 30 miles northeast of Denver. We are located on rural, rolling grasslands, comprising 720 acres and sheltering more than 290 large carnivores alone. TWAS is the largest sanctuary of its kind and one of the oldest in the United States.
The Wildlife Experience
Founded in 2002 as a wildlife art and natural history museum designed to serve as a cultural center and community asset for South Metro Denver. The 151,000 sq ft prairie mission style facility hosts numerous fine art, natural history and interactive science changing exhibits each year, in addition to its signature permanent exhibition, Globeology, featuring open dioramas interpreting eight biomes of the world. The Wildlife Experience strives to inspire a new generation of conservationists and outdoors enthusiasts by bringing visitors closer to wildlife and fostering the desire to experience the outdoors through high-quality exhibitions, large screen movies and a host of education programs.
Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is home to over 5,000 animals, including Rosie the Tarantula, sea creatures, and over 1,600 butterflies. After walking through the tropical rainforest pavilion, explore the gardens and nature trails outside. They offer education programs for groups.
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Colorado Gators is a family oriented, educational facility that focuses on full use of natural and recycled resources. Our goal is to maintain an integrated ecosystem while providing educational opportunities and viable farm products. Every visitor to Colorado Gators has the opportunity to meet, pet, hold, and take pictures with a little alligator. There are several large African Sulcata tortoises that wander freely throughout their section of the park. You can also see an albino alligator, Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, anacondas, and other reptiles.
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
For 33 years, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program has served the northern Colorado community through rescue, rehabilitation & release of injured birds of prey. Our community-based team of veterinary experts and specially trained volunteers provides all aspects of raptor care ranging from compassionate medical care to constructing cages that serve as temporary homes for recovering birds. Rocky Mountain Raptor Program also plays a vital role in community education and outreach, providing hands-on learning about raptor species and the environment. Private Behind the Scenes Tours explore the main rehabilitation facility on Vine Drive, including various work areas and some of the caging facilities. Visitors will learn about medical management of cases, how the RMRP trains and coordinates volunteers and staff to provide care for the birds 365 days/year. Injuries, therapies, and issues involved in caring for raptors are discussed. The tour may include an opportunity to meet an educational raptor.
Plains Conservation Center
The Plains Conservation Center exists to bring the natural wonder of the prairie into the realm of personal experience by: preserving a remnant of the eastern Colorado High Plains, educating the public about its natural and cultural heritage and nurturing sound conservation and environmental ethics. A visit to the Plains Conservation Center offers a unique way to experience the natural and cultural heritage of the High Plains of Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation with more than 15,000 acres of land. It’s a place where wildlife thrives and where visitors can reconnect with nature and experience the many wildlife-dependent opportunities the Refuge has to offer. Come walk the many easy hiking trails, take the self-guided Wildlife Drive auto tour, observe more than 330 species of wildlife, and explore the Visitor Center.
Visitors Centers in Colorado
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Explore Colorado Springs' paradise in one magical stop. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This world-class Visitor & Nature Center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region with all new interactive exhibits. Learn how the amazing red rocks got there with the NEW Geo-Trekker movie experience, shown every 20 minutes. Delight in one of Colorado's most photographed views while eating in our glass-enclosed café or from our terrace overlooking Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Admission into the Park and Visitor Center is free.
Manitou Cliff Dwellings
Explore the fascinating architecture of the ancient Anasazi and browse through two museums featuring cultural displays all overlooking the historic town of Manitou Springs. Be sure to include Manitou Cliff Dwellings during your visit to the Pikes Peak Region. The magic and mystery of the Native American culture is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Inside the Pueblo you'll tour the Anasazi Museum where dioramas depict daily life. There are also exhibits of tools, pottery, and weapons offering a glimpse of the mysterious people who left a remarkable architectural legacy on mesa tops and in cliff walls like the one at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. When you visit, there will be no need to hurry as you follow the self-guided tour and explore each room of these carefully preserved structures. As you do, imagine what it was like to live over seven hundred years ago in a structure like this. You can even have your picture taken in front of a building that’s a lot older than your Grandfather!
Nature Centers in Colorado
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a state and federally licensed zoological facility and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are located outside of Keenesburg, Colorado, 30 miles northeast of Denver. We are located on rural, rolling grasslands, comprising 720 acres and sheltering more than 290 large carnivores alone. TWAS is the largest sanctuary of its kind and one of the oldest in the United States.
Mordecai Children's Garden
The Children’s Garden offers a place for kids and families to play, explore and discover every spring, summer and fall. Because the natural environment constantly changes, no two visits in this magical 3-acre oasis will be alike. This garden is located at the Denver Botanic Gardens on top of the parking structure. Children can learn at the rooftop alpine garden, race pinecones down Springmelt Spring, hunt for bug in the Glorious Grasslands and observe aquatic life at Pipsqueak Pond.
The Wildlife Experience
Founded in 2002 as a wildlife art and natural history museum designed to serve as a cultural center and community asset for South Metro Denver. The 151,000 sq ft prairie mission style facility hosts numerous fine art, natural history and interactive science changing exhibits each year, in addition to its signature permanent exhibition, Globeology, featuring open dioramas interpreting eight biomes of the world. The Wildlife Experience strives to inspire a new generation of conservationists and outdoors enthusiasts by bringing visitors closer to wildlife and fostering the desire to experience the outdoors through high-quality exhibitions, large screen movies and a host of education programs.
Mount Goliath
Mount Goliath, a mountain peak section of the Mount Evans area, is accessible by the M. Walter Pesman Trail and is located 17 miles from Idaho Springs within the Arapaho National Forest. This trail winds through subalpine and alpine areas where wildflowers and animals live amid grand mountain vistas and the sculptured, grizzled beauty of the bristlecone pines.
Highlights include delicate alpine floral treasures such as alpine forget-me-nots, moss campion, fairy primrose, purple fringe, chiming bells and spring beauty. This is a trail of contrasts--awesome Rocky Mountain vistas of the Divide peaks; delicate floral treasures; wind-sculpted, ancient bristlecone pines; cold summit winds; and gentle summer breezes. The path winds through the exquisite blooms of the alpine tundra, talus slopes and subalpine meadows providing a delightful and educational hike in one of Colorado's most beautiful natural areas. The Denver Botanic Gardens offers guided tours of Mount Goliath on select dates in June through August
Butterfly Pavilion
The Butterfly Pavilion is home to over 5,000 animals, including Rosie the Tarantula, sea creatures, and over 1,600 butterflies. After walking through the tropical rainforest pavilion, explore the gardens and nature trails outside. They offer education programs for groups.
Colorado Gators Reptile Park
Colorado Gators is a family oriented, educational facility that focuses on full use of natural and recycled resources. Our goal is to maintain an integrated ecosystem while providing educational opportunities and viable farm products. Every visitor to Colorado Gators has the opportunity to meet, pet, hold, and take pictures with a little alligator. There are several large African Sulcata tortoises that wander freely throughout their section of the park. You can also see an albino alligator, Nile crocodiles, Burmese pythons, anacondas, and other reptiles.
Rocky Mountain Raptor Program
For 33 years, Rocky Mountain Raptor Program has served the northern Colorado community through rescue, rehabilitation & release of injured birds of prey. Our community-based team of veterinary experts and specially trained volunteers provides all aspects of raptor care ranging from compassionate medical care to constructing cages that serve as temporary homes for recovering birds. Rocky Mountain Raptor Program also plays a vital role in community education and outreach, providing hands-on learning about raptor species and the environment. Private Behind the Scenes Tours explore the main rehabilitation facility on Vine Drive, including various work areas and some of the caging facilities. Visitors will learn about medical management of cases, how the RMRP trains and coordinates volunteers and staff to provide care for the birds 365 days/year. Injuries, therapies, and issues involved in caring for raptors are discussed. The tour may include an opportunity to meet an educational raptor.
South Platte Park Carson Nature Center
South Platte Park is over 880 acres of open space along the South Platte River with 5 lakes open to fishing, 2.5 miles of the South Platte River and the Mary Carter Greenway for walking and biking, nearly 4 miles of natural surface trails, and the Carson Nature Center and classroom. South Platte Park has over 300 species of wildlife and is an excellent place for wildlife viewing, photography, and bird watching. Stop in to check out exhibits and live animals in our small museum, get information on trails or wildlife, or how to use our Interactive Water Table.
Plains Conservation Center
The Plains Conservation Center exists to bring the natural wonder of the prairie into the realm of personal experience by: preserving a remnant of the eastern Colorado High Plains, educating the public about its natural and cultural heritage and nurturing sound conservation and environmental ethics. A visit to the Plains Conservation Center offers a unique way to experience the natural and cultural heritage of the High Plains of Colorado.
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield provides a picturesque setting among the grasslands, ponds and cottonwood banks of Deer Creek. Facilities include nature trails, display gardens, educational exhibits, a historical farm and one-room schoolhouse, working beehives and picnic areas. Visit the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center, the historic Hildebrand Ranch, a restored 1918 dairy barn and silo, the 1874 Deer Creek Schoolhouse, 2.5 miles of nature trails, the Deer Creek Discovery children’s play area and numerous wildflower gardens.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation with more than 15,000 acres of land. It’s a place where wildlife thrives and where visitors can reconnect with nature and experience the many wildlife-dependent opportunities the Refuge has to offer. Come walk the many easy hiking trails, take the self-guided Wildlife Drive auto tour, observe more than 330 species of wildlife, and explore the Visitor Center.
Denver Botanic Gardens
With more than 32,000 plants on 23 acres from such far-away places as Australia, Africa and the Himalayas, Denver Botanic Gardens is recognized as one of the top five botanical gardens in the United States. Open year round. They offer special programs for school groups.
Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
The WCBG is home to an Herb Garden, Cactus Garden, Rose Garden and Orchid Display that are maintained by local gardening organizations. The WCBG maintains several other gardens including the Childrens Secret Garden, Shozan-en, Celebration Plaza, Community Garden and the lovely public gardens that surround our buildings.
Berry Patch Farms
Berry Patch Farms is a certified organic working farm that offers pick-your-own produce. The farm is 40 acres and no fees or membership dues are charged. You are encouraged to bring your children so they may learn more about agriculture and to have an authentic farm experience. School groups are most welcome. They are located in Brighton, just north of Denver.
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
Explore Colorado Springs' paradise in one magical stop. Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark. Imagine dramatic views, 300' towering sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak and brilliant blue skies. This world-class Visitor & Nature Center and museum is the most visited attraction in the region with all new interactive exhibits. Learn how the amazing red rocks got there with the NEW Geo-Trekker movie experience, shown every 20 minutes. Delight in one of Colorado's most photographed views while eating in our glass-enclosed café or from our terrace overlooking Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Admission into the Park and Visitor Center is free.
Field Trip Tips & Guidelines
5 Steps to a Successful Field Trip
Summer is a great time for field trips. Your schedule may be a bit more flexible, making it the perfect time to head out and explore! Field trips are an excellent way to enhance the learning done during the previous school year and inspire future learning. Planning and enjoying a field trip for a group or for your own family is easy. Here is a list of ideas to make the most of every experience.
How to Plan a Successful Field Trip
One of the highlights of homeschooling is a fun field trip. With the flexibility that homeschooling offers, the world is our oyster, right? Why read about something in a book when you can go experience it firsthand. Planning field trips, however, can be stressful. It doesn’t have to be, though. Read through tips that can help you plan successful field trips for your homeschool group.
Field Trip Planning Form
Helpful form for getting organized when planning field trips. Free and printable.
The Ultimate Guide to Field Trips for Homeschoolers
Field trips don’t have to be elaborate or cost of ton of money to be both fun and educational. Some of the best “field trips” are a nature walk and park lunch with friends. Especially when your children are young, keep them simple. Nature walks, zoos, and local places like the bakery, pizzeria, greenhouse, post office, police station, fire station, coffee shop, you name it you can tour it!
Field Trip Guidelines
Some helpful guidelines from Home School Legal Defense Association. The guidelines could easily be adapted as a list for members of a homeschool group. There is also a helpful checklist for field trip planners.
Colorado Homeschool Field Trips
This is an all inclusive group for homeschoolers of all ages to organize outings. Since we often travel for trips to places like the zoo, and some of us may be from more rural areas, this is a chance to make friends, network, and take advantage of group discounts!
The Ideal Homeschool Field Trip
Guidelines for planning a great outing with your homeschooling kids. This post is written by an experienced homeschooler who loves to get out and about to learn in a variety of ways.
Field Trips in a Large Family
There are lots of things to love about a large family, but being agile and moving about quickly isn’t really one of them. Learning in action and experiencing something first hand is one of the best things about homeschooling. It’s often what really sets apart our education from that of a traditional brick and mortar school. It is worth it to make the effort for field trips, though it doesn’t necessarily make them any easier!
10 Rules for Taking Field Trips
At the beginning of each school year, it would be a good time to have a field trip manners lesson with your support group. Parents and children alike sometimes need to think about what it’s like to be a docent or tour leader. Perhaps your group would even like to consider creating some field trip rules. The rules in this article are ten examples.
Organizing Homeschool Field Trips for Groups
Organizing group field trips is becoming a highly desired activity in homeschool support groups and co-ops. Not only do they offer social interaction but learning experiences as well. But without good planning, a field trip can end up being just a glorified play date. Home education time is limited, especially with the increasing number of extra curricular options for homeschoolers. Parents are becoming more selective of outside activities and attendance on group trips will fall off if participants aren’t seeing an educational benefit in addition to social time. This e-book will describe how to plan and host a great group field trip that will leave
the participants anxious for more and perhaps even take a turn at planning themselves.
Field Trip Report Form
This handy printable form lets your child record a written record of your field trip visit.
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Featured Resources
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Perrine's Sound & Sense: An Introduction to Poetry
Perrine's Sound and Sense is a fantastic book for studying poetry with your children. It is a great resource for high school students. It includes clear and thorough explanations of devices, forms, how to analyze poetry, and more, as well as a huge variety of poems, both classic and contemporary.
Smart Mouth
Ages: 8 years and up; For 2 or more playersSmart Mouth is a quick-thinking shout-it-out hilarious word game that helps build vocabulary skills. It includes variations of the rules for category play and for younger players. Players slide the Letter Getter forward and back to get two letters. The first player to shout out a word of five or more letters using those letters wins the round. The game includes tips for teachers. This is a fun game to play with children and adults together.
Montessori Method
This book is Montessori's own exposition of the theory behind her innovative educational techniques. She shows parents, teachers and administrators how to "free a child to learn through his own efforts".
Name That Country Game
"Dear Pen Pal, Konnichi wa! We've been to see Mt. Fuji. Name my country! Sayonara, Michiko." Challenge your group with this fast-paced geography game, created in 1992 by Educational Insights, Inc. Everyone begins at the post office. Players twirl a finely printed spinner (built into the game board itself) to select one of 60 countries. If the player can correctly identify the country's location on the board's numbered map, he or she may advance along the path to the finish. Bonus moves are won b...
Teach Me to Do It Myself: Montessori Activities for You and Your Child
Based on the key Montessori principle that children learn best through active experience, Teach Me to Do It Myself presents simple activities through which children explore and develop their skills. These skill areas include sensory perceptions, body coordination, language, understanding of numbers, and movement. This practical, color-illustrated parenting book is filled with activities and instructions for overseeing children as they carry out a variety of learning activities. Most activities w...