Cooler Weather Means Field Trips !

We try to have a field trip every week or two. It helps attitudes to get out of the house and move.

I research on the Internet at least a week ahead of time, if not more, before I decide on a field trip.

Decide what town you want to visit. Sometimes you find a place first then research what else the towns has to offer.

Check for free things to do/ see in the town or in the pathway TO/FROM the town. Go a different way home. Explore a little....

Find a local park ( P.E. ), check local restaurants for kid meal deals- work you schedule around those or make sure you have lunch time NOT at your local workers lunch time. It's usually quieter and less traffic if you do this.

We recently went to a CiCi's pizza and they had a sign in the window " Happy Hour 2-4 pm ". ONLY the adult meals were discounted though. Nothing on the sign said the kid's meals wouldn't be reduced. I could've argued this point but was already tired. LOL !

Know where a local grocery store is if you decide to get sandwiches for a park picnic- or pack your own before you leave home. I've found it's much easier/ cheaper to grab something quick with one child compared to four. I've done my time..... I sometimes request for my grandchild to go with us. Even toddlers can enjoy field trips. I find the more the merrier for kids. Find another family that you know well to go with you!

Words of caution: I DON'T go to events for kids anymore ! These things are VERY busy and too many kids at once wondering around that aren't yours. If you must, wear all the same color shirts. Always safety first !

It's really hard for kids to hear you discuss artifacts etc. when a lot of people are talking around you. Some places are starting to cater to home school families by having special days for Home School kids. That's really nice they are finally recognizing the fact after umpteen years but..... In my opinion, people who want to do kids harm are also looking at these times and dates for kid centered activities and they KNOW it will be confusing and crowded. I say, just don't on those days. Pay a little extra and go on a different day.

Ideas:

Local historical museums- History- sometimes Science, Social Cultures/dress at the time

Zoos- If you can afford it- get the ZOO it ALL bands and do everything- especially the trams. SCIENCE

Botanical Gardens- SCIENCE- BOTANY

Historical sites- sometimes there are re-enactments - HISTORY

Natural wonders- warn kids to follow all posted safety rules. I heard two adults were killed this summer because they were too close to dangerous edges. Just DON'T tempt God by being foolish and risky. NOT worth a selfie or a quick look. SCIENCE- History?

Ethnic Festivals- in Oklahoma we have many of these since our state has many varied cultures. Research dates so you can start discussing things related before you go. Be aware, some people drink alcohol at these events. It's sad people can't just enjoy the event and let families also be free of stupid drunks doing things in front of children. Pretty sad lives if you have to have alcohol to enjoy everything. Oh well.... A different kind of lesson for your kids to see in action. Study about the culture before you go. Learn some words of the language. HISTORY- SOCIAL CULTURES- GEOGRAPHY- FOREIGN LANGUAGE.

Working Farms- be careful ! SCIENCE

Business tours - We have several ice cream plants in OKlahoma. ECONOMICS, SCIENCE- HEALTH CODES- Safety, Employment

Organic grocery stores- My favorite is Whole Foods but Sprouts is cool too.- Science, Health, Nutrition, Organic standards

Farmer's market/ fruit stands/ pecan groves- local food events- we have a peach festival, strawberry, pecan, and others.... Employment, Economics, Science

Dinner at an Amish family's home- These can be expensive and are scheduled with many other people at the same time. We have several Amish communities here in OKlahoma. Learn a bit of "Pennslyvania Deitsch"/German before you go ! The language is an official North American language now. - Health, Nutrition, Employment, Religion, Foreign Language,Social Culture, History, Science

Visiting/ cleaning grave sites of famous people or of family members just found on the family tree- make it a project. Life Cycle- Family Cultures, Military ?, Respect, Social Culture

Historical homes of people of interest- oil tycoons are pretty popular here.... lovely old homes though. Some give tours. Social Culture, History, Science, Preservation, Construction

HAVE FUN and be safe !