Bring the past into the present with these hands on history field trip ideas. Seeing actual historic sites, and especially living history sites, really brings the past to life.
Click to read also: History Activities for Kids
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History Field Trip Ideas
What You'll Find on This Page
Field trips offer an amazing opportunity to teach children about history. This post features field trips that inspired my children to learn more about history. I especially recommend visiting living history sites if you are able, since they specifically work to immerse children into a particular point in time.
What to Look for in a History Field Trip
Anything from an art museum to a living history site counts as a history field trip! Here are a few things to look or plan for to make the most of the trip:
Play to Children’s Interests
As you start exploring history field trips, look for elements that will appeal to your children’s existing interests. Visiting a castle? You can focus on architecture, defense mechanisms, or even fashion! Avoid crowded exhibits with a child who gets easily overstimulated, and don’t try to take a child who really needs to run some energy off into an art museum.
Bring Snacks
Make sure you child is well fed as you visit historic sites. Try to also choose outfits wisely so that they are neither too hot nor too cold.
Make the Most of Opportunities to Have Fun!
More and more historic sites build in ways to make history genuinely fun. Look for hands on learning activities. Watch reenactments.
Extend the Learning
Check out library books and movies once you return home to extend the learning. Include both historical fiction and non fiction books and movies.
History Field Trips for Kids
Field trips offer powerful ways to bring history to life for children.
Living History: Old Sturbridge Village
Old Stubridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts is my favorite living history site. Featuring an entire town's worth of buildings, visitors enjoy live demos and entertainment from workers in period dress. Come in the spring for sheep shearing and sheep herding demos!
Florida History: The Apalachee and Spanish at San Luis Mission
From 1656 to 1704, Florida’s San Luis was home to the main Apalachee village as well as serving as a military, religious, and administrative capital for Spain. The site even features a full size Apalachee council house.
Learning History Through Art
Art brings history to life in powerful ways. Learn how to use art to teach history.
Iron Age History: Visiting The Scottish Crannog on Loch Tay
I had no idea how sophisticated the Iron Age was before I visited a replica of a Scottish Crannog on Loch Tay.
California Gold Rush History for Kids
Learn all about California's Gold Rush history in this post that also features photos from Roaring Camp, a Gold Rush era living history site.
Edinburgh Castles and Museums for Kids: Week 2 in Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland is home to two castles and a palace! It's a great place to explore the royal history of the United Kingdom.
Exploring Medieval Secrets in Craigmillar Castle
A little known gem south of Edinburgh's city center, Craigmillar Castle offers an incredible introduction to Medieval castles.
What are your favorite history field trip ideas that we should add to this list? What are your top tips for having fun while there, and extending the learning once you return home?
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MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Those snacks are so very important.
When the kids were younger and we went to art museums or similar places, we made a point to have the kids run around a bunch before going in so they got some of their energy out ahead of time.
Oh, that’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing!