A field trip does not have to be costly or extravagant to serve its purpose. The purpose behind a field trip is to give kids a real world experience and a change of scenery. A change is good to allow lessons to sink in and draw a connection to the world. Lessons are sometimes best when they jump off the page. With a little creativity and research you can have a homeschooling journey that does not break the bank.
Library: Check your local library for special events and classes. Most will be free or have a small fee. You may even find clubs and story times to participate in on a regular basis.
Geocaching: Geocaching is a fun activity that incorporates nature walking, treasure hunting, and lessons on navigation. If you already have a GPS, then visit geocaching.com for more information on how to get started. If not, but you have a smartphone you can download free apps or low cost apps to get started.
Free Days or Special Days: A lot of museums and attractions have free days or special discounted days. Just call to inquire. Park systems and zoos often have special events and free days.
Group Discounts: If you belong to a homeschool co-op or know enough interested parties, you may be able to get a group rate or negotiate a group rate at a local attraction or museum.
Pack a Lunch: Some of the biggest expenses on a field trip are meals. Let’s face to, we leave the house with kids and at some point they will require food or something to drink. Plan ahead and pack a lunch, snacks, and drinks. Make sure to bring plenty of napkins and extra bags for trash. You may also want to consider finding out which restaurants give free kid meals on which days and plan some field trips around that schedule.