Field trips are a chance to see things firsthand. Everyone needs a change of scenery and a way to connect lessons in a book to real life. Field trips provide an educational vacation time for you and your kids. I love going on field trips but I have to keep the budget in mind. Here are some fun and frugal field trips for your family.
Fun and Frugal Filed Trips
Community jobs. Taking a tour of your local fire department, police department, or post office is free. Set a up a time with a group or on your own by calling them directly.
Local Businesses. Arange a behind the scenes visit to a local business such as a grocery store, health food store, restaurant, or even a bank. Normally there is no cost for these trips but they may require a group.
Library Programs. Ask your local library for a list of programs they offer. You will find story times, clubs, and special events. Most will be free or have a minimal fee.
Barnes and Noble/Local Stores. Barnes and Noble and other stores offer craft times, story times, and special events that are normally free.
Parks. Just going to your local park for a nature walk is a great field trip. Have a plan such as spotting wildlife, picking leaves, or navigating your way around a trail.
Geocaching. Geocaching is a fun activity that can be done just about anywhere. Download the geocaching app on your phone or access online and find a place to start. The kids will love getting out of the house to go on an adventure to find treasure.
Another tip to save money is to pack a lunch and/or snacks. Food is costly on the run not to mention mostly unhealthy. Each of my kids has lunch bags and backpacks ready to go for our adventures. It saves me so much money to bring along lunch, water, and snacks.