Take a Trip

After a year with very few school trips, it’s time to start preparing for new adventures. Whether you’re planning a day out, working with your PTA on a class trip or enriching homeschooling for the kids, these spots offer fun, hands-on learning.

ADVENTURE AQUARIUM

1 Riverside Dr., Camden 844-474-3474

The kids will marvel at the aquarium’s collection of more than 15,000 aquatic animals—which includes the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast. Take a walk through the shark tunnel, and get up close and personal with hippos.

ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

224-65 76th Ave., Oakland Gardens, NY 718-229-4000

A day at the Alley Pond Environmental Center includes a guided interpretive walk and a chance to meet live animals or try a STEMbased activity. Class visits are by reservation only, so make sure to sign up in advance.

AMERICA’S GROW-A-ROW

150 Pittstown Rd., Pittstown 908-331-2962

Visitors will learn about food scarcity and plants. Classes can visit, or the organization can come to them to teach about healthy eating and agriculture.

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

200 Central Park West at 79th St., NYC 212-769-5100

From dinosaurs to outer space, there’s so much to explore here. Pick a floor or hall and use the museum’s online field trip guides to customize your trip.

BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY

62 Battleship Pl., Camden 856-966-1652

Visit the massive ship docked in the Delaware River on the Camden Waterfront and step into a fascinating chapter in the history of war. Kids can spend the night aboard in bunks starting September 17.

BRONX ZOO

2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 718-220-5100

Get close to gorillas, see tigers from the monorail, watch sea lion and penguin feedings, walk through the Madagascar exhibit and more. Indoor exhibits like JungleWorld and the World of Reptiles are great in case of unexpected rain.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MANHATTAN

212 West 83rd Street, NYC 212-721-1223

Young students will love the Inside Art exhibit, hanging out with two of their favorite Nickelodeon characters at Adventures with Dora and Diego, or becoming superheroes when they visit the Superpowered Metropolis.

CIRCLE LINE SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Pier 83, Midtown, NYC 212-563-3200

With tour guides and outdoor decks to provide views of more than 130 NYC landmarks, Circle Line’s cruises are a great way to see the city! Circumnavigate the island of Manhattan on the Best of NYC Cruise, head to the Statue of Liberty on the Liberty Midtown Cruise, or see the best Manhattan has to offer on the Landmarks Cruise.

THE COASTAL EXPERIENCE

Various locations 732-872-1300, ext. 13

Little marine biologists can learn everything about the sea, from the history of Sandy Hook to how humans affect the ocean and its inhabitants. In-person field trips will start again in the spring, but kids can enjoy virtual learning programs for now.

COOPER GRISTMILL

66 Rte. 24, Chester Township 908-879-5463

Nathan Cooper built this gristmill in 1826, and it’s now one of the only remaining restored waterpowered mills in NJ. The site spans 14 acres rich with history; visitors can step back in time with a 45-minute tour led by a costumed master miller.

DA VINCI SCIENCE CENTER

3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown, PA 484-664-1002

Learn how electricity works, explore the Engineers on a Roll playscape and lab, discover the motion of the ocean at Wave Power, take a seat in the Newton chairs and more.

FIELD STATION: DINOSAURS

Overpeck County Park Henry Hoebel Area, Fort Lee Rd., Leonia 855-999-9010

Travel 90 million years back in time with more than 30 life-sized, moving, robotic dinosaurs. Kids can feel like real paleontologists as they look at fossils and study dino eating habits. Open weekends year-round with an extended summer schedule.

FOSTERFIELDS LIVING HISTORICAL FARM

73 Kahdena Rd., Morristown 973-326-7645

Kids can experience life in the fields as it was in the 1920s when Cara Foster—whose father, Charles, purchased the land in 1881—ran the farm. They’ll love feeding chickens, brushing cows and learning about the Industrial Revolution in the old-school mills.

FRANKLIN INSTITUTE

222 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 215-448-1200

Do you remember walking your way through the gigantic human heart at this science museum? It’s still there—and as beloved as ever. There’s also a mirror maze, escape rooms, science shows, 3-D printing displays and more.

FRANKLIN MINERAL MUSEUM

32 Evans St., Franklin 973-827-3481

Little geologists will learn how minerals and mining affect us as they view impressive mineral specimens from the area. Though currently operating on a limited basis due to COVID, the museum is still open Friday-Sunday.

THE GAGASPHERE

140 Franklin Tpke., Waldwick 201-445-2546

In the Physics of Motion School Assembly, members of the Gaga team will visit your school and lead students on an investigation into the laws of motion using the principles of Gaga, a form of dodgeball that originated in Israel.

GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown 973-538-3500

High schoolers can learn the ins and outs of water quality monitoring or explore terrestrial ecology/wetlands hydrology, while younger students will love searching for macroinvertebrates in a local body of water. Schedule a customized field trip or use one of the facility’s lesson plans to bring the Great Swamp into your classroom.

GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE

80 Sculptors Way, Hamilton 609-586-0616

More than a garden, this beautiful spot combines both nature and art. Filled with contemporary works, the grounds boast more than 270 spectacular sculptures across 42 acres.

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM OF ART

1071 Fifth Ave, NYC 212-423-3500

In case the museum’s incredible exhibits aren’t enough incentive to visit, the building itself is also one of eight Frank Lloyd Wright designs designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This means that while students marvel at the Guggenheim’s collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern French masterpieces, they are also exploring an architectural masterpiece. The museum is also currently offering one-hour museum tours for K-12 students.

HEALTHBARN USA

1057 Hillcrest Rd., Ridgewood 201-444-2955

Kids will learn the benefits of fresh produce and a healthy lifestyle through a visit to the garden, a smoothie taste test and a planting session with recyclable pots and games.

HISTORIC LONGSTREET FARM

44 Longstreet Rd., Holmdel 732-946-3758

See how farmers worked back in the 1890s. Highlights include wagon rides, house tours, completion of traditional farm chores like cow milking and egg collecting, chicken feed processing, ice cream making and butter churning.

THE HISTORIC VILLAGE AT ALLAIRE

4263 Atlantic Ave., Farmingdale 732-919-3500

This former factory town is now a living history experience where kids can get a glimpse of life during the 19th century. Historic interpreters dressed in period garb give tours and demos about life pre-electricity.

HOWELL LIVING HISTORY FARM

70 Woodens Ln., Lambertville 609-737-3299

Open since the 1730s, this farm is a prime location for learning about growing produce. School trips are meant to provide hands-on experiences that engage kids in the seasonal activities of a working farm. Kids can explore the hen house, corn crib and ox barn as well as the windmill and blacksmith area; depending on the season, they will also be able to watch demonstrations in maple sugaring and sheep shearing. Virtual programs are also available.

IMAGINE THAT!!!

4 Vreeland Rd., Florham Park 973-966-8000

Hit the music room to jam and play instruments, the puppet theater for a show, the arts and crafts area to get creative or the castle jungle gym play area to exert all that energy. Don’t leave without a visit to the pirate ship and fishing area, the train exhibit and the magnet wall!

INTREPID SEA, AIR & SPACE MUSEUM

Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave., NYC 212-245-0072

Visitors to the legendary aircraft carrier will be amazed by the Space Shuttle Pavilion, where they’ll get a close-up look at a retired NASA space shuttle. Kids can also walk through a former military submarine, check out the interactive Exploreum and more. Free virtual education and Intrepid Adventure programs are also available.

iPLAY AMERICA

110 Schanck Rd., Freehold 732-577-8200

Kids already love it here for the rides and Jersey Shore-inspired boardwalk. Now, they’ll love it for its innovative science-themed field trip programs, too. Interactive programs teach concepts like force, friction and momentum with laser mazes, go karts, roller coasters and more attractions. Ask about the Adventure Workbook, covering everything from science to history to math.

LAKOTA WOLF PRESERVE

89 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Columbia 908-496-9244

Take a Wolf Watch tour to get to know these majestic animals. You’ll see the wolves at play, along with bobcats and foxes. Young photography enthusiasts can also take the opportunity to snap pictures of the wildlife and scenery.

LIBERTY HALL MUSEUM

1003 Morris Ave., Union 908-527-0400

This mansion is home to antique furniture, art and a rich history. Guests will be transported to the Victorian era while learning about NJ’s first governor.

LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER

222 Jersey City Blvd., Jersey City 201-200-1000

The kids will get hands-on experience with electricity, amphibians and much more as they explore the museum and participate in programs designed for field trips, which include laboratory workshops and virtual stage presentations. Don’t miss limited-time exhibits or a show in the biggest planetarium in the western hemisphere!

MACCULLOCH HALL

45 MacCulloch Ave., Morristown 973-538-2404

This museum offers custom field trips by

grade. First graders can tour the garden, kitchen and drawing room while grades 2-3 get the scoop on plant cycles and composting. You can also bring the experience to you with a classroom visit.

MEDIEVAL TIMES

149 Polito Ave, Lyndhurst 888-935-6878 Visitors will be guests of the Queen at this royal banquet. The castle is home to knights, falcons and horses who’ll put on an amazing show, complete with hand-to-hand combat and jousting.

MONMOUTH MUSEUM

765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft 732-747-2266

Explore monthly themes like pop art, space and math with hands-on crafts and workshops. Wander the Becker Children’s Wing and Wonder Wing to board pirate ships, learn about ancient Egypt and more.

MONTCLAIR ART MUSEUM

3 S. Mountain Ave., Montclair 973-746-5555

Virtual field trips at the Montclair Art Museum present students with 3D images of the gallery, feature artists of diverse backgrounds and are live and interactive. Themes include “eco art,” Native American art and portraits of American landscapes; students can make art using Creativity Kits that can be sent to their schools in advance.

MORRIS MUSEUM

6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown 973-971-3700

Think galleries of geological finds from NJ and beyond, as well as American Indian cultures, the Science of Sound and more. Don’t miss kiddie shows at the attached Bickford Theater.

MORRISTOWN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

30 Washington Pl., Morristown 973-539-2016, ext. 210

This National Historical Park is located at the site where George Washington and the Continental Army survived the winter of 1779. There are 27 miles of hiking trails to explore and kids can go on a scavenger hunt to become Junior Rangers.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MATHEMATICS

11 East 26th Street, NYC 212-542-0566

Offering in-person and online field trips for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade, students will attend educator-led sessions on topics like cryptography and topology. Kids can use statistics to nail a free-throw, create stereographic images by manipulating metal plates and even ride a tricycle with square wheels!

NEWARK MUSEUM

49 Washington St., Newark 973-596-6550

Experience the Newark Museum from the comfort of the classroom with virtual field trips and science and tech fairs. Teachers can pick from a variety of trip themes organized by grade and ranging from African Art to escape rooms and fossils or design a custom virtual trip of their own.

NEW JERSEY STATE HOUSE

145 W. State St., Trenton 609-847-3150

Once re-opened for in-person tours, visitors will have the chance to learn about NJ representatives, visit the Senate and General Assembly galleries and explore the building’s art and architecture. For now, the State House’s Virtual Classroom materials are available and teachers can also schedule virtual class visits to bring NJ’s legislature to them!

NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM

205 W. State St., Trenton 609-292-6464

Dive into fascinating pieces of Garden State history like Native American artifacts, dinosaur fossils and flags from the Civil War. Visit the planetarium in person or check out the museum’s Virtual Planetarium Sky Talks from home.

NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE

47-01 111th St., Queens, NY 718-699-0005

Explore more than 450 exhibits at this museum where students can take a tour of the solar system and learn about all things science from more than 30 unique education programs. If you can’t make it to Queens, your child’s teacher can video conference workshops from the classroom.

OLD BARRACKS MUSEUM

101 Barrack St., Trenton 609-396-1776

Head to the state’s capital city to see where soldiers lived during the Revolutionary War. All field trips were virtual last year, but the museum has since re-opened for in-person visits.

PATERSON GREAT FALLS

72 McBride Ave., Paterson 973-523-0370

This stunning natural attraction has magnificent waterfalls that you can almost reach out and touch, all while learning about the history of Paterson and its industrial renaissance on a guided tour. The museum itself is currently closed, but reservations are available for tours and the falls are accessible and free to visit for everyone.

PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM

4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, PA 215-581-3181

Touching the artwork is half the fun here. We love Wonderland, where they’ll feel like they’ve fallen down the rabbit hole, and Rocket Room, where they’ll learn about space and launch their own rocket in Mission Control.

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

Elm Dr., Princeton 609-258-3788

Though the galleries have been closed so that a new museum can be constructed, online resources like digital exhibitions, art-making classes and on-demand videos can still help you to get the Princeton museum experience.

QUEENS COUNTY FARM MUSEUM

73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Queens, NY 718-347-3276

Seasonal education programs include fall forays into apple cider pressing, composting and sustainability. Winter quilting lessons and spring sessions on the history of NYC and the importance of pollinators are also available.

RAPTOR TRUST

1390 White Bridge Rd., Millington 908-647-2353

Kids can learn about hawks, eagles, owls and other birds of prey being rehabilitated. They’ll learn the role these birds play in the food chain and see them in action while touring the facility.

RED MILL MUSEUM VILLAGE

56 Main St., Clinton 908-735-4101

Tours of this 19th century Hunterdon County landmark will make kids feel like they’ve stepped back in time. They can learn about everything from life during the 1800s to 19th century textile production as they walk the grounds or try their hand at basket making and weaving. Go in the fall for spooky ghost tours.

RUTGERS GEOLOGY MUSEUM

85 Somerset St., New Brunswick 848-932-7243

The Geology Museum is currently closed for in-person visits, but virtual programs like bilingual tours and paint-along events still allow your students to get the museum experience.

SCHIFF NATURE PRESERVE

339 Pleasant Valley Rd., Mendham 973-543-6004

Dubbed the place where “wild things happen naturally,” Schiff is home to 15 miles of trails, 768 acres of protected land and plenty of educational programs. Most programs are being held outdoors so make sure to register 24 hours in advance!

FROM LEFT: THE RAPTOR TRUST / YOGI BERRA MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER

SEA LIFE AQUARIUM

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford 551-234-6382

Kids will come face-to-face with 3,000 different exotic aquatic creatures in more than 20 marine exhibits (and get even closer to some, thanks to the touch tank). There are also education workshops covering subjects like habitats and animal behavior.

SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM

12 Fulton St., NYC 212-748-8600

This museum offers tours of historic buildings and ships and interactive learning activities. Kids can ride a tugboat or schooner after learning about the 19th century port of New York. Visitors can enter some of the ships as part of the 2021 Season of Seaport Museum Open Days or do virtual tours.

STATUE OF LIBERTY

Liberty State Park Morris Pesin Dr., Jersey City 201-915-3403

Visitors can climb the pedestal but the crown remains closed at this time. On Ellis Island—the museum itself is open, but theaters remain closed for now. You can also check out the newly opened Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island.

STORM KING ART CENTER

1 Museum Rd., New Windsor, NY 845-534-3115

Kids will marvel at the large-scale works of art and on-site commissions at this open-air arts center located on 500 acres in New York’s Hudson Valley. You’ll get lots of steps as you take in a huge collection of contemporary sculptures. For now, it’s open as an outdoor experience only with limited capacity.

THOMAS EDISON NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

211 Main St., West Orange 973-736-0550, ext. 11

They may know Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, but what about his other works? Here, kids can explore his chemistry lab and tour the Black Maria, Edison’s first film studio.

TiLT

1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford 833-263-7326

Become one with the art at TiLT, which provides an immersive art experience designed (with guests of all ages in mind) by award-winning artist Tracy Lee Stum. The museum also features new pieces from emerging artists.

TURTLE BACK ZOO

560 Northfield Ave., West Orange 973-731-5800

This zoo keeps adding more amazing stuff, like a giraffe exhibit and a sea turtle recovery center. You’ll love the hands-on farm and aviary, where the budgerigars hop on your hands as you feed them.

VALLEY SHEPHERD CREAMERY

50 Fairmount Rd., Long Valley 908-876-3200

During a guided tour, kids can visit farm animals and learn to age cheese. Stop at the Sheep Shoppe for a unique souvenir.

WALL STREET WALKS

Various locations, Downtown, NYC 212-666-0175

Take the signature Wall Street Tour to learn about this economic hub’s beginnings, or try a tour designed for students: themes include financial literacy, Panics, Crashes and the Financial Crisis (which explores the impact of the Great Depression on the financial sector) and the women who’ve made their mark on Wall Street.

THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION CENTER

303 Midland Ave., Garfield 201-257-2231

Students can visit this center on field trips to learn how important bats are to the ecosystem. Kids can watch presentations on bats, reptiles and rainforest critters, plus see animals up close.

YOGI BERRA MUSEUM & LEARNING CENTER

Montclair State University 8 Yogi Berra Dr., Little Falls 973-655-2378

This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the New York Yankees legend. Fifth through 12th graders can choose from four topics for field trips: Baseball & STEM Experience; Poetry, Spoken Word & Yogi-isms, Discovering the Negro Leagues and Standing Up. Field trips are currently running virtually and in person.

ZIMMERLI ART MUSEUM

71 Hamilton St., New Brunswick 848-932-7237

Kids can check out thousands of pieces of art, take drawing classes, go on educator-led discovery tours and so much more when the museum reopens September 1st.