Welcome to the 2025 Ultimate Guide
Educators and youth leaders are the backbone of our society. These awesome teachers, scout leaders, homeschool champions, camp directors, PTA planners and recreational leaders help shape and guide our children. Cheers to you and thanks for picking this up!
NJ KIDS produces this handy resource to help you dive into a treasure trove of wonderful field trip destinations. Our guide brings you new fun-filled educational and creative adventures, exciting programs, group activities, and must-see venues that will ignite curiosity and creativity. Our Pre-K through 12th grade student leaders can choose from a diverse array of science, nature, arts, theater, history and adventure. It’s all here, ready for you to explore. Some will even come to your location!
This special edition is delivered straight to your mailbox once a year, but the fun doesn’t stop there. You can access the guide online 24/7, all year round, at www.njkidsonline.com/field-trip-guide If you would like copies delivered to your school location, please email us with your full address, contact name, and phone number at admin@njkidsonline.com.
We can’t wait to connect you to all these amazing field trip options in and around NJ.
Happy Field-Tripping!
Sandra Leu & the NJ KIDS Team
NJ Field Trips & Assemblies Guide is an annual publication published by NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any mannerwithout written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc.
Copyright 2025 NJ Field Trip & Assemblies Guide.
Volume 11, No.1
Published by
NJ KIDS MEDIA GROUP, Inc. PO Box 542, Roseland, NJ 07068
TO ADVERTISE: advertise@njkidsonline.com 973.303.3027
NEXT DEADLINE: February 10, 2025: Digital Campaign September 10, 2025: Fall Print
EVENT LISTINGS:
Submit events to: njkidsonline.com/events
We welcome events of interest to group coordinators and families following NJ Kids. Events must be open to the public.
DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS
Post online listings, article and social media posts. advertise@njkidsonline.com
DISTRIBUTION & COPY REQUESTS
For additional copies, email us at admin@njkidsonline.com. This publication covers NJ State and is mailed directly to schools, camps, recreation departments, libraries, scouts, and other group organizations. The Digital ebook is emailed to subscribers throughout the year and can be found online.
NJ Field Trips & Assemblies Guide is an annual publication published by NJ Kids
We assume no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions, nor do we recommend programs, nor do we warrant the accuracy or reliatbility of any of the information contained in this book. Nothing herein contained may be reproduced in any manner without written permission of NJ Kids Media Group, Inc. Copyright 2025 NJ Field Trip & Assemblies Guide.
Field Trips & Assembles
Island Aqua Park is a family owned and operated business for over 35 years! Introducing their newest property, one of the biggest inflatable water parks located on the beach in the bay in Margate, NJ. Their other location is in Stone Harbor, NJ. They are welcoming groups of all sorts to come enjoy fun on the water! Come see this water park! Enjoy the bay and GET SALTY! See ad on page 7.
Book today!
For a full lineup of SchoolTime performances, please visit njpac.org/schooltime.
schooltime is back!
A Día de Muertos Musical Adventure
Nov 6 @ 10AM
Experience the rich traditions of Día de Muertos with this joyful and uplifting show, filled with colorful Mexican music and dance.
Give your students the ultimate field trip during our 2024 – 25 season with one or more of our curated performing arts experiences at NJPAC.
ben williams
I Am A Man
Nov 19 @ 10AM & 12:30PM
The GRAMMY®-winning bassist performs a compelling fusion of jazz, soul, R&B and hip hop, showing “the complexity of our humanity as Black American men.”
ladies of hip hop & the runaway bunny goodnight moon
Black Dancing Bodies Project: Speak My Mind
Feb 6 & 7 @ 10AM & 12:30PM
This liberating dance performance uplifts hip hop culture while exploring the question: If I could speak my mind, what would I say?”
NJPAC thanks its generous Arts Education sponsors. For a full listing, please visit njpac.org/education. sugar skull!
Apr 3 @ 12:30PM
Experience the beloved children’s books in this charming production, with endearing rabbit characters, glow-inthe-dark scenery and clever puppetry.
ROCK CLIMBING ROCK CLIMBING
AAT T
with locations throughout New Jersey with locations throughout New Jersey including Chatham, Hoboken, Montclair, and Upper Saddle River including Chatham, Hoboken, Montclair, and Upper Saddle River
PERFECT ACTIVITY FOR AGES 5+
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GROUP RATES AVAILABLE
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Build Build Confidence Confidence & & Friendships Friendships
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Augmented Augmented Reality Games Reality Games
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The Transformative The Transformative Of… Of… POWER POWER
Field Field Field Trips! Trips! Trips!
Field Trips are essential to a well-rounded education
From Kindergarten to 12th grade, excursions are packed with benefits that fuel growth and learning. Whether it’s exploring educational spots that bring academics to life, enjoying entertainment that sparks creativity, or diving into art and music that foster expression and cultural appreciation, field trips are a goldmine of opportunities. Outdoor adventures like hiking add even more value, helping students connect with nature, build life skills and enjoy teamwork-filled fun. With such a wide variety of destinations, there’s something to inspire every student.
.....continued on page 18
An Arts & Cultural Center with On-Site Experiences for All Ages
Outdoor Experiences: Connecting with Nature and Building Skills
Hiking and nature explorations encourage students to embrace the outdoors, promoting physical fitness and environmental stewardship. These activities build resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance, as students learn about ecosystems and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Overcoming challenges in nature boost confidence and leaves students with a sense of accomplishment.
Entertainment Destinations: Sparking Creativity and Fun
Trips to trampoline parks, challenge courses and amusement parks give students a chance to unwind, but they can also learn about motion and physics. These outings challenge them physically, encourage teamwork, and offer a break from routine.
Art Destinations: Expressing Creativity and Emotion
Visits to art museums, galleries and creative workshops let students explore various forms of art, inspiring creativity and non-verbal expression. Workshops experiences sharpen problem-solving skills and fine motor development while expanding creativity. Outdoor art activities, like painting nature or photography connect students to the world’s beauty, enhancing their artistic and environmental awareness.
Field Trips are more than just a break from the classroom - they’re a dynamic part of a student’s educational adventure, offering experiences that can’t be found in textbooks.
Field Trips offer a treasure trove of experiences that nuture curiosity, foster growth and equip students with the skill they need to succeed in life.
Music Performances: Cultivating Appreciation and Passion
Field trips to concerts, operas and music workshops expose students to diverse musical genres, enriching their appreciation for music as an art form. Live performances evoke emotions and enhance well-being, while hands-on workshops can ignite a lifelong passion for music, offering insights into potential careers and mentorship opportunities. Cultural festivals celebrate diversity, broadening their perspectives and fostering unity.
Field Trips
that Come to You.
With budget cuts, transportation hurdles, and longer approval process, many schools are strapped and unfortunately can’t leave the premises. Don’t fret, because many organizations are taking their show on the road! There are so many new assembly programs being offered where they can bring the expert engagement and interactivity into your own classroom or school auditorium. Traveling museums for instance are designed to reach your students in a dynamic new format, to get kids excited. Many are prepared to provide a wealth of classroom ready online resources to enhance your teaching.
Free “Tours” Field Trips if you can’t get away or have the budget
Can’t do it? No budget? Don’t be stuck in the same environment. Take them out of the classroom. There are many places around your town that would be willing to offer children the chance to explore and get some real-world experience without a hefty price tag. Ask about volunteer opportunities, a great way to help and learn. Also you get to meet the professional behind the scenes.
• Fire Station - Step into the daily routines of our fire fighters. Children might get the chance to try on a fireman’s gear, climb a truck, run through a simulated home and hear the fire truck’s siren.
• Grocery Store - Learn about the supply chain of food! Give them the chance to stack boxes, unload produce, or help at the checkout.
• Library - This could be a volunteer opportunity to collect books, stack shelves, or clean up old ones. They can learn about the cataloging system, and then get their own library card.
• Bakery - Learn all about ingredients and how they become tasty treats. Perhaps the children can even help make some.
• Walk Around The School - What about a silent walk with the task to observe, hear, and touch but not to speak – what a novel idea? Teach them concentration skills and have them become more aware of physical surroundings.
If you can get away, try these free venues:
• State Beaches - Learn about the water ecosystem and the ocean. At the beach, team build and see who can make the largest sand castle creation.
• State Parks - Meet with a park ranger and explore what they do in the great outdoors. Our state parks are packed with trails, nature and wildlife.
• Wetlands - Discover freshwater wetlands, upland woods, and the fresh water flowing through it.
• Wildlife Preserve and Nature Centers - Visit a wildlife preserve with the vast variety of species of birds and mammals using the park. Nature reserves immerse students in ecosystems, nurturing a love for the environment.
• Lighthouses - What better exercise than to climb. Some are equipped with picnic areas, hiking trails, nature parks, scenery.
WWays to make your Field Trip an outstanding experience
ant to add excitement and adventure to your field trip? Want to make learning new skills and concepts fun while reinforcing classroom topics? Want a trip that is memorable for the kids and for the school? Don’t get trapped in following your predecessors or don’t just “go with the flow’. Be creative, be thoughtful and you’ll stand out amongst your peers. It certainly takes some serious planning and teamwork to reach a successful well-focused field trip. Here are 7 pre-and post-trip steps on how maximize the learning value of any field trip. This applies to planning assemblies as well. All of this takes time, but it will be so worth it.
STEP 1: MAKE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE TRIP AND CURRICULUM
The secret to planning a focused field trip is to make connections between the trip and your curriculum, learning goals and other projects. Consider these ideas.
Have a curriculum for the term ready, or at least an idea of the major concepts you’ll be working on. Will you be focusing on one main topic or will you be involving multiple concepts - from math, science, language and history to life skills. Trips have to be integrated into the big picture so that their lessons aren’t lost. A trip to an amusement park will always be fun, but with planning and preparation, it can also be a vehicle for
learning about topics ranging from engineering to why we have to obey the rules.
Ask yourself questions:
• What are the goals of the lessons for the term? What are the difficult concepts to teach
Or you may even build your curriculum around your field trip(s) by listing an overview of all the field trips you might take during the term.
STEP 2: RESEARCH AND CREATE A LIST OF POTENTIAL FIELD TRIPS
Think of places to visit, and then consider each prospective place next to the list of concepts your lessons are focused on. Once you have many ideas for possible field trips, you and your team can begin to narrow down the list. For each idea, ask,
• What can we see or do there?
• What can we learn?
• How does each place correlate with the learning goals for the term and how they provide opportunities for links between the trips.
STEP 3: WRITE DOWN THE GOALS
Every field trip presents a host of learning opportunities, which is why it’s so important to focus on the goals and write them on paper. Otherwise, you may miss the reason why you are there and the core concepts to learn may be so diffuse that they won’t register with the children. Writing down goals will help to ensure that field trips reinforce larger learning objectives, and to think through projects and activities associated with the field trip.
STEP 4: GATHER THE TROOPS - IT’S A TEAM EFFORT!
Involve staff and the children in the planning process so that they feel a sense of ownership. Everyone must understand the objectives, goals and their roles.
• Determine what steps of the trip require teamwork
• Engage other teachers and leaders in the planning process, even if it is outside the subject area. A math course can be integrated with science lesson; history with english; art with architecture or social studies
• Engage parents, since you may need chaperones
• Build teams within your classroom or cross-teams between the various groups
STEP 5: PLAN A VISIT FIRST
Visiting the location in advance of the trip is a smart idea. You will uncover new learning opportunities, staffing needs, and find supporting literature to take back to the class. It will also identify opportunities and challenges before the kids get there as well as help establish logistics, such as the location of bathrooms, dining options, first aid, etc. You may find onsite specialists who you can engage for interviews during the trip. Maybe you’ll find out that the destination is not appropriate for your group.
STEP 6: PREPARE WITH THE KIDS
Work any collected materials into class activities in preparation for the trip. Below are some other ways to get kids prepared and excited in the days before the trip:
• Give kids input into what they’ll be doing on the trip
• Ask them “What would you like to see or learn there?”
• Prepare the children by teaching observation skills so that they can get the most out of the experience
STEP 6: THE VISIT ITSELF
During the day of the trip, be prepared with some key activities to enhance the experience while keeping in mind that the trip is supposed to be fun of course.
STEP 7: POST TRIP
The sky’s the limit on post trip projects. Classroom discussion and group think work begins. You can build web pages, presentations or write articles for the school newspaper, create a class bulletin, etc!
FIELLD TRIPS
Listed in this quick reference are trips by theme. Refer to THE page number to view THE advertisement and please check out a more comprehensive description of these learning opportunities in our online guide at www.njkidsonline.com (field trip tab).
ARTS / CULTURE / THEATER
Día de Muertos Musical Adventure Nov 6 @ 10AM Experience the rich traditions of Día de Muertos with this joyful and uplifting show, filled with colorful Mexican
and
GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW
NYC, www.gazillionbubbleshow.com
Off-broadway experience for bubble lovers of all ages.
NJ PAC SCHOOLTIME PERFORMANCE SERIES 973.297.5828
Newark, NJ • www.njpac.org/schooltime
See ad for upcoming performances.
THAT PARENTING MUSICAL
29
NYC, www.thatparentingmusical.com
A hilarious, chaotic world of two sleep-deprived parents.
RARITAN VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE PLANETARIUM
908.231.8805
Branchburg, NJ • www.RaritanVal.edu/Planetarium Astronomy Show and Laser Concerts
RVCC ARTS 908.725.3420
Branchburg, NJ • www.RVCCArts.org
School time shows include Theatre, Dance, Music, Circus
Black Dancing Bodies Project: Speak My Mind Feb 6 & 7 @ 10AM & 12:30PM This liberating dance performance uplifts hip hop culture while exploring the question: If I could speak my mind, what would I say?”
ARTS AND INTERACTIVE PLAY
FIRE ME UP STUDIO 908.272.2600
Cranford, NJ • www.firemeupstudio.com
Pottery wheel, pottery painting, clay handbuilding, canvas painting. Field Trips, workshops, parties, events, ladies night out, art classes and more.
IMAGINE THAT!!! DISCOVERY MUSEUM 973.966.8000
Florham Park, NJ • www.imaginethatmuseum.com
A discovery museum for children with over 16,000 sq. ft of exhibits to educate your students.
KIDS FUN TIME 973.339.5966
Totowa, NJ • www.kidsfuntimenj.com
ANIMAL / HEALTH / NATURE / ENVIRONMENT / FARM / FOOD
DINOSAURS, REPTILES, MARINE LIFE AND MORE!
DINOSAURS ROCK 917.375.4248
www.dinosaursrock.com
4 fun & interactive shows, hands-on digs & mining, keep real fossil & minerals
HEALTHBARN USA 201.444.2955
Wyckoff, NJ • www.healthbarnusa.com
Food, Nutrition, Science Workshops at the Barn
From Farm to Fork, interactive, hands on Field Trip. Ages 3-12
WILDLIFE CONSERVATORY SOCIETY 800.433.4149
Bronx, NY • WCSGroupSales@wcs.org
Plan a group outing with wildlife and nature at the Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and Prospect park Zoo
MONMOUTH MUSEUM 732.747.2266 x3
Lincroft, NJ • www.monmouthmuseum.org
Docent led tours, Science/History/Art programs, STARLAB planetarium shows.
NEW JERSEY STATE MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM 609.292.6347
Trenton, NJ • www.statemuseum.nj.gov
Science, history and art museum; planetarium sky shows, STEM.
TEAM MAKERS STEM FIELD TRIPS 201.500.8076
New Milford, NJ • www.teammakersnj.com
Team building STEM activities, Engineering Station, Science Station, Your choice station, Skill Games. Assemblies, we come to you or you come to us at our New Milford location
HISTORY / SOCIAL STUDIES
NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER 215.409.6695
Philadelphia, PA • www.constitutioncenter.org
NJ STATE MUSEUM 609.292.1392
Trenton, NJ • www.statemuseum.nj.gov
4 floors of Exhibits exploring the Natural and Cultural history of NJ and the Northeast from the 17th Century through today. Working Fossil Lab, Planetarium Sky Shows, Hands On STEM+A Programs, Live Theater Shows.
NJ STATE HOUSE 609.847.3150 www.njstatehousetours.org
Visit the NJ State House where civics come to life. Free tours and programs for K to 12th grade.
WASHINGTON CROSSING STATE PARK Titusville, NJ
Famous site of Washington’s Delaware River crossing. Tours, sheep shearing, colonial days...
Tuckerton Seaport
SPORTS / RECREATION / ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS
BOUNCE U 201.843.5880
Paramus, NJ • www.bounceu.com/paramus
Open jump, themed activity, giant inflatables, games and fun crafts
GRAVITY VAULT INDOOR ROCK GYMS
Chatham, Hoboken, Montclair, and Upper Saddle River www.gravityvault.com. Rock climbing for all levels and abilities.
HANGDOG OUTDOOR ADVENTURE 484.255.0070
Vernon Valley, PA • www.hangdoglv.com
A one-of-a-kind outdoor climbing and zipline experience, and largest (4-story) high ropes adventure course on the East Coast
MORRISTOWN GAME VAULT 973.944.8500
Morristown NJ • www.morristowngamevault.com
Explore over 100 games that span over 40 years of video game history
TREESCAPE AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK 862.801.7028
Vernon, NJ • www.TreEscapeAdventurePark.com
Thrilling outdoor adventure experience in their aerial obstacle course, ropes walk, climbing elements and zip lines.
WOODBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER CLASS TRIPS 732.596.4108
Woodbridge, NJ • www.njwcc.com
Class trips include batting cages, roller rink, arcade, mini golf
/ THEME PARKS / CAMPGROUNDS / RETREATS
HANDS IN 4 YOUTH 973.838.0942
West Milford, NJ • www.hi4y.org
Educational adventure trips include hiking, team building, archery, challenge course, environmental education. Day trips, overnight, rentals, summer camps.
ISLAND AQUA PARK
Margate City, NJ • www.islandaquaparknj.com
Biggest inflatable water park located on the beach on the bay.
MONMOUTH COUNTY PARKS 732.842.4000 x 4312
Monmouth County • www.monmouthcountyparks.com
Harbor, NJ • www.storybookland.com
and exploring.
www.belairtransport.com
Providing
ASSEMBLIIES
IF YOU CAN’T LEAVE SCHOOL, MANY PROGRAMS CAN TRAVEL TO YOU! Bring discovery to the classroom. Add on to the field trip experience. These are some great ideas for an interactive classroom experience! Bring in experts, that look and speak the part! It’s way more entertaining!!
DIALED ACTION SPORTS 814.280.0299
www.dialedactionsportsteam.com
Leading provider of high-energy healthy lifestyle programs for schools, summer camps, and youth organizations. Themes can be custom tailored to deliver an impactful message to your students and campers. Topics include Anti-Bullying, Anti-Substance Abuse, Bicycle Safety, General Health and Wellness.
DINOSAURS ROCK 917.375.4248
9
www.DinosaursRock.com.
Large scale exhibits, interactive shows, digs & gemstone mining to your school! Oceans Rock, Electricity & Matter, Gems Rock, Insects Rock!
HEALTHBARN USA 201.444.2955
5
www.healthbarnusa.com
Brings food, nutrition, science workshops to your school. Farm to Fork workshops are terrific hands on, interactive assemblies. What better way to introduce greens! Or come to our Barn! Ages 5-12
HOOP WIZARD 917.754.2486
www.hoopwizard.com
3 time guiness record holder for assemblies, camps, corporate, parties and half-time shows
NJ PAC IN-SCHOOL RESIDENCES 973.353.8055
Newark, NJ • www.njpac.org/education
NJ PAC brings teaching artists into your school for multiple sessions.
PARTY MANIACS 973.376.2211
www.partymaniacsnj.com, partymaniacsnj@comcast.net
Fast paced musical games, face painting, balloon sculpting for all occasions.
TEAMMAKERS 201.500.8076
www.teammakersnj.com
We make Teams happen! The STEM SPIRIT CHALLENGE is a program that helps kick off a new program or new season by motivating kids to work together by playing fun games.
TIPS 4 INCLUSION
tips4inclusion2018@gmail.com • www.tips4inclusion.wixsite.com/disabilityinclusion
Tim Rohrer, speaker,author, self-advocate, and educator, delivers unique and inspiring Accetance and Inclusion Assemblies to schools. Featured on News 12 New Jersey.
NJ CAMP FAIRS
Sat, Jan 25: Education Center, Turtle Back Zoo 560 Northfield Ave, W Orange
Sun, Jan 26: Oak Knoll School, Summit 83 Ashland Rd, Summit
Feb 1:
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Feb 8:
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