Calling all travelschoolers, roadschoolers, and even world schoolers! This is the list for you!
The best way to look at travel homeschooling is to think of it as one never-ending field trip.
I’m a huge fan of learning through nature and play so most of my suggestions will be outdoors.
I’ve said it again and again, but learning doesn’t have to come from a textbook. Kids who learn through experience are much more likely to retain the information. Plus, it’s way more fun!
When we decided to start travel homeschooling, I wanted to know where the most fun yet educational places were! Now that we’ve had a chance to do some exploring, I’ve come up with 1 suggestion for each state – some we have visited, others we have researched and plan to visit.
Some suggestions are free while others range in price. All websites are linked so be sure to check them out!
While considering my recommendations, I tried to not duplicate the same type of activities so traveling homeschoolers like us will have lots of opportunities to learn!
So whether your homeschooler loves science, history, art, nature, or something else altogether – there will be something on this list for the whole family!
McWane Science Center – Alabama
McWane Science Center is located in Birmingham, Alabama. Science lovers and hands-on learners will be in heaven.
Lego exhibits, tiny town, touch tanks, IMAX theater, HUGE LiteBrite station, dinosaur fossils, and so much more.
Northern Lights and Arctic Circle Tour – Alaska
The Northern Lights and Arctic Tour is located in Fairbanks, Alaska. This 14 hour overnight guided tour will explore Northern Alaska. Many guests will get to see the Northern Lights!
While a little on the pricey side, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will not be forgotten.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park – Arizona
The Out of Afrcia Wildlife Park is located in Camp Verde, Arizona and offers a safari experience. Many animals – giraffes, antelope, zebras and more come up to your vehicle as you drive through the safari. There are also tiger and snake shows, animals to pet, and the option to feed a tiger. Children will be able to learn the true size of animals and hear all about them!
Blanchard Springs Caverns – Arkansas
Blanchard Springs Caverns in Fifty-Six, Arkansas is allows visitors to tour the caves. Kids will get to learn all about stalactites, stalagamites, check out the underground river, and walk trails with twists and turns.
San Diego Zoo – California
The San Diego Zoo is the biggest zoo in the world and has been voted the best zoo many times!
There are several experiences you can pay extra for to make the trip extra educational and fun. Some of the experiences offer an up close view of the animals, gives children an opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes, guided tours, and more!
This is one zoo you don’t want to miss!
Manitou Cliff Dwellings – Colorado
The Manitou Cliff Dwellings in Manitou Springs, Colorado is a unique opportunity to learn about the Puebloan culture, including the history of how they lived and hunted.
Children have the chance to paint pottery, explore the structures, and see ancient weapons and tools.
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village – Connecticut
The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village is located in Oakdale, Connecticut. Not only are there 50 life-sized dinosaurs to learn about, but there are fossils, minerals, and geodes to explore. Kids can play on playgrounds, splash pads, mazes, and miniature golf.
Your family will not run out of things to learn and do at The Dinosaur Place!
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum – Delaware
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum is located in Fenwick Island, Delaware. Kids who love learning about pirates and treasure lost by shipwrecks will love exploring this museum.
There is a seashell shop, a real treasure chest, lots of historical artifacts, and tours to learn all about the shipwrecks!
Sanibel Island – Florida
Sanibel Island, Florida is my favorite place I’ve been to in the United States, so of course, it had to make the list!
There is so much to learn about wildlife and nature at the beach. Kids can spend all day collecting giant seashells or take tours to learn about diverse wildlife including birds, reptiles, and sea life.
We’ve included extra education by doing math problems in the sand and counting the seashells we’ve collected.
It was really hard to narrow down nature learning opportunities in Florida. Here are some extra ideas we love!
Dauset Trails Nature Center – Georgia
Dauset Trails Nature Center is a wildlife refuge located in Jackson, Georgia. What better way to learn about nature than by jumping right in to explore wildlife?
There are bears, horses, otters, foxes, birds, pigs, snakes, owls, alligators, and more! Kids can even visit the barnyard to get close to the animals.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial – Hawaii
Pearl Harbor National Memorial located in Honolulu, Hawaii is a very important historical site that was the start of the United States entering World War II.
Visitors can take a narrated tour of the USS Arizona, narrated by survivors of the Pearl Harbor Attack and see World War II archives.
Not only is this historical site extremely important to our country’s history, but Hawaii is such a beautiful place to visit.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve – Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Arco, Idaho is perfect for all outer space lovers! This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime field trip that your kids are sure to learn a lot from and remember forever!
Past volcanic events now look just like the craters on the moon. Walk the Devil’s Orchard Trail, hike to Big Craters, or visit the Inferno Cone. Better yet, do all 3!
If you visit in the winter, you can even ski.
Adler Planetarium – Illinois
Adler Planetarium in Chicago, Illinois brings outer space to life! I remember going here as a kid and loving it. I can’t wait to take my son back!
Learn about the moon, sun, stars, and planets through hands-on experiences. Look through telescopes, take a tour, or watch a show about space. You will have a blast.
Amazing Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt Adventure – Indiana
The Amazing Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been described as a giant board game. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved.
Take a tour of Indianapolis while finding clues to complete the scavenger hunt. You’ll see the Indiana World War Memorial, Monument Circle, Indiana Capitol Building, Indiana Canal Walk, and the Indiana State Museum.
Kids will get to learn the history of the city, see outdoor art, and famous war memorials.
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum – Iowa
Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad and Museum in Boone, Iowa is a must-see for our train lovers!
Many describe this experience as stepping back in time.
Ride in coach cars and check out the views! Admire the train models and play with the toys trains. Take a dinner train. There’s so much to do here!
Deanna Rose’s Children Farmstead – Kansas
Deanna Rose’s Children Farmstead in Overland Park, Kansas, is a farm with over 250 animals, gardens with flowers and vegetables, and lots of fun activities.
Kids can bottle feed a baby goat, fish, go to the petting zoo, or play on the playground. Barn visits include characters that tell about the history of the family farm.
It is voted one of the best attractions for families in Kansas. Kids love this place!
Mammoth Cave – Kentucky
Mammoth Cave, located in Park City, Kentucky, is the world’s largest known cave system – there are 420 miles of passageways!
When we went here, I was amazed at how dark some of the areas were. I put my hand in front of my face, and couldn’t see it at all.
Once you enter a well-lit area, check out all the stalactites and stalagmites! The guides are very knowledgeable.
There have some of the best minerals, fossils, and rocks in the gift shop, or you can mine for gems yourself!
Kids love gem mining – it’s like a treasure hunt!
Cajun Encounters Tours- Louisiana
Cajun Encounters Tours in New Orleans, Louisiana, offer swamp tours of Honey Island Swamp.
Ride on an airboat through the bayou, as the guides who are very entertaining and knowledgeable, show you around.
Check out alligators, raccoons, birds, and more.
It is really fun, exciting, and educational. I highly recommend it!
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company – Maine
Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company, located in Bar Harbor, Maine, takes visitors on a whale watching boat tour.
There are several tour options to choose from.
Check out whales, porpoises, lighthouses, seals, lobsters, and puffins while creating some amazing memories.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to get close to the largest animal!
Swallow Falls State Park – Maryland
Swallow Falls State Park in Oakland, Maryland offers some amazing family hike trips. Check out Tolliver Falls with a swimming area, canyons, forests, and parks.
It’s truly breathtaking – especially in the fall. We like to collect some leaves and identify which type of trees they came from. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about why leaves change colors in the fall.
I Wonder Why Leaves Change Color is a great homeschool resource for this fun field trip.
Plimoth Patuxet – Massachusetts
Plimoth Patuxet, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, truly makes history come alive.
Take a tour of the village or watch The First Thanksgiving of 1621 recreation. The actors and guides stay in character based in the 1600s! It’s really cool to see!
There is an amazing indoor museum that is very educational.
There are lots of hands-on activities that do such a better job of teaching than a textbook can do.
Henry Ford Museum – Michigan
The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, is so much ore than looking at old cars. This place really makes history interactive.
You can expect to see the Rosa Parks bus, airplanes, the car JFK was assassinated in, the chair Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in, trains, car factories, and more!
Be sure to take the Ford Rouge Factory Tour!
Itasca State Park – Minnesota
Itasca State Park in Park Rapids, Minnesota is a great place to explore nature. From porcupines to wolves to almost 50 miles of hiking trails, there’s plenty to see and do!
There are paved bike trails, riverboat tours, rocky beaches, Mississippi River Headwaters, and a fire tower.
This is one of the best state parks in Minnesota! If you love nature as much as we do, you have to check it out!
Pascagoula River Audubon Center – Mississippi
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point, Mississippi, offers educational tours of the bayou and river and hands-on activities for kids.
Hike some amazing trails, learn about dragonflies, go fishing, or feed some of the animals. We loved the turtles!
It is so peaceful, fun, and beautiful here!
The Magic House – Missouri
The Magic House in St. Louis, Missouri, is fun for everyone, parents included!
Climb a beanstalk, just like Jack and the Beanstalk, check out the STEM area if your kids love to build, visit the Bubble room, or pretend you are visiting another country and play dress up.
Do arts and crafts, test out different careers by pretending to be a veterinarian, mechanic, or construction worker. Have fun!
Glacier National Park – Montana
Glacier National Park in West Glacier, Montana, is truly breathtaking. With its turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and glaciers – it is definitely a must-see location for traveling families!
Be sure to check out Going-to-the-Sun Road on your drive. All I can say is WOW!
Legacy of the Plains Museum – Nebraska
Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, Nebraska is located right on the Oregon Trail!
Kids will love the interactive elements, short films, blacksmith shop, and farm equipment.
It’s so cool to see how ranchers used to live and learn about their farming and crops. History lovers will really enjoy this field trip.
Lake Tahoe – Nevada
Lake Tahoe, Nevada is one of my favorite places.
There is so much breathtaking scenery in Lake Tahoe. Pictures really don’t do it justice.
Check out the lake, mountains, beaches, tons of hiking trails, and even the Vikingsholm Mansion that we stumbled upon on a hike. It is considered “Tahoe’s Hidden Castle.”
Franconia Notch State Park – New Hampshire
Franconia Notch State Park in Lincoln, Nebraska
Checkout the Flume Gorge, climb Mount Lafayette, or spend all day hiking the trails with gorgeous views. Teach kids about the foliage, natural stones, and get some physical education.
Adventure Aquarium – New Jersey
Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, is a favorite for kids. Penguins, turtles, sharks, tropical fish, jellyfish, and even hippos and a chocolate chip star fish!
There are touch tanks for kids to get hands-on with some of the sealife as well as a shark tunnel.
If you make it during Christmas season, they even decorate for the holidays!
White Sands National Park – New Mexico
The White Sands National Park near Alamogordo, New Mexico, one of the world’s great natural wonders is definitely worth seeing.
Ever seen snow-like sand in the middle of the desert? You can!
Have fun sledding down the sand dunes and exploring this beautiful park.
It really is a must-see, can’t-believe-your-eyes-kind-of-place.
911 Memorial and Museum – New York
911 Memorial and Museum in New York City, New York pays respect to those lost in the 911 attack on the World Trade Center.
This museum brings history to life by telling personal stories of those lost, displaying items buried in the collapse of the towers, and even playing final voice messages of some of the victims. While difficult to hear, it is so important to NEVER FORGET.
This piece of history is so important for our children to learn about, so I urge you to make this a priority if you take your homeschooler to New York.
I recommend reading What Were the Twin Towers? prior to visiting the museum. It does a great job of explaining the history of the Twin Towers as well as the 911 attack.
Battleship North Carolina – North Carolina
Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a great experience for those interested in World War II. This battleship was present for every major offensive during World War II.
You can opt to take a self-guided tour or guided tour. The guided tour is so informative, so I recommend doing the guided tour.
Children can hear stories of those on the battleship, pretend to shoot the guns, and steer the ship! Definitely a trip to remember!
Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center – North Dakota
Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center in Belcourt, North Dakota tells about the heritage of the Chippewa people.
This will give your children a chance to learn about the Native American heritage – beliefs, weapons,songs, dances, food, traditions, and their way of life.
National Museum of the Air Force – Ohio
The National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, is a must-see and it’s free! Ohio was the birthplace of aviation, so it makes sense to make your visit to Ohio all about airplanes.
Every aircraft has significant history, and many of them can be toured – including one used by JFK. There is even a simulator which kids love.
If airplanes aren’t an interest of your children, here are some other suggestions for your visit to Dayton, Ohio.
National Weather Museum and Science Center – Oklahoma
The National Weather Museum and Science Center, is located in Norman, Oklahoma. Since Oklahoma is widely known for its tornadoes, I thought we should make sure this one made the list.
Although this is a new, small museum, it is worth visiting if you are interested in learning about weather and the science involved. Make sure to take a guided tour.
See a tornado-damaged car, weather instruments, water vapor tornado, and see the original Norman Doppler Radar.
Enchanted Forest – Oregon
The Enchanted Forest in Turner, Oregon is a theme park that helps bring children’s stories to life. Climb in the structures from your favorite nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and old Disney stories.
There are rides and an alpine coaster to enjoy as well.
I’m sure there are more educational things to do in Oregon, but this little gem had to make the list. Enjoy!
A is for Amish Buggy Rides – Pennsylvania
A is for Amish Buggy Rides in Ronks, Pennsylvania, takes children on a buggy ride through Amish country and learn how the Amish live.
Take a tour of the dairy farm, horse farm, woodworking ship, quilt ship, craft store, and more!
Check out the petting zoo with pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, cows, and ponies.
Hearthside House – Rhode Island
Hearthside House in Lincoln, Rhode Island, has much to offer.
The Hannaway Blackship Shop gives children with craftsmanship interests and opportunity to get hands-on. Work with a one-on-one instructor learning how to hand forge.
Pullen’s Corner Schoolhouse is an old one-room schoolhouse.
Moffitt Mill used to produce wagons, shoe laces, tools, and more. Visiting this mill is like stepping back in time.
Edisto Island Serpentarium – South Carolina
The Edisto Island Serpentarium in Edisto Island, South Carolina is an indoor and outdoor facility for all things reptile.
There are alligator feedings, snake shows,
Kids love to see snakes, alligators, lizards, turtles – it’s fun and educational. You’ll be surprised at how HUGE the alligators are!
Mount Rushmore – South Dakota
Keystone, South Dakota is known for Mount Rushmore – so it had to make the list. Not only is it a massive sculpture of former presidents, but there is also a museum with interactive exhibits.
On the way up to the viewing point, check out all the state flags that line the path. Quiz your kids along the way!
The museum teaches about the carving process and lives of the workers.
The Titanic Museum – Tennessee
The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is truly remarkable. The museum is shaped like a giant ship! When you purchase your ticket for the museum, you are assigned a name of one of the real passengers on the Titanic. At the end of the tour, you learn whether you lived or died.
Feel the temperature of the water on the night the ship sank, see the grand staircase, visit the deck where the iceberg was first spotted, and hear the stories of the passengers on board.
This museum is highly education, memorable, and fun!
It will help kids understand if you read The Story of Titanic for Children prior to visiting the museum.
The Alamo – Texas
You can’t take a trip to San Antonio, Texas with a homeschooler and NOT visit The Alamo.
There are guided tours, historical demonstrations, knives, and even a military musket to check out.
All American History textbooks teach about The Alamo, but seeing it in person can’t be beat. I recommend reading about The Alamo before taking this trip. Here’s a great book for kids – Remember the Alamo.
Bentonite Hills – Utah
Save yourself a trip to Mars and visit Bentonite Hills in Utah instead. This please is UNREAL. It looks like you are on another planet!
Spend all day exploring the scenery and hiking. Geology lovers won’t want to leave this amazing place.
Words can’t really describe Bentonite Hills – be sure to watch the video above! WOW!
Moss Glen Falls – Vermont
Moss Glen Falls in Granville, Vermont is best visited in the fall. It’s an easy and very short hike with gorgeous views.
Go exploring, walk in the water, check out the waterfalls, or have your kids identify the wildflowers! Be on the lookout for beavers!
Jamestown Settlement – Virginia
Jamestown Settlement in Yorktown, Virginia, is a huge piece of history your kids have to see!
Board the wooden ships, visit the Indian and English villages, learn about the lives of the settlers, and view old money, weapons, and games!
Mount Rainier National Park – Washington
Mount Rainier National Park in Ashford, Washington, is the best way to experience the mountains and lush greenery that Washington is known for.
Trails, lakes, mountains, massive trees, glaciers, wildflowers, wildlife – you will not run out of things to explore or teach your children.
If you’re visiting Washington, this is a must-see!
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park – West Virginia
The Cass Scenic Railraod State Park in Cass, West Virginia has it all. History, logging camps, beautiful scenery, train ride, and a museum.
It’s so cool to see these locomotives in action, plus the panoramic views as you climb higher and higher – amazing! Lots to learn about and experience here.
Bookworm Gardens – Wisconsin
Bookworm Gardens in Sheboygan, Wisconsin is a botanical garden inspired by your children’s favorite books! Click Clack Moo, 3 Little Pigs, the Magic School Bus, Charlotte’s Web, Curious George, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and so many more!
Houses, forts, musical instruments, gorgeous gardens – there’s something here for the whole family.
Bookworm Gardens makes readers even more excited to dive in to their next book!
Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming is an incredible experience.
Check out Old Faithful Geyser, hot springs, and check out the wildlife – elk, deer, buffalo, moose, antelope, sheep, mountain goats, swans, grizzly bears, wolves and more!
Nature lovers will fall in love with this slice of heaven.
Conclusion
Travel homeschooling is increasing in popularity as a way to bring history, science, and art to life. Not only that, but your kids will get to see so much of the world!
We are part-time travelers with plans to go full-time, and we are loving it! Here’s how we did it!
Did your state’s favorite place make the list? If not, let me know in the comments so I can add it to our families list of must-see places!
Happy Travelschooling!
