Arizona Field Trips for Homeschoolers

Beautiful scenery and natural wonders make Arizona an exemplary place for field trips. When you need a break from your homeschool routine, then it’s time to spice things up with some fun day trips in Arizona. To make the most of any homeschool outing, spend some time ahead of your excursion to research directions, admission costs, hours of operation, and whether or not food is available nearby. Also, bring along plenty of fun and educational activities to keep students occupied on long car rides.

To help you locate fun things to do in Arizona, we’ve organized your field trip ideas by geographical area. Plan out each of your learning adventures on this  printable map of Arizona from Time4Learning. Plus, as a bonus, we’ve even included a free download of Time4Learning lesson tie-ins that might be the perfect supplement for each trip [at end of article]!

Homeschool Field Trips in North Arizona

• Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff – If your homeschooler is interested in the stars, this is the ideal tie-in with your earth and space science curriculum. From daytime solar programs, to guided museum tours, and lots of evening tours and demonstrations, Lowell has plenty to offer.
• Havasu Lake and Falls, Grand Canyon – In its prime location in the southwest corner of the Grand Canyon National Park, Havasu Falls offers incredible blue-green cascades. Please note that this field trip includes a 20 mile hike and camping is a requirement, so this is recommended for only the most adventurous and active homeschool families. Advance reservations are required.
• Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff – This museum has a number of rotating and permanent exhibits to visit — many of which focus on the archaeology and art of native tribes from the area. Learn about the natural and human wonders of the Colorado Plateau in this unique museum dedicated both to science and art.
• Navajo Nation Zoological & Botanical Park, Widow Rock – Come tour the only Native American Zoo in the U.S. on your next educational trip! There are over 100 animals that are native to the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American Reservation in the U.S. Admission is free.
• Riordan Mansion, Flagstaff – Take a tour offered at this historic mansion, and learn more about the Riordan brothers, who championed science and education in the Flagstaff area at the turn of the 20th century. Experience the beautiful architecture with daily tours which last approximately one hour.
• Hoover Dam – Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, this historic dam offers gorgeous views. There is so much to learn about, from history to electricity. Take a 30 minute tour of the Powerplant, or an hour-long tour of the dam itself.

Homeschool Field Trips in South Arizona

• Saguaro National Park, Tucson – This national park is named after the giant saguaro, the nation’s largest cacti. These plants are also extremely rare, so this field trip will give homeschoolers an opportunity to see plenty of them. There is also camping, and a wide-variety of trails to discover.
• Colossal Cave Mountain Park, Vail – Colossal Cave has served as a shelter for over a thousand years, with many different uses. Daily cave tours are offered of varying times and difficulties, from classic tours for all ages, to wild cave tours for ages 16 and up. Make sure to book your tour in advance!
• Biosphere 2, Oracle – Is your homeschooler interested in science? Then this is the field trip for them! Learn about Earth’s different biomes, science experiments, and how this enormous laboratory works. There are plenty of programs offered for your homeschooler to learn science.
• Shamrock Farm Tour, Stanfield – Take a ride on the spotted cow tram on a tour of the Shamrock Dairy Farm! Homeschoolers can see how exactly milk is produced, and get a chance to milk a display cow. A complimentary 12 ounce bottle of milk is included with admission.
• Tucson Botanical Gardens, Tuscon – These beautiful gardens offer a tranquil experience that is educational. Become connected with nature through art, science, history, and culture. There are plenty of classes offered, so make sure to check out the website for schedules.

Homeschool Field Trips in Central Arizona

• Montezuma Castle National Monument, Camp Verde – This national monument is a whopping five-story-tall cliff dwelling. It has 20 rooms, and was one of the nation’s first national monuments. While you can’t go in, there is a ⅓-mile loop trail that offers beautiful views of the castle.
• Mystery Castle, Phoenix – Learn about the story of Boyce Gully and his daughter, Mary Lou, who he built this castle for before he passed. It has eighteen rooms, thirteen fireplaces, parapets, and beautiful antiques. Tours are offered Thursdays through Sundays.
• Pangea Land of the Dinosaurs, Scottsdale – With 20 different dinosaur exhibits, and plenty of interactive stations, this is an educational field trip with plenty to offer. Dig for fossils, have your face painted, learn about excavations and more!
• Sea Life Arizona Aquarium, Tempe – Thousands of aquatic creatures, interactive touch pools, and a 360° ocean tunnel — just some of the amazing sights to see at this huge aquarium. If you bring proof that you are homeschooling, tickets are discounted! There are also a number of homeschool events throughout the year.
• Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum, Mesa – Not only can you visit the only combat aviation museum in Phoenix and climb on planes, but you can also fly in one! The museum is open year-round, but flights only occur select times of the year. Make sure to check the website before going.
• Phoenix Herpetological Society, Scottsdale –  This organization does more than just rescue and rehabilitate reptiles; they also specialize in education! Public tours of the sanctuary are offered weekly (check the calendar on their website), and there are lots of educational programs to enjoy.

Do you have any additional Arizona field trips you could recommend? Add them in the comments!