Nevada Field Trips for Homeschoolers

Vast desert, a rich mining industry, and world-famous tourist destinations make Nevada a state full of educational field trip ideas. If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Nevada, look no further. Here, you’ll find a list of places to visit that will enhance your homeschool and give your children fun, hands-on learning opportunities. Whether you’re into science, animals or history, these homeschool field trips in Nevada will get them excited about learning.

To start planning your field trips, use this printable map of Nevada. You’ll also find free Time4Learning lesson tie-ins that you can download at the end of this post to help supplement your fun field trips in Nevada. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations.

Homeschool Field Trips in Southern Nevada

• Hoover Dam, near Boulder City – Located on the Nevada/Arizona border, the Hoover Dam opened in 1936 and stands just over 726 feet. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark can learn about this engineering marvel through guided tours, exhibits, and more.
• Valley of Fire State Park, Overton – With 40,000 acres to explore, visitors to Nevada’s oldest and largest state park can take in the colorful, red sandstone formations that formed millions of years ago. A visitors center features several educational exhibits.
• Lion Habitat Ranch, Henderson – Fans of these big cats will love exploring this 8.5-acre ranch that is home to roughly 40 lions. Visitors can even book a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour or take part in a number of experiences such as Feast with the Beasts, Feed the Animals, and a training session.
• Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas – With 14 exhibits and over 2,000 animals, visitors can awe at the aquatic animals at this hotel located on the strip. Be sure to walk through the tunnels surround by glass and visit the touch pool for an up close view. Educational tours are available for groups.
• Tonopah Historic Mining Park, Tonopah – Visitors to this 100-acre park can learn more about the mining industry through self-guided tours, exhibits, historical reenactments, and more.
• Springs Preserve, Las Vegas – This 180-acre preserve is the perfect place for an educational trip where your homeschoolers can explore botanical gardens, take a nature walk on the numerous trails, visit museum exhibits, and more. Kids camps and guided tours as also available.

Homeschool Field Trips in Central Nevada

• Nevada Northern Railway Museum, Ely – Designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006, this museum features a collection of locomotives, freight and passenger rail cars, and more. Visitors can go on a train ride, take part in a number of hands-on opportunities, or take a walking tour at the main depot.
• Cathedral Gorge State Park, Panaca – Enhance your geology and geography curriculum by taking a trip to this breathtaking location that covers over 1,600 acres. Families can picnic, camp, hike the trails, and explore the visitor center to learn about the natural area and how the formations came to be.
• Kershaw Ryan State Park, Caliente – Considered an oasis in the desert of Nevada, this 265-acre state park features a picturesque valley, natural springs, and even a wading pool for children. First settled in 1873, families can study the natural area as they hike the trails and explore the gardens.
• Great Basin National Park, Baker – Located in White Pine County, this 77,000-acre park is home to Wheeler Peak, the second highest point in Nevada, the Lehman Caves, and tons of other natural features. Study up on history, biology and geology through exhibits, films, and more.

Homeschool Field Trips in Northern Nevada

• Northeastern Nevada Museum, Elko – Homeschoolers can learn about the art, animals, and local history of the area through numerous exhibits, galleries and dioramas. Educational programs are available as well as other special events for children.
• Royal Peacock Black Fire Opal Mine, near Denio – If you live in or will be in the northwestern Nevada area, stop by this opal mine that has allowed visitors to mine their very own opals since 1981. There are several mining options to choose from and staff is available to answer questions and show you the ropes.
• California Trail Interpretive Center, Elko – Interactive exhibits and demonstrations allow visitors to learn about the 2,000 mile journey that pioneers took on their way to California in the 1800s. Junior ranger programs are held throughout the year as well as other events.
• Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine, Virgin Valley – Learn how opals are formed in petrified wood in this area where prospecting and mining for the stone began around 1907. Families can even dig the mine for a fee. Don’t forget to take lots of water and an umbrella for the sun!

Homeschool Field Trips in Western Nevada

• National Automobile Museum, Reno – Opened in 1989, this museum’s collection includes more than 200 cars dating as far back as the late 19th century. Educational programs and activities are available for families as well as Science Saturdays on the second Saturday of every month.
• Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, Carson City – In addition to numerous educational and interactive exhibits, this museum also hosts several weekly programs for children. Visitors can also take part in science workshops and explore the STEM room with different centers.
• Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center, Reno – Built in 1963, this center features a number of different planetarium shows and a hands-on exhibit hall. Exhibits include Living in Space, What’s Up, Our Earth, and more. Homeschoolers can take part in the field trip program for groups.
• Lake Tahoe, Stateline – Visit the largest alpine lake in North America, located on the California/Nevada border. Guests can explore one of several visitor centers to learn more about the area and the lake that was formed roughly 2 million years ago. Families can also cross over to the California side and check out Vikingsholm, Tahoe’s hidden castle, so your homeschooler can get a glimpse of Nordic style living.