Alabama Field Trips for Homeschoolers

Field trips are one of the best things about homeschooling. Instead of learning by studying something, you get the opportunity to learn by doing! They give parents and students a break from their traditional routine. If your homeschool ever starts feeling stale, educational field trips in Alabama just might light the spark that reminds you why you started homeschooling in the first place.

Field trips can enhance almost anything you are studying. Whether you are covering how stalagmites are formed, studying Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birmingham campaign, or learning about railway history, Alabama has a destination that will bring your lessons to life. Browse the list below to find the Alabama day trips that are perfect for homeschool families, and print out this map of Alabama to have your students document what they learn. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations. 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 (grab yours at the end of this article)!

Homeschool Field Trips in North Alabama

• 4D Farm, Cullman – In the fall, when your homeschool might have fallen into a slight “rut,” it’s time to pack up the family and head to the farm! There is even a special Homeschool Day in October and you can download curriculum materials from their website prior to your trip.

• Imagination Place Children’s Museum, Gadsden – This museum, aimed at children ages 2-10, gives homeschoolers a hands-on exploration of the things happening in their community. They can pretend to be doctors, construction workers, train conductors, and more.

• Cathedral Caverns, Woodville – In the dog days of summer, you can especially appreciate fun day trips in Alabama that take you to places where the temps are 60 degrees year round. That’s one of the delightful perks of this destination that will teach children about geology from the inside out.

• Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Decatur – Although it was established in the 1930’s primarily as a refuge for migratory waterfowl, homeschoolers will be excited to keep an eye out here for deer, red and grey foxes, armadillos, turtles, salamanders and multiple kinds of snakes.

Homeschool Field Trips in Central Alabama

• American Village, Montevallo – This unique campus was designed with students in mind. Here you can discover the power and drama of the American Revolution. The educational programs are directly tied to learning objectives in history, citizenship, and government courses. Associated lesson plans are available on the website.

• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham – The BCRI is a celebration of the hard-fought battles that have occurred and are still occurring for civil rights in America. When touring the exhibits,you’ll be introduced to Civil Rights champions that you’ve probably never heard of before. This is definitely one of the most educational field trips in Alabama.

• Desoto Caverns, Childersburg – Whether you are doing a geology study or learning about Native American history, this family-owned park is the ideal place to enhance your lessons. Generations of prehistoric native peoples resided in the caverns and it boasts one of the largest accumulations of onyx-marble stalagmites and stalactites in the world.

• Moundville Archaeological Park, Moundville – Explore one of the largest Native American settlements in the United States. There are several mounds to view, some of which you can climb all the way to the top. Many of the artifacts that have been uncovered on the site are preserved in the museum for viewing.

Homeschool Field Trips in South Alabama

• Alabama Agricultural Museum, Dothan – You’ll be astonished at the number of displays packed into one site, including a living history farm from the 1800s, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, turn-of-the-century church, wildlife exhibits, a planetarium and much more.

• Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile – Imagine exploring a collection of over 10,000 artworks in a variety of mediums such as sculpture, painting, crafts, and paper art. There are art classes just for homeschool students, too, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, every other week. If you have a budding artist at your house, this is one of the most hands-on things to do with children in Alabama.

• Montgomery Zoo, Montgomery – The zoo is laid out by continents so that you can view the animals in realistic settings. Annual memberships are available for families, which is the best way to experience the zoo again and again. If you are looking for field trip ideas for the animal lover in your family, don’t miss this destination.

• Turtle Point Science Center, Flomaton – This hands-on science center is designed both for school groups and the general public. It is home to a variety of reptiles, fish, birds, amphibians, and mammals. Aside from animal encounters, you will also enjoy gardens, a butterfly house, a fish pond, and a boardwalk.

• Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, Tuskegee – As if the “Redtail” hanging from the ceiling weren’t impressive enough, your homeschoolers will be entranced by the bravery and determination of the African American airmen honored here at these two converted hangars.