Maryland Field Trips for Homeschoolers

If you’re looking for fun, educational field trips in Maryland, there are tons of options in the state. No matter what region of the state you live in, we have compiled a list of historic sites, museums, parks and more where you can learn about a wide range of topics. Whether you’re looking to learn about nature and science, uncover the state’s rich and diverse history, or explore its more than 4,000 miles of coastline, you are sure to find a homeschool field trip in Maryland to suit your child’s interests.

Below are several field trip ideas in Maryland sorted by region. We’ve also included a printable map of Maryland to help your child become more familiar with the state’s geography. Please make sure to contact each site before you plan your visit, as COVID-19 may have impacted their hours of operations. As a bonus, we’ve added 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 the Western Region

• Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg – Families can enhance their history lessons by learn about the bloodiest single-day battle of the Civil War that took place on September 17, 1862. Students can explore the exhibits at the visitor center as well as walk along the battlefield on designated trails, as well as visit the Pry House Field Hospital Museum.
• Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, Hagerstown – Learn about local railroad history and explore all the model railroads on display at this museum that also features and outdoor train yard, artifacts, a railroad library, and more. The museum also hosts several special events throughout the year.
• Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, Hagerstown – With free admission and parking, families can save money as they enrich their arts studies at this museum that was established in 1931. The museum permanent collection features thousands of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. A number of young artist programs are available for students.
• C & O Canal National Historical Park, Hagerstown – This historical park stretches the length of the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal — 184.5-miles! With numerous visitor centers and historic structures along the way, families can learn about how people traveled and made a living for almost 100 years in the area. You can also take in the sights of Great Falls as you hike along the Billy Goat Trail.
• Crystal Grottoes Caverns, Boonsboro – Take a tour of the only public cave in Maryland that was discovered in 1920. Explore the different rooms and compare the unique formations such as those in the Blanket Room, and learn about the geology and history of the cave.

Homeschool Field Trips in the Capital Region

• National Museum of Civil War Medicine, Frederick – Families can learn about the medical techniques that were used during the Civil War at this 7,000-square-foot museum. Five exhibits allow students to learn how the wounded were cared for, the tools and resources used, and more. On display is the only known remaining surgeon’s tent, as well as surgical kits and other items.
• Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt – NASA’s first space flight center, this facility’s 10,000 employees conduct investigations, build spacecraft, develop and operate of space systems, and more. A visitor center allows families to explore numerous exhibits and take part in educational activities and events such as model rocket launches.
• Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel – Established in 1936, this 12,841-acre refuge is home to a biological research center that became the first wildlife experiment station in the U.S. Families can explore the visitor center’s exhibits, take part in hands-on nature studies, learn through both indoor and outdoor classes and more.
• Oxon Hill Children’s Farm, Oxon Hill – Families can explore this living farm museum on a self-guided tour where they’ll see animals, antique farm equipment, and more as they learn about life on a farm. A visitor activity barn features exhibits and activities for students. Plus numerous farm programs allow children to get hands on by milking the cows, feeding chickens, and more.

Homeschool Field Trips in the Central Region

• National Aquarium, Baltimore – Opened in 1981, this non-profit public aquarium’s mission is “to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures”. Exhibits include Dolphin Discovery, Living Seashore, Shark Alley, and more. Numerous homeschool programs are available for families and groups.
• Maryland Science Center, Baltimore – Visitors can enhance their science study at this center that opened in 1976 by exploring dinosaur skeletons, a planetarium, and an observatory. Exhibits include Our Place in Space, Dinosaur Mysteries, Your Body, and Newton’s Alley just to name a few. Numerous homeschool programs are available for families.
• Fort McHenry National Shrine and Monument, Baltimore – Visitors can explore this star-shaped fort where an American flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write a poem that would become the national anthem of the U.S. Students can take part in ranger-led activities that include flag changes and interpretive programs where they will learn about the Battle of Baltimore, the U.S. flag, and more.
• Banneker-Douglass Museum, Annapolis – Families can learn about the contributions of African-Americans from the state including Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Thurgood Marshall and more at this former church that was built in 1874. In addition to numerous exhibits, the museum offers guided tours, workshops, and educational programs.
• Maryland State House, Annapolis – Dating back to 1772, the Maryland State House is the oldest state capital in the U.S. Here, George Washington resigned as commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1783. Visitors can learn about the House’s rich history through informative exhibits, numerous tours, and educational programs.

Homeschool Field Trips in the Southern Region

• Calvert Cliffs, Lusby – Families can explore and go fossil hunting at this state park where prehistoric sharks’ teeth and other fossils from the Miocene Era have been identified. Visitors can also hike through the park’s marked nature trails, bird watch, or take in the sights of the huge cliffs along the Chesapeake Bay.
• Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard – This environment preserve features over 70 archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. Families can explore the visitor center and learn through numerous interactive exhibits on display. Students can also take part in several educational programs and workshops.
• Historic St. Mary’s City, St. Mary – As Maryland’s first permanent settlement, there is a rich history and a lot for students to learn at this 800-acre living history museum. Homeschoolers can learn what life was like in the 17th century through tours, family programs and more.
• Historic Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood – Families can step back in time and learn about local history at this 18th century plantation. Students can explore exhibits like an 1830’s slave cabin, a 19th century schoolhouse, and more. Homeschool days, summer programs, and a number tours are available.

Homeschool Field Trips in the Eastern Shore Region

• Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels – This 18-acre museum first opened to the public in 1965 and showcases the rich history of the area with artifacts, exhibits as well as the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay boats. Students can take part in a number of education programs, scavenger hunts, lighthouse overnight adventures, and more.
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge – Established as a sanctuary for waterfowl, this 28,000-acre refuge is home to more than 250 bird species including bald eagles and Canadian geese, as well as reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Children can take part in educational programs including guided tours, habitat explorations, and more.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, Church Creek – Homeschoolers can learn about this heroic figure who helped free hundreds of slaves. The visitor center features exhibits, interpretive programs, and more. Twenty minutes away, families can also check out the Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center to view more exhibits and a short film free of charge.
• Fair Hill Nature and Environmental Center, Elkton – Be one with nature and take part in the numerous outdoor environmental programs available for students. The center’s vision is to “educate and inspire current and future generations to explore, respect and protect nature”. Families can learn through nature tours, summer camps, and other events throughout the year.