Planning educational trips for high school students can be challenging. How do you plan a fun trip that your students will enjoy while also providing an educational experience they will not forget? Well, we are here to help you combine those two ideas! We have scoured the internet and put together a list of the best fun educational trips that are sure to be exciting and mentally stimulating for you and your students!
National Parks
The first idea on our list is sure to be a hit for teachers and students alike. We are blessed to live in a place where our country’s natural beauty is preserved and on full display away from the hustle and bustle of city life. National parks not only provide visually stunning and pleasing views, they also offer students an educational experience as they learn and observe different ecosystems, possible career path opportunities, history, and cultural aspects. On top of that, many provide activities such as hiking, rafting, and rock climbing.
Salem, Massachusetts
The infamous site of the Salem Witchcraft Trials, Salem can provide an interesting twist for you and your students. While in Salem, students can learn about a piece of our country’s darker history, explore the town that has embraced it’s spooky roots, and observe all the traditions that have sprung from the past. In Salem, students can follow the Salem Heritage Trail which connects all of Salem’s historic sites. Did we mention Salem also has a national park?
New Orleans, Louisiana
Another infamous, yet more flashy, destination, New Orleans is sure to be a hit for teachers and students alike! New Orleans offers many, many tours of the city, museums, and historical sites for students to visit. Teachers and students can explore the French Quarter, discover the mysteries of voodoo, and experience the magical atmosphere that blooms when night falls. Dazzling lights, live musical performances on the street and the nostalgic feel of the city are sure to leave you with memories that you won’t soon forget!
Washington D.C.
This is one of the more obvious travel destinations on our list, but don’t let that take away from the importance of visiting our nation’s capitol! Washington D.C. has numerous monuments for students to marvel, tours of the capitol and city itself, free visits to the Smithsonian museums, and plenty of local shops and restaurants. Students will be able to soak up a lot of history while being able to enjoy themselves in one of the most recognized cities in America.
Disney World
Alright, I know what you are thinking. How can an amusement park be educational? First, while in Florida, students will have opportunities to explore and learn about ecosystems that are like no place on earth. After that, Disney World provides not only a fun and magical experience but also many learning possibilities. Disney leaders will teach students about what goes on behind the scenes and what it takes to run such an expansive and well known amusement park. Not only that, students interested in the arts and entertainment industry will feel right at home while the staff takes them in for a deep dive behind the story telling magic we have all come to know and love.
Hannibal, Missouri
Rounding out our list we have the home of the infamous author, Mark Twain. Hannibal offers a small town experience that has a very huge history. Hannibal is home to the Mark Twain Caves which offer students a unique opportunity to explore the depths of the Earth and let their imaginations run wild with thoughts of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer. On the surface, Hannibal offers many sightseeing places overlooking the Mississippi River and steamboat rides! Have fun and learn more about our nation’s history in small-town USA!
