At this age, educational field trips are very important to students, a way of implementing education in a fun and different environment than the classroom. There's more of an emphasis on this grade level to learn about the variety of art forms from digital media and animation to classical art history; to delve deeper into math and explore both earth and space science, life sciences and physical science. You can, of course, find lessons in the smallest of things, such as taking a nature walk around the nearest park, but the following ideas are a little more age and curriculum focused.
There's more of an emphasis on this grade level to learn about the variety of art forms from digital media and animation to classical art history; to delve deeper into math and explore both earth and space science, life sciences and physical science. You can, of course, find lessons in the smallest of things, such as taking a nature walk around the nearest park, but the following ideas are a little more age and curriculum focused.
- Art Museum
Some of the best field trip ideas for students in Middle School include art museums, these institutions being the perfect place to take a group of students who 1). Have a wide variety of interests, 2). Enjoy culture immersion (or at least need to experience it), and 3). Want to be entertained outside of the classroom. Art museums allow groups of students to bond with each other over similar art interests, bond with art forms and artists by admiring various works, and bond with their brain by learning new things about the art and the process behind each and every medium they see. This is an especially great option for 7th-grade art or history classes, sparking further interest in the subjects and allowing them to be immersed in seriously impressive art, both modern and contemporary.
AST Picks:
Portland Art Museum - Oregon
Art Institute of Chicago - Illinois
- History or Culture Museum
Another great option is an iconic (or local, depending on your time limit) history or culture museum. There is truly no better way to get a group of students more excited about history than by taking them to experience it, hands-on, right in front of their own eyes. These institutions that allow guests to see history unfold, learn new things they may not have already known, and participate in active demonstrations and experiences regarding these things always turn out to be perfect field trip stops, whether it’s for a whole day or just an hour!
AST Picks:
San Diego History Museum - California
History Colorado Center - Colorado
- State or National Park
If your class is looking for more of a recreational sort of outing, heading to your nearest state or national park is definitely your best bet! Students will love the opportunity to get out of class and into the great outdoors, and the educational experiences that can be had immersed in local wildlife and its habitat are irreplaceable. You can easily set up impromptu lessons on surrounding flora or fauna, or just use this as a nice class reward or break at the end of the year. Bring frisbees, volleyballs, softballs, or whatever else you can think of to keep everyone active and happy, and consider a big picnic lunch or bbq to save some time and fully experience your surroundings! This is always a great option for larger groups with larger ranges of interest, also.
AST Picks:
Zion National Park - Utah
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park -Florida
- Government Building
A great field trip for students at this age that teachers and chaperones often overlook is one to your local government building, be it your town's courthouse or city hall, or your state’s capitol building or reserve. There are several different options with this idea, which makes it really easy to customize and fit your own agenda. You can schedule meetings with government officials, or set up a tour within the building or institution of your choice. This is a great way to get your class interested and involved in local politics and show them what goes on behind-the-scenes in their city. Government buildings and tours are always great field trip options for history, government, and law classes!
AST Picks:
Capitol Building - Any State
- Business Tour
One of our personal favorite options for 7th-grade class trips is a business tour. This can include several different options, from your local grocery store or city-wide essential factory to a cutting edge nationwide business headquarters or office. Students interested in business or the economy in the least will be highly entertained during a business or entrepreneurship tour, and, of course, they will learn a lot in the process. If you happen to live in a city with a business that can teach your class a thing or two, call them and schedule a comprehensive tour, you won’t regret it (and neither will your class!).
AST Picks:
World of Coca Cola Tour - Georgia
Wall Street Insider Tour - New York
- Orchard, Ranch, or Farm
One thing we always find surprising each year is how much student groups seem to love touring their local orchard, ranch, or farm. 7th graders, or middle schoolers in general, always love outdoor educational opportunities, and the ag industry is a booming industry peaking interests younger and younger each year. Take your science or agriculture class to a local dairy farm, apple orchard, or dude ranch and teach them a little bit more about the natural process that takes place each and every day to ensure that there is food on their table. This is a highly valuable hands-on lesson that every student should experience at least once, and budget-wise this class trip will be a piece of cake. Consider packing a picnic lunch for this big outing to save a bit more time and money, as well.
AST Picks:
Bachman Pioneer Farm - Texas
Murphy Orchards - New York
- Botanical Garden or Zoo
Just like the option above, this is a class trip idea that always amazes us with its positive reviews. Mostly zoos seem like a younger child thing, but typically middle schoolers still delight in the opportunity to view and learn about wildlife in their habitat way more than in their classroom. The same goes for native or exotic plants: it’s always better to see them in person. Choosing to take your 7th-grade class to either a botanical garden or zoo will get them more interested in natural sciences, an easy way to give them a memorable field or reward trip and teach them something at the same time!
AST Picks:
Marie Selby Botanical Garden - Florida
Lincoln Park Zoo - Illinois
