Educational trips, programs for homeschooled kids in Greater Minneapolis
Many students and teachers look forward to educational trips to break out of the routine of the school year. Despite their serious educational purpose, they are often an excellent opportunity for group interaction.
All educational trips should be primarily instructional, but their benefits go beyond that. Educational trips’ value lies in allowing homeschooled kids to bond with one another, learn about the world outside the classroom, and have fun for a day.
Importance of Educational Trips
Kids may see things they wouldn’t usually see in a homeschool setting. The best way to prepare children for educational trips is to discuss it before they leave.
Also, according to Educational Tourism, students enjoy educational trips as they allow them to spend time outside the classroom.
They will enjoy themselves with their peers, and they may come back to class with a newfound dedication to their studies.
Minneapolis boasts places that offer additional knowledge to students. With that, you should check these options for out-of-school programs.
Three Rivers Park District
- 3000 Xenium Ln. North, Plymouth, Minnesota
- Contact details: (763) 559-9000
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
The goal of Three Rivers Park District is to inspire responsible use of the earth’s natural resources through tourism and education.
Its homeschool programs help kids learn about the world while completing their required schoolwork in science, history, agriculture, and the arts.
Recommendation: Hyland Hills is a great place to look into. On certain days, homeschooled students can get discounted prices on ski passes and equipment rentals. A ski clinic and punch pass for homeschooled kids are also available.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul, Minnesota
- Contact details: (651) 487-8201 | comomarketing@ci.stpaul.mn.us
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Newcomers and regulars are welcome at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory at no cost at any time of the year. Their goal is to get people to appreciate the living things that are already in their proximity.
The zoo offers educational programs and experiences if you want to learn more about nature and various species of animals.
Recommendation: You and your kids should visit the animals in this zoo to see the Arctic fox, flamingo, golden-headed lion tamarin, and harbor seals.
Rumriver Art Center
- 2665 4th Ave, Suite 102, 103, 108 & 201, Anoka, Minnesota
- Contact details: (763) 323-8830 | info@rumriverart.com
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Rumriver Art Center’s mission is to inspire students and artists by celebrating their originality and fostering their development as creative individuals.
Per the website, Rumriver Art Center hopes to promote creative literacy and excellence in communities that lack access to such activities through their partnerships and collaborations.
Recommendation: To those who love arts, Rumriver Art Center is one of the best field trips for students and even homeschooled kids. They provide art classes that include educational trips, so schedule your field trip at least four weeks in advance.
Snapology
- 2649 Lyndale Ave. South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Contact details: (612) 440-7627 | aaronh@snapology.com
- Facebook | Instagram
STEM-focused workshops covering topics including robots, programming, technology, and science. The cost is different for each workshop. Snapology’s curriculum is geared toward introducing children to STEM principles through toys.
Recommendation: Your kids should try LEGO® bricks and stop-motion animation techniques during the animation classes. You can also have them create short films to enhance their artistic skills.
Image: Snapology|MN Field Trip Library
Minneapolis Bouldering Project
- 1433 W. River Rd. North, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Contact details: (612) 308-2800 | kate.babbitt@boulderingproject.com
Minneapolis Bouldering Project (MBP) is an interactive space that offers rock climbing activities with a ROPE!
According to Family Fun Twin Cities, the MBP prioritizes taking all necessary safety procedures. The floor of the entire building, including the area around the climbing structure, is covered with a mat that is three feet in height.
Recommendation: Homeschooled kids should try this one. It helps kids to acquire problem-solving abilities delightfully, and it’s interactive, so they can learn those skills while climbing.
Minnesota State Capitol
- 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota
- Contact details: (651) 296-2881 | statecapitol@mnhs.org
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Learn about the past and present of state government at the State Capitol Historic Site. The Capitol is a history lesson that encourages people to get involved in government and the political process.
Minnesota Historical Society maintains the Capitol’s furnishings and artwork, and the organization also organizes tours of the building and runs educational and cultural activities there.
Recommendation: The Minnesota State Capitol, built in 1905 and recently restored to its former glory, is a must-see if your homeschooled kids are interested in government, architecture, art, or history.
Union Depot
- 214 4th St. East, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Contact details: (651) 202-2700 | info@uniondepot.org
- Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
This building will function as a transport hub for various modes and is integral to Lowertown’s spectacular redevelopment.
Union Depot is a historical, contemporary, and future community hub that hosts various public and private events, including but not limited to festivals, concerts, and other celebrations of arts and culture.
Recommendation: Go on a tour and learn all there is to know about the building’s past, the current makeover, the environmental efforts, the growing transit options, and more. There are few places in the Twin Cities where you can see the city’s history, present, and future as this one does.
More from Crossmap: 10 Christian Family Weekend Trips From Minneapolis
