Field Trips

We live in a rich area for homeschooling. Where else can you drive to incredible forest preserves, countless museums, farm life at its best, and a bustling metropolitan area? Chicagoland has something for everyone, every school subject, and something to explore every day of the year if you care to do so.

Here we will compile all of your favorites. These can be local secrets or popular tourist destinations. Please share, and also share any tips for making the most of our time there. If you see an area that you have already enjoyed, please feel free to add tips for others as they visit. I can’t wait to see this list grow!

Need an afternoon out of the classroom? Check this list for endless ideas for sparking your child’s learning while out and about. These are arranged by topic rather than geographic area to help you find the most pertinent locations to your interests.

I would always recommend double checking websites, and probably even making a phone call before starting out on a long trip or planning a group activity. We have so much from which to choose . . . Enjoy!

General areas of interest
Park districts
Forest Preserves
Public Libraries
Local Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus

Museums
Children’s
Science
Nature
Historical
Cultural/Art

Nature areas (including zoo’s)

Physical activities

Service opportunities

Musical and Theatrical Venues

Tours

Special events

In addition to those listed, look for local businesses that might correspond to a topic of study for your kids: doctors, dentists, the post office, library, grocery stores, veterinary offices, and more may willingly host a tour for a small group of homeschool families. It never hurts to ask.