Taking learning outside the classroom isn’t just fun—it’s incredibly beneficial for preschoolers! Field trips spark curiosity, build real-world connections, and give children a chance to learn through all their senses.

When preschoolers visit new places, they’re developing important academic and life skills—like observation, vocabulary, and problem-solving—while also growing socially and emotionally. These experiences build confidence, strengthen friendships, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

How Often We Go

Because class time is precious, I limit our field trips to about one per month. That balance gives us plenty of time for our classroom routines while still leaving space for hands-on adventures in our community.

Over the years, we’ve visited so many wonderful places, including:

The public library
Treehouse Museum
Discovery Gateway Museum
Black Island Farms
The fire station
The police station
Antelope Island

A Peek at Our Yearly Field Trip Schedule

Here’s an example of what a typical school year looks like for us:

September – None (we’re still getting into the rhythm of school)
October – Black Island Farms Pumpkin Patch – $6 per person
November – Fire Station or Public Library or Police Station – Free
December – Ogden Christmas Village (with a tour and storytime from Mrs. Claus!) – Free, though $1–$2 donations are encouraged
January – Layton Aquarium – $10 per child, $15 per adult
February – Discovery Gateway Museum or Treehouse Museum – $6 per student, adults free
March – None (Parent-Teacher Conferences keep us busy!)
April – Hike at Antelope Island or Great Shorelands Preserve – $10 per vehicle or free
May – Ogden Dinosaur Park – $6 per child, $7 per adult

Each year, we repeat a few of our favorite adventures and mix in something new to keep things exciting.

How We Handle Costs and Logistics

Rather than charge a flat field trip fee, I ask families to pay only for the trips they attend. It feels more flexible and fair that way.

Families provide their own transportation to and from each field trip. Most parents choose to drive their child, stay to enjoy the experience, and then head home together afterward. For those who can’t stay, I’m happy to chaperone up to five children myself.

Who’s Invited?

We love having parents and special grown-ups join us—moms, dads, grandparents, and anyone else important to your child! Siblings are also welcome on most field trips, as long as a parent stays with them. Occasionally, the location requests that we limit attendance to enrolled preschoolers only, and I always make that clear in advance.

Planning and Communication

I try to give at least two weeks’ notice before each field trip so families can plan ahead. I also vary the day of the week we go so we don’t always miss the same class session.

We don’t hold regular preschool classes on field trip days—partly to keep things simple, and partly because, let’s be honest, we’re usually all a little tuckered out afterward!

Parents receive specific details in both an email and an online invitation for each field trip.

Why It’s Worth It

Yes, field trips take extra planning and coordination—but seeing the kids’ excitement, hearing their thoughtful questions, and watching them connect what we learn in class to the real world makes it all worthwhile.

Teachers: How do you handle field trips in your school? Any favorite places or tips for keeping things smooth?
Parents: Where would you love to see us go this year? Share your ideas—I’d love to hear them!

Why I Love Preschool Field Trips (and How We Make Them Work!)