Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis- One of the greatest things about Indianapolis are all the great museums and parks. This makes for a really fun place to do field trips as a homeschooling parent! I’ve been researching where we should go in coordination with our curriculum this year and found an overwhelmingly large amount of cool places. There’s literally a place for any subject you’re learning about. I broke it up by indoor and outdoor locations in case you’re doing a spur of the moment trip but this is only a small percentage of all that Indianapolis has to offer.
The beginning of our year will start out pretty slow because of my lack of sleep with a newborn. Having a baby late in July means we’ll be starting the year off slow which is why I’m researching like crazy awesome places to visit once we’re mobile and able to explore! I’ve been to all of these locations but have never visited through the eyes of a teacher. The numerous amount of hands-on information we will learn is exciting!
15 Homeschool Field Trips Around Indianapolis
Below I’ve given suggestions of locations but there are multiple locations within each category you could explore. The website will link to the educators page of each location.
Get Outdoors
Farms-Fair Oaks Farm- Lots to do and see on this dairy farm. You can learn about animals and their birth and what they do on the farm. Check the website for elementary, middle school and high school quizzes that go along with what you’ll be learning. You can pack a lunch but there is also a large variety of food options in the cafe. Try the grilled cheese and buy a chocolate milk to go, you won’t regret it!
Orchards- Tuttle Orchard- take a tour of the orchard (apox 2 hours) and learn about the history, economics and how weather affects apples! Home School Day is October 10, 2018. Sign up online starting August 1st.
Zoos- Indianapolis Zoo- Zoos are the perfect place for specific animal studies but our zoo is so vast, there are so many great opportunities! You could learn about conservation of the animals (specifically in the dolphin show) or have chats with various animals (sea lions, macaws, lions, cheetahs to name a few). Moderate temperatures are best for visits as the animals are more playful. My favorite time to visit is when it’s raining because there are no crowds, you can observe as long as you want and if you bring a big striped umbrella or wear a yellow rain coat the animals get more playful!
Conner Prairie- Conner Prairie is our very favorite Indy spot to explore. Take on a role in Prairietown by using our Adventure Guide and Achievement Cards, link history with hands-on science in our Create.Connect gallery, and experience Indiana’s brush with the Civil War at 1863 Civil War Journey. Also be sure to explore the Conner House, and take a journey out to our newest exhibit, Treetop Outpost. August 28 and September 12, 2018
$5.50 per student, $8.50 per chaperone, free for primary educator.
Eagle Creek Park- explore, hike, picnic, and learn! Visit both nature centers and explore the park grounds for educational experiences on your own, or sign up your group of students for one of our environmental education program offerings. The Fall 2018 programs will be held Friday November 2nd and Friday April 5th.
Fort Harrison Park (and other State Parks)- Again, great location for nature lessons with lots of shade. Be sure to check out each park’s website for a list of fun classes/activities to go along with your visit and the link that shares coloring pages and rainy day activities.
Spring Mill State Park- take a trip back in time to the 1800s while exploring history and nature in this one location!
Indoor Locations
Indiana State Museum- The ISM has a great program lined up for 2018. Check out their K-12 School Guide on page 19 to learn more about each program offered. Be sure to check the age range before signing up. Be sure to pack a lunch for this location as their cafe is on the pricier side.
The Children’s Museum- I’m not sure what you wouldn’t be able to do a lesson on at TCM. My daughter attended their preschool program last year and she learned about such a wide range of topics. Check their site for their various programs as well as pricing for each class. They also offer day camps during break.
Libraries- Indianapolis Public Library (6-12), Hamilton East Public Library- We’ve got libraries in every town so just choose one closest to you and check out their program offerings. Up on the north side, Noblesville and Fishers have locations very dedicated to their children’s programs. They’re constantly adding more classes/programs for all ages and are very interested in what we want to learn about. Oh it’s also a great place for books! at the HSE locations there are cubbies for learning as well as rooms with desks and outlets that you can grab on a first come first serve basis.
Museum of Miniature Houses- this darling museum’s permanent collection comes from the more modern miniature world and includes children’s doll houses that are not to scale (and have been well-loved), as well as small scale reproductions of items (many are quite exquisite) that become the contents of dollhouses, room boxes, vignettes, or any setting that the ingenious miniaturist chooses to create, often with painstaking attention to detail. They also offer workshops on how to build your own small scale items (check the age limit).
Arts Council of Indianapolis- The Arts Council is a great place to look for lessons on all arts. Music, art classes, culture and more are all around the city all throughout the year.
Eitlejorg- The Eitlejorg is primarily a Native American museum but there are also several rotating exhibits featuring other topics. Jingle Rails is a fun exhibit in the winter showcasing a large model train scene that is very intricate. The website does not mention discounts for home schooling but the discount is $5 per person—students and accompanying adults. Children 4 and under are free. Again, bring your lunch to this field trip because there aren’t many places close by for food and their cafe is pricey.
Indy 500 Hall of Fame Museum (The track offers “School Days” two weeks before the Indy 500. Students and chaperones get into the track FREE; receive a FREE parking pass; and FREE access to the Hall of Fame Museum. Lunches can be purchased or you can bring your own lunch into the track. Up close and personal views of the drivers, pit lane, and more. Watch your favorite drivers practice for the upcoming race. Awesome experience and great field trip fun!)
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art)- their are hands on art classes, guided tours and self tours available at Newfields. Tours must be scheduled three weeks prior to your visit. This is a great way to introduce your children to a ‘grown up’ space where we have to learn to be more quiet. Bring a sack lunch!
If you’re in the Indy area or coming to Indy for a trip to one of these fantastic places, I’d love to show you around and do a lesson with you this year. Just contact me at shelly@diymamablog.com.
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