Field Trips
with Tot Appeal
By Carren W. Joye
Field trips are both
educational and entertaining, and your children do not have
to be in school to enjoy them. In fact, toddlers and
preschoolers enjoy field trips as much as their older
siblings do. Even with your older children home from school
during summer break, plan a few outings for both sets this
summer.
You can arrange tours of local businesses and area
attractions that your children are interested in at any time
with just a phone call or two. Including your toddler�s best
buddy or the whole crew from playgroup will make the field
trips even more fun. Not to mention, you may be able to get
group discounts for some tours.
However, field trips do not have to cost money. Many local
businesses will accommodate a tour for children free of
charge. All you have to do is call ahead to make
arrangements. Be sure to ask about any age restrictions,
special instructions or rules, the contact person, and the
best time to visit. Many places can be visited during the
week, but some may be available on the weekends.
You may start with the typical locales for field trips. The
zoo is always a favorite with children of any age. So is the
library. In addition, many cities now boast children�s
museums that combine hands-on learning with fun activities.
However, even if your hometown does not offer a children�s
museum, it probably has other museums and historical sites
well worth visiting with your youngster. Plus, with children
in school, these places are a lot less crowded during the
day.
Once you have already exhausted the typical field trip
destinations, check out the local businesses in your area
for �behind the scenes� tours. Children would be fascinated
by seeing how doughnuts are decorated or by watching how
their favorite hamburgers are made. Ask them what they are
interested in, and start planning that next field trip.
You may want to start with these favorites from our
playgroup.
Fire Station
Police Station
Post Office
Airport
Bookstore
Farm
Bakery
Fast food restaurant
Dry cleaners
Television station
Radio station
Newspaper
Hospital or other health-care facility
Veterinarian
Pet store
Grocery store
Ice cream shop
Community artists such as painters, photographers and
potters
Zoo or petting zoo
Movie theatre
Museums or historical sites
Take a hint from your child�s interests or just open the
yellow pages of your phone book to find great field trip
destinations. Wherever you decide to go for your field trip,
make it age appropriate and don�t forget to send a thank you
card to the tour guide afterwards. Most importantly, have
fun!
About the Author:
Carren W. Joye is the author of A Stay-at-Home Mom's
Complete Guide to Playgroups (ISBN 0-595-14684-8; $13.95). A
homeschooling mom of four children, she has founded five
successful playgroups and helped start countless other
playgroups around the world. Visit her web site at
http://www.OnlinePlaygroup.com for
more information about playgroups.