The Best Theme Parks for School Field Trips in the US
As a teacher or school coordinator, planning the perfect field trip is no small feat. One of the best ways to ensure that students learn while having fun is to visit a theme park. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? I’ve had the privilege of organizing field trips for my students to various parks across the country, and I’m here to share my top recommendations for theme parks that are educational, fun, and provide lasting memories.
Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Kissimmee
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, USA
1. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida
If you’ve ever considered taking a group of students to a theme park, Disney World should be at the top of your list. While it’s famous for its thrilling rides and characters, there’s so much more to Disney World. The park offers educational experiences such as the Epcot World Showcase, where students can explore the cultures of 11 countries. This is an incredible opportunity for children to learn about world geography and history in an immersive way.
Additionally, Disney World offers science-based learning at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where students can learn about conservation efforts and wildlife. The park also provides educational programs that are tailored to different grade levels. My own students, when visiting, enjoyed the “Behind the Seeds” tour, which took them through Epcot's greenhouses to learn about sustainable agriculture.
Kiddy Hawk
300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA
2. Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Another iconic destination for school trips is Universal Studios. While this park is known for its high-energy attractions, there’s an abundance of learning experiences hidden beneath the surface. For example, students can take a tour of the Universal Studios Backlot and see firsthand how movies are made. This gives them a unique opportunity to understand the science and technology behind filmmaking.
Students can also experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where they can explore the fictional universe in a way that blends literature with engineering marvels. The technology behind the rides, such as the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, is a great example of how science, technology, and imagination work together to create unforgettable experiences.
3. Six Flags, Multiple Locations Across the US
If you’re looking for an affordable yet exciting option for a school field trip, Six Flags amusement parks are an excellent choice. With locations across the country, there’s sure to be one near you. Six Flags parks provide a mix of thrilling roller coasters and educational opportunities in fields like physics and engineering.
On my recent trip to Six Flags Great America in Illinois, my students had a blast learning about the principles of motion and gravity through rides like Superman: Ultimate Flight. The park also offers specific educational programs, including hands-on activities where students can engage in scientific experiments and learn the physics behind roller coasters.
4. LEGOLAND, Carlsbad, California
For younger students, LEGOLAND is the perfect destination. Located in Carlsbad, California, this park is ideal for hands-on learning. It’s centered around LEGO, the iconic building block that encourages creativity and problem-solving. As students explore the park, they can visit exhibits that teach them about architecture, engineering, and design—all through the fun of LEGO structures.
One of the highlights of LEGOLAND is the LEGO Mindstorms area, where students can engage in robotics activities. This interactive learning experience allows them to build and program their own robots. It’s a fantastic way for students to delve into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education while having a blast.
5. Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia
Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia, is another fantastic option for educational school trips. Known for its stunning European-themed sections, the park provides ample learning opportunities about world cultures, geography, and history. Students can explore the Italy and Germany areas to learn about the cultures and histories of these countries, all while enjoying the thrill of the rides.
In addition to cultural education, Busch Gardens offers experiences related to animal conservation at its Wolf Valley exhibit. Students can learn about the protection of wolves and other species, which makes this park a perfect choice for environmental science students.
6. SeaWorld, Orlando, Florida
For those interested in marine life, SeaWorld is a must-visit. The park offers students the chance to learn about aquatic animals through close-up encounters and educational shows. My students, especially those with an interest in biology, loved visiting the Shark Encounter, where they could observe sharks up close and learn about ocean ecosystems.
Beyond the exhibits, SeaWorld also offers conservation-focused programs that teach students about the challenges facing marine life and the importance of protecting our oceans. It’s an engaging, fun, and educational way for students to understand the interconnectedness of life on Earth.
7. The California Science Center, Los Angeles, California
While not technically a theme park, the California Science Center in Los Angeles is a wonderful alternative for a school trip focused on science education. The museum is filled with interactive exhibits covering everything from space exploration to human biology. One of the main attractions is the space shuttle Endeavour, where students can learn about the history of space missions and the technology behind them.
The California Science Center also has hands-on exhibits that allow students to explore physics, chemistry, and environmental science in fun and engaging ways. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, this is an excellent choice for an educational school trip.
8. Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, California
Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is another school trip favorite. The park blends classic amusement rides with rich history, offering an educational experience while still providing plenty of thrills. Students can explore the Ghost Town, which brings the Wild West to life, and learn about early American history and pioneer life.
Knott’s also offers educational programs that align with state curriculum standards. One of the most popular programs is the Science of Roller Coasters, which allows students to learn about the engineering principles that make roller coasters so exciting and safe.
9. The National Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
If your students are fascinated by aviation and space, the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is an incredible educational destination. The museum is home to numerous aircraft and spacecraft, including the Wright Brothers' 1903 Wright Flyer and the Apollo 11 Command Module. There are interactive exhibits that allow students to learn about the history of flight and space exploration through hands-on activities.
While not a traditional theme park, the museum provides an exciting opportunity for students to experience the thrill of scientific discovery and technological achievement. It’s especially suitable for older students with an interest in engineering and physics.
10. Adventure Science Center, Nashville, Tennessee
The Adventure Science Center in Nashville is another excellent choice for school field trips, especially for younger students. The center offers a wide range of hands-on exhibits related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). There’s even a planetarium where students can learn about astronomy and space exploration.
One of the highlights is the Energy Stage, where students can learn about energy production and sustainability through interactive exhibits. It's a great way to introduce students to the basics of renewable energy sources and the importance of environmental stewardship.
No matter where you are located in the U.S., there’s likely a theme park or educational center that’s perfect for your school’s next field trip. Each park offers a unique experience, allowing students to learn while having fun. Whether they’re exploring the wonders of science, history, or culture, these destinations provide rich educational opportunities that will stay with them for years to come.
