8 Things to Bring on a Field Trip (Homeschool Must-Haves)
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After 15 years of homeschooling, I have a lot of experience in packing a field trip bag. Having all of the essential items in your bag or your car can help you have a great field trip day. In addition to the typical cell phone, car keys, wallet, and comfortable shoes, be sure to include the items on this homeschool field trip packing list.
Here are a few important things to bring on a field trip.
Things to Bring on a Field Trip (Homeschool Must-Haves)
Water Bottle and Food
I usually have a water bottle and a snack in my purse, but when we go on field trips, I always bring extra food. The food available at standard field trip spots is often overpriced or poor quality . . . or both. Sometimes we pack lunches, and other times I just bring a few healthy snacks, depending on how long we plan to be gone. A few extra granola bars can come in handy if you get stuck in traffic and the drive takes longer than expected.
Water bottles can always be refilled at water fountains. I like to bring water bottles with lids that close completely and lock, so I don’t need to worry about them spilling in my bag.
Some field trip spots have rules about bringing food or water inside, so be sure to know the rules before you leave home. Some facilities are also nut-free, so you might not want to bring peanut butter.
If you can’t bring the snacks inside, pack things that will keep well in your car. A cooler can help keep food safe and chocolate from melting. You might also want to throw a picnic blanket in the car, just in case there are no picnic tables available.
I was very glad I had packed extra water and snacks when our drive home took an extra hour and a half. We were in a neighboring town visiting a museum when a strong storm popped up. The heavy winds knocked down a tree, blocking one of the two entrances into our neighborhood. We had to backtrack and sit in a ton of traffic to make it home. I was especially thankful I had fed the kids the snacks in the car, because when we finally reached our home, the power was out and I needed a new plan for dinner.
Water and snacks are important to bring on a field trip to save you money when someone inevitably gets thirsty or hungry.
Audiobooks or Podcasts
Audiobooks, podcasts, or books on c.d. (does anyone still use those?) can help you take advantage of the drive time involved with the field trip. You might even be able to find something that ties in with what you are studying.
When my kids were younger, we would listen to the Story of the World c.d. on our way to field trips. It was a great way to keep up with our history lessons while still getting out of the house.
Audiobooks or podcasts are important to bring on a field trip because they let you use the travel time efficiently. You can learn about the location you are visiting, or cross something off your homeschool to-do list.
Weather Gear
Take a peek at the forecast before you leave home so you can bring whatever weather gear will help everyone be their most comfortable.
You might want to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Sun Hat
- Sunglasses
- A raincoat or a rainproof jacket with a hat
- Misting fan
- Cooling towel
Weather gear is important to bring on a field trip because it will keep you comfortable. Trust me, you do not want to end your field trip with everyone soaking wet.
Small Game
Sometimes, field trips have downtime. Maybe you are waiting for the doors to open, or maybe there are a few minutes to kill before it’s animal feeding time. Having a small, fun game ready to play can help everyone wait patiently.
I like to bring Speedy Words in my field trip bag. It is a good option that works for just about every age. My kids enjoyed it beginning in elementary grades. Many years later, this game is still a family favorite. We had a few minutes of waiting before my son’s high school graduation, and it felt very appropriate when my daughter grabbed this game to play. A game can be stopped at any time, so it is perfect for waiting.
A small game is important to bring on a field trip to help pass downtime.
Small First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit can come in really handy when you are away from home on a field trip. You can easily buy one, but I like to make my own so I can personalize it to my family’s needs.
I put everything in a small makeup pouch. This fits in my purse and my field trip bag. Some helpful items to include are:
- Band-Aids (perfect for blisters)
- Hand sanitizer
- Ibuprofen
- Benadryl
- Pepto Bismal chewables
- Electrolyte packets
- Instant disposable ice packs
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A first aid kit is something I always bring on a field trip. The electrolyte packets and instant ice packs came in very handy when my daughter fainted in the Colonial Williamsburg heat!
Printable Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can help kids stay interested and engaged during field trips, so it is a great field trip experience. There are a few versions available:
- Historical Site
- Zoo
- Aquarium
- Art Museum
Just print out the page you want to use and pack a clipboard and a pencil. I suggest one scavenger hunt, a clipboard, and a writing utensil for each child.
Cell Phone Charger
If you don’t keep a phone charger in your car, it is a good idea to throw one in the center console before you head out on a field trip. Audiobooks, podcasts, field trip maps, and GPS directions can all drain a phone battery. A phone charger makes sure that you will have enough juice throughout the entire trip.
This field trip packing list will help you be prepared for anything!
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