Although homeschooling affords its teenagers a lot of freedoms not otherwise found in a traditional school system, sometimes the walls just feel like they are closing in. “House-a-tosis, (aka too much time spend in the house) can creep up on you and just make you feel a bit bonkers … right? Remember folks, the number one reason that homeschooling rocks is FLEXIBILITY!

Sometimes getting out of the house for a day gives you a little inspiration, or a spark of enthusiasm, reaffirming just why you chose to homeschool in the first place. So think about it … what really interests you, would get you out of the house, AND is also an educational learning experience?

Here are 5 Great Field Trip Ideas for You:

1. Take a Historical/Living History Tour. Reading about history in books can be a bit ho-hum, but experiencing a re-enactment or a living history tour where everyone is in period costume can bring history vividly to life – for child, teen, AND adult. And teens – keep your eyes out for a possible summertime job. Many living history museums employ enthusiastic teens – could be much more fun and rewarding than a job at your local fast food joint!
2. Attend a Murder-Mystery Theater. Put your detective skills to work all while being entertained to the nth degree – your mom or dad will LOVE this idea. Make sure to get as many pre-show details ahead of time, and take paper and a pencil to jot notes with. Write down whatever clues you figure out, the small details that spark a hunch, and the logical progression that your mind undergoes during the course of the thrilling investigation. You can compare thoughts later, and determine how Sherlock-minded you really are.
3. Volunteer-Related Field Trips. A community service “field trip” can be a day or two of both learning and giving. Look for an opportunity that really suits your field of interest, or even a career path that you have been kicking around. These give you a chance to serve and learn at the same time. For instance – if you are an animal enthusiast – volunteer at a vet clinic or animal shelter. Planet Connect is an excellent resource for students seeking internships.
4. Student-Planned Park Trip. It’s spring – what better way to spend it than learning outside in nature? With the internet at your fingertips, downloading trail maps and information about local flora and fauna is easier than ever. You can plan the whole trip from top to bottom, and visit the park of your choice. Start a journal about the things you “might” encounter, then compare in the end to the things you “do” encounter. Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
5. Visit a University. It’s even better when you stay overnight and really get the feel and flavor of college-life and the bustle of the students in action. Research the history of the university and be sure to focus on the colleges or areas of your own interest. Be sure to include any sports or extra-curricular activities that inspire you as well. This can be a great way to hype yourself up for the upcoming school year – and motivate you to explore new interests and achieve good results, or even participate in a new sport or activity

Bottom line is, homeschool field trips can be way more fun than their traditional school counterparts. No stuffy, noisy bus rides, no cafeteria bagged lunches, no fighting classmates or high drama of any kind (unless theater is what you are out to see). Best of all, YOU get to plan it – in an area that really interests you – so get your thinking cap on and figure out a way to enjoy the spring while out and about in your world!