Students on a field trip to a science museum gaze at a plasma ball.

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Are you looking for a unique and memorable field trip experience for your students or group members? Look no further! Here in the Carolinas you'll find some of the most interesting, educational, and fun field trips around. From exciting outdoor explorations to breathtaking view points to fascinating historical attractions, there is something here that will fit any budget and interest level. Join Carolina Traveler as we explore several several field trip adventures.

Children conduct experiments with electricity at the Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC.

It's electric! Encourage your students to explore their inner Ben Franklin (or Nikola Tesla!) on a field trip to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC.

Catawba Science Center

Catawba Science Center is a non-profit science and technology museum offering rotating hands-on exhibits, saltwater and freshwater aquarium galleries, and a state-of-the-art digital planetarium. Their mission is to change lives and inspire learning through science and wonder! The staff are dedicated to providing a fun learning environment through science experiences.

Interactive and educational school field trips feature grade-specific hands-on experiences in natural, physical, and earth sciences. All programs complement the NC Common Core & Essential Standards and goals. Visitors learn about animals, plants, astronomy, physics, weather, technology, and more. We strive to provide an inclusive atmosphere for people of all ages!

Exotic cats at the Animal Park at Conservators Center in Burlington, NC

Experience wildlife at the Animal Park at Conservators Center in Burlington, NC.

Animal Park at the Conservators Center

Get a unique view of big cats, wolves, and other exotic animals—often from just 5 feet away! Most visitors experience an “oofing,” the earth-shaking, collective roar of several lion prides. You will be equally enchanted by our smaller residents, including binturongs, singing dogs, lemurs, servals, and other rare species.

NASCAR driver Richard Petty stands beside a blue race car at the Petty Museum

You'll find fast cars and the legendary King of NASCAR at the Petty Museum in Randleman, NC.

Petty Museum

  • 309 Branson Mill Rd, Randleman NC 27317
  • 336-495-1143
  • RPMuseum.com

Trace the amazing history of four generations of NASCAR royalty at this interactive museum! Follow the Petty family from their start on dirt tracks to modern-day racing, with memorabilia and artifacts highlighting wins, awards and more. You can even pick up a souvenir in the gift shop for yourself or your favorite fan. Get ready – buckle those seatbelts tight – it's time for an adrenaline-pumping journey through over 80 years' worth of incredible accomplishments!

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Students on a field trip explore sea life at the Eastern 4 H Center.

Curious minds making thrilling connections on field trips to the Eastern 4-H Center in Columbia, NC.

Eastern 4-H Center

  • 100 N Clover Way, Columbia, NC
  • 252-797-4800
  • eastern4hcenter.org

Come explore the natural beauty and diversity of Albemarle Sound! With 250+ acres as an outdoor science classroom, experienced teachers lead hands-on learning activities for elementary to high school students aligned with North Carolina teaching standards. From the Pocosin forests to sweeping bays, estuaries and wetlands full of wildlife around sandy shores – there's something special waiting at each turn that'll bring curriculum alive in a way textbooks never could. The center's programs are open to public, private, and home-school groups.

John Deere tractors exhibited at the •Neal Agricultural & Industrial Museum in Trinity, NC

Do you find tractors sexy? If so, your happy place will be the Neal Agricultural & Industrial Museum in Trinity, NC.

Neal Agricultural & Industrial Museum

Step back in time and explore the wonders of American engineering from a simpler era. See more than two dozen restored John Deere tractors, along with an array of steam engines dating as far back to 19th century. Witness history come alive when you experience the demonstration re-enacting the War of The Currents. And don't forget about shopping for souvenirs at the special gift shop.

A resting tiger at Tiger World animal sanctuary in Rockwell, NC.

A Tiger World field trip will be an experience that your students will never forget!

Tiger World

Take a walk on the wild side with our educational tour and get up close to the big cats. Field trips to Tiger World include an interactive program designed around your specific curriculum with age appropriateness in mind. Students can meet the animals, ask questions of our certified Animal Care Specialists, and participate in fun activities while learning amazing things about Tiger World.

Exquisitely handcrafted pottery is displayed at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC

Amazing and functional works of art are displayed at the North Carolina Pottery Center in Seagrove, NC.

North Carolina Pottery Center

Explore the deep-rooted history of North Carolina's pottery and its fascinating evolution over centuries. Tour an exquisite collection of 800+ artifacts including photos, displayed thoughtfully to demonstrate the influence that social, technological and economic forces have on this unique cultural treasure. And don't forget – there is a gift shop so you can bring home your own piece of North Carolina culture.

Kids enjoy roll playing at Marbles kids museum in Raleigh, NC.

Build a field trip that aligns to your curriculum at Marbles kids museum in Raleigh, NC.

Marbles

Educationally sound and fundamentally fun! Marbles field trips are content-rich, align with NC Standards and spark curiosity in students. We make it easy to book and simple to coordinate!

  • K-5 th – Museum Discovery: Embark on a learning adventure within the museum’s exhibits.
  • K-5 th – Museum MasterMinds: Dive into biology, financial literacy, weather, or celebrations around the
    world with a 20-min. interactive presentation.
  • K-8 th – IMAX Documentaries: Get the most out of your visit with a documentary on Raleigh’s biggest
    screen.
  • 4 th -8 th – IMAX Learning Labs: Pair an IMAX documentary with a 45-min. hands-on learning lab that
    engages students in challenge, choice, and unique activities.
A father and son explore a blue and yellow biplane at the North Carolina Aviation Museum in Asheboro, NC

Channel your inner Red Baron (or Maverick) when you buzz the tower at the North Carolina Aviation Museum in Asheboro, NC.

North Carolina Aviation Museum

  • 2222-G Pilots View Rd, Asheboro NC 27203
  • 336-625-0170
  • NCAMHOF.com

Embark on a journey through the skies of aviation history at the North Carolina Aviation Museum. Explore an incredible collection of WWI artifacts, memorabilia and military equipment – from uniforms to vehicles to weapons. Test your flying skills in a flight simulator, check out Orville Wright's Piper J-3 “Flitfire,” and take home some amazing souvenirs from the gift shop. Perfect for groups — call for group rates.

A young girl uses a magnet to snag a toy fish

Even the youngest budding scientists make discoveries on field trips to Kaleideum North in Winston-Salem, NC.

Kaleideum

  • 400 W. Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem, 27105
  • 336-767-6730
  • kaleideum.org 

Kaleideum makes learning about science a fun field trip with educational programs and interactive exhibits, such as a 20-foot tall tree that children can climb inside to learn about trees, and a fountain that features a four-foot diameter, 5,300-pound granite ball.

Students wash buckets of sand in search of gemstones

Your field trip to the Schiele Museum can include a rewarding mining experience.

Schiele Museum

Your class can experience dinosaur fossils, wildlife exhibits, American Indian artifacts, and a trip through space during a field trip to The Schiele Museum and James H. Lynn Planetarium. Customize your visit to include a science or nature presentation that supports the lessons from your classroom, then let your students enjoy museum exhibits, live animals at The Farm, and natural mazes on the Nature Trail. With equal parts learning and fun, your students will remember their fascinating field trip forever! Get the details and book your visit at schielemuseum.org.

A polar bear greets a child through the glass at the North Carolina Zoo.

Awe-inspiring greetings await your students at the North Carolina Zoo!

NC Zoo

  • 4401 Zoo Pkwy, Asheboro, NC 27205
  • 336-879-7000
  • nczoo.org

The North Carolina Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world! There is plenty of room to roam for both animals and guests, with large, spacious habitats and five miles of shaded walking trails. Located right in the heart of North Carolina, it is an easy and affordable field trip, or overnight or day trip for the entire family. In addition to the amazing adventures with our wildlife, the Zoo offers seasonal activities such as the Giraffe Feeding Deck, Butterfly Garden, and beautiful picnic areas for our guests. These wild experiences are guaranteed to delight kids of all ages.

An exhibit depicts troops exiting a glider at the US Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC

The United States Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum recounts the actions of heroic Soldiers from the early days of the Parachute Test Platoon in 1940, to the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.

US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum

  • 100 Bragg Blvd., Fayetteville, NC 28301
  • 910-643-2778
  • asomf.org

The US Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum (ASOM) retains, preserves, and exhibits, the material, culture and heritage of the United States Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces from 1940 and into the future. Students visiting on field trips to the museum will be able to explore the history of Army Airborne and Special Operations through photos, artifacts and stunning life-size exhibits.

Visitors enjoy feeding the animals at Eudora Wildlife Safari Park in Salley, SC

Laughter and squeals of delight can be heard as visitors feed the animals at Wildlife Safari Park in Salley, SC.

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park

Bring your field trip to the first drive-thru safari park in South Carolina! At Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, guests view and feed exotic animals from around the world from the comfort of their own vehicle. Bring your school, church or other group to enjoy a wagon ride through the safari with a tour guide and one bucket of feed per person. The Safari Wagon Tour takes about 1 hour and the Walk Thru Safari Tour takes about 45 minutes. Eudora Wildlife Safari will custom your tour based on educational needs. Picnic tables for lunch are available at our giraffe exhibit.

Vintage Harley Davidson motorcycle exhibit at the • American Classic Motorcycle Museum in Asheboro, NC

You're bound to find adventure here, so get your motor running and head out on the highway to the American Motorcycle Museum in Asheboro, NC.

American Classic Motorcycle Museum

  • 1170 US Hwy 64 W, Asheboro NC 27205
  • 336-629-9564

Check out this amazing collection of vintage Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, boasting an impressive 45 bikes to explore and admire – ranging from 1936 all the way up to 1978. Shop for souvenirs in their gift shop, or grab a bite at Heritage Diner before you go.

A modeler applies the finishing touches to the Firebase Ripcord diorama at the South Carolina Relic Room and Military Museum

A modeler applies the finishing touches to the Firebase Ripcord diorama at the South Carolina Relic Room and Military Museum in Columbia, SC.

South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum

The SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum brings to life the role South Carolinians played in every major American conflict from the Revolutionary War onward. Recently opened, their new exhibit ‘SC in Vietnam' impresses with a huge detailed diorama of Fire Support Base Ripcord that took two years for experts at the Wildcat Chapter of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society to construct – truly an awe-inspiring sight!

Museum Central is a special advertising section, sponsored by the participating museums or their respective tourism development authority.

Find things to do in Carolina Traveler magazine

Get more Carolina! Subscribe to Carolina Traveler Magazine and we’ll deliver it to your home.

 

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