If you are a parent, your child most likely enjoys going on field trips. They are able to get out of the classroom, explore something different, and have some fun. Beyond the fun aspect, preschool field trips have several benefits to a child’s development. These trips positively impact a child’s academic performance if woven into the curriculum. They promote engagement with the content that is being learned in class. They help develop a child’s social skills. They increase critical thinking skills. Also, they improve cultural awareness. There are a few types of field trips that particularly benefit preschoolers. Preschool children are at an age where they are rapidly absorbing things about the world around them. Field trips are a great place to learn and explore!

New York Hall of Science

The New York Hall of Science is specifically designed for children. Children can participate in real-life science experiments and get hands-on with different activities. The museums usually have exhibits on dinosaurs, space, the human body, weather, and other topics children may have learned about in the classroom. Science museums usually have a discounted rate for classrooms. Larger groups will be provided with a tour guide to answer students’ questions as they move through the exhibits.

Central Park Zoo or the New York Aquarium

Most children love animals! But they may not know much about how certain animals really function. They may be curious about the environment that animals naturally live in. Taking preschoolers to the Central Park Zoo or New York Aquarium will show them real animals. They can see what they look like, how big they are, and what they sound like. Children can be exposed to animals that they have never heard of before. They may find a new favorite! Going to a zoo or aquarium is a fun field trip for preschoolers because it keeps children active. They’ll spend the day walking from animal to animal. This trip can be paired with a classroom lesson on biology and animals.

Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard

This orchard, which offers a pumpkin patch and an apple-picking orchard, is kid-friendly and fun for all ages! Children can pick apples or look at pumpkins. Or, preschoolers can learn about just how these foods are grown, from planting a seed to harvesting. Talking about a plant’s life cycle while seeing a farm in person will help children understand plants better. The bonus of this field trip – there might be a maze! It can be a physical and mental challenge for children to navigate their way through the maze and find their way out.

Hayden Planetarium

Visiting the planetarium can help children see the world outside of their world. They might be learning about the solar system and planets in the classroom. It can be so fun and exciting for them to see larger models at a planetarium. The Hayden Planetarium also has a theater where children can lay back and look up at a ceiling full of stars. A guide is there to explain what each star is. Once children learn some constellations in the planetarium, you can have your preschooler identify constellations that they see in the night sky with you!

American Airpower Museum

Many young children are interested in planes and the concept of flying. Do a preschool field trip to the American Airpower Museum where children can see a plane take off right in front of them! This museum was originally an airfield that later produced airplanes for use in World War II, so the location is full of important American history. Ask ahead if there is a guide to answer students’ questions about aerodynamics, the history of flights, the mechanics of lift, and more. See if the guide will even allow the preschoolers to sit in the pilot’s seat of one of the grounded airplanes.

There are multiple options for fun field trips for preschoolers where they can learn, grow, and simply enjoy themselves. At Wonderschool, we believe in helping children grow and develop during their formative years. Quality child care helps children to reach their full potential. We have a variety of child care options for those living in New York. Visit https://corp.wonderschool.com to learn more.