Running a great field trip program can be one of the biggest highlights of your season. The right outings create memorable moments, strengthen friendships, and give your summer camps a reputation for being organized, fun, and “worth it”.
In this guide, you’ll find 50+ field trip ideas for summer camp, plus a simple planning system you can reuse every year (including checklists for Permission slips, Emergency information, staffing, and head count control).
📢 Many summer camps use Summer Camp Registration Software like Pembee to manage their field trip program alongside their regular bookings. With registrations, forms, payments, and parent communication handled in one place, camp organizers can spend less time chasing paperwork and more time focusing on running memorable, stress-free trips.
Quick pick guide (find the right trip fast)
Best “no-bus” field trips (easy local wins)
- Local park + scavenger hunt
- Library programs or a community children’s exhibit
- art gallery with a guided activity sheet
- recycling center tour
- Walking tour of a historic district (great for community connections)
Best low-cost field trips
- Public parks + water games (think water balloons or water cannons)
- Local nature trails + notebooking pages
- animal shelter visit (with an age-appropriate service activity)
- Fire station /community helpers day
- Local pet store tour (some stores offer short educational sessions)
Best hot-day field trips
- Movie Theater
- Ice Skating
- Indoor trampoline parks (like Trampoline Park / Urban Air / Skyzone Elmhurst)
- science museum or planetarium
- Water park
Best rainy-day backups
- Virtual field trips and virtual tours
- Indoor arcades like Enterrium Arcade or Dave & Buster’s
- Indoor activity centers like Main Event
- Hands-on museum day
Best for teens
- laser tag
- Big theme parks (roller coasters + all-day energy)
- Sports experiences (like a Baseball Game)
- Escape-room style interactive adventure (venue-led)
50+ field trip ideas for summer camp (grouped by type)
Below are ideas you can adapt anywhere. For each one, we’ve included quick notes to help you plan confidently.
Nature & outdoors field trips (12 ideas)
1) State park day trip
Perfect for: ages 6+
Why it works: hiking, picnic lunch, nature journaling
Examples: California State Parks
Planning notes: choose shaded trails, confirm restrooms, review park safety
2) Ranger-led nature walk
Perfect for: ages 5–12
Why it works: structured learning with minimal prep
Planning notes: ask if they can tailor content to your theme
3) Botanical garden + sketching challenge
Perfect for: ages 6+
Why it works: calm, beautiful, educational twist
Add-on: “leaf texture rubbings” and simple notebooking pages
4) Beach/ Lake day (with boundaries)
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: high excitement and summer energy
Planning notes: water supervision is everything (set zones + frequent head count)
5) Local farm visit
Perfect for: ages 4–10
Why it works: animals, learning, hands-on fun
Planning notes: check handwashing stations and allergy policies
6) Butterfly house or Butterfly exhibit
Perfect for: ages 4–12
Why it works: magical, calm, great photos
Planning notes: reinforce “gentle hands” rules
7) Wildlife sanctuary visit
Perfect for: ages 6+
Example: Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
Planning notes: ask about shade, walking distance, and staff-led talks
8) Outdoor ropes course /climbing park
Perfect for: ages 10+
Why it works: confidence-building and teamwork
Planning notes: check the waiver form requirements and staff-to-camper ratios
9) Geocaching or GPS challenge day
Perfect for: ages 9+
Why it works: feels like an interactive adventure
Planning notes: set strict boundaries and buddy systems
10) Picnic + field games tournament
Perfect for: all ages
Why it works: cheap, flexible, minimal logistics
Planning notes: assign stations, keep water breaks scheduled
11) “Science in the park” motion lab
Perfect for: ages 7–12
Theme: potential energy, kinetic energy, object motion
Easy activities: ramps, balls, and simple measurements
Why it works: educational twist without needing a venue
12) National park dream trip (big-camp special)
Perfect for: older campers, teen programs
Example: Old Faithful Geyser (if your camp ever runs a travel week)
Planning notes: this is a true all-day itinerary with higher planning demands
Animals & conservation field trips (10 ideas)
13) Zoo day
Perfect for: all ages
Why it works: always a hit
Planning notes: ask about shaded lunch areas and stroller rules for younger groups
14) Aquarium day
Perfect for: all ages
Why it works: always a hit
Planning notes: build in “quiet time” and a snack break (it’s sensory-heavy)
15) Animal shelter service visit
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: community connections + empathy
Ideas: donate supplies, make enrichment toys (venue-approved), write thank-you notes
16) Working farm or petting farm
Perfect for: ages 4–10
Why it works: hands-on and low-pressure
Planning notes: confirm animal handling rules
17) Wildlife rehab center tour
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: educational twist + conservation focus
Planning notes: keep group size smaller if possible
18) “Junior zookeeper” talk (venue-led)
Perfect for: ages 6–12
Why it works: structured, minimal staff effort
Planning notes: ask for a dedicated educator
19) Local pet store learning visit
Perfect for: ages 5–10
Why it works: easy, close-by, surprisingly engaging
Planning notes: call ahead and set expectations
20) Nature center with animal ambassadors
Perfect for: ages 4–12
Why it works: controlled environment + animals
Planning notes: great rainy-day alternative to outdoor hikes
21) Safari-style drive-through experience
Perfect for: all ages
If available: a “motor safari” style park
Planning notes: confirm bathroom timing and seating logistics
22) Conservation volunteering (teen program)
Perfect for: ages 13–17
Why it works: leadership + community impact
Planning notes: coordinate with local organizations well in advance
Museums & culture field trips (12 ideas)
23) Science museum
Perfect for: ages 6–14
Why it works: interactive exhibits = high engagement
24) History museum
Perfect for: ages 7+
Why it works: easy to theme (local history, immigration, inventions)
Planning notes: build a “museum bingo” sheet for movement and focus
25) National Museum of Natural History
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: iconic exhibits + science tie-ins
Planning notes: best for older groups who can handle longer walking days
26) Metropolitan Museum
Perfect for: ages 10+
Why it works: culture + creative prompts
Planning notes: choose 3–5 “must-see” stops (don’t try to do everything)
27) Art museum day
Perfect for: ages 6+
Why it works: calm, inspiring, great for creative camps
Add-on: quick sketching and “tell a story from a painting”
28) Local art gallery + artist talk
Perfect for: ages 7+
Why it works: community connections and local pride
Planning notes: ask for a short Q&A session
29) Natural history museum
Perfect for: ages 6–14
Example: Field Museum
Why it works: dinosaurs, ecosystems, and big “wow” moments
30) Planetarium /Space day
Perfect for: ages 6–14
Why it works: immersive and weather-proof
Optional theme tie-in: Mars
31) Theater field trip (performance or workshop)
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: confidence + creativity
Planning notes: confirm behavior expectations and seating plan
32) Puppetry Arts Center
Perfect for: ages 5–12
Example: Center for Puppetry Arts
Why it works: highly engaging and different from typical trips
33) Aviation museum
Perfect for: ages 7+
Why it works: big objects + real-world engineering
34) Government building or civic museum
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: connects to citizenship and local history
STEM, behind-the-scenes, and “how things work” field trips (8 ideas)
35) Science lab tours
Perfect for: ages 10+
Why it works: rare, memorable, career inspiration
Planning notes: book early and clarify safety rules
36) Maker space/ robotics workshop
Perfect for: ages 8–14
Why it works: hands-on building and teamwork
Planning notes: choose a project that finishes in 60–90 minutes
37) Recycling center tour
Perfect for: ages 7+
Why it works: practical learning + sustainability
Planning notes: closed-toe shoes, noise expectations
38) Factory tour (food or manufacturing)
Perfect for: ages 10+
Why it works: “how it’s made” is always exciting
Planning notes: confirm allergy/food rules
39) Weather station or science center demo
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: science made real
Planning notes: add a simple experiment worksheet
40) “Energy and motion” challenge day
Perfect for: ages 7–12
Theme: potential energy → kinetic energy → object motion
Why it works: easy to run on-site if travel is hard
41) Space + astronomy mini-unit
Perfect for: ages 6–12
Use: star maps, model rockets, NASA resources
Optional: Space videos and mission updates
42) “Notebooking day” learning trip
Perfect for: ages 6–12
Use: notebooking pages and simple reflection prompts
Big fun/ high-energy field trips (12 ideas)
43) Amusement park day
Perfect for: ages 9+
Why it works: huge excitement and bonding
Planning notes:
- Split campers into groups for Kids rides vs Major rides
- Set meeting points and a strict headcount rhythm
- Consider ticket pre-purchase to avoid long entry lines
44) Roller coaster “challenge” day (teen groups)
Perfect for: ages 12–17
Why it works: thrill + social energy
Planning notes: keep a quiet zone plan for campers who opt out
45) Water park day
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: peak summer fun
Planning notes: this is a higher-risk day (swim tests, zones, extra staff)
46) Trampoline Park day
Perfect for: ages 7–14
Why it works: energy release + weather-proof
Planning notes: waivers, socks, hydration breaks
47) Laser tag
Perfect for: ages 9–16
Why it works: teamwork + excitement
Planning notes: set clear rules and watch for rough play
48) Arcade + activity center
Perfect for: ages 8–16
Why it works: flexible, easy logistics
Planning notes: set spending rules if cards are used
49) Indoor play center / fun factory
Perfect for: ages 5–12
Why it works: great for younger groups
Planning notes: socks, labels, and a strict buddy system
50) Miniature Golfing
Perfect for: ages 6+
Why it works: easy, cheap-ish, minimal risk
Planning notes: short travel + great for mixed ages
51) Movie Theater trip
Perfect for: ages 6+
Why it works: ideal heat-day option
Planning notes: confirm group entry process and seating plan
52) Ice Skating
Perfect for: ages 7+
Why it works: fun + skill-building
Planning notes: gloves, helmets (if available), and extra supervision
53) Baseball Game
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: classic summer memory
Planning notes: sun protection, ear protection for sensitive campers
54) Sports experience day
Perfect for: ages 6–14
Why it works: high value and clear outcomes
Planning notes: confirm instruction quality and safety rules
Theme-based and “experience” field trips (6 ideas)
55) Pirate adventure field trip
Perfect for: ages 5–12
Examples to inspire your programming:
- Pirate Adventures
- “Sea Gypsy” style boat experience
- Scavenger hunt for “sunken treasure”
Planning notes:
- Make it a full theme week with summer camp activities
- You can even create a companion day inspired by “Summer Camp Activities for a Pirate Theme”
56) Historic district walking tour
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: local pride + learning
Planning notes: keep it short and interactive
57) Harbor or waterfront day
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: memorable scenery and hands-on learning
Planning notes: water boundaries + extra staff
58) Museum + city scavenger hunt combo
Perfect for: ages 9+
Why it works: movement + discovery
Planning notes: use QR clues or printed clue cards
59) Cultural festivals and events
Perfect for: ages 8+
Why it works: meaningful cultural learning
Planning notes: prepare campers with respectful behavior expectations
60) “Local favorites” community day
Perfect for: all ages
This can include parks, libraries, and local organizations
Why it works: strong community connections and low transport cost
Virtual field trips (great for backup days or no-transport camps)
Not every camp can run weekly travel, and that’s okay. Virtual field trips can still feel special if you make them interactive.
Best ways to run virtual trips
- Virtual tours of museums and landmarks
- Animal live webcams / live web cams
- Virtual reality tours (if you have access to VR headsets)
Make it camp-friendly:
- Keep sessions short (20–40 minutes)
- Add a themed craft or challenge afterward (like tye dyeing, model-building, or a scavenger hunt around your site)
A simple field trip planning system (camp director checklist)
Great trips aren’t just about picking fun places. They’re about running the day smoothly.
1) Choose the right trip for your week
Ask these questions:
- What’s our theme this week?
- What’s our staff coverage?
- How far can we travel without losing the day?
- Do we need an educational twist or purely fun?
2) Call venues and confirm the details
Ask about:
- Group rates and minimum numbers
- Arrival process (where the bus/car drops off)
- Lunch space and water refill stations
- Whether they offer a field trip program or an educator session
- Any required waiver form or pre-registration
3) Lock down paperwork early
This is where many camps get stressed. You’ll typically need:
- Permission slips (check out our permission slips template)
- Emergency information (contacts + pickup permissions)
- Medical notes (allergies, medications)
- Special accommodations or support needs
- Photo consent (if applicable)
4) Plan supervision like a pro
Field trips fail when supervision is unclear. Before you leave:
- Assign groups and group leaders
- Confirm buddy pairs
- Decide your headcount routine:
- before boarding
- on arrival
- after bathrooms
- before leaving
- back at camp
5) Build a safe arrival/departure flow
Most chaos happens in the parking lot.
- One staff member leads unloading
- One staff member anchors the rear
- Campers move in a single group to a meeting point
- Quick head count before anyone explores
6) Always have a Plan B
Even if the trip is perfect on paper, you need a backup:
- Weather shift
- Venue delay
- Camper illness
- Transport issues
Your Plan B can be:
- A virtual tour
- An on-site scavenger hunt
- A craft block + Movie Theater style “camp cinema” day
FAQs: Field trips for summer camps
How many field trips should a summer camp do?
Most summer camps do anywhere from 1 field trip per week to 2 per week, depending on age group, staffing, and budget. Younger campers often do better with fewer travel days and more predictable routines.
What are the best low-cost field trip ideas?
Top low-cost options include parks, library programs, an animal shelter visit, recycling center tours, and local walking trips that don’t require transport.
What should be included in permission slips?
At a minimum, permission slips should include:
- Trip date + destination
- Departure/return times
- Transport details
- Emergency information contact details
- Medical notes and medication instructions
- Any waiver form requirements
Are virtual field trips actually worth doing?
Yes, especially as a backup plan. Virtual field trips work best when you pair them with an activity: notebooking pages, crafts, a themed scavenger hunt, or discussion prompts.
What’s the easiest “big fun” trip to run?
A movie theater trip is often the simplest. For higher-energy fun, trampoline parks can be very smooth if you handle waivers and headcounts carefully.
Final tips to make every field trip feel “premium”
- Choose trips that match your staff reality, not just your wish list
- Ask for group rates and a structured field trip program
- Keep your head count routine consistent all season
- Treat the parking lot as a high-focus zone
- Build in shade, water, and rest breaks
- Always keep a Plan B ready (virtual tours + on-site activities)
