Field Trip Ideas in New Jersey
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Here come the fall leaves and you know what time that means, back to school for the kids in the Garden state! By now, teachers are getting their classrooms ready and making lesson plans, and mapping out educational activities for their new wave of students. Field trips are an important part of the school year, and elementary through high school teachers are always looking for new ideas. So as New Jersey schools gear up for the school bell, here’s a brief list of field trip ideas in New Jersey that will be a helpful resource for teachers and school administrators!
Outdoor Field Trip Ideas
Sweet Land of Liberty: Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty Monument
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation’s largest immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. It reopened as a museum on September 10, 1990. Today, over 40 percent of America’s population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France to the United States and has become a symbol of freedom and democracy for our country. The Statue of designated as a National Monument in 1924. With such an important landmark right off the coast of Jersey, this is the ultimate field trip destination for any student in the state.
That’s History: Monmouth Battlefield State Park
Situated 30 miles east of Trenton, one of the largest battles of the American Revolution took place here at Monmouth Battlefield. The park reflects a beautiful and rural 18th-century landscape of hilly farmland and hedgerows. With lots of activities for field trip groups to participate in, there are hiking and riding trails, picnic areas, and a restored Revolutionary War farmhouse. Other park facilities include an interpretive and visitor center, playground, sledding, and cross-country skiing.
A Water Adventure: Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center
Just a short 25-minute drive from Asbury Park, the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center is a fantastic educational destination that explores wetland ecology, wildlife, and habitat protection. There are interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, learning activities for schools and community groups, and wildlife observation areas. Visitors gain an understanding of the importance of water in our world. There are backpacks containing all you need to make your self-guided nature walk filled with adventure and exploration. Use of the backpack is free.
Indoor Field Trip Ideas
Take A Dive! SeaQuest Woodbridge
Experience underwater life like never before at SeaQuest Woodbridge the ultimate land and sea adventure! SeaQuest offers a wide variety of field trip options for schools, designed to make learning fun and engaging. Students will interact with animals from all over the planet and learn about behind-the-scenes operations at SeaQuest! Age-specific Field Trip adventures are designed for learners of all ages. It’s a great field trip destination for students, parents, and teachers in the New Jersey area.
It’s All in the Mind: Virtual Reality Center – Rowan University
Rowan University is located in Mullica Township, just 25 miles south of Philadelphia. The Virtual Reality Center provides cutting-edge research in 3D graphics, visualization, simulation, and virtual reality. It features multiple immersive VR systems, including a new 7 x 40 ft. curved wall of screens that provides a 3D, immersive environment for collaborative projects. Field trip groups get a great tour of the facility and will get to speak with staff and Rowan students about virtual reality. Younger students can also ask questions about the lab and experience simulations.
Weird Science: Liberty Science Center
Right in heart of Jersey City lives the Liberty Science Center! Liberty Science Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to getting learners of all ages excited about the fun and wonder of science and technology. This is a great field trip destination for students of all ages who can participate in any level of STEM-related activities. There’s also an amazing planetarium show, 3D science theater, and a Dino Dig Adventure where kids will be able to participate in a real paleontological dig.
New Jersey has a long list of field trip options with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities that can fit in any semester of the school year. There are a number of unique, fun, and educational experiences out there when it comes to school field trips in the Garden State. This list has some of the best of the best! From SeaQuest Woodbridge to museums or artistic adventures, this list offers great suggestions to make a classroom learning experience feel like the trip of a lifetime!