25 Grandma Camp Field Trip Ideas

The best field trip ideas for the summer come from Grandma Camp. Use these ideas for Mom Camp too!

Grandma Camp is a real thing. It happens every year when school gets out for the summer. Also, known as Cousin Camp, the camp counselor is Grandma. She knows all of the best fun, food, activities and field trips. Take my word for it because I am a Grandma and I love nothing better than spending quality time with my grandchildren.

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Got Teens? See my 30 Summer Bucket List Ideas for Teens

Use this list of 25 field trips for your own Grandma Camp, family day trips, homeschool excursions or just because. Some of these will be free or low cost and some may require spending a few dollars for the day.

25 Field Trip Ideas for Grandma Camp

1. State parks for picnic and sight-seeing. Check with your State park for activity kits they provide for children. Some have Scavenger hunt kits to pick up from their office or main building. Also check your public library for free parking passes to State parks.
2. Bowling. Visit kidsbowlfree.com for a list of bowling alleys offering this summer program.
3. Local Museums. Check with all of your local museums for summer kids programs that often have free days or special deals during the summer. See 40+ Museums and Free Sites in Georgia.
4. Movie Theatre Summer Kids Series. Many movie theaters offer a summer kids movie series one or two times each week. Movies are generally classics and snacks are sold at reduced prices.
5. Library. Visit the library regularly and sign the grandkids up for their summer reading program which may have prizes at the end of the summer.
6. Go Geocaching. This activity can be done during your state park visit. It is a great hobby to take up and involves outdoor exercise. Many state and federal parks offer geocaching.
7. Picnic. Let the grandkids help plan the picnic including making the food to take along. A local playground is a great place for a picnic a well as state parks and some museums places.
8. Splash pad! Visit a local Splash pad, they are usually free.
9. Home Depot Kids workshop. Check your local Home Depot for their Kids Workshop schedule. They are usually free.
10. Farmer’s Market. Tie this field trip in with teaching the kids to cook. Buy fresh ingredients then go home and cook them. 
11. Visit a Nature Preserve. This is a great time for a nature Scavenger hunt. It’s also a the perfect place for taking memorable photos. There will be lots of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs native to your area. See Massee Lane Gardens in Georgia.
12. The Zoo is always fun. Depending on how big your nearest zoo is and how far the drive, this could take up a whole day. Remember to take along sunscreen, water and snacks. See 4 Things To See and Do in Chattanooga Tennessee.
13. Berry Farm. Some Berry Farms have playgrounds and activities for children. Some also sell farm grown and produced canned goods such as jams, jellies and vegetables. It’s good time to cook with these foods for a farm to table conversation with the children.
14. Indoor Playgrounds such as Urban Air Adventure Parks or your locally owned indoor park for kids. It could be as simple as going to Chik fil a for lunch and letting the kids play on the playground.
15. Special Kids Events and Shows in the summer. Check the sites for your Civic center, Coliseum and all big event locations. Watch for live events like the Circus, Blippi, Disney on Ice, and Paw Patrol. Some areas have excursion train rides for kids as well.
16. Wild Animal Safari is always great fun. It can be costly but so worth it. These drive through animal parks allow you to see animals up close from inside your vehicle. Most will allow you to rent their vehicle to drive-thru.
17. Aquariums are a nice cool indoor excursion. A great way to have a field trip and escape the heat in the summer.
18. Marine-Life Education Center. If you live near the coastal region where a Marine Education Center is located, this is a fun visit. Learn about the marine life in your area including turtles, snails, seahorses, alligators and stingrays.
19. Theme Parks are always a great place for a fun filled day of adventure. See 17 Fun Things To Do in Foley Alabama.
20. Animal Nature Preserve is where you can see rescued animals from the wild. These places are sometimes free or ask for a donation that helps them take care of the animals. See Day Trip To Dauset Trails, Jackson Georgia.
21. Bass Pro Shop, if you have one near you often hosts free summer events for kids. They have lots to see and do with games and activities inside the store.
22. Vacation Bible School. Sign them up in advance for a Vacation Bible School near you. These events require pre-registration because they fill up fast and get crowded. They will be busy all day doing arts, crafts, games and activities.
23. Swim Lessons. Grandma Camp is a great time to take the grandchildren for swim lessons. Check your local public pools or YMCA for classes. Register early, they fill up fast.
24. STEM summer program events near you. Yes, I know they are already at Grandma Camp but Grandma knows the value of a good STEM summer program. Check your local collages and museums for these opportunities. They fill up fast and register well in advance. These could be only a couple hours or all day, it just depends on what is offered in your area.
25. Theater Camp near you. Local Theatres hosts summer camps for kids also. This is a daily visit for about two weeks. The kids will end by performing in a live play. It’s a fabulous opportunity especially for teens participating in drama in school programs.

Start making plans for your summer field trips with the kids. These ideas will make a fun family day trip, home school field trip or even day trips for couples.

I have done many of these field trips with my own grandchildren. One of their favorite day trips is going to the wild animal preserve. We always take a picnic when we go and make nice day of it.

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Thank you for sharing!