Recently my family and I made a four-day stop in the Washington, D.C. area. Honestly, we only stopped because we happened to be in the area; D.C. was not a place we would have considered staying otherwise.

However, after staying for a few days, we were all in agreement that our nation’s capital city was definitely worth our time, and a place we would likely return. There are {at least} 3 reasons why Washington D.C. is the ultimate homeschool field trip.

1. It’s affordable.

This is a huge one for our family. I know it’s important for many other homeschooling families as well since so many are single-income. The decision to keep the kids at home for their schooling often comes with a financial sacrifice. Although the sacrifice is well worth the return on investment, it does make money a consideration when planning a vacation.

For this reason, Washington, D.C. is the ideal vacation destination for homeschoolers. There are tons of free and inexpensive activities in the area. In fact, we didn’t pay for a single attraction during our stay, yet each day was filled to the brim with fun and learning.

Some of the free attractions in D.C. include:

• All of the Smithsonian Institution museums, as well as the National Zoo
• The many National Monuments and Memorials
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• The lovely Rock Creek Park (includes nature center and planetarium)
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (better for older children)

2. It’s family-friendly.

Most people don’t think about fun for kids when our nation’s capital comes to mind. However, the city is teeming with fun, family-friendly attractions.

So, where should you visit with the kids? It really depends on the interests, ages, and maturity levels of your brood, but in general, you won’t go wrong choosing to visit any of the following free attractions:

• The National Zoo
• The Museum of Natural History
• The Museum of American History
• Bureau of Engraving and Printing
• The Air and Space Museum
• Planetarium shows at Rock Creek Park
• Nature Center at Rock Creek Park
• National Postal Museum
• National Museum of the American Indian
• U.S. Botanic Garden
• Performances at Discovery Theater

Additionally, if you are willing to pay a small admission fee, the National Geographic Museum, Newseum, International Spy Museum, Building Museum, and Madame Tussaud’s Washington, D.C. are all fun for kids.

3. It’s overflowing with educational opportunities.

History

Opportunities to learn about the history of the world and of our country are everywhere in Washington, D.C. The many history museums, as well as various parts of several other museums, offer incredible historical information.

Additionally, the many monuments and memorials scattered across the National Mall work in tandem with The National Archives, to introduce visitors to the history of our country and expand upon their current knowledge.

Science

From the life science learned at The National Zoo to the incredible lessons in physics offered by The National Air and Space Museum, there are plenty of science concepts to be explored in the great city of D.C.

Other science learning opportunities can be found in almost every museum in Washington, D.C., so be sure to keep your eyes peeled when you go out exploring!

Government

Obviously, the capital city of America is the perfect place to spark a child’s interest in the inner workings of our government.

Take a free trip up to the Washington Monument for a lesson on our nation’s first leader, and visit the White House to start a discussion about the work our president does each day. The National Archives are a great place to discover the reasons why our country’s government was built the way it was and why it has worked for us.

Geography and cultures of the world

Much can be learned about the geography and cultures of the world and our country by visiting the museums in the D.C. area.

For instance, the National Museum of the American Indian offers some amazing insight on the various Native American tribes. The Museum of Natural History also chimes in with some lessons on geography as it relates to various plants and animals throughout time, and the National Postal Museum offers opportunities to discuss U.S. geography at various times throughout your visit.

Finally, the Discovery Theater often holds presentations that involve folklore from around the world, making it the perfect tie-in to a geography unit study.

These are just three of the many reasons we fell in love with Washington, D.C. during our short visit. We hope this article inspires your family to hit the road and take the ultimate field trip to our nation’s capital city. We promise you won’t regret it!

Have you visited Washington D.C.? What would you list as must-see sites for homeschooling families?

This post is linked to the Hip Homeschool Hop.

Many may consider a trip to Walt Disney World a time to relax and take a break from school. However, on my family’s recent trip to the happiest place on Earth, I noticed something I hadn’t seen before: Disney World is a giant classroom.

If you are planning a trip to Disney World and would like to take full advantage of the fantastic learning environment that awaits you—and get away with calling your vacation a “field trip”—keep reading. I have compiled a list of fun learning activities and great opportunities, located on Disney World property, to begin a dialogue with your child.

Take this list and run with it, add to it, and make it your own.

Math

Spending money. To avoid the “I wants” and to help teach your children budgeting, bill/coin values, and self-discipline, give each person in your family a bit of spending money to manage on their own.

Wait times. Long wait times at Disney can be useful for something after all! Use the estimated wait times as conversation starters to help young children understand time.

History

Tom Sawyer’s Island. Read The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and discuss the book as a family before your trip. This will make a visit to Tom Sawyer’s Island much more fun and meaningful.

Liberty Square. Discuss and find the Liberty Bell and Paul Revere’s two lanterns in an upstairs window while visiting Liberty Square. Also, be sure to see the Hall of Presidents show for a fun history lesson.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Use your time in line for this ride to discuss the history of coal mines and the (very real and very serious) meanings behind some of the queue distractions, such as the canary and the many references to funerals.

Carousel of Progress. On this attraction, learn about the many exciting ways our day-to-day lives have changed since the turn of the 20th century.

Pirates of the Caribbean. Discussion of the history of pirates and the facts about them would be a perfect addition to a ride on Pirates of the Caribbean.

Epcot countries. Every country pavilion in the Epcot World Showcase has a small history lesson to offer about that particular country.

The Great Movie Ride. The Great Movie Ride is the perfect way to introduce young children to the many Hollywood legends we know and love.

One Man’s Dream. This mini-museum is located in Hollywood Studios and is a fun way to learn about the man behind the magic, Walt Disney himself.

Science

Living With The Land. A great lesson on taking care of the environment and our ecosystem, this is an educational ride through the gardens of Epcot.

Circle of Life. Another eco-educational attraction, this short video feature is a great way to show children the importance of caring for the Earth.

Spaceship Earth. A dark ride that travels through time and shows riders all of the incredible technological advances the human race has made throughout the years, Spaceship Earth is a must-ride when visiting Epcot.

Test Track. This ride gives guests a chance to design their own vehicle and see how it stands up to the rigors of the test track.

Mission Space. Get a feel for what it’s like to take off in a rocket ship as you blast off on Mission Space.

Innoventions. This children’s museum-like space in Epcot’s Future World offers lessons on subjects like fire safety, roller coaster design, and health.

Kilimanjaro Safari. Check out some amazing animals and learn some fascinating facts as you travel through various habitats in a large safari truck.

Rafiki’s Planet Watch. Learn more about your favorite animals and how to care for them at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

The Dinosaur Ride. While much of this ride is fictional, there are plenty of dino fact gems to be found. Pay attention during the ride and while standing in the line queue.

Wilderness Explorers. Join the Wilderness Explorers in Animal Kingdom to learn some amazing things about animals and nature. Kids can earn badges while they’re at it!

Geography

Adventureland. Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom features landscapes from a few very different parts of the world. Discuss with your child the possible origins of these views.

Soarin’ Around the World. The Soarin’ ride in Epcot takes you on an incredible hang-gliding adventure around the world.

Epcot countries. The countries in the World Showcase also offer some fantastic geography lessons.

Visit Animal Kingdom. Visit Animal Kingdom and discuss Africa and Asia and the incredible history and culture found in each.

Have you been to Disney? What are some of your favorite learning opportunities there?