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Field trips aren’t just for little kids, and it’s time for teachers and parents to recognize the benefits that older students may reap from engaging in learning outside the formal classroom. Field trips are important for middle and high school students because they can help to enhance learning, develop critical thinking skills, build teamwork and communication skills, promote creativity and innovation and increase motivation and engagement. Arkansas has great locations where older kids can learn and have a little fun, too.
A field trip to a museum can help students learn about history, art, or science in a more meaningful way than simply reading about it in a textbook. A field trip to a government building can help students learn about the inner workings of government and how it affects their lives. A field trip to a park can require students to work together to plan a hike and learn about the park’s ecosystem. The possibilities are endless, and this Arkansas Middle and High School Field Trip Guide will help you select the best location for learning.
Science
Arkansas Archeological Survey – Fayetteville
479-575-6550
Small groups can arrange for a tour or you can bring the field trip to your students by bringing an archaeologist on campus to talk about their work. From career day presentations to talks on the history of Arkansas, the state archaeologists can create presentations focused on the area where you live, bringing history alive for your students.
Griffin Planetarium – Conway
501-450-5900
The Griffin Planetarium at the University of Central Arkansas is a great field trip destination for students of all ages. It offers a variety of shows that explore the wonders of space, from the solar system to the stars beyond.
Interested in using a telescope at home or in the classroom? Check out the Arkansas Library Telescope program.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Arkansas History
Arkansas Governor’s Mansion – Little Rock
501-324-9805
See the home where eleven Arkansas Governors have lived while they served the state. There is a bust of Former President Bill Clinton on display. Call to schedule a tour of the grounds and common areas.
Arkansas State Capitol – Little Rock
501-682-5080
The Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock is a Neoclassical-style building that houses the Arkansas General Assembly and the seat of the Arkansas state government and is a popular field trip destination for students to learn about the history and government of Arkansas.
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site – Little Rock
501-374-1957
Learn about the Little Rock Nine and the desegregation of Central High School in 1957. The National Park Service operates a visitor center with various exhibits. The school is still an operating school, so tours are by reservation only.
Arkansas Post National Memorial – Gillett
870-548-2207
The Arkansas Post Memorial in Gillett tells the story of the first permanent European settlement in Arkansas and the life and culture of the Arkansas Delta region.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Arts
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – Bentonville
479-657-2395
Rates: Free
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville houses a world-class collection of American art from colonial times to the present. The buildings and grounds designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie are an artwork in themselves.
Nature
Arkansas Outdoor School – Little Rock
501-821-6884
Offering day and overnight programs, the 4-H Arkansas Outdoor School provides students with hands-on, experiential activities, including orienteering, outdoor cooking, geology, astronomy, map reading, GPS technology and more. Students will have a fun and educational experience unlike anything else they have ever experienced.
Crater of Diamonds State Park – Murfreesboro
870-285-3113
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is a unique field trip destination where students can search for diamonds in an open-air mine. The park is the only place in the world where the public can search for diamonds and keep what they find! Students will learn about the geology of diamonds and how they are formed and learn about the history of Crater of Diamonds State Park and the people who have found diamonds there.
Ozark Natural Science Center – Huntsville
479-202-8340
The Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) is a non-profit environmental education organization located in Huntsville within the 400-acre Bear Hollow Natural Area and a part of the 15,000 acres of wilderness in rural Madison County. ONSC teacher naturalists guide students through hands-on outdoor science classes, and overnight programs are also available.
Military
Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum – North Little Rock
501-975-8601
The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is located in North Little Rock. It is home to the USS Razorback (SS-394), a World War II submarine that is the longest-serving combat front-line submarine in the world. You can also tour the USS Hoga. The museum also has exhibits on the history of riverboats, barges, and other watercraft that have played a role in the development of Arkansas.
Jacksonville Museum of Military History – Jacksonville
501-241-1943
A field trip to the Jacksonville Museum of Military History would be a great way for students to learn about the history of military service in Jacksonville and the surrounding area. The museum has exhibits on the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
Learn more about Arkansas Military Museums throughout the state.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Careers and Education
Arkansas FBI – Little Rock
This Future Agents in Training and Teen Academy program, available for students between the ages of 15 and 18, will allow students to learn from special agents and professional staff about investigative tactics. They will learn techniques for gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assisting with cases. This program is limited to a few participants and requires students to fill out an application. FBI Little Rock will also provide speakers to attend career days or present to a class.
The Innovation Hub – North Little Rock
501-907-6570
Located in North Little Rock, the Innovation Hub provides students with opportunities to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation through various programs. STEAM-based field trips are educational, fun and thought-provoking while allowing students to explore various creative possibilities—from technology to art to entrepreneurial ventures.
Central Arkansas Library System – Little Rock
501-918-3000
Visiting a large library system is a great way to help students to understand the importance of books and learn a variety of research techniques. The library staff can help you tailor a trip that will meet the needs of your curriculum and students.
Click to learn about Library Rentals Beyond Books that may benefit your education setting.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
Just for Fun
Ozark Mountain Ziplines – Eureka Springs
(479) 363-6699
The zipline tours at Ozark Mountain Ziplines are a great way to experience the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Tours take riders through lush forests, over sparkling streams, and across scenic canyons. Riders can soar through the air at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Zipline tours are great for building confidence and uniting students in a common goal.
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum – Hot Springs
501-623-5836
Rates: Varies
The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is a captivating attraction that houses an impressive collection of lifelike wax figures depicting historical figures, celebrities, and cultural icons. Visitors can enter a world of artistry and history as they explore this museum, marveling at the meticulously crafted wax sculptures that bring famous personalities to life.
The locations on this list were selected with older students in mind but may be fun for the whole family. If we missed a location you think older students would love, please leave a comment so we can add it to a future list.
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