Finally, we can't forget the field trips!! Field trips can be lots of fun. Check locally for activities or  take a virtual field trip to Nashville. But We especially recommend the real thing! There are several to choose from. When Spring arrives a
trip to the zoo seems in order. Check with your local zoo and see what extra activities interest you. A visit to the butterfly exhibit is always a big hit. Many zoos offer classes with demonstrations involving different animals.

This gets you up close and personal. Look for the labels on the plants and trees. It is a nice way to identify them. Here are sites to zoos in Tennessee and Florida.

Adventure

Smoky Mountain Navigator
Visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. Drive along historic trails. Find fun things to do in Gatlinburgand Sevierville. Visit the National Park.

Aquariums

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
An interactive, educational experience while building an understanding of the aquatic world and the need to conserve and protect it. 88 River Road, Gatlinburg, TN 37738. (888) 240-1358 Toll Free.

Childrens' Discovery Museums

The Children's Museum of Memphis
Encourages the curiosity and imagination of children and their families through interactive exhibitions, programs and resources that help demystify the arts, sciences, humanities and technology. 2525 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104, (901) 458-2678

East Tennessee Discovery Center
Features hands-on exhibits including lasers, giant whisper dishes, holograms, electricity, a giant human kaleidoscope, mirrors, simple machines, computers, easy-view microscopes, and more. 516 North Beaman Street, Chilhowee Park, P.O. Box 6204, Knoxville, (423) 594-1494

History

Old Buttonwillow Church Civil War Dinner Theater
Southern fare and southern history. Reasonable family-friendly pricing for a dinner theater. Two brothers, meeting by chance during the War, set the story. One is a confirmed Unionist, the other, a Confederate. Their conversation will amaze and amuse you. Located in the village of Whitwell, Tennesse, just 30 minutes from the foot of Lookout Mountaim. Make reservations: 423-658-7478.

Rural Life

Walden Creek Horse Ranch
Horseback riding, hay rides, western weddings, free bonfire cookouts, cabin rentals and old fashioned clean family fun. 2709 Walden Crreek Rd., Pidgen Ford, TN. 865-429-0411

Science Museums

American Museum of Science and Energy
We schedule live demonstrations, videos and other programs for the general public daily. 300 S. Tulane Ave., Oak Ridge, (423) 576-3200

Cumberland Science Museum
Interested in what is going on right now at CSM? Check out CSM's live video cams! 800 Fort Negley Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203 , (615) 862-5160

Hands On! Regional Museum
Become a pioneer, an explorer, or an inventor, ready to find new places and experience new things, like science, the world around us and technology. 315 East Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601 , (423) 434-4263

Pink Palace Family of Museums
Some of the finest attractions and exhibits in the country are operated by the Museum Family, including the Pink Palace Museum, the Union Planters IMAX Theater, the Sharpe Planetarium, and the historic Mallory Neely and Magevney Houses. 3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111-3399 , (901) 320-6320

Zoos

http://www.memphiszoo.org/
http://www.knoxville-zoo.org/
http://www.nashvillezoo.org/ http://www.chattanooga.gov/PRAC/30_Zoo.htm

Lists

Things to do in Brevard County
From a day at the beach, to visiting colleges or state government buildings, this homeschool resource site has lots of great field trip ideas.

Florida Association of Museums
Our searchable database of Florida's Museums is your online invitation to explore the cultural, historic, and scientific resources of the more than 340 museums in the state.

Florida Secrets
An insiders guide to unique destinations.

Sights around Brevard
Florida's Space Coast has beautiful beaches, the Kennedy Space Center, and spring training for the Washington Nationals major league baseball team. Here are some links to activities in the area from the Brevard Homeschool Group.

What's Happening Manatee
Contains family information and resources. We are currently having a community wide event - "Do-it-Yourself" Summer Camp. One weekly theme for each week of summer. Each theme includes field trips, workshops, reading, links, things to do at home.

Aquariums

Imaginarium Hands-On Museum & Aquarium
Hours of fun and entertainment for the entire family, with over 60 interactive exhibits plus live fish, sharks, turtles, swans, iguanas and live animal programs. P.O. Box 2217, Fort Myers, (941) 337-3332

The Pier Aquarium
A private, not-for-profit aquarium and community marine education center located at The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg. (727) 895-7437.

Children's Museums

Gulfcoast Wonder & Imagination Zone
G.WIZ offers field trip programs throughout the year to preschool age through adults from dedicated staff and volunteers. 1001 Blvd of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236, (941) 906-1851

History

Ghost Tours of Historic Haunted St. Petersburg
If you choose to  emphasize the 'teambuilding' aspect for your students in particular, your students may get even more benefits from our program than most. Two locations. Group rates $10 ea. For tickets in advance, call 727-894-4678.

Heritage Museum
An extensive array of exhibits that illustrate the history of northwest Florida; an excellent local history reference library; field trip tours for school, scout, and civic groups; special programs for young people each summer; classes in such heritage crafts as quilting, bobbin lace, and basketry. 115 Westview Avenue, Valparaiso. 850-678-2615

Historic Bok Sanctuary
Florida's most abundant opportunities for aesthetic, cultural and personal enrichment. The lush landscapes of the Olmsted gardens, the majesty and music of the carillon tower and the splendor of Pinewood Estate create an experience that inspires all who visit. In Polk County (between Orlando and Tampa).

Natural History

Cypress Gardens
It started with a dream in a Cypress swamp more than 70 years ago and grew into a landmark of grace and beauty recognized around the world. In Polk County (between Orlando and Tampa).

Fairchild Tropical Garden
Homeschool Programs will immerse the Homeschool student in a world of science and exploration at Fairchild. 10901 Old Cutler Road, Miami, FL 33156, (305) 667-1651

Florida Museum of Natural History
Offers a variety of fun and educational programs for visitors of all ages. SW 34th St & Hull Road, Gainesville, FL, (352) 846-2000

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station
We are a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center in Miami specializing in brown pelicans. On-site programs include a tour of our facility and off-site programs include a live pelican. 1279 NE 79th Street Causeway, Miami, FL 33138. Phone: 305-791-9840

Weedon Island Preserve
Combines a wonderful nature experience on a site with fascinating historical significance. 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Phone: 727-453-6500.

Science Centers

Brevard Museum of Art & Science
Located in Old Eau Gallie, one of Brevard County's historic districts and one block from the Indian River. The focal point of an ever-expanding artistic and cultural center. 1463 Highland Avenue (street address), P.O. Box 360835, Melbourne, FL 32936-0835, (407) 242-0737 (Art), (407 242-7782 (Science)

Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee *
A 32,000 square foot facility located on beautiful Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee. It features a state-of-the-art Space Mission Simulator and utilizes the immersiveness of an IMAX theatre and a domed high-definition planetarium.

Emerald Coast Science Center
You will find a museum for children and families filled with more than 250 touchable, interactive exhibits that teach about natural phenomena and basic scientific principles. 139 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32548, (850) 664-1261

Jacksonville Museum of Science & History
Strives to increase the knowledge and understanding of the natural environment and history of Jacksonville as well as Northeast Florida. 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32207-9053, (904) 396-7062

Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science
We have an extensive collection of science exhibits, but we have feature art and science exhibits that change every few months as well. 350 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301. Phone (850) 513-0700

The Museum of Arts and Sciences
Volusia County residents receive half price admittance on the first Tuesday of each month (with proof of residence). 1040 Museum Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (904) 255-0285

MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry)
Lots of educational programs. Register for MOSI Home School programs online. 4801 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, (800) 995-MOSI

Museum of Discovery and Science
Join online club to get discounts. An exciting hands-on learning adventure. 401 Second St., Ft. Lauderdale, (954) 467-6637

Orlando Science Center
Hands-on learning and discovery opportunities lie ahead as you visit four levels of interactive, totally immersive exhibits. 12/6. 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando, (407) 514-2000

South Florida Science Museum, Inc.
Serving the homeschool community for a decade with lots of special science classes. 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach, FL 33414, (561) 832-1988