25+ Fun Field Trips and Things To Do for Groups

Every great field trip begins with one simple goal: creating an experience students will remember long after they return to the classroom. Whether children are exploring a museum, climbing through the forest canopy, discovering wildlife, watching a live theater performance, learning about agriculture, or participating in a hands-on STEM workshop, educational outings spark curiosity in ways textbooks simply can't.

New Jersey—and the surrounding region—is home to hundreds of incredible destinations designed specifically for schools, camps, homeschool groups, scout troops, recreation departments, and youth organizations. From interactive science centers and living history museums to adventure parks, farms, zoos, performing arts venues, and educational assemblies, there is truly something for every age, interest, and curriculum.

Why Field Trips Matter

• Hands-on learning
• Critical thinking
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Problem solving
• Social development
• Environmental awareness
• Cultural appreciation

Whether your goal is reinforcing classroom lessons, celebrating the end of the school year, building leadership skills, or simply giving students an unforgettable experience, educational travel remains one of the most powerful teaching tools available.

🌿 Nature, Parks & Outdoor Adventures

Fresh air, exploration, and discovery make outdoor learning one of the most rewarding educational experiences available. Nature-based field trips encourage observation, teamwork, and environmental stewardship while allowing students to experience science firsthand.

Island Aqua Park

Website: https://www.islandaquapark.com

Looking for a field trip that's guaranteed to make a splash? Island Aqua Park offers an exciting outdoor adventure where students can climb, jump, slide, balance, and conquer one of New Jersey's largest inflatable floating obstacle courses. Set on the beautiful bay in Margate, NJ this unique destination encourages teamwork, confidence, physical fitness, and plenty of laughter while enjoying the outdoors.

Ideal for camps, schools, recreation departments, scout troops, and youth organizations, Island Aqua Park provides a memorable end-of-year celebration or summer outing. Professionally supervised sessions and group packages make planning easy, while the action-packed experience gives students a chance to challenge themselves in a fun, safe, and energetic environment.

Monmouth County Park System

Website: https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com

With more than just parks, the Monmouth County Park System offers an incredible collection of educational programs designed specifically for groups. Students can participate in environmental education, outdoor adventure, history programs, horticulture, equestrian activities, creative arts, boat tours, scout adventures, and outreach experiences tailored to a wide range of ages and interests.

Whether you're planning a curriculum-based science excursion or simply looking for an engaging outdoor adventure, their knowledgeable educators create memorable experiences that help students appreciate New Jersey's natural resources while encouraging teamwork and exploration.

TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park

Website: https://treescape.com

Sometimes the best classroom has no walls. TreEscape Aerial Adventure Park offers schools and youth organizations an exciting opportunity to build confidence while navigating more than 100 treetop challenges across ten aerial courses.

Designed for children as young as four, TreEscape combines adventure with problem-solving, teamwork, and personal achievement. Group rates make this a popular destination for schools, camps, scouts, and youth organizations looking for an active day outdoors.

Doyle's Farm

Website: https://www.doylesfarm.com

Agriculture comes alive at Doyle's Farm, where students discover how food reaches our tables through immersive, hands-on experiences. Children can participate in goat milking demonstrations, sheep shearing, bottle feeding, apple pressing, egg collecting, and much more while learning directly from experienced guides.

Every visit encourages curiosity, responsibility, and appreciation for farming traditions, making Doyle's Farm a favorite destination for preschool, elementary, homeschool, scout, and camp groups.

Website: www.campmason.org
Camp Mason Outdoor Center provides students with an outdoor classroom where learning comes alive through environmental education, leadership development, and team-building experiences. Programs are designed to help students connect with nature while building confidence, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Open seasonally from March through November, Camp Mason is ideal for schools, scouts, camps, and youth groups looking for an experience-based outdoor adventure. Their programs can support science learning, peer leadership, and environmental awareness.

Storybook Land 

Bring your group for a day of fun and fantasy at Storybook Land which just opened their doors this past April! Created for children ages 2-8, Storybook Land is perfect for elementary and preschool aged children. Educational aspects include fairy tales, nursery rhymes, reading, and native animals like ducks, geese, and goats. A 25-acre theme park with 17 rides, 2 full-service snack bars, 2 quick service counters, a large picnic area, splash pad (Open during the summer months), and FREE parking with plenty of room for buses. Can accommodate both large and small groups and controls capacity to avoid overcrowding. Booking for Spring (May-Mid-June), Summer (Mid-June to Labor Day) and October (Fridays - pumpkin patch, hayride, and hay maze). Look for their upcoming Easter events. Egg Harbor Township, NJ

🦁 Zoos, Aquariums & Wildlife

Nothing captures a child's imagination quite like seeing animals up close. Wildlife experiences help students understand ecosystems, conservation, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship through unforgettable encounters.

Wildlife Conservation Society

Website: https://www.wcs.org

Plan a group outing with Wildlife and Nature in the heart of NYC. The Wildlife Conservation Society offers several world-renowned destinations including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium. These attractions provide educators with engaging curriculum connections through animal exhibits, conservation education, and immersive learning experiences. Whether students are observing snow leopards, sharks, bears, or tropical marine life, every visit encourages a deeper appreciation for wildlife and global conservation efforts. You'll find field trip ideas for Elementary, Middle School and High School as well as outreach programs. Talented educators lead your class through a wild experience. Programs are designed to meet appropriate learning standards in a way everyone is sure to enjoy. Explore wildlife, meet an animal and engage in an active learning environment. Various topics from each location can help customize your curriculum. 800.433.4149 WCSGroupSales@wcs.org

🦕 Museums, Science & History

Museums transform classroom lessons into real-world experiences by allowing students to explore history, science, archaeology, paleontology, and art firsthand.

New Jersey State Museum

Website: https://www.statemuseum.nj.gov

One of New Jersey's premier educational attractions, the New Jersey State Museum invites groups to explore fascinating exhibits covering science, history, archaeology, fine art, and natural history. Students can uncover fossils in the Paleo Lab, learn about New Jersey's earliest inhabitants, and experience exciting planetarium shows.

Best of all, museum admission is free, making it one of the state's most valuable educational resources for schools planning budget-friendly field trips.

Website: www.kean.edu/libertyhall

Liberty Hall offers students a fascinating journey into New Jersey history through guided tours of a Revolutionary-era home filled with stories, artifacts, and historic charm. Field trips can introduce students to early American life, local history, architecture, and the people who helped shape the region. In addition to the historic home, Liberty Hall features beautiful gardens and an arboretum, giving groups the chance to connect history with horticulture and outdoor exploration. It’s a strong choice for schools seeking a meaningful social studies or cultural field trip.

NJPAC SchoolTime Performances

Website: www.njpac.org/schooltime

NJPAC SchoolTime performances give students access to world-class performing arts experiences designed especially for school groups. From music and dance to theater, storytelling, cultural performances, and powerful character-building themes, these curated shows help bring classroom lessons to life through live performance.
A trip to NJPAC introduces students to the arts while encouraging creativity, empathy, cultural appreciation, and discussion. It’s an excellent option for schools looking to connect language arts, social studies, music, dance, and performing arts education.

Website: www.teammakersnorthjersey.com

Team Makers STEM Field Trips bring hands-on learning, problem-solving, and teamwork together in an exciting educational experience. Students participate in interactive STEM-based activities that encourage collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and real-world discovery.
These programs are a great fit for schools and camps looking to reinforce science, technology, engineering, and math concepts in a fun and active way. Team Makers helps students learn by doing, making STEM approachable, engaging, and memorable.

Dinosaurs Rock

Website: https://www.dinosaursrock.com

Why bring students to the museum when the museum can come to you? Dinosaurs Rock has spent decades delivering engaging assemblies featuring dinosaurs, fossils, archaeology, sharks, insects, rocks, minerals, and hands-on educational experiences that captivate audiences.

Available as both in-person and virtual programs, these assemblies combine entertainment with curriculum-based learning, making them ideal for schools, libraries, camps, and community organizations.

🤖 STEM, Space & Innovation

Science becomes exciting when students participate instead of simply observing.

RVCC Planetarium

Website: https://www.raritanval.edu/planetarium

Astronomy shows, laser concerts, and sensory-friendly programming make the RVCC Planetarium one of New Jersey's premier STEM destinations. Students explore the universe through immersive presentations that support classroom science while inspiring future astronomers.

Located on the Raritan Valley Community College campus, the Planetarium can easily be paired with other educational experiences for a full-day adventure.

🎭 Performing Arts & Educational Entertainment

The performing arts encourage imagination, creativity, and cultural appreciation while supporting classroom learning.

RVCCArts

Website: https://www.rvccarts.org

School-time performances featuring theatre, dance, music, circus arts, and other productions make RVCCArts a favorite destination for educators seeking curriculum-connected performances.

Many productions include educational materials that help extend learning beyond the performance itself, creating meaningful classroom discussions and creative inspiration.

Educational Assembly Programs

HealthBarn USA Field Trips and Educational Assemblies

Location: Ridgewood, NJ
Website: https://www.healthbarnusa.com

HealthBarn USA inspires children to make healthy choices through engaging educational assemblies and hands-on wellness programs. Interactive presentations introduce students to nutrition, gardening, healthy eating, sustainability, and environmental stewardship while making learning both fun and memorable. Programs are designed to support school wellness initiatives and encourage lifelong healthy habits.

Whether students visit HealthBarn USA or invite the program to their school, every experience combines education with participation. Children leave feeling empowered to make healthier food choices while gaining a greater appreciation for gardening, nature, and the connection between wellness and the environment.

Step into the spotlight and become the contestants in your very own television-style game show! The Game Show Challenge delivers fast-paced, interactive experiences where teams compete in trivia, physical challenges, buzzer rounds, and exciting games that encourage participation, teamwork, and lots of laughter. Professional hosts create an energetic atmosphere that keeps every participant engaged from beginning to end.

Whether you're planning an end-of-year celebration, leadership retreat, camp outing, or youth group event, The Game Show Challenge provides a customizable experience for groups of all sizes. It's a fantastic way to reward students while promoting communication, collaboration, and friendly competition.

Dialed Action Sports Team Assemblies

Website: https://www.dialedactionsportsteam.com/bmx-school-assemblies/

Encouraging children to disconnect from screens and reconnect with outdoor activity, the Get Out + Play Tour delivers an energetic assembly focused on healthy lifestyles, perseverance, anti-bullying, responsible decision-making, and positive choices through incredible BMX demonstrations. These action-packed assemblies inspire students while reinforcing valuable life lessons in an unforgettable way.

🎨 Arts & Creative Workshops

Fire Me Up Studio

Website: https://www.firemeupstudio.com

Creativity flourishes at Fire Me Up Studio, where students can explore pottery painting, pottery wheel experiences, clay hand building, canvas painting, and more. Group workshops encourage artistic expression while helping students build confidence and problem-solving skills. The studio welcomes field trips, birthday parties, art classes, and larger group experiences, making it a versatile destination for schools and camps alike. Bring your group for a creative experience, whether you're a novice or an expert! Their art studio is the perfect place for creative play and fun! No reservations required at their open studio throughout the day. Great for individuals, kids, families, groups including school, camp, scouts, sports teams. Perfect for field trips with groups up to 75!

 Wheaton Arts 

Wander the scenic grounds of WheatonArts, an international acclaimed arts community teaching lessons in science and nature. One of southern New Jersey's best cultural arts destinations for school, scout, and home school groups. The Center offers exhibitions, artist demonstrations, educational programming, classes and workshops. Plus The Museum of American Glass houses one of the largest collections of American glass in the country, including the world's largest glass bottle. Visitors can watch hot molten glass transformed into works of art during the Glass Studio demonstrations and interact with artists in the Pottery and Flameworking Studios. Other highlights include the exhibits and programming in the Down Jersey Folklife Center, a one-mile looping Nature Trail, and scenic picnic areas. Opened from April through December.Picnic on the grounds or walk the Nature Trail. Millville, NJ 

Imagine That!!!

Where Learning Comes To Play...Many exhibits to challenge your students’ minds! Voted one of the best children’s discovery environment in Morris County, the educational exhibits and convenient layout make this interactive museum an ideal place to bring a field trip for children PreK to second grade. Play in 16,000 sq ft hand-on museum including 2 jungle gyms, pirate ship, fire truck, grocery store, diner, arts & crafts, music room, blue blocks building, and puppet shows, plus private lunch rooms to accommodate your group. 

Kids FunTime NJ

Website: https://kidsfuntimenj.com/group-trips/

Treat the kids to a trip that can offer a mix of STEM Slime, Glow in the Dark, Arts & Crafts, Tie Dye Shirts, Movies and More! Enjoy 2,000 square feet of fun for your group. Accommodating groups up to 40 including Scout Troops (fun badge included), Class Trip Celebrations, Sensory Trips and Mom Groups. They offer birthday parties too: paint in the Messy Paint Room, play in the Sand Art Corner, come up with the latest hair style in the So Chic Hair Salon, or dance on the large dance floor with karaoke, glow in the dark, and interactive games.

Learning and physical activity go hand in hand, and these destinations combine recreation with teamwork, confidence-building, and memorable experiences.

Fairy Tale Forest
Get lost in a magical adventure that spans generations. Grimms' fairy tales and nursery rhymes artistically displayed through more than 20 near life size storybook cottages and statuary. Fairy Tale Forest offers a magical field trip experience for younger children, featuring classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes brought to life through storybook cottages and whimsical displays. Students can explore familiar tales in a charming outdoor setting that encourages imagination, literacy, and creative play. Meet storybook characters, interactive Storytime, village drum circles, whimsical whirls and more. Timeless classics: Hansel and Gretel, Humpty Dumpty, Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella, The Three Bears and more! This nostalgic destination is especially well-suited for preschool through early elementary groups, birthday groups, camps, and sensory-friendly outings. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to storytelling while giving them a memorable adventure outside the classroom.

www.bounceu.com/paramus-nj 

Field trips have been shown to improve kids' socialization skills, and BounceU makes sure it'll be a day to remember. Perfect for day care, school field trips, school PTA events, youth groups, summer camps, or anyone who just wants to bounce! Field Trips are privately held for your group, and supervised by trained and friendly staff. Whether your group is 20 kids or 100+, there's a program to fit your budget. Food options available too!!! Multi-session multi-trip discounts available! Available Weekdays (Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 6:00pm) and on select weekends & Holidays.

Billy Beez

Website: https://billybeezus.com

Billy Beez is where adventure, active play, and unforgettable group experiences come together under one roof. Designed for children of all ages, this enormous indoor play park features multi-level slides, tunnels, climbing structures, sports courts, ballistics arenas, arcade games, and plenty of space for students to burn energy while developing confidence, coordination, and teamwork. It's an excellent choice for schools, camps, scout troops, recreation departments, and end-of-year celebrations. Group visits can be customized to meet the needs of your organization, making Billy Beez an ideal destination for reward trips, rainy-day outings, and active learning experiences. With private party rooms, dining options, and attractions that keep children engaged for hours, educators can enjoy a fun, safe, and well-organized day that students will remember long after the trip ends.

Woodbridge Community Center

Website: https://njwcc.com/sports-center/

The Woodbridge Community Center offers one of New Jersey's most diverse group outing destinations, bringing together recreation, fitness, sports, and entertainment in one convenient location. Schools and youth organizations can enjoy activities such as roller skating, miniature golf, arcade games, sports, and seasonal attractions, making it easy to plan an exciting day that appeals to a wide range of ages and interests. Whether you're rewarding students, organizing a camp trip, or planning a team-building event, the Community Center provides flexible group packages in a safe and welcoming environment. Its variety of attractions allows educators to customize the experience while encouraging physical activity, teamwork, and social interaction.

Amazing Escape Room

Amazing Escape Room transforms problem-solving into an unforgettable team adventure. Students work together to uncover clues, solve puzzles, and complete exciting missions that require communication, observation, creativity, and critical thinking. Escape Rooms naturally develop communication and critical-thinking skills while students work together toward a common goal.

Whether celebrating an academic achievement, building stronger teams, or rewarding students with a unique experience, Amazing Escape Room offers engaging challenges for middle school, high school, youth organizations, and camps. Each adventure is carefully designed to encourage leadership, perseverance, and teamwork in a fun and immersive environment.

Looking for an unforgettable experience for older students and youth groups? Bury The Hatchet offers professionally supervised axe throwing experiences that combine friendly competition with teamwork, focus, and confidence-building. Experienced coaches guide participants through safe throwing techniques before organizing exciting games and group challenges.

Ideal for high school organizations, leadership programs, sports teams, recreation departments, and older camp groups, Bury The Hatchet delivers an experience that's both unique and memorable. It's an excellent choice for celebrating accomplishments, strengthening group relationships, or simply trying something new together.

Website: https://fivestarswimschool.com/swim_school/swim-lessons/field-trip.html

Learning to swim is an essential life skill, and Five Star Swim School makes water safety both educational and enjoyable. Their professionally trained instructors provide engaging programs that help children build confidence in the water while developing important swimming techniques and lifelong safety habits. Group visits can be tailored to schools, camps, homeschool groups, and youth organizations seeking a unique educational experience. Beyond swim instruction, students gain confidence, coordination, and healthy habits through structured aquatic activities in a supportive environment. Whether introducing beginners to the water or reinforcing existing skills, Five Star Swim School offers an enriching experience that combines recreation with valuable life lessons.

🏰 Festivals & Cultural Experiences

New Jersey Renaissance Faire

Website: https://www.njrenfaire.com

History leaps off the page during a visit to the New Jersey Renaissance Faire. Through live performances, historical reenactments, crafts, demonstrations, and interactive educational experiences, students experience life during the Renaissance in a way that's both entertaining and educational. This unique "edu-tainment" experience offers schools an exciting opportunity to complement lessons in history, literature, theater, and culture. School Day is May 29, 2026 held at the Burlington County Fairegrounds. An immersive, interactive and affordable learning experience - where students are “Edu-Tained” about days of yore, as charming characters cheerfully connect the past to the present in the most engaging of ways. History comes alive with William Shakespeare, the Three Musketeers, the Duke & Duchess of Northumberland, peasants, blacksmiths, and amedieval village, home to dozens of real-life artisans including blacksmith, and merchants of handmade fashion, weaponry, and astoundingly lovely hand-made craftmanship.

🚌 Transportation Services

Belair Transport

Website: https://www.belairtransport.com

A successful field trip begins with safe, reliable transportation. Belair Transport has been serving schools and youth organizations for decades, providing dependable transportation for educational trips, camps, and group outings throughout the region.

Experienced drivers, modern buses, and a strong commitment to safety make Belair Transport a trusted partner for educators planning memorable excursions.

Start Planning Your Next Adventure

The best field trips don't simply entertain—they inspire. They encourage students to ask questions, solve problems, appreciate the world around them, and create lasting memories with classmates and teachers.

Whether you're organizing a preschool adventure, elementary enrichment program, middle school STEM experience, high school leadership outing, scout excursion, homeschool gathering, or summer camp trip, the destinations featured in the NJ KIDS Field Trips & Assemblies Guide offer countless opportunities to make learning unforgettable.

As schools continue to plan earlier each year, now is the perfect time to begin exploring these incredible destinations and reserve your next educational adventure. Happy field-tripping!