Texas abounds with field trip opportunities, especially in the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas.
Homeschoolers living in Texas looking for field trip opportunities can choose from a rich history and many technology companies within driving distance. In addition to this general field trip list we recommend going to your local city webpage for more unique field trip lists of places to visit.
Astronomy & Space
McDonald Observatory Visitor’s Center
The Visitors Center offers daily tours of the research facilities and solar viewing programs as well as evening “Star Parties.” 3640 Dark Sky Drive, Fort Davis, TX 79734, (915) 426-3640.
Space Center Houston
You will relive the past achievements of the space program and witness today’s history in the making. 1601 NASA Road One, Houston, TX 77058, (281) 244-2105.
Discovery Centers
Children’s Museum of Houston
Learn through hands-on exhibitions in the areas of science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, and the arts. 1500 Binz, Houston, TX 77004-7112, (713) 522-1138
The Discovery Science Place
Two exhibit halls where kids of all ages are free to move about and explore. 308 North Broadway, Tyler, TX 75702 , (903) 533-8012
Don Harrington Discovery Center
Bringing to kids the excitement of science to the Panhandle area, through permanent and traveling exhibits, planetarium shows, special events, educational/outreach programs and workshops. 1200 Streit Drive, Amarillo, TX 79106, (806) 355-9548
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Exhibits, iMax theater, planetarium, and educational programs. 2201 N Field St., Dallas, (214) 428-5555
Science Spectrum
Over 200 interactive exhibits, an OMNIMAX® Theatre, live animals, live demonstrations, a dedicated area for younger children, fun shops, and traveling exhibits. 2579 S. Loop 289, Suite 250 (street address), Lubbock, (806) 745-2525
Thinkery Children’s Museum
Diverse and exciting educational programming with topics changing frequently. 1830 Simond Ave, Austin, TX 78723, (512) 469-6200
Witte Museum
Exhibitions, programs, and collections will connect the past, the present, and future through a dynamic learning environment. Check out the student programs and workshops. 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, TX 78209-6396 , (210) 357-1900
Woodlands Children’s Museum
Where the streets lead to fun and the sky’s the limit to what you can learn! 4775 W Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381 281-465-0955
Health & Medicine
The Museum of Health and Medical Science
A voyage through a Texas-sized human body, the Pavilion includes giant models of human organs and dozens of hands-on exhibits and science stations. 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004-7126, (713) 942-7054
History
The Alamo
Field trip information. Lesson plans. History. 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas 78205. (210) 225-1391
The Aztec On The River
A wonderful place to introduce students to the culture and history of Mesoamerica. 201 E Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205. Toll Free: 877-43-Aztec (877-432-9832).
French Legation Museum
Guided tours are available Tuesday through Sunday, from 1:00-4:30 p.m. 802 San Marcos St., Austin, TX 78702. (512) 472-8180.
Holocaust Museum Houston
Authentic film footage, artifacts, photographs and documents show life in pre-war Europe, the Nazi move toward the “Final Solution” and life after the Holocaust. 5401 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. (713) 942-8000
Houston Museum-African American Culture
HMAAC is a museum for all people. While our focus is the African American experience, our story in Texas informs and includes not only people of color, but people of all colors. 4807 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004. (713) 526-1015
LBJ Library & Museum
The museum provides year-round public viewing of its permanent historical and cultural exhibits. Free admission. 2313 Red River St., Austin, (512) 721-0200.
Old Red Museum
Learn about the history of Dallas county through a series of workshops designed especially for homeschool families. Children are encouraged to play with traditional toys and to try on garments from historical eras. 100 S Houston St., Dallas, TX. Sign up through group sales, Janel Khan: 214-757-1949.
Pioneer Farms
Travel back in time at Central Texas’ premier living history museum, where your journey begins on our three historic farmsteads and in our unique history programs. 10621 Pioneer Farms Dr., Austin, (512) 837-1215.
Texas Capitol Visitor Center
The Capitol Visitors Center is located at 112 East 11th Street (southeast corner of the Capitol grounds) in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The Capitol Visitors Center encourages educators to bring students for guided tours of its exhibits. (512) 305-8400.
Industry & Technology
Factory Tours
Interactive site with recommended factory tours in Texas. https://factorytoursusa.com
Natural History
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
Hundreds of programs aimed at engaging children and families in learning. 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, (817) 255-9300
Hamilton Pool Preserve
232 acres of protected natural habitat featuring a jade green pool into which a 50-foot waterfall flows. Located about 30 miles west of Austin at 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Reservations for the guided nature tour can be made by calling (512) 264-2740.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary
This is a natural science museum & wildlife sanctuary that offers homeschool classes. North of Dallas at 1 Nature Place, McKinney, Texas 75069. (972) 562-5566 ext. 269
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The first Monday of each month will be dedicated to home school students, ages 5 years and up. A newly created program will provide learning in an outdoor classroom (weather permitting), a guided nature walk and a hands-on activity. Cost is $20 per student, siblings in same family $15 each. Pre-registration is required. 8 student minimum. 20 student maximum. 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas 77024. (713) 681-8433.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Major discoveries made here daily. One Hermann Circle Dr., Houston, (713) 639-4629.
Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve
A 5,500 acre ranch that has been described as the largest habitat restoration project on private land in Texas. Educational and interpretive services. 2341 Blue Ridge Dr., Johnson City, TX 78636. (830) 868-2630.
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch
A non profit education exotic wildlife facility and zoo held to the highest standards of quality and health by the USDA. Has a huge, local homeschooling following. 11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point, TX 76258. (940) 686-4600.
TDS Exotic Game Ranch & Pavilion
Visitors can tour the exotic game ranch complete with approximately 800 acres that is home to more than 1,600 animals from 30 different species. South of Austin. 11508 Carl Rd., Buda, TX 78610 (800) 375-8375.
Vanishing Texas River Cruise
Dine on our traditional Mexican/American Fajita Buffet while viewing the awesome beauty of the Colorado River Canyon. Enjoy waterfalls, towering cliffs, abundant wildlife and the many scenic vistas along the river banks. 443 Waterway Ln., Burnet, TX 78611. (800) 474-8374.
Westcave Preserve Cave
A variety of programs for children and adults with the goal of inspiring greater environmental conservation and awareness. Located in southwest Travis County, approximately 45 minutes from downtown Austin. 24814 Hamilton Pool Rd., Round Mountain, TX 78663. (830) 825-3442
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Founded in 1974 to protect 227 acres of pristine Texas Hill Country and to provide nature education programs. Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin. 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, TX 78746. 512-327-7622.
Ann Zeiss a currently “retired,” homeschooling parent who publishes a2zhomeschooling.com. This article was reprinted with her permission. You can find updated links at her website. Ask Feel free to use the “Comment Field” if you have a review of a trip or wish to add another good one with kids. Also, if you are organizing a “Homeschool Day” you may promote it for free on Ann’s site’s “Events.”
