Homeschool Field Trip Itinerary: 3 Days

 

What are good field trip ideas in Texas?

There are a lot of great hands-on-learning opportunities for your homeschoolers here on Galveston Island. From world-class museums to catching dolphins jumping in the waves to watching artisans creating old fashioned saltwater taffy, Galveston is full of unique places and experiences perfect for making your homeschooling field trip or family vacation a truly one-of-a-kind learning experience. Galveston is the perfect destination for a Texas homeschool field trip. 

The abundance of hands-on activities and expert- & self-led tours could keep you and your learners occupied for weeks! However, if you're only visiting for a few days, here are our "Must See" recommendations for Texas field trips for homeschoolers!

 

Day 1 Field Trip Ideas for Homeschoolers

 

1877 Tall Ship ELISSA 

This 3-masted, iron-hulled sailing ship with nineteen sails has a 90-year commercial history of carrying cargos to ports around the world. She was restored by a team of preservationists and passionate volunteers and now spends her days as a fully-functional sailing vessel. Stop by the Texas Seaport Museum to grab your ticket and get ready take a step back in sailing history aboard this 205' barque. Don't forget your ELISSA Activity Guide!

Galveston Harbor Tour

Board the Seagull II for a 1-hour tour around the harbor! A favorite for all ages, it's a great chance to see Galveston from a different angle and, if you're lucky, spot a dolphin! Tickets are less than $10 for students (up to 18yo) and children under 5 are free. You'll even see the remains of the SS Selma, a concrete-made oil tanker (yes, you read that correctly) that sunk in 1920.

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum 

Pick up a Passport to Petroleum Activity Guide when you get your tickets and explore this retired jackup offshore rig, full of interactive exhibits, scale models, decommissioned equipment and more. Videos & exhibits cover a variety of topics, including drilling, geology, seismic, well servicing and production. Multiple stories, with an elevator. 

Day 2 Homeschool Trip Itinerary

red and yellow santa fe train at the Galveston Railroad Museum

Galveston Railroad Museum 

Opened in 1983, the Galveston Railroad Museum sits at the site of the historic 1932 Santa Fe depot & railyard. Interact with over 40 pieces of rolling stock, the largest collection of dining car china in the Southwest, and two impressive model railroad layouts. The Gallery of Rail History's timeline outlines the history of railroad development in the Galveston and the United States. If you stop by on a Saturday you can even take a ride on the Harborside Express!

La King's Confectionery 

Jimmy King began making candy in 1927, and the confectionery now includes a working 1920s soda fountain as well as more than 50 types of traditionally crafted candies and sweets. Live saltwater taffy pulling on the weekends. La King's is the perfect spot to take a break to catch up on worksheets or just recap what you & your homeschoolers have learned so far!

Pier 21 Theater

Take in a short documentary film at this family-friendly theater. Chose from: The Great Storm (27 min.) which tells the story of the 1900 storm; Pirate Island (18 min.) that chronicles the story of Jean Laffite; or Galveston - Gateway on the Gulf (56 min.) a PBS documentary on immigration. Showtimes throughout the day.

Day 3 Field Trip Plan

 

The Bryan Museum & Monarch Garden 

A careful restoration of the old Galveston Orphans Home created a beautifully historic location for this special collection of Texan memorabilia. From saddles to six shooters, dioramas to derringers, The Bryan Museum is the perfect place from your homeschoolers to learn more about Texas and the history of The West. Interactive tablets for each display keep kids engaged, and they can even shoot smoke cannons in the basement!

Tree Sculpture Walking Tour 

In 2008 Hurricane Ike covered most of Galveston Island in a tidal surge. The combination of extended saltwater exposure and hurricane-force winds uprooted or killed a large number of the majestic oaks that lined the roads of Historic Downtown Galveston. A group of private residents and artists came together after the devastating storm and created works of art to commemorate these beautiful trees. Sculptures are dotted around the East End and create an exciting opportunity to talk about the ecology of trees, impacts of storms, and art. Download the map before you go!

 

Visit Galveston Island

With learning opportunities and historic sites located all over the Galveston, you won't be at a loss for field trip ideas for kids. If you are planning a longer visit on the Island, be sure to explore our 7-day homeschool field trip itinerary. 

In addition to helpful resources for homeschool families, Sand `N Sea offers a selection of 155+ vacation rentals on Galveston Island. Stay, play & learn on your beach trip! Click here to book your Galveston rental today.