Best Boston Area School Field Trips

Choosing a great trip to consolidate your students' learning can be tricky, but we're here to help. Read on to find out our top recommendations for field trips in Boston.

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2024
Boston school trips

School trips can be some of the most exciting parts of a child's education, and the best ones are remembered forever. So, it's important to choose a great destination! Teachers will often plan Boston school field trips around a theme or concept; historical, cultural, environmental, et al. It all depends on what the students are focused on and the learning that will be consolidated.

The Greater Boston area certainly has plenty to offer for field trips in that respect – some of the top Boston attractions are perfect to meet teacher and student requirements. If you're looking into planning a field trip in Boston, check out our top school trip ideas, including:

  • New England Aquarium
  • Freedom Trail Walking Tour
  • Franklin Park Zoo
  • Museum of Science
  • Old Sturbridge Village

Save on Boston field trip attractions

For those of you responsible for planning the field trip, you've almost certainly got a smaller budget than you'd like. That's where Go City® passes come in to save you up to 50% on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate. You may also be able to get a group discount, to save even more funds. 

☀️Compare Boston passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️ 

Freedom Trail Walking Tour

marker-on-boston-freedom-trail-connects

This is a smart choice for field trips with a history focus. The attraction itself is a guided walking tour that escorts your group along the iconic Freedom Trail, a red-brick-paved line that winds throughout historic Boston.

Your accurately-costumed tour guide will provide informative narration as you pass by major historic attractions like Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House, Old South Meeting House, Park Street Church, and more.

Please note that due to the intimate nature of these tours, school groups will likely need to be broken into multiple parties to take different tours. If any of these historic sites you see along the route are of interest to your group, keep in mind that Go City® passes also include admission to many of these attractions.

Getting In: Freedom Trail Walking Tour tickets are included on all Boston passes.

Franklin Park Zoo

tiger-franklin-park-zoo

This 72-acre zoo is nestled in Boston's beautiful Franklin Park, located just south of the city center. Schools love to take their students here because of the diversity of exciting animals that call this zoo home, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and several types of monkeys.

Those of you with elementary students can explore exhibits that are suitable for younger children, too, like "Franklin Farm" and "Children's Zoo." They also offer some daily zookeeper chats which can be ideal for school groups. 

Getting In: Franklin Park Zoo tickets are included on all Go City® Boston passes.

New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium

Aquariums are popular field trip destinations for a reason. They offer the excitement of meeting new and exotic marine life alongside educational benefits. Some of their top exhibit highlights include a four-story Caribbean coral reef and a Shark and Ray Touch Tank exhibit (beloved by school groups). Visitors should also be sure to pay a visit to the lively penguin colony that calls the New England Aquarium home. These playful penguins are the darlings of Boston. 

Getting In: New England Aquarium is separately ticketed.

Museum of Science

Museum of Science

Among the most popular cultural institutions in the entire state, the Museum of Science has a lot to offer curious school groups. With dozens of interactive exhibits and themed areas including Triceratops Cliff, Theater of Electricity, and the newer Hall of Human Life, this attraction has enough activities to keep an entire school busy for days!

The museum also offers a wide variety of dynamic, hands-on activities and informative presentations, many of which are ideal for school groups. 

Getting In: Museum of Science tickets are included on all Go City® Boston passes.

 

Old Sturbridge Village

summer-old-sturbridge-village

This recreated village from early nineteenth-century New England is a delightful option for school groups looking to explore American history in a hands-on way. They boast a working blacksmith's shop, lush heirloom gardens, and impressive heritage-breed livestock, in addition to buildings and common spaces designed to look just as they would have nearly 200 years ago.

Students will especially love the opportunity to try out historic crafts and recipes. They'll learn all about these preserved traditions from passionate costumed re-enactors who are excited to share all they know about this astonishing period in New England history. 

Getting In: Old Sturbridge Village tickets are included with the Go Boston Card.

A smart choice for smart schools

While this is just a starting point for your Boston-area field trip ideas, we hope that it provides some inspiration. Don't forget that you can save up to 50% on combined admission prices with Go City® - it's a smart choice for smart schools.

If your group is larger than 10, be sure to check out the group discounts option, so be sure to call and see if we can help you save even more on your next school trip.

Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including the USS Constitution Museum, Salem Witch Museum, Paul Revere House, and more. 

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Things to Do in Boston Labor Day 2019 Weekend & September

The end of summer, traditionally marked by Labor Day, is a great time to enjoy that last getaway before school and work pick back up again. If you're taking a Labor Day weekend trip to Boston, you won't be short of things to do. Many fun local activities and attractions in Boston offer special events or exhibits at the end of August into September, so there's a lot of promise in late summer vacations. So make the most of the last few days of summer in Boston! If you’re looking for things to do in Boston Labor Day weekend 2019 and into September, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions. A few ideas include: St. Anthony's Feast New England Aquarium Whale Watch Fenway Park Tour Swan Boats of Boston Somerville Fluff Festival And more! Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Boston attractions are included on the Go Boston® pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Please note, the special events taking place at these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. Searching for more events later in the fall? Check out our Boston Fall Events post for fun activities in October and November. St. Anthony’s Feast August 22-25, 2019 The North End Headlining the weekend before Labor Day is the very Boston-esque St. Anthony’s Feast. This has long been famous as the largest Italian religious festival in New England. It’s a huge affair that takes over much of the North End neighborhood: part parade, part pageantry, part ceremony, and all excitement. The actual procession begins at noon on Sunday. The Santa Lucia festival brings up the rear on Monday, a shorter but no less grand celebration. This is a must do for a local Labor Day experience -- be sure to add it to your itinerary. For a full schedule of events, consult the St. Anthony’s Feast website Getting In: Admission to St. Anthony's Feast is free. New England Aquarium Whale Watch Fenway Park Tour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Go for a Bike Ride Swan Boats of Boston The Boston Children’s Museum While there are tons of great museums in the Boston area that appeal to the whole family, the Boston Children’s Museum is truly the perfect candidate for keeping the kids happy. You’ll find tons of interactive exhibits that focus on everything from science and environmental awareness to culture and the arts. The kids will enjoy playing while the learn - it's the best of both! Be sure to check their events calendar for any special exhibits or attractions that may occur during your visit. Getting In: Boston Children's Museum tickets are included on the Go Boston pass. All Hands to Mischief! at the USS Constitution Museum August 31 - September 3, 2019 Charlestown Navy Yard Come to the USS Constitution Museum this Labor Day weekend to learn about how sailors spent their spare time at sea. The hands-on, interactive activities are great for kids. You can practice writing with a quill pen, play your hand at a nineteenth century board game, and get a temporary nautical tattoo. If you're interested in Old Ironsides herself, consider a cruise like the USS Constitution Cruise which escorts you out to the ship in Boston's Inner Harbor and past other major sights like the Bunker Hill Monument and the Boston Tea Party boat. Getting In: Admission to the USS Constitution Museum is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Boston pass. For more information about this attraction and to purchase tickets, visit the attraction website. USS Constitution Cruise tickets are included with the Go Boston pass. The Boston Arts Festival September 8 & 9, 2019, 11:00 am - 6:30 pm Christopher Columbus Park “Summer in the City” Movie Series Tuesday – Friday, all summer Boston Harbor Hotel What the Fluff? September 21, 2019 Union Square, Somerville This delightful event is perfect for visitors of all ages. Now in its 13th year, this fun festival celebrates all things fluff -- the delectable marshmallow treat that was invented right in Somerville back in 1917. The festival incorporates live music, toys and games for kids, beverages for adults, and tons of fluff-related food items. There's even a cooking contest for the best inventive fluff recipe. Deadline for submissions is September 18! Somerville is located just a little bit north west of Boston proper -- you can get to Union Square easily via bus. Getting In: Admission to the Fluff Festival is free. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission So there are a few examples of fun and exciting things to do in Boston during Labor Day Weekend and into September. There is so much to do in Boston that you're sure to have a great end to your summer vacation. Remember, some of these great attraction options are included on the Go Boston pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the Labor Day weekend events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Boston pass. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in Boston in style.
Katie Sagal
Boston Summer
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Boston 4th of July Weekend - 10+ Fun Things to Do in July

Going to be in Boston for the 4th of July weekend? Check out these fun activities, events, and more to celebrate our nation’s birthday in the historic city of Boston. If you’re looking for Boston 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out these local activities and fun things do in Boston in July, including... Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular Boston Harborfest Walking tour of The Freedom Trail A Fenway Park Tour and more... Save on Admission to Popular Attractions Regular admission to a number of these attractions are included on the Go Boston pass. Choose as you go from dozens of Boston attractions & activities and save up to 55% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. See all available passes and Boston attractions – Learn more. Please note, some of these special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on the Go Boston pass. Summer in the City - Boston Harbor Hotel Tuesdays - Fridays This free festival hosted at the Boston Harbor Hotel lasts all summer long and features a top-notch selection of music and movies the whole family can enjoy. Every Friday they will show music ranging from soul to blues to jazz and more, and classic movies. This 4th of July, you'll get to choose from a movie on the day of, or opt to see one the Friday before. Enjoy live waterfront entertainment and al fresco dining at one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire city. Getting In: Summer in the City film viewings are free to attend Outdoor Activities There are also plenty of festive Boston attractions and things to do during July 4th weekend celebrations. Since July in Boston will be quite warm, you’ll enjoy spending much of your day outdoors. Check out a Boston bike rental and cruise along the Charles River bike path to watch the firemen and celebration officials set up the fireworks. You’ve probably seen the famous duck boats on television or in a movie but never had the chance to see them in person. You can remedy that problem and have a quacking good time by going on a Boston Duck Tour. The tour will take you by some of the top sites in the city including Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Bunker Hill, Battery Wharf and of course, the Charles River. Getting In: Boston Bike Rentals are included with the Go Boston pass. Boston Duck Tour tickets are available as a premium attraction option on the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Boston passes. Shakespeare on the Common Love to get in some quality theater, but don't always have the budget for tickets? Take advantage of one of Boston's most popular free summer activities on the Boston Common - Shakespeare on the Common. This free performance by local actors is a delight each year, and residents flock to the Common with picnics and blankets to enjoy the show. If you want a spot near the stage, you'll have to arrive early. This year's performance is Cymbeline. The play is on Tuesday-Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 7:00 pm. Getting In: Shakespeare on the Common performances are free to attend. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in Boston in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. Remember, the Boston pass provides entry to many of these amazing Boston attractions. You can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. Enjoy!
Katie Sagal

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