Looking at skyline of NYC

New York City School Field Trip - Top Attractions and Things to Do

When it comes to school trips, NYC is top of the class

Educational and awe-inspiring, New York has plenty to offer students. Here are our top choices for field trips in the Big Apple.

On a list of places in the U.S. to go on a school field trip, New York City probably occupies the top spot. With its mix of historic sites, educational institutions, and modern attractions, New York City is a prime destination for school trips. If you're planning a field trip to the Big Apple and looking for ideas, check out our favorite options:

  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus New York Tour
  • American Museum of Natural History
  • Guggenheim Museum
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Museum
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum

Save on admission to NYC field trip attractions

For parents and teachers planning a trip to New York City, the budget is surely a significant concern. Fortunately for you, Go City® New York passes are an excellent resource for school groups and will save you plenty. 

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

🗓️ >>  Check out our example New York itineraries 

Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus New York Tour

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For school trips that are looking to introduce students to the cultural and architectural diversity of New York, a bus tour can be very handy. A hop-on hop-off option like this is a good choice for engaging and educational narration should you choose to stay on as a group.

It can also be useful when traveling between attractions (especially some of the big ones like museums) though we wouldn't recommend relying on the bus in place of regular city transportation. Choose from the Uptown or Downtown bus routes depending on which other attractions you want to see with the group. 

Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are available on all Go City® New York passes.

American Museum of Natural History

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One of the best educational attractions in NYC is the American Museum of Natural History. Practically every student in the greater Tri-State area has been here on a field trip at some point! The museum is filled with learning opportunities and special exhibits, and it boasts over 34 million objects in its collections.

Some of their top attractions include the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life and the David H. Koch Dinosaur Wing. They also offer specific opportunities for class trip planning, including specialized tours and more. 

Getting In: American Museum of Natural History tickets are available on all Go City® New York passes.

Guggenheim Museum

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An architectural marvel full of some of the most iconic pieces of art in recent history, the Guggenheim Museum serves double duty as a cultural center and an educational institution. With a collection that is constantly in a state of flux but based on a group of early modern masterpieces, the Guggenheim Museum is devoted to showcasing the art of the 20th century and beyond. You'll find plenty of educational opportunities for kids of all ages, including tours and free audio guides.

Please note: Children under 12 get free admission to the Guggenheim; for chaperones or older groups, Go City® New York passes can help with budgeting for Guggenheim Museum tickets.

Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Museum

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Another top attraction for field trips from across the country, the Statue of Liberty is a perfect choice for school groups of all ages. Lady Liberty is such an icon in American culture and is an ideal complement to a unit on American history. Likewise, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a must-visit for those looking to reinforce lessons on the history of immigration.

Good news for the budget-conscious: admission to both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Museum is free! Use your Go City® New York passes to cover the cost of the ferry trip. 

Getting In: Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets are available on all Go City® New York passes.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

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One of the most poignant field trip destinations in the entire city is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Students will learn about the tragic attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 and the World Trade Center in 1993, see artifacts salvaged from the ruins, see artwork inspired by the tragedy, and more.

The exterior is also particularly remarkable for its striking man-made waterfalls and twin reflecting pools. Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the content at this museum, it's most appropriate for middle-grade or high-school field trips. 

Getting In: 9/11 Memorial and Museum tickets are available on all Go City® New York passes.

Remember to save on field trip admission

So if you're involved in planning a field trip for your students or kids, you'll want to be sure to keep those ticket prices low. There are discounts available for large group purchases, which can be a big help with school trips!

 

However short or long your trip, see it all with Go City®  

See our New York vacation itinerary series: 

📅 1-day itinerary 

📅 3-day itinerary 

📅 One week in New York 

📅 Weekend in New York 

🗽 >>  Compare passes and sample itineraries 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Best time to visit New York City

New York City is a fun and exciting place to visit any time of year. This sprawling city of more than eight million residents offers world-class shopping, sporting events, restaurants, and museums. It's also home to some of the most iconic American landmarks and attractions including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. However, some seasons in New York are better suited to different interests than others. Below are just a few suggestions on when you should visit based on what New York events and attractions you plan on experiencing during your visit. The best time of year to visit New York City for sightseeing New York weather can be fickle and sometimes make it difficult to navigate the city streets to see in the sights. That's why it's important to choose a seasonable time in order to make your sightseeing more enjoyable. The temperate New York weather in April, May, September, and October is perfect for walking tours of the city and taking in such sights as the 9/11 Tribute Museum, Top of the Rock, and the Empire State Building. Best time to visit New York for foodies Food festivals abound in New York City during the summer. The annual Taste of Times Square food festival takes over the theater district for a week every June. June also brings the annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party to the Madison Square neighborhood. Early July brings French Restaurant Week to the city, and, at Coney Island, you can witness the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest on July 4th. In addition, farmers' markets set up all over the city from May through September. Best time to visit New York for shopping While there is really no bad time to visit New York City for shopping, some times of year are a little better than others. The holiday season, which begins in the city around the middle of November, brings a variety of gift items and seasonal merchandise. After Thanksgiving, the department store windows add a festive air to Fifth Avenue, Third Avenue, and Herald Square. For bargain hunters, January and February is sale season in New York, with white sales and discounts on holiday merchandise. Best time to visit New York for shows For ticket availability, visiting New York City in January/February or September/October is desirable. The city is less crowded during these times of the year and you're more likely to be able to get tickets to top shows. For ticket bargains, check out Broadway week, held in both January and September. You can get 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 shows during these weeks. Best time to visit New York City for museum hopping While New York's hundreds of museums are fascinating to explore any time of year, they are less crowded during winter, when there are fewer tourists and locals are more inclined to stay home where it's warm. Escape the winter weather by spending a day at The Met - you still won't see all this wonderful and extensive museum has to offer. Or, museum hop along Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile, with stops at the Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of the City of New York, the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum, and The Frick Collection. About the pass One of the best ways to get the most out of your trip to New York City is to purchase a pass for New York by Go City that allows you to experience a variety of attractions for a single price. We make it easy. You choose the pass that best matches your interests, load it to your mobile device or print a hard copy at home and show it for admission to more than 90 NYC attractions. Plus, you'll avoid waiting in line at the ticket counters. Get your pass for New York today and start making huge savings on sightseeing.
Andrew Martineau
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Fun Things to Do in New York - The Ultimate Tourist Guide for Your Trip

Greatest city in the world? You decide. From a skyline populated with more skyscrapers than we can count to the expansive green that is Central Park, there’s one thing that can’t be argued: New York City has something for everybody. Whether you’re traveling with kids, planning a romantic getaway, meeting up with friends, or just going solo, our travel guides have all the information you need to plan the perfect trip and make sure you see it all (and then some). What are some popular attractions to visit? Hop On Hop Off New York Bus Tour - A must do for first-time visitors, this sightseeing tour is not only the perfect introduction to New York, but you can hop on and hop off to visit other attractions included in your Pass. Empire State Building - Spend some time at one of the most iconic and world famous landmarks. Top of the Rock Observatory - From high atop Rockefeller Center, this is one of the best places for unmatched views of the city. Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Immigration Museum - Visit the grounds of Liberty Island for unbeatable views of Lady Liberty and downtown Manhattan. 9/11 Memorial & Museum - located at the World Trade Center site, bears solemn witness to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. American Museum of Natural History- One of the largest museums in the world, with collections of more than 32 million specimens and artifacts. The Museum of Modern Art - Its extraordinary exhibitions and collections are dedicated to helping you understand and enjoy the art of our time. These are just a few. Want more fun ideas for things to do in New York? Head over here for more New York attractions to see during your trip. How long are you visiting? Whether you're visiting New York City for 24-hours or a whole week, we've put together sample itineraries that include a ton of the most popular things to do in the city. From top-rated tours to iconic landmarks, these itineraries give you the best New York City experience based on the time you have. One Day in NYC - sample itinerary 2 Days in New York City - sample itinerary 3 Days in New York - sample itinerary A Week in New York - sample itinerary New York staycation ideas for a fun weekend near home Who are you visiting with? No matter who you're traveling with, there are a ton of things to do in New York City for everyone. We've put together a list of top attractions and activities tailored to every type of traveler, from young kids to couples and even nerds. Things to Do in NYC with Kids Things to Do in NYC with Teens Things to Do in NYC for Couples Things to Do in NYC for College Students What type of activities interest you? Whether you're envisioning yourself checking off all of the city's top museums or you just really want to be part of a live audience, our New York City local experts put together a few 'best of' lists to help you streamline your itinerary. Top Museums in New York City How to Get Saturday Night Live Tickets Best Places to Take Pictures in NYC Visiting New York on a budget more coming soon! What parts of New York City are you visiting? We highlighted a handful of the top attractions and places to see by neighborhood so you can maximize your time in each location. NYC Neighborhoods Guide Things to Do in Times Square Things to Do in Lower Manhattan Things to Do in and around Central Park Things to Do in Midtown Manhattan When are you visiting? New York City offers a different experience with each season, weather, and holiday. Check out our lists of things to do in New York City throughout the year to make the most of your itinerary and experience unique, calendar-based events. Things to Do in New York in the Spring Things to Do in NYC in the Summer Things to Do in New York in the Fall Things to Do in New York City in the Winter Things to Do in NYC When it Rains Things to Do in New York When It’s Hot Out What's the best way to get around? NYC is easy to navigate and there are lots of options for transportation, including public transportation, taxis, and shared ride services. Hop-on, hop-off tours: A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour, like Big Bus New York, is a great way to get acquainted with the city and visit popular attractions. Tours follow a specific route and time schedule, so plan accordingly if you have timed tickets or reservations. Public transportation: the MTA subway and bus system is the most popular way to get around the city. You can purchase a reusable MetroCard from vending machines at most subway stations. The subway is often faster than relying on cabs due to traffic. Tip: get the free moovit app for point-to-point trip planning and real-time updates for both subway and bus routes. Taxis: taxis are available and easy to hail down. Looking for more info? Check out our post on getting around New York for tourists. Where should you stay? There are plenty of great places to stay in the area. Below are a handful of hotel suggestions located near popular tourist attractions and fun things to do. The Gotham Hotel Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue The Plaza Hotel Hilton Garden Inn New York-Times Square Central Hudson New York, Central Park Where should you shop? In between sightseeing, try and find some time to pick up some souvenirs. Here are a few popular areas to get some of the best shopping in New York. Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Bloomingdales Macy's Herald Square SoHo Upper East Side Make sure to check out all of the extra discounts and savings available on the New York City Explorer Pass. Where to Eat? Go on a tour of New York City’ foodie scene with our top picks for family-friendly places to eat in New York City. We’ve included top picks for every appetite and even made note of nearby attractions so you can sightsee while you taste your way through New York City’s culinary destinations. No judgment. Fun Info from a Local Despite what you may hear, literally, honking is illegal in NYC. Approximately 1 out of every 21 New Yorkers is a millionaire. New York City is the most linguistically diverse city in the world. Almost half of its residents speak a language other than English at home. The MTA subway system consists of 722 miles of track. New York City was the original capital of the United States. Share your adventure with us! Tag us when you upload photos from your trip to Instagram: @GoCity or #GoCityCard.
Casey Makovich

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