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
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
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
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
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
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: