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

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 of all genres. If you're planning a school trip to the Big Apple and looking for ideas, check out our favorite field trip 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, the New York City Explorer Pass is an excellent resource for school groups. Save up to 50% on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate. See all attractions, passes, and prices -- learn more.

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 can be used to get between attractions (especially some of the big ones like museums), but it's also a good choice for informative and educational narration should you choose to stay on with the whole group. Choose from the Uptown or Downtown bus routes depending on which other attractions you want to see with your group. Getting In: Big Bus New York tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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! It's filled with learning opportunities, special exhibits, and over 34 million objects in their 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 with the New York City Explorer Pass.

Guggenheim Museum

An architectural marvel that is 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 is based off of a group of early modern masterpieces, the Guggenheim Museum is devoted to showcasing the art of the 20th century and beyond. You'll also find plenty of educational opportunities for kids of all ages, including tours, free audio guides, and more. Please note that children under 12 get free admission to the Guggenheim; for chaperones or older groups, the New York City Explorer Pass can help with budgeting. Getting In: Guggenheim Museum tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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 New York City Explorer Pass to cover the cost of the ferry trip. Getting In: Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets are available with the New York City Explorer Pass.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

One of the most important and poignant field trip destinations in the entire city is the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Students will learn about the tragic events of 2001 and 1993, see artifacts from the ruins, scope out 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 with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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. To help save up to 50% on admission to the top school trip attractions in New York City, pick up a New York City Explorer Pass. We also offer discounts for large group purchases, which can be a big help to school trips!