What if your next great homeschool field trip is right around the corner… and doesn’t cost a dime?
Homeschooling doesn’t have to happen entirely around the kitchen table. Some of the most memorable lessons happen when children step outside, explore their communities, ask questions, and experience the world firsthand.
In today’s episode host Kaitlin Zara welcomes Phyllis Kiernan, veteran homeschooling mom of five, to explore how ordinary outings can become extraordinary learning adventures.
Drawing on more than 16 years of homeschooling experience, Phyllis shares creative, budget-friendly field trip ideas that go far beyond traditional museums and zoos. From behind-the-scenes tours of bowling alleys and ice cream shops to visits with local businesses, libraries, parks, and historical sites, she encourages parents to think outside the box and discover educational opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Kaitlin and Phyllis also discuss how to plan outings for children of different ages, connect field trips to academic subjects without turning them into another assignment, and find free or discounted experiences that make learning accessible to every family.
Whether you’re an adventurous homeschooler or a parent who finds getting everyone out the door overwhelming, this episode will inspire you to start small, get creative, and make wonderful memories along the way!
Resources
- Homeschooling Photography: The Power of Creative Subjects with Victoria Cerise: https://homeschoolconnections.com/podcasts/homeschooling-photography/
- National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/ — Explore national parks, historic sites, educational programs, and ranger-led activities.
- National Park Service Junior Ranger Programs: https://www.nps.gov/kids/junior-rangers.htm — Hands-on learning opportunities for children.
- National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/ — A free museum in Dayton, Ohio, mentioned by Phyllis.
- Your Local Public Library: Ask about homeschool programs, museum passes, free activities, and opportunities to organize special educational events.
- Homeschool Connections: https://homeschoolconnections.com/ — Live and recorded online courses for Catholic homeschooling families.
In This Episode
Kaitlin and Phyllis discuss:
- How to turn everyday outings into educational adventures, whether you’re visiting a park, grocery store, library, or neighborhood business.
- Why a change in mindset is the first step, and how learning can happen naturally outside the classroom.
- Creative field trip ideas you might never have considered, including behind-the-scenes tours of bowling alleys, ice cream shops, restaurants, bakeries, and theaters.
- The power of simply asking! Why local business owners and community organizations may be happy to arrange educational tours for homeschool groups.
- How to plan field trips for multiple ages, allowing younger children and teenagers to learn together at their own levels.
- Connecting field trips to science, history, literature, and practical life skills without making the experience overly structured.
- Where to find free and affordable field trips, including public libraries, national parks, museums, homeschool discount days, and community events.
- How hands-on experiences can spark lifelong interests, creativity, independent learning, and even future career possibilities.
- Why field trips strengthen family relationships, creating shared memories that children carry into adulthood.
- Encouragement for overwhelmed parents, including why a simple walk through a local park can be just as valuable as a big, carefully planned outing.
One Big Takeaway
You don’t have to go far, spend a lot, or plan something elaborate to give your children an unforgettable learning experience.
The world is full of opportunities to learn. Phyllis’s advice is wonderfully simple: Think outside the box, start small, and don’t be afraid to ask.
About Our Guest: Phyllis Kiernan
Phyllis Kiernan has been part of the Homeschool Connections team for more than 11 years. She began as a course monitor before moving to Office Manager, where she continues to support the organization’s mission of serving homeschooling families.
A graduate of William Paterson University, Phyllis holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Psychology.
She and her husband homeschooled their five children for more than 16 years, and all five have now graduated. Throughout her homeschooling journey, Phyllis was actively involved in co-ops, scouting, theater, and other educational and community activities. She currently serves as an advisor to the Homeschool Connections Students for Life club.
Phyllis enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, praying the Rosary, traveling, and helping others.
About Your Host
Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.
Join the Conversation!
What’s the most creative or unexpected homeschool field trip your family has ever taken?
Have you toured a local business, discovered a hidden historical site, or found an amazing free educational opportunity in your community?
Share your favorite field trip ideas in the comments! You might inspire another homeschooling family to try something new.
Subscribe to the Homeschool Connections Podcast for more practical homeschooling advice, encouragement, and inspiration for making learning a joyful part of everyday life.