Get ready for a blast of fun with our awesome list of 20+ Atlanta field trip ideas! It doesn’t matter if you’re young – or just young at heart – we’ve got something cool for everyone!
From excursions into history, science, art, and nature, Atlanta has it all. Find field trip activities that are perfect for groups of youngsters through high school students – including interactive museums, mouthwatering food adventures, and outdoor quests.
Consider this your guide to the most exciting, educational, and memory-making field trips in the city. Your next Atlanta field trip starts here!
Ideas for Atlanta Field Trips:
Read on for additional details on these Atlanta field trip ideas!
- Immerse yourself in the art of puppetry at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Explore the animal kingdom from lands near and far on Zoo Atlanta field trips
- Imagine and build new worlds at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
- Travel to the stars to explore topics like astronomy
- Spark conversations as you delve into Atlanta’s history and social movements
In this post, you’ll find:
- Field trips in Atlanta for every age group
- Educational adventures that explore science, history, nature, and more
- Atlanta attractions great for large groups and small groups
- Fun activities that encourage learning outside of the classroom
- Unique field trip ideas that will make for an unforgettable day!
Note: Be sure to check with each venue regarding their specific field trip policies, ticket availability, group sizes, bus parking, and other details.
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Toddlers & Elementary School
1. Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
As one of Atlanta’s top interactive wildlife preserves, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary invites kids to step into a world where they can feed and gently pet an array of animals. Choose a guided tour option, or experience the center at your leisure on a self-paced tour.
Home to both familiar and exotic wildlife, this hands-on experience will foster a deep connection between children and the animal kingdom. In addition, the sanctuary provides young minds with a tangible understanding of diverse species, their habitats, and the importance of responsible animal care.
Plus, you can add-on sack lunches and feed cups for the animals!
2. Children’s Museum of Atlanta
At the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, you’ll find interactive exhibits that engage kids in imaginative play, science exploration, and artistic creativity. Simply put, this spot is a haven for young learners. A day trip here for Pre-K through 3rd graders will encourage a creative and curios exploration into learning!
The museum shares that all field trips are “geared toward providing an immersive, standards-based learning experience and cross-curriculum learning opportunities focusing on math, science, social studies, language arts, geography, and arts.”
3. Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts captivates all those who are young at heart with puppet shows, workshops, and a museum that celebrates the art of puppetry from around the world. Field trips are available for ages Pre-K through 12th grade, with programs for all ages.
Here, little ones can see mesmerizing puppet shows starring cherished characters. Young learners will also be engaged in interactive workshops to craft their very own puppets. This center seamlessly blends entertainment with hands-on learning. Family Series Performances are generally recommended for ages 4 and up, with Theater for the Very Young shows for younger audiences.
4. Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Another great field trip location is the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Offering a perfect blend of education and fun, this Druid Hills-area museum allows kids to explore astonishing dinosaur displays, experience the magic of immersive giant screen movies, and engage in hands-on science activities.
With outdoor exhibit areas including WildWoods and Fernbank Forest, a visit to Fernbank inspires a deeper understanding of our natural world. Order lunch through Fernbank Café, or brown-bag it!
5. Atlanta Botanical Garden
For more outdoor field trip fun, head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This Atlanta field trip destination offers a captivating escape for kids, weaving together nature, art, and education. Book a guided tour, or opt for a self-guided adventure. Guided tours are offered for school groups from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Here, teachers can foster creativity and play by wandering through the Children’s Garden filled with interactive sculptures and imaginative spaces. Plus, find art exhibitions, seasonal displays, canopy walks, and educational programs that teach about plants and conservation.
6. LEGO Discovery Center
LEGO Discovery Center immerses young learners in a vibrant world where imagination takes center stage. Kids can build, play, and marvel at intricate LEGO creations that transport them to fantastical realms. Plus, enjoy a thrilling show at the 4D cinema to add an extra layer of sensory excitement.
LEGO shares that their school group experiences “are designed to bring math, science, engineering and language to life and encourage skills in communication, collaboration, critical-thinking and problem solving.” Get learning with LEGO!
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Middle School Groups
7. Georgia Aquarium
A mesmerizing underwater world awaits at the Georgia Aquarium. Here, groups can witness marine life up close, including dolphins, sea otters, tropical fish, sharks, and more!
Amongst seven distinct exhibits, the aquarium’s towering tanks become windows into the ocean’s intricate ecosystems. Spend the day here to learn about and ignite a sense of awe for the delicate balance of ocean life.
8. Fernbank Science Center
Unaffiliated with the Fernbank Museum of Natural History – but located nearby – the Fernbank Science Center is a fantastic destination for middle schoolers. Operated by the DeKalb County School District, this spot offers hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and opportunities to explore astronomy and environmental science.
The center offers a variety of school programs depending on age group; all are aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence. Each visit includes a tour of the current night sky with their “iconic Zeiss planetarium star projector and a presentation using our new state of the art 4k projector…”
9. High Museum of Art
As Atlanta’s premier art museum, the High Museum offers middle schoolers a chance to explore diverse collections of art techniques spanning centuries, cultures, and genres.
In addition to viewing its stunning collections, students can actively engage with the art through educational workshops that inspire hands-on creativity. Field trips are available for student groups ages K-12, with brown bag lunches welcome.
10. Tellus Science Museum
Located outside Atlanta in Cartersville, The Tellus Museum boasts interactive exhibits about science, paleontology, astronomy, and geology. Plus, make your visit easy with box lunches available for purchase.
With programs that make learning exciting and engaging, students can transcend the confines of textbooks and classrooms with this field trip idea. Engage students in a journey that ignites their passion for discovery and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
11. The College Football Hall of Fame
Need to get some energy out? Look no further than The College Football Hall of Fame! Located in Downtown Atlanta, this attraction offers groups a dynamic blend of sports history, interactive exhibits, and educational enrichment.
Great for middle schoolers’ curiosity and energy, this spot allows students to tap into the game’s themes such as sportsmanship and collaboration to provide an enriching field trip experience.
12. Zoo Atlanta
A Zoo Atlanta field trip is always a hit with any age group! The zoo offers traditional field trips – plus sleepovers, guided tours, a zoomobile, and virtual field trips!
Here, students can marvel at a diverse range of animals from around the world, including Safari wildlife and kings of the jungles. Plus, tap into a range of expert-led talks, interactive programs, and informative signage for students to learn about conservation efforts.
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for High School Groups
13. World of Coca-Cola
TheWorld of Coca-Cola explores the history and impact of the iconic Atlanta beverage brand. School groups can embark upon interactive exhibits, tastings, and insights into marketing and innovation.
Recommended for 8th-12th grades, a field trip here allows students to engage in tactile learning and opens the door to conversations about marketing, branding, and cultural impact.
14. Delta Flight Museum
Groups with aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the Delta Flight Museum! Here, explore Delta Air Lines’ history with interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and vintage aircraft displays.
Going beyond the mechanics of flight, this hometown airline museum also fosters discussions about the broader impact of aviation on global connectivity, commerce, and culture.
15. Georgia State Capitol
A field trip to the Georgia Capitol Museum offers students a glimpse into the legislative process and civic engagement, making it an excellent destination for students studying government and politics. The Georgia Capitol Museum seeks to “preserve and interpret the history of the Georgia Capitol building as well as the events that have taken place within its walls.”
Foster a sense of connection to the democratic process and explore the power of advocacy, the importance of informed voting, and the ways in which individuals can shape public policy through participation.
16. Sports Venue Tours
Depending on the season, students can tour iconic sports venues like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena. Going behind the scenes, these tours allow groups to delve into the strategic and logistical aspects of sports management.
While touring, students can gain insights into sports management, venue operations, security protocols, event planning, logistics, and teamwork.
17. The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Another field trip idea great for students learning about government is the Jimmy Carter Museum. Here, explore the presidency of Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter.
Venture through exhibits full of historical artifacts and gain insights into global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. Docent-guided and self-guided tours are available, with a variety of educational programs to choose from.
18. National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights explores the history of civil rights movements and human rights struggles globally. Through curated exhibits, workshops, and facilitated discussions, students can engage in important conversations around social justice issues.
In addition, this field trip idea will encourage students to challenge assumptions, broaden horizons, and feel empowered to advocate for positive change in their own communities.
19. Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
This contemporary art museum features thought-provoking exhibitions and installations. As a result, it’s a perfect location for student groups looking for an art-based field trip.
While touring galleries, spark discussions about modern art, culture, and societal issues. Use a field trip here not only as an adventure into different art forms, but also as a catalyst for discussions that go beyond the art.
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Small Groups
20. Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk
The Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk is a fun walking tour showcasing the best of Atlanta’s food and history. Perfect for groups of up to 14, this tour allows you to taste eight modern and Southern foods from three outstanding locally owned food stops.
Along the way, delve into Atlanta’s history with an expert guide who will share fascinating stories of our city and answer all your curious questions. Have a larger group? Not to worry – reach out to make arrangements!
21. King Historic District Walking Tour
Have a small group of students learning about the Civil Rights movement? On the Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour, follow in Dr. King’s footsteps to learn all about his life, legacy, and impact on Atlanta and the world.
During this tour, students can explore firsthand the places in Atlanta that inspired this Civil Rights leader. Best of all, a live expert guide will lead your group during this experience, sharing knowledge and answering your questions along the way. While the typical tour hosts up to 14 people, larger groups can reach out to make arrangements!
To explore more Atlanta field trip ideas, check out Unexpected Atlanta’s full list of walking tours and our Atlanta activity guides! With ideas for every age group, interest, and group size, let us connect you to all of Atlanta’s can’t-miss activities!
