Whether you’re planning a field trip for elementary students, middle schoolers, high school students, or a group of curious adults, Atlanta offers plenty of educational and fun field trip ideas. From history and science to art, food, and the outdoors, there’s something for every age and interest!
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 20+ of the best Atlanta field trips, including interactive museums, cultural attractions, hands-on experiences, food adventures, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for an educational excursion or an unforgettable group adventure, these Atlanta field trip ideas make it easy to find an experience your group will love.
Use this guide to discover exciting, educational, and memory-making field trips in Atlanta.
20+ Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Every Age & Grade Level
The Best Ideas for Atlanta Field Trips:
Read on for more details on these Atlanta field trip ideas:
- Book a tour through the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic District
- Immerse yourself in the art of puppetry at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Explore the animal kingdom from lands near and far during 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 guide to Atlanta field trips, you’ll find:
- Field trip ideas for elementary, middle, and high school students
- Educational experiences focused on science, history, art, nature, and more
- Atlanta attractions for school groups, from large classes to smaller groups
- Fun, interactive activities that encourage learning outside the classroom
- Unique field trip experiences in Atlanta for a variety of ages and interests
Note: Please note that you should check with each venue about details including field trip policies, ticket availability, group sizes, and bus parking.
Watch the Video: Atlanta’s Best Field Trips
Watch the video below for a roundup of our favorite **Atlanta field trip ideas**! Then, keep reading for more details about each experience, plus even more fun things to do in Atlanta with your group.
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for High School Groups
Historic Market and Food Tour + Biscuit Class
Looking for a hands-on Atlanta field trip that combines food, culture, and learning? Take your student group to Atlanta’s historic Municipal Market for a 2-hour interactive food tour and biscuit-making class. The Historic Market and Food Tour + Biscuit Class is a fun and educational field trip for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as other youth and student groups.
During the experience, students will explore the flavors of the South while sampling 5–7 tastings from four local vendors. Then, they’ll put their culinary skills to work in a hands-on mini class, where they’ll learn how to make classic Southern biscuits and discover the techniques behind creating perfectly flaky treats.
With food, local history, and hands-on learning all in one experience, this Atlanta field trip idea gives students a memorable way to learn outside the classroom.
King Historic District Walking Tour
Have a small group of students learning about the Civil Rights Movement? The Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour is an engaging Atlanta field trip for students who want to explore history beyond the classroom. Follow in Dr. King’s footsteps as you learn about his life, legacy, and impact on Atlanta and the world.
During this walking tour, students will visit historic sites in Atlanta that shaped Dr. King’s life and the Civil Rights Movement. A live expert guide leads your group throughout the experience, sharing historical context and answering questions along the way. While the typical tour hosts up to 14 people, larger groups can reach out to make arrangements.
Grant Park Food and History Tour
Combine Atlanta history, local food, and exploration on a private Grant Park Food and History Tour.
Students will explore historic Oakland Cemetery and learn about noteworthy Atlantans who have been laid to rest there, including “Gone With the Wind” author Margaret Mitchell, Atlanta’s first African-American Mayor Maynard Jackson, golf legend Bobby Jones, and more. Then, taste 8 modern Southern cuisine from 3 favorite local restaurants.
This experience gives students a chance to learn about Atlanta’s history and food culture while exploring one of the city’s most distinctive historic neighborhoods. It’s a memorable option for groups looking for something beyond a traditional museum visit.
World of Coca-Cola
Explore the history, culture, and business behind one of Atlanta’s most recognizable brands at World of Coca-Cola. School groups can experience interactive exhibits, tastings, and stories about the global beverage company, making this an engaging Atlanta field trip for students interested in marketing, history, food science, and innovation.
The museum recommends this field trip for students in grades 8–12. Along the way, students can explore topics including branding, business innovation, and cultural impact through interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Georgia State Capitol
The Georgia Capitol Museum offers students a firsthand look at Georgia government, history, and civic engagement. A field trip to the Georgia Capitol gives students the opportunity to explore the legislative process and learn how government works in the state.
Students studying government, civics, or Georgia history can connect what they’ve learned in the classroom to the real-world workings of state government. The experience can also spark conversations about civic participation, advocacy, voting, and the ways in which community members can engage with public policy.
Sports Venue Tours
Give sports-loving students a behind-the-scenes look at Atlanta’s major sports venues with a tour of Mercedes-Benz Stadium (pictured) or State Farm Arena. Depending on the season and availability, these Atlanta field trip experiences let students explore the strategy, technology, and logistics involved in running major sporting and entertainment events.
Along the way, learn about sports management, venue operations, security, event planning, logistics, and teamwork. Since these experiences take place indoors and are located near public transportation, they can also be a convenient Atlanta field trip option when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum offers a fascinating Atlanta field trip for students studying public policy, history, or international relations. Explore the presidency of Georgia’s own Jimmy Carter through exhibits featuring historical artifacts, photographs, and stories from his life and time in office.
Students can learn about presidential history, global diplomacy, philanthropy, and public service while exploring the museum’s exhibits. Docent-guided and self-guided tours are available, along with a variety of educational programs designed to support student learning.
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights offers an immersive Atlanta field trip centered on the history of civil and human rights movements across the globe, as well as right here in Atlanta. Through curated exhibits, workshops, and guided discussions, students can explore important moments in history while considering how issues of justice, equality, and human rights continue to shape communities today.
This experience encourages students to think critically about history and connect what they learn to their own communities. It can be a meaningful addition to classroom lessons on the Civil Rights Movement, social justice, citizenship, and human rights.
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center
Atlanta Contemporary offers an engaging field trip for students interested in contemporary art, culture, museum administration, and creative expression. This free-admission museum features thought-provoking exhibitions and installations that give students opportunities to explore different artistic approaches and perspectives.
As students tour the galleries, teachers and guides can use the artwork as a starting point for conversations about modern art, culture, and social issues. This Atlanta field trip can help students look at familiar topics from new perspectives while encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Middle School Groups
Atlanta Art and Mural Tour
Give students a different way to experience Atlanta’s art scene on a private Atlanta Art and Mural Tour. Groups will explore colorful murals and street art while learning about the artists, neighborhoods, and stories behind the work.
The experience also includes an opportunity for students to create their own artwork, turning this into an exercise in self-expression. It’s a creative Atlanta field trip that encourages students to look at public art, culture, and their city from a new perspective.
Southern Essentials Cooking Class
Turn an Atlanta field trip into a hands-on culinary lesson with the Southern Essentials Cooking Class. Students will learn how to make three Southern staples: flaky biscuits, homemade pimento cheese, and sweet iced tea.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the food traditions and techniques behind these classic Southern favorites. This interactive cooking experience gives students a chance to learn important life skills in the kitchen while discovering a delicious part of Atlanta’s Southern culture.
Georgia Aquarium
Take your middle school students on an aquatic adventure at Georgia Aquarium, where they can see marine animals and explore the ecosystems that support life in the world’s oceans. Students can encounter dolphins, sea otters, tropical fish, sharks, and many other species during their visit.
Across the aquarium’s many exhibits, towering tanks offer an up-close look at marine life and aquatic ecosystems. A Georgia Aquarium field trip gives students the opportunity to connect classroom lessons about biology, ecology, and conservation with real-world examples.
Fernbank Science Center
Operated by the DeKalb County School District, the Fernbank Science Center is a fantastic destination for middle schoolers. This spot offers hands-on exhibits, star shows, and opportunities to explore astronomy and environmental science.
The center offers a variety of school programs depending on age group; all align with Georgia Standards of Excellence. Each visit includes a tour of the current night sky with their iconic Zeiss planetarium star projector.
Operated by the DeKalb County School District, Fernbank Science Center is a fantastic Atlanta field trip destination for middle school students. The center features hands-on exhibits, star shows, and opportunities to explore topics including astronomy and environmental science.
School programs are available for different age groups and align with Georgia Standards of Excellence. Students can also explore the night sky through the center’s planetarium, which features the iconic Zeiss star projector.
Martin Luther King Kids Tour
The interactive and immersive King Kids tour is perfect for young historians ages 9-12. During this fast-paced, 1.5-hour Atlanta field trip, students can explore the Sweet Auburn neighborhood and learn about Atlanta’s important Civil Rights history.
Games, trivia, and interactive activities keep middle school students engaged as they discover more about Dr. King and the people and places connected to his life and legacy. This is a hands-on way to bring Atlanta history to life outside the classroom.
High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art offers middle school students an opportunity to explore works spanning centuries, cultures, artistic techniques, and genres. With diverse collections and educational programming, it’s a natural fit for an art-focused Atlanta field trip.
Students can engage with works of art through educational workshops and hands-on creative activities. Field trips are available for student groups from kindergarten through 12th grade, and brown-bag lunches are welcome. Be sure to check with the museum about current exhibitions and field trip offerings when planning your visit.
Tellus Science Museum
Located just outside Atlanta in Cartersville, The Tellus Science Museum is a great field trip option for students interested in science, astronomy, geology, and the natural world. Interactive exhibits give students opportunities to explore scientific concepts through hands-on learning, and box lunches are available for purchase.
A Tellus field trip can help students connect concepts from their science classes to real-world discoveries and interactive experiences. Students can explore, experiment, and ask questions as they develop a deeper curiosity about the world around them.
The College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame offers a unique combination of sports history, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities. Located in Downtown Atlanta, it gives student groups an opportunity to explore the history of college football while learning about teamwork, sportsmanship, and collaboration.
Interactive exhibits and activities make this an engaging field trip for students who enjoy sports. It’s also an opportunity to explore the cultural and historical impact of college football while getting students up and moving.
Zoo Atlanta
A Zoo Atlanta field trip is an engaging option for students of many ages. In addition to traditional school field trips, the zoo offers guided tours, educational programs, “Zoomobile” experiences, and other opportunities for students to learn about wildlife and conservation.
Students can encounter animals from around the world while learning about habitats, biodiversity, and conservation. Expert-led talks and interactive programs give students opportunities to deepen their understanding of wildlife and the importance of protecting the natural world.
Delta Flight Museum
Groups with aviation enthusiasts will enjoy a field trip to the Delta Flight Museum. Located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the museum explores the history of Delta Air Lines through interactive exhibits, flight simulators, vintage aircraft, and aviation artifacts.
The experience goes beyond the mechanics of flight, giving students opportunities to explore how aviation has shaped global transportation, commerce, and culture. It’s a unique Atlanta field trip for students interested in aviation, engineering, business leadership, and technology.
Atlanta Field Trip Ideas for Toddlers & Elementary School
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary
Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary is an interactive wildlife preserve where young students can get an up-close look at a variety of animals. Kids can feed and gently pet animals, including both familiar and less-common species, making this a fun and hands-on Atlanta field trip for curious young learners.
This hands-on experience can help to create a deep connection between children and the animal kingdom. The sanctuary gives young minds a deeper understanding of diverse species, their habitats, and responsible animal care. You can add on lunches for the students and feed cups for the animals.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta features interactive exhibits designed to engage young learners through imaginative play, science exploration, and artistic creativity. A field trip here is a great option for Pre-K through 3rd-grade students who learn best by doing, making, and exploring.
The museum describes its field trips as immersive, standards-based learning experiences. Cross-curricular activities can incorporate subjects including math, science, social studies, language arts, geography, and the arts, helping students make connections across different areas of learning.
Center for Puppetry Arts
The Center for Puppetry Arts combines theater, art, storytelling, and hands-on learning, making it an engaging Atlanta field trip for students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The center features puppetry performances, interactive workshops, and a museum celebrating the global art and history of puppetry.
Family Series Performances are recommended for ages 4 and up, while “Theater for the Very Young” shows are available for younger audiences with adult chaperones.The Center’s Worlds of Puppetry Museum features the world’s largest collection of Jim Henson puppets and is home to many beloved characters from The Muppets, Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth, and other well-known Henson works.
With options for a wide range of ages, the Center for Puppetry Arts gives students a creative way to learn about storytelling, performance, visual art, and the cultural traditions of puppetry.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Located in Druid Hills, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is another excellent Atlanta field trip destination for young learners. Students can explore dinosaur displays, immersive giant-screen films, and hands-on science activities while discovering more about the natural world.
Be sure to also explore the museum’s outdoor area, WildWoods: an elevated walkway that takes you from the museum’s Terrace into the treetops, where you can enjoy serene forest views. A field trip to Fernbank Museum can complement classroom lessons about dinosaurs, biology, ecology, geology, natural history, and the environment.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a field trip experience that combines nature, art, and education. School groups from Pre-K through 12th grade can choose a guided tour or explore the garden through a self-guided experience.
Young students can explore the Children’s Garden, interactive sculptures, and imaginative spaces while learning about plants and the natural world. Throughout the garden, students can also discover art exhibitions, seasonal displays, canopy walks, and educational programs focused on plants, sustainable food, and conservation.
LEGO Discovery Center
LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta immerses young learners in a world of building, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Students can build and play while discovering intricate LEGO creations, interactive experiences, and a 4D cinema.
School group experiences bring concepts from math, science, engineering, and language to life through creative play. Students can also practice communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving as they work with LEGO bricks and tackle hands-on challenges.
For elementary school groups seeking an interactive and playful Atlanta field trip, LEGO Discovery Center offers plenty of opportunities to learn through making and experimenting.
Ready to plan your next Atlanta field trip? Explore Unexpected Atlanta’s full list of walking tours and Atlanta activity guides for even more group-friendly experiences.
