You already know that field trips are important for your students. They provide opportunities to relate what they are learning in school to the real world, and make learning stick. Kids love them because they get a chance to experience new things, and (lets be honest) get out of the classroom. There are dozens of barriers to going on a class trip, but cost does not have to be one of them. We are proud to share with you a few of our favorite free field trips in New York City. If you don't find what you're looking for here, check out our searchable database of NYC field trips to find the perfect one.
Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
Understanding the Water Cycle: Where does my water come from?
Join DEP educators at the Visitor Center at Newtown Creek as they narrate the story of NYC's water resources and help students answer the question: "where does my water come from?" DEP educators will tailor your field trip to your curriculum and grade; with a focus on the water cycle, the education program will include a presentation or story time, hands-on activity, and walking tour of the facility, as well as time to explore and learn more from Visitor Center exhibitions and displays.
Level: Pre K to 2
Duration: 2 hours
Building 92: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center
Ingenious Inventions
The Ingenious Inventions field trip at the Brooklyn Navy Yard gives students in grades 2-5 the chance learn about the history of innovation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The hands on workshop is a great opporunity for talking about applications of math and science in the real world. Building 92 offers additional free field trips for grades 6-12.
Level: 2-5
Duration: 1.5 hours
The Drawing Center
D.R.A.W. Draw and Reflect Art Workshop
Students visitng the Drawing Center for a field trip will participate in a two part workshop in the museum's gallery. First, students will participate in sustained observation of specific pieces in the gallery. Next, students will create a piece of art based on the works that they studied. This field trip provides a great opportunity for students to practice visual literacy.
Level: K - 12
Duration: 1.5 hours
Federal Hall National Monument
A Guided Tour of Federal Hall
Home to the nation's first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices, Federal Hall is the birthplace of the American Government. It was right in in Federal Hall where George Washington took the oath of office as our first President. This tour gives students the chance to step within these walls and better invision our country in some of its most important found moments.
Level: 2 - 12
Duration: 30 minutes
Battery Parks Conservency
Introduction to the Hudson River Ecosystem
A free trip to the Battery Parks Conservency gives students a chance to get up close to the Hudson River. On the Introduction to the Hudson River Ecosystem field trip, students get an overview of the history, geology, and ecology of the Hudson River.
Level: 3 - 12
Democracy Now!
Democracy Now! NYC Studio Visit
Democracy Now! is a national, daily news program. Students are invited to the studio each day to watch the broadcast. This is a great chance for students to see independent journalism in action, learn about current events in context, dive into media literacy, and hear stories about active citizenry.
Level: 6 - 12
Duration: 3 hours
Explorable Places is a new online platform that helps you find the best field trip for your students. Click here to search by subject, grade, price, location and accommodation. You'll find just what you are looking for.