Roadschooling allows you to explore the country with the best copilot—your child. When they aren’t completing their schoolwork inside your RV, spend some time out of your camper at educational attractions. If you’re looking for an educational pit stop, check out RV Trader’s 10 field trip destinations with RV parks nearby.
While there are an array of field trip destinations across the country, we understand that some cities and destinations are harder to access via RV, especially if you’re in a large Class A motorhome. The attractions on this list are in cities that aren’t too challenging to navigate in a rig. These also have campgrounds and RV parks nearby so you won’t be too far from a campsite.
Aquariums and Zoos
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo showcases the wonders of the natural world to kids of all ages. This zoo transports guests to the natural habitats that giraffes, hippos, elephants, otters, and other animals would live in the wild. As you and your child tour the 146-acre zoo, learn about different wildlife through hands-on programming and up-close encounters.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions. The aquarium strives to provide students with interactive educational experiences to understand the aquatic world. Your child can learn about an array of aquatic species, along with how to conserve and protect our waters, through touch tanks, an observation tunnel, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Botanical Gardens
Botanical Cactus Garden in Henderson, Nevada
While a chocolate factory isn’t the most expected location to find a botanical garden, Ethel M Chocolates’ Botanical Cactus Garden in Nevada is one of the largest in the state. This breathtaking cactus garden highlights one of the world’s most abundant collections throughout three acres of land. View over 300 species of plants on the grounds, then take a free, self-guided tour of the chocolate factory and buy a sweet treat on your way out.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine
If you’re visiting the northeast, make the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens a waypoint on your route. Your child will love venturing over 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a butterfly house, bee exhibit, and children’s garden. The gardens’ educational programs are designed to inspire all ages and strengthen their understanding of botany and ecology.
Historic Sites
Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia
History literally comes to life at Colonial Williamsburg, a 301-acre living-history museum. Go back in time to 18th-century Virginia through immersive experiences and programming. Colonial Williamsburg offers curated programs for all ages within the historic area and the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg that both entertain and educate. Read more about RVing to Williamsburg in our RV Trader Travel Spotlight.
Gettysburg National Military Park in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Stand on the same battlefield as soldiers during the Civil War when you visit Gettysburg National Military Park. Begin your visit with a short film at the Visitor Center then tour the battlefield’s legendary landmarks. Here, your child can participate in marching drills and hear the roar of artillery fire during living-history demonstrations.
Museums
The DoSeum in San Antonio, Texas
Earning first place in the 2022 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for “Best Children’s Museum,” The DoSeum is an educational, interactive playground for kids. The DoSeum encourages children to have fun learning about STEM, the arts, and literacy through exhibits, programs, and classes. With 68,000 square feet of space to play and explore, you could spend multiple days at this museum.
Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona
Take a break from being on the road and imagine flying high in the sky at the Pima Air and Space Museum. This is one of the largest non-government funded aviation and space museums in the world. Pima Air and Space Museum features roughly 400 historic aircraft, including a 1903 Wright Flyer, as well as six indoor exhibit hangars, an aerospace gallery, and more.
National Parks
Everglades National Park in Homestead, Florida
Head south to explore the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. at Everglades National Park. Learn about the various habitats that call the everglades home, including rare and endangered species. Take a guided tour of the third-largest park in the U.S., on land or by boat, or set off on your own hiking, kayaking, or slough slogging adventure.
Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah
Out west, walk in the same footsteps as Native Americans and pioneers at Zion National Park. Utah’s first national park is not only steeped in prehistoric history, but also an array of enchanting plant and animal biodiversity among the sandstone cliffs. Zion has several easy trails that are perfect for sightseeing and discovery. Check out our travel guide for more information on camping at Zion National Park.
Visit our National Parks Resource Page for more travel guides.
Hands-on learning at exciting destinations is one of the biggest benefits of roadschooling. Taking your child to museums, historic sites, national parks, and more can complement their lessons and add some more fun to your trips. If you’re looking for a used or new RV to begin your family’s adventures, browse the nationwide inventory on RVTrader.com.
