Classrooms and textbooks are one way to learn, but education can happen outside the classroom, too. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's how to adapt. With many families choosing to do at-home learning, in-person museum and other attraction visits can supplement Zoom classrooms and help cure cabin fever.
As the COVID-19 Pandemic closed our favorite zoos, aquariums, museums and cultural attractions last spring, they stepped up with incredible digital learning resources while their doors were closed. Now, many of them are open again, and in addition to online resources, they are a great place for out-of-the-home learning opportunities. Plus, field trips are fun!
Many CityPASS® cities have new extended 30-day validity making it easy to spread out visits over a month-long period. Seeing artifacts, artwork or animals is a great way to spark curiosity and make subjects come alive.
Visit an aquarium or zoo, take a trip to a natural history museum, see science in action or study art. CityPASS® destinations include a variety of world-class attractions. Make your city your classroom!
Education + Vacation
If you don't live near a city and have some flexibility, some destinations are catering to remote families. Look for deals on hotels, resorts or vacation rentals and explore flight deals.
Tips
- Research the exhibits. Most museums have a mix of permanent and special exhibits. See what's in your town and how it might fit into the curriculum.
- The same goes for giant screen theaters or planetarium space shows. See what's playing and plan your day around movie times.
- Don't forget about towers or observation decks. They might be a great way to talk about architecture, math and science, and geography.
- Plan around CityPASS® attractions. We've made it easy to visit multiple attractions at a discount.
- With 30-day validity in most cities, you can spread out your visits and take time to plan.
- Take advantage of our pre-packaged attraction bundles, then let the learning flow.
- Look at attraction calendars for special activities.
- Download attraction aps, maps or audio tours ahead of time.
- Engage volunteers or docents who are there to answer questions.
- Involve the kids in planning and setting a budget.
- Look for teacher toolkits or educational resources on attraction websites.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Capacity is limited and timed-entry may be required, so planning ahead is key. Reservations may be required. Visit the our Travel Guide for updated information.
- Some previously hands-on activities may not be available.
- Masks and social distancing guidelines are in place.
- Attractions had to close their doors in the early months of the pandemic. Visiting in-person helps support non-profit missions, animal care and educational programs.
Did you have an idea or field trip that worked well...share it with us! Tag us @citypass or use #citypass on social media and let us know.
Header Image: Courtesy of Fernbank Museum of Natural History