Field trips are a great way to integrate learning with entertainment. But what field trips are available in the USA?
Well, luckily America is a place that is teeming with scientific centers of exploration, focusing on chemistry, biology and physics in equal measure.

The USA has some great locations, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Connecticut Science Center, the Bradbury Science museum, the Arizona Science Center and a long list of other venues across the country that specialize in looking at everything from astronomy to physics.
So where can you find some great physics field trips for your class? What attractions do they have on offer? How much are they to visit?
Well, we have a list of some of the best physics field trips available in the USA today. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in!
13 Best Physics Class Field Trips
1. Kennedy Space Center
This is a world-famous center that focuses on the physics that is involved in space travel.
This field trip has mission zones that are organized into chronological order, so you can see how space flight has evolved over the years.
This comes with plenty of attractions, you can touch a moon rock or learn about upcoming NASA missions.
If you are interested in going beyond the boundaries of Earth, then this is the best place to start your magnificent odyssey.
2. American Museum Of Science And Energy
This was initially established during the middle of the 20th century as a museum that was dedicated solely to atomic energy.
There are plenty of exhibits for your class to enjoy, whether it is the robotic exhibition or the history of atomic energy, there is plenty to learn about physics here.
This also has a large Van De Graaff generator and lots of science puzzles that can get your student’s gray matter really working overtime.
This museum is open 7 days out the week, but you will have to pay for admission.
3. Orlando Science Center
This center is dedicated to promoting science and all scientific endeavors.
The center features a Kinetic Zone that will allow you to play with electricity in a safe environment as well as experiment with gravity using a pulley system to lift yourself off the ground.
This comes with specially curated field trips that include Adventures in Engineering, which really delves into how physics works.
These field trips include one free adult for 10 children or teenagers that are admitted.
4. Arizona Science Center
This next center comes with plenty of attractions, including an electromagnetic work bench, electric circuits, and pulley chairs.
This has permanent exhibits that will allow you to really explore the intricacies of science with your bare hands.
This also has a Forces Of Nature exhibition that will simulate the physics of a tornado, a hurricane and a volcano.
Your students can also meet scientists from the field of volcanology, hydrology and meteorology.
5. California Science Center
The California Science Center has plenty of permanent exhibits that seek to both inspire, educate and entertain.
This features an exhibit on fire safety, where students will learn the physics of fire so that they can protect their homes in the future.
This also has an air and space room that focuses on the dynamics of air travel and just how we get those giant metal cans to stay up in the air!
This also touches upon missions to space, charting the history and science of man’s attempts to navigate the surrounding universe.
6. Michigan Science Center
This is a science center whose mission is to inspire scientific learning in young people.
For young people who want to learn about physics, they have a Centennial Lab that explores some of the basics of nanotechnology to get children started on their journey of learning.
They have plenty of events that motion, health and math, along with the physics of weather in an exhibition that they call earth, wind, weather.
They also have an IMAX cinema and a dome planetarium where you can view the wonders of the universe with characters from Sesame street.
7. Great Lakes Science Center
This is another science center that explores the dynamics of space and the physics of the earth.
They have many fun devices and gadgets that are not only fun to engage with, but will also demonstrate how the universe works.
This includes a bridge of fire, a plasma ball and a chaotic pendulum. They also have different events and programs that run each month of the year.
This includes engineering months, which is great for any young person who wants to engage in scientific pursuits.
8. Kopernik Observatory And Science Center
This science center comes with plenty of great attractions including a science park and a multimedia center.
Some of the events that they run include earthquakes and how they develop along with public events such as Rocketfest, which allows participants to build their own mini rockets to better understand the intricate nature of space flight.
This observatory has daily tours and is very reasonably priced, with discounts for larger classrooms.
They also have an astronomical society, so if your students go away with a thirst for more space knowledge they can sign up and get involved with star-watching carpools and Astrofest, which is an annual celebration of space.
9. Liberty Science Center
This next center is perfect for taking younger children to explore the wonders of physics.
It includes an energy quest activity center where you can learn about the power of waves, how nuclear energy works, and build a replica of a hydrocarbon molecule.
Liberty Science Center also has a million-volt lightning machine donated by the magician David Blaine, a demonstration of controlled explosions and a cosmic portal that emulates what it is like to travel through a wormhole in space.
This has plenty to keep students entertained and educated.
10. Kentucky Science Center
This next science center might be a little light on the attractions, but it is very affordable, which is great if you have a large classroom and a tight budget.
They also host a Thunderblast event, which is where adults and children can sit back and enjoy fireworks and an air show.
You can become a member of the Kentucky Science Center, which will give you some discounts. They also have spaces that you can rent for birthday parties.
11. McWane Science Center
This is a great place to take your students, as they have a lab for experiments that will teach you the basics of physics as well as chemistry and biology.
They also have a science theatre where you can learn about combustion and the science of lightning strikes.
They also have a demonstration station where you can test molecules in motion and discuss the science of magic (it must be seen to be believed).
They also have an IMAX dome where you can see plenty of amazing films about physics and outer space.
12. Pacific Science Center
The mission statement of this place is accessibility, established in the community around 60 years ago.
This place also offers camps all throughout the year and virtual field trips that you can engage with via headsets from anywhere in the country.
This center also has a laser dome and an IMAX theatre that shows a number of features and documentary movies (if you want to keep it educational).
They also have Science On A Sphere, which uses 400 datasets to track the changes in the atmosphere, land and ocean.
13. Saint Louis Science Center
This science center comes with an impressive planetarium that you can be sure will give you an expansive view of the night sky.
This is powered by a projector that will ensure that you can see the stars and planets as if they were right up close to you.
This has a discovery room where students and young children can get a hands-on experience with science.
It also has a preschool science class that will teach the fundamentals to very young children. This is a great place to bring children of any age.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should try and bring something to entertain the kids on the journey there and back. A phone and speakers will come in handy to play music if you are facing a long bus ride. You can also bring games that the children can play as you travel.
There are 3 stages of a field trip:
1. The Pre-Trip – the planning and admin involved.
2. The Trip – This is the trip itself.
3. The Post-trip – Debriefing of the trip and further activities.
Conclusion
We hope that our guide to physics field trips has helped you to decide which ones take your fancy.
Remember that there are hundreds of centers up and down the country, so you’ll easily find something to suit your age-group and ability.
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