Organize a field trip on your own or through LEAD!

Here is a growing list of past successful trips and ideas for future journeys:

Around Town and Beyond

Agrirama - Georgia's living history museum in Tifton, Georgia, consists of four distinct areas: traditional farm community of the 1870's, progressive farmstead of the 1890's, industrial sites complex, and a rural town; costumed interpreters are on location daily to explain and demonstrate the lifestyle and activities of the period; 912-386-3344 

Alliance Theatre - the Alliance Children's Theatre presents dramas for school-age children each season; website includes information about the theater and its performances including those for children; 404-733-4690

APEX Museum - the African-American Panoramic Experience Museum features a permanent collection of exhibits that depict the cultural heritage of African Americans and recognize their contributions and achievements; tells the story of Atlanta's African-American community and brings in traveling exhibits by local and national African-American artists; 404-521-2739

Atlanta Botanical Garden - garden facilities, calendar and programs, including a traveling plantmobile that visits schools to teach children about plant adaptations; includes Children's Garden with interactive exhibits for children aged 4 to 11; 404-876-5859

Atlanta History Center - exhibitions depicting the history of Atlanta and the South; also features the Swan House, a 1928 mansion; Tullie Smith Farm, an 1845 plantation-plain house and outbuildings; and 32-acres of gardens and nature trails; 404-814-4000

Atlanta Jugglers Festival - yearly event held in downtown Atlanta with free parking; Festival website  

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - the ASO presents Discovery concerts for elementary students; teaching materials are provided; website includes schedule, ticket information, educational out reach and other information about the orchestra; 404-733-4871

Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center - in Alpharetta, 46-acres of ravine forest and historic plantation; the nature preserve's 1.5 miles of hiking trails wind past a scenic creek with rocky shoals, numerous spring seeps, picturesque cliffs, mature trees, wildflowers, native plants, considerable animal life and old cotton plantation buildings from the late 1800's; 770-664-0660

Bartow History Center - museum in Cartersville featuring exhibits of life in northwest Georgia from the time of the Cherokee through the 1950s; from pioneer life and the Civil War to the Depression and World War II, hands-on exhibits make the learning fun; 770-382-3818

The Backyard Farm - provides education to individuals and groups regarding backyard farming and sustainable living; contact Donna Byers at 678-951-9383; http://heavenonearthminifarm.blogspot.com/

Booth Western Museum - all things western, with a Cowboy Festival in October!

Cabin Path

Callaway Gardens - 14,000-acre gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, includes a butterfly center, discovery center, horticultural center, vegetable garden, pioneer log cabin and more; 800-225-5292

Carter Presidential Library - includes personal memorabilia of the former first family as well as a video, "If I Were President."  The Museum of the Jimmy Carter Library provides a glimpse of the American Presidency, from life in the White House to complex decisions made in the Oval Office. Several exhibits focus on important twentieth century events such as war and peace, disarmament, and the economy; website includes basic information, holdings, museum exhibits, and directions. 404-331-3942 

Center for Puppetry Arts - the largest organization in the United States devoted to the art of puppetry; includes a museum with an interactive puppetry experience and performances for children; website offers information about performances, the center's museum, and education programs; 404-873-3089

Chamberlain's Chocolate Factory - sometimes offers tours; in Norcross

Chattahoochee Nature Center - located on the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, Georgia, the center features nature trails, wildlife and workshops with programs specifically designed for school groups; website offers information about guided tours, exhibits, field trips, special events, and more; 770-992-2055

The Children's Museum of Atlanta - 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta, GA; 404-659-5437

Classical Productions for Students - educational shows that tour Atlanta, usually performed at the Fox Theater

Clayton County Performing Arts Center - a center for performing arts operated by the Clayton County School System; website includes a schedule of events, seating chart, group information, and more; 770-473-2875

CNN Center News Studio - studio tours guide visitors through an insider's view of CNN, Headline News, and CNN International to see how breaking news is reported; website includes scheduling information, hours, directions and more information about the tour; 404-827-2300

Cyclorama and Civil War Museum - a painting-in-the-round, depicting the 1864 Battle of Atlanta; includes three-dimensional figures, sound and light effects, narration and a rotating seating platform; a steam locomotive is also housed in the building

Dekalb History Center - Lesson Plans for Sylvester Cemetary, Shermantown and others; old courthouse on the square; 101 East Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030; 404-373-1088

Dunwoody Nature Center - "Classes move through the meadow and trails of Dunwoody Park for hands-on environmental learning with DNC educators.  Field trips are academically-based and curriculum materials are correlated with the Quality Core Curriculum." (from the DNC web site); 770-394-3322 

Elachee Nature Science Center - located in Gainesville, Georgia, Elachee is the first nature center in the Southeast to be accredited by SACS; extensive trails (a .3-mile loop to a 6.6-mile trail) and a museum with hands-on displays, high-tech touch screens and exhibits; 770-535-1976

Federal Reserve Bank Monetary Museum - explains the history of money and the U.S. banking system; includes rare coins, uncut money and a gold bar; 404-521-8267

Fernbank Museum of Natural History - largest natural history museum in the Southeast includes state-of-the-art exhibits and galleries including a children's discovery section, website offers information about the museum, current exhibits, IMAX theater, and other attractions; 404-370-0960

Fernbank Science Center - offers exhibits on natural history including dinosaurs and volcanoes, a planetarium, and an Apollo 6 space capsule; website has information about the center's resources and about the various programs it offers; 404-378-4314

Funk Heritage Center/Bennett History Museum - on the campus of Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia, the center features an extensive collection of exhibits on Native American life; includes a 50-foot replica of an Iroquois longhouse, Native American arts, crafts, and interactive displays, as well as a large collection of pioneer era tools; 770-720-5969

Georgia Capitol

Georgia State Capitol Museum - museum collects, preserves, and exhibits objects to interpret the natural and cultural history of Georgia, its people, and its resources; website includes information about the Capitol building and museum, including tour information as well as online information about the state, its history and symbols; 404-656-2844

Georgia State Parks - click on the map for field trip suggestions at GA State Parks; free passes are available at most libraries for checkout

Governor's Mansion - completed in January 1968, in the Greek Revival style; website features virtual tour; 404-261-1776 

Habitat for Humanity Global Village - in Americus Georgia; learn about the devastating effects of poverty everywhere, see life-size Habitat houses from countries around the world; 721 West Church Street 31709; 800-422-4828

High Museum of Art - Atlanta's "flagship" art museum with a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art, decorative arts, and folk art; website has information about exhibitions and films, education programs, and teacher information; 404-733-4400

Hindu Temple -  gleaming white edifice in Lilburn; tour the temple and learn about the Hindu religion. Did you know they are monotheists?

Horse Rescue Farm - Cumming rescue center, located at 1768 Newt Green Rd. Cumming, GA 30028; 770-886-5419

Jarrell Plantation - a historic Georgia plantation in Juliette, Georgia, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and consisting of 20 buildings dating between 1847 and 1945; home to one of the largest collections of original family artifacts from this time period in Georgia; 912-986-5172

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park - a 2,884 acre National Battlefield that preserves a Civil War battleground of the Atlanta Campaign complete with original earthworks. The visitor center and museum provide introductory information about the park and the battle; 770-427-4686

Martin Luther King , Jr. National Historic Site - a two-block area in downtown Atlanta commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Atlanta's African-American experience; includes the birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., Ebenezer Baptist Church, his gravesite, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and the APEX Museum (African American Panoramic Experience); 404-331-6922 

Michael C. Carlos Museum - located on the Emory University campus, the museum houses collections which emphasize the art and archaeology of ancient civilizations; website features museum information, collections, exhibits, programs and events; 404-727-4282

Monastery of the Holy Spirit - they have a new welcome center with a small museum detailing the history of monks in general, and also a portion telling the history of that particular monastery. You can also visit the church, and they have a pond with a variety of ducks and geese. They sell bonsai and have a nice garden shop.

Nature's Harmony Farm - a sustainable farm that offers classes, tours and more

Noah's Ark - an animal rehabilitation center in Locust Grove that cares for abused, unwanted, and orphaned animals; includes nature trails where students can see animals and a collection of wildlife, exotic, and domestic farm animals; 770-957-0888

Original Mattress Factory - see for yourself how mattresses are made, right in the store; from the quilting machine to the box springs, visitors will take part the process

Panola Mountain State Conservation Park - state park in Stockbridge, created to protect a 100-acre granite monadnock (mountain) often compared to Stone Mountain near Atlanta. Panola Mountain shelters rare plants and animals of the Piedmont region. Visitors may explore nature on their own or they may join park staff for nature programs and guided hikes into the conservation area; 770-389-7801 

Roswell Ghost Tours - YEAR-ROUND outdoor, 2 1/2 hour (at least) walking ghost tour!

SkyZone - 560 Old Peachtree Road NW Suite 300  Suwanee, GA 30024; 678-745-9900

The Southern Museum - housed in a former cotton gin in the town of Kennesaw, the museum exhibits a collection of wartime artifacts and memorabilia; the most famous relic at the museum is the Civil War locomotive called "The General," which was stolen by Union troops and involved in what became known as "The Great Locomotive Chase."

Spivey Hall - on the campus of Clayton College and State University, Spivey Hall annually provides more than 20,000 school students (grades K-12) with performances and workshops which expand the student’s musical awareness by interaction and participation with world-class and regional artists who perform with a wide range of musical styles; website describes calendar of events, concert information and more; 770-961-3683

Stone Mountain Park - home to the largest exposed piece of granite in the world, Stone Mountain Park  includes 3,200 acres of lakes and woodlands, mountaintop skylift,  scenic railroad, paddlewheel riverboat, wildlife preserve and petting zoo, antebellum plantation, and antique car museum.  Website gives general information, attractions, special events, group activities, and more; 770-498-5690

Swamp Gravy - year after year, Swamp Gravy, the Official Folk Life Play of Georgia, produces plays that delight audiences of all ages and all backgrounds. While definitely steeped in Southern tradition, Swamp Gravy presents stories of universal appeal... stories about life and death, about family, about community. Each performance is a crowd-pleasing blend of comedy, drama, and music with a cast and crew of over 100 people who transform southern life into unforgettable theatre; P.O. Box 567, Colquitt, GA 39837; 229-758-5450

Tellus Science Museum - 100 Tellus Drive, Cartersville, GA; 770-606-5700

UGA College of Veterinary Science Open House - yearly open house, usually in the Spring around the 1st of April

William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum - the largest Jewish museum in the Southeast with exhibits on Atlanta Jewish history and a special interactive exhibit on the Holocaust; 404-870-1861

The World of Coca-Cola - follow the history of the world's most famous soft drink through hundreds of artifacts, exhibits, and videos; exhibits include Coke memorabilia, commercials and a representation of the bottling process; 404-676-5151

Wren's Nest - the home of author Georgia author and journalist Joel Chandler Harris and a National Historic Landmark, featuring elaborate Victorian wallpapers, carpets, and curtains; 404-753-7735

Zoos and Wildlife

Throughout the State

ATHENS

Double Barrel Cannon

State Botanical Garden of Georgia
Offers field trips and "Science Nights." Join us for a variety of workshops, lectures and hands-on learning opportunities. 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens, GA 30605. For educational programs, call 706-542-6156.

Georgia Nature Center - located in a Nature preserve, school groups can visit a clean energy exhibition, organic farm, carnivorous plant greenhouse!  An underground home is featured on the tour which is run by the sun and wind only. Wander the nature trails and spot local flora and fauna.

AUGUSTA

Morris Museum of Art - the first museum in the country dedicated to celebrating and exploring the art and artists of the South; permanent collection of some 2,500 paintings and works on paper -- nearly 1,900 of these works make up the Southern Collection, a broad-based survey collection, encompassing a history of painting in the South and ranging from delicate watercolors by eighteenth century nature artists, to vibrant works by some of today's best-known Southern artists; 1 Tenth, St. Augusta, GA 30901; 706-724-7501

BRASELTON

Mayfield Dairy Factory Tour - tour the largest dairy and milk production facility in the southeast. At the end of the tour you can purchase a scoop of their ice cream in the ice cream parlor. Free and fun for all ages!

CLEVELAND

Babyland General Hospital - where Cabbage Patch dolls are born

COLUMBUS

Port Columbus Civil War Naval Center - visit the original Confederate warships in the collection, some of the rarest and most significant Civil War artifacts in the nation, and reconstructed ships in which the visitor can feel how it must have been to live and work. 1002 Victory Drive, P.O. Box 1022, Columbus GA 31902; 706-327-9798; [email protected]

Coca-Cola Space Science Center - located in Columbus, Georgia, the space science center offers a variety of exhibits and hands-on activities for school groups, as well as staff development and summer camps for kids; 706-649-1470 

DAHLONEGA
Dahlonega Gold Museum - a 23-minute film describes the mining techniques and lifestyles of the prospectors through interviews with members of the long-time mining families. In the town of Dahlonega, visitors can shop for gold nuggets and pan for gold. Located on the Public Square in Dahlonega, 5 miles west of Ga. Hwy. 400. Reservations (800) 864-7275 Hours: Monday-Saturday 9AM-5PM; Sunday, 10AM-5 PM; Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is about $4

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve - the Preserve is located 45 minutes north of Atlanta, GA on Old Dahlonega Highway (SR 115) in Dahlonega, and sits on over 20 acres of gently rolling farmland. Over 100 animals, with many different species, live at CWP.

HELEN

Hansel and Gretel Candy Kitchen - during a visit to the large Hansel & Gretel Candy Kitchen in downtown Helen, you will see numerous treats, made right before your eyes.

Tubing - "3hrs floating down the river for $20 ($5 per person) -- it was great and everyone had fun, even the teenager! We could have gone back down the river again (they bus you back up to the start). I highly recommend Cool River Tubing Co., www.coolrivertubing.com. There's another tubing place just before Cool River that has pink tubes and signs that say $3, so that's another option. I think it's Helen Waterpark/Tubing." ~ Sheri

MACON

The Museum of Arts & Sciences - go zooming through outer space in the Mark Smith Planetarium, discover the ecosystems that surround us, learn of far off cultures, and be amazed by artistic feats all in a one day field trip. 4182 Forsyth Road, Macon, GA 31210; (912) 477-3232

Museum of Aviation - located 20 miles south of Macon, the museum includes exhibits featuring major collections of aviation memorabilia dating back to World War I and range from a WW II British Airfield to modern fighters such as the F-15 Eagle. Take a walk in time with Rosie the Riveter; the Hump Pilots exploits in China-Burma-India in WW II; America's Black Eagles; German Luftwaffe items; avionics systems moving into the Twenty-First Century. (912)926-5558

Ocmulgee National Monument - near Macon, Georgia, Ocmulgee preserves a continuous record of human life in the southeast from the earliest times to the present; a memorial to the antiquity of man in this corner of the North American continent, from Ice-Age hunters to the Creeks of historic times, there is evidence here of 12,000 years of human habitation; 912-752-8257

Georgia Music Hall of Fame - 43,000 sq.ft. museum in Macon, Georgia, featuring an extravaganza of music, lights, and laser videos celebrating the music of Georgia; includes the Music Factory with interactive and educational exhibits for kids; 912-750-8555

MILLEDGEVILLE - once the State Capitol, this town (south of Atlanta) offers historic tours, and was the home of Flannery O'Conner.

ROME

Chieftans Museum - experience Northwest Georgia's Indian Heritage

SAVANNAH

Coastal Heritage Society

Includes the Old Fort Jackson National Historic Landmark, the Savannah History Museum, Savannah Children's Museum, Pinpoint Heritage Museum, and the Georgia State Railroad Museum.

The Rock Ranch
Owned by Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy and dedicated to wholesome education and entertainment and promoting healthy family values and relationships. Close enough for a day trip from Atlanta, Macon, or Columbus; (706) 647-6374

Outside of Georgia

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga - only 2 hours from Atlanta; the Megabus now goes there from Atlantic Station.

Ruby Falls - water falls, nature trails, picnics

FLORIDA

Disney - Disney's Youth Programs - explore the educational opportunities that Disney has to offer

Resources

http://www.gpb.org/georgiastories/index/fieldtrips