The Internet is overflowing with ideas about planning a field trip for students. But remember that even very young students benefit from planning field trips. It is a fun and gentle learning experience. They are soaking up information like little sponges while enjoying themselves thoroughly. You don’t have to be an expert in “how to plan a field trip” to have success on your very first venture. Any field trip planner will tell you that it all starts with an idea. Surf the Internet or start a brainstorming session at your next play group. Very young toddlers may enjoy a sensory museum. Don’t have one nearby? How about creating one with the other parents in your circle of friends. Everyone brings a bin of something different: stuffed animals, blocks, non-toxic leaves, colored strips of fabric, or simple instruments. A make-your-own field trip could consist of moms of kindergarteners taking turns with an activity like finger painting, bug collecting, fizzy fun science, silly songs, puppets and more. As your child matures, their attention span will allow them to enjoy trips to the fire station, police department, grocery store, farm co-ops and more. Maybe start your own field trip planner in a blank journal. Include a list of ideas and add to that contact information and addresses. Make a list of everything you would want to have along on your field trip. Keep in mind what kind of clothing will be best suited, be sure to bring a snack or lunch, extra wipes, water etc. Don’t forget to write a quick note to record how your field trip went. In fact, planning field trips and recording them may become one of your favorite pieces of childhood memorabilia! When you get home, ask your child some questions about what they liked best about their field trip. Record their answers to savor the memory even many years down the road. Sometimes planning a field trip will lead to a lifelong interest for a child. Will a trip to Kennedy Space Center lead to an astronaut? A tour of the local tennis club, a Wimbledon contender? Who knows, but many young minds have had the seeds to their dreams planted by something as simple as a field trip. After you get going, you may need to add “field trip planner” to your resume. And, you might have just as much fun as your child (or maybe even more).