Top 14 best field trips in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers a wealth of exciting field trip opportunities for students of all ages. Whether you're looking for animal encounters, scientific exploration, artistic inspiration, or a dive into history and culture, the Granite State has something to offer. We've compiled a list of the top 14 best field trips in New Hampshire to help you plan your next educational adventure.

Animal experiences

Embark on a wild journey with these amazing animal-centric field trip destinations:

Living Shores Aquarium

Dive into an underwater wonderland at Living Shores Aquarium. Explore a variety of marine habitats and get up close and personal with fascinating sea creatures. From colorful fish to mesmerizing rays, this interactive experience will leave your students with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the ocean after an amazing field trip.

As you step into the aquarium, you will be greeted by the sight of a massive freshwater tank filled with fish typically found in New Hampshire, where you can watch in awe as they move through the water and often look right at you. Make your way to a touch pool, where you can gently stroke the back of a friendly stingray. The aquarium staff will be there to answer any questions you may have and share interesting facts about these incredible creatures. Next, head to the shark touch pool followed by a stop at the Nibble Fish exhibit, where you can interact with hundreds of friendly Red Garra who will gently nibble on your fingers. It's an experience you won't soon forget.

• Pricing:

  • Regular tickets $19.99.

  • Group tickets $14.99.

  • School Field Trip tickets $9.99.

• Recommended grade: All ages, especially elementary.

• Group size: Minimum of 15 group members.

• Location: 850 NH Route 16, Glen, NH 03838

• Contact: Get in touch with Group Sales

Charmingfare Farm

Charmingfare Farm offers a delightful farm life experience, where students can engage in activities like milking cows, feeding a variety of friendly animals, and enjoying a scenic hayride. As visitors arrive, they are greeted by the rustic aroma of hay and the lively buzz of farm activity. Students, guided by experienced staff, learn the significance of daily farm tasks and the dairy production process. The farm tour includes interactive encounters with animals, each showcasing their unique personality and role on the farm, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans and animals. The visit can include a relaxing horse or tractor ride, providing a serene opportunity to appreciate the farm's natural beauty and the peaceful countryside environment.

• Pricing:

  • Regular tickets $22

  • Field trip tickets $15

• Recommended grade: All ages, especially kindergarten and elementary.

• Group size: Minimum of 12 group members.

• Location: 774 High St, Candia, NH 03034

• Contact: info@visitthefarm.com

Carriage Shack Farm

Carriage Shack Farm is a captivating destination where students can immerse themselves in the enchantment of farm life, engaging with animals and learning about agricultural practices in a fun, hands-on manner. Upon arrival, visitors received a warm welcome from playful baby goats, providing a joyful introduction to the farm. The adventure continues to the chicken coop, where the thrill of free-range chickens pecking and foraging allows for the unique experience of collecting freshly laid eggs.

A visit to the horse stable is a must, where the serene presence of these majestic animals provides a moment of awe and connection. Here, students can interact with the horses, gaining insights into their importance in agriculture from the knowledgeable farm staff. The farm experience is rounded off with a chance to take in the tranquil beauty of the countryside, leaving students with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for farm life and nature.

• Pricing:

  • Regular tickets: $8 for Adults, $6 for Children up to 15 yo

  • Field trip tickets $8 per student, $5 per chaperone

• Recommended grade: All ages, especially kindergarten and elementary.

• Group size: Minimum of 10 group members.

• Location: 5 Dan Hill Road, Londonderry, NH 03053

• Contact: carriageshack@gmail.com

Science and nature

Ignite your students' curiosity with these captivating science and nature-themed field trips:

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. With interactive exhibits, live animal presentations, and stunning hiking trails, this educational trip provides an immersive experience that fosters a deep appreciation for the environment. Field trips include hiking along the park’s trails and boarding pontoon boats on the lake.

• Pricing:

  • Outdoor trail hiking $11 per student

  • Lake experience $225 per boat

• Recommended grade: All ages, especially elementary and high school.

• Group size: Maximum of 36 group members, 20 passengers per boat

• Location: 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, NH 03245

SEE Science Center

Unleash your inner scientist at the SEE Science Center. Engage in hands-on experiments, explore interactive exhibits, and dive into the fascinating world of STEM. This field trip will ignite a passion for science and inspire future innovators. The SEE Science Center offers experiences for all ages, where students can make slime, build LEGO karts, play with magnets, and observe chemical reactions.

• Pricing: On-site experiences $12 per student

• Recommended grade: Experiences available for all ages

• Group size: Minimum of 15, maximum of 32 students

• Location: 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101

Seacoast Science Center

Immerse your students in coastal ecology at the Seacoast Science Center. Explore tide pools, learn about marine conservation, and meet fascinating sea creatures. This trip offers a unique opportunity to connect with the wonders of the ocean and foster a sense of environmental stewardship.

• Pricing: $200—$295 per experience (per group).

• Recommended grade: Experiences available for all ages.

• Group size: Up to 20 students

• Location: 570 Ocean Boulevard, Rye, NH 03870

• Contact: info@sscnh.org

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

Embark on an out-of-this-world field trip at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. Learn about space exploration, witness thrilling planetarium shows, and interact with hands-on exhibits that bring the mysteries of the universe to life. This journey into the cosmos will leave your students starry-eyed with wonder.

• Pricing:

  • $9 per student, either for the planetarium show or the hands-on experience. 

  • $15 for both experiences.

• Recommended grade: Experiences available for all ages.

• Group size: Minimum of 15 participants

• Location: 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH 03301

Flume Gorge

Step into nature's grandeur at the breathtaking Flume Gorge. Trek through towering granite walls, cross picturesque bridges and witness the power of rushing waterfalls. This field trip offers a thrilling adventure that combines geological wonders with awe-inspiring vistas.

• Pricing: $5 per student, and $5 per adult leader.

• Recommended grade: All ages.

• Group size: Not specified.

• Location: 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, NH 03251

Arts and entertainment

Elevate your students' creativity and artistic appreciation with these cultural field trips:

Hood Museum of Art

Immerse your students in the world of art at the Hood Museum of Art. Explore a diverse collection, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. With guided tours and interactive workshops, this trip offers a unique opportunity to cultivate an understanding of artistic expression. The museum holds single tours for classes to watch certain exhibits, and multi-visit programs, where students can visit the museum several times to dive deeper into different forms of art. Teachers can even visit the museum’s website to find integrative information to create a correlation between classes and visits.

• Pricing: Free admission

• Recommended grade: All ages.

• Group size: Not specified.

• Location: 6 East Wheelock Street, Hanover, NH 03755

• Contact: hood.museum@dartmouth.edu

Capitol Center for the Arts

Journey into the realm of performing arts at the Capitol Center for the Arts. From awe-inspiring live theatrical performances to captivating concerts, this field trip will ignite your students' imagination and leave them with a deep appreciation for the power of artistic storytelling.

• Pricing: General admission is $18.75. Contact the Center for special group tickets.

• Recommended grade: All ages, depending on the show.

• Group size: Not specified.

• Location: Bank of NH Stage, 16 S Main St. Concord, NH

Children's Museum of New Hampshire

Unleash your students' inner curiosity at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire. With hands-on exhibits and interactive learning experiences, this trip fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love for exploration. Encourage your students to immerse themselves in a world of wonder and discovery.

• Pricing:

  • 12-20 Students + 4 Adults: $140

  • 21-30 Students + 6 Adults: $210

  • 31-40 Students + 8 Adults: $280

  • 41-50 Students + 10 Adults: $350

  • 51-60 Students + 12 Adults: $420

• Recommended grade: Up to 12 yo.

• Group size: Between 12 and 60 students.

• Location: 6 Washington St, Dover, New Hampshire 03820

• Contact: Tel: 6037422002

History and Society

Take a trip back in time with these captivating historical and cultural field trips:

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire

Take flight into history at the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire. Explore a collection of aircraft and artifacts showcasing the state’s rich aviation heritage. From vintage planes to engaging exhibitions, this field trip offers a thrilling journey through the skies.

• Pricing: $5 per person. Contact the museum for specific experiences.

• Recommended grade: All ages

• Group size: Maximum of 24 students.

• Location: 27 Navigator Road, Londonderry, NH 03053

• Contact: nhahs@nhahs.org

American Independence Museum

Delve into the history that shaped our nation at the American Independence Museum. Step into the footsteps of revolutionary heroes and delve into the stories of the American Revolution. This trip provides a window into the past, fostering a sense of patriotism and appreciation for our country's founding principles. Students can participate in Storywalks, and tours around the area where historical short stories are distributed to learn about American history in the area where events took place.

• Pricing: $8 per student (above 13 yo), free for students 12 and below.

• Recommended grade: All ages.

• Group size: Not specified.

• Location: 1 Governor's Ln. Exeter, NH 03833

• Contact: info@independencemuseum.org

Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum

Embark on a cultural exploration at the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum. Learn about the rich heritage and traditions of Native American tribes through exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive experiences. This trip aims to promote cultural awareness and celebrate the diversity of New Hampshire's indigenous peoples.

• Pricing: $300 per 90-minute session, including presentation, hands-on experience and Q&A.

• Recommended grade: All ages.

• Group size: Not specified.

• Location: 18 Highlawn Road, Warner, NH 03278

• Contact: education@indianmuseum.org

Our top picks by grade levels

Choose the ideal field trip destination for your students based on their grade level.

All grades

• Living Shores Aquarium

• McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

• Capitol Center for the Arts

Elementary school

• Charmingfare Farm

• Carriage Shack Farm

• See Science Center

• Children's Museum of New Hampshire

Middle school

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center

• Aviation Museum of New Hampshire

• American Independence Museum

• Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum

High school

• Flume Gorge

• Hood Museum of Art

• Seacoast Science Center

FAQs

Are field trips worth it?

Absolutely! Field trips provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that enhance classroom curriculum and engage students in a way that traditional teaching methods may not. The valuable lessons and memories gained from field trips can last a lifetime.

Why are field trips fun?

Field trips offer a break from the classroom routine and allow students to explore new environments and experiences. The excitement of visiting a new place, interacting with animals, or discovering a new culture makes field trips a fun and memorable adventure for students.

Do students learn better on field trips?

Research has shown that field trips enhance learning by providing real-world context and hands-on experiences. By engaging multiple senses and tapping into students' natural curiosity, field trips can deepen understanding and retention of key concepts.

How will you prepare your students for a field trip?

As a teacher, it's important to prepare your students for a field trip adventure. Communicate the objectives and expectations of the trip, discuss safety protocols, and provide background information about the destination. Encourage students to ask questions and foster a sense of excitement and curiosity about the upcoming experience.