Field trips are a great way to reboot a bad homeschooling week, get out of the house when everyone has cabin fever, and learn about your local area. Before heading out, check out Jeanne's tips for improving homeschool field trips.
Our listing of Utah field trips for homeschoolers is ordered alphabetically by city. If you would like to submit a Utah field trip destination, you may do so using the red button above.
Edge of the Cedars State Park MuseumBlanding
View the largest collection of Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) pottery on display in the Four Corners Region and explore an authentic Puebloan village behind the museum. In addition to permanent collections, Edge of the Cedars offers special exhibits, festivals, and events throughout the year. Dynamic exhibits at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum feature outstanding photography, fine art, current topics in archeology, and contemporary Native American crafts. Festivals, programs and special events promote traditional values through storytelling, craft workshops, and an Indian art exhibit.
Goosenecks State ParkBlanding
Gaze at the results of 300 million years of time, where the San Juan River winds and carves its way through the desert 1,000 feet below. This primitive park offers a spectacular view of this amazing and rare geologic formation, known as an entrenched meander. Goosenecks State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, so it's an excellent spot for stargazing.
Anasazi State Park MuseumBoulder
Explore an Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) village that was likely occupied from A.D. 1050 to 1200, and one of the largest communities west of the Colorado River. Outside the museum, tour a life-sized, six-room replica of an ancient dwelling and view a portion of the original site. Inside, view artifacts excavated from this site and learn the lifeways of these people.
The Brigham City Fine Arts CenterBrigham City
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and providing (affordable) fine arts opportunities for youth and families in the community. We offer after school and evening classes in art, youth choir, theater, drawing, puppetry, and photography. We also offer a variety of community activities including: theater productions, puppet story time for preschoolers, periodic concerts and comedy nights, a Puppet Museum with special family activity times, recital space, and a monthly Open Mike night.
Golden Spike National Historic SiteBrigham City
One of the greatest technological achievements of the 19th century is the completion of the first transcontinental railroad across the United States. Visitors to the park can see the location of the Last Spike Site, 1869 railroad construction features, walk or drive on the original railroad grade, and get an up-close view of Victorian-era replica locomotives. Golden Spike National Historical Park offers a variety of ranger-led field trips tailored for student groups of all ages. All programs require pre-registration. Ranger-led programs are offered year-round and must be scheduled at least 30 days in advance.
Kodachrome State ParkCannonville
Geologists believe Kodachrome Basin State Park was once similar to Yellowstone National Park with hot springs and geysers, which eventually filled up with sediment and solidified. Through time, the Entrada sandstone surrounding the solidified geysers eroded, leaving large sand pipes. Sixty-seven sand pipes ranging from two to 52 meters have been identified in the park. Massive sandstone chimneys, change from gray and white to shades of red depending on the day's mood. Numerous rocks and coves offer solitude, quiet and unique desert beauty.
Cedar Breaks National MonumentCedar City
Resting on top of the Colorado plateau, at over 10,000 feet in elevation, this breathtaking view awaits. Millions of years of sedimentation, uplift, and erosion are carving out this giant amphitheater, that spans some three miles, and is more than 2000 feet deep. A field trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument provides an exceptional opportunity for students to engage with nature and learn firsthand about the wonders of the natural world. Whether your class is studying geology, ecosystems, local history, or wildlife, Cedar Breaks offers a variety of educational topics that align with your curriculum. When scheduling your visit, let us know your educational goals, and our rangers are prepared to assist in tailoring the experience to meet your lesson objectives while supporting the Utah Science with Engineering Education (SEEd) Standards. Available topics include, but are not limited to, geology, alpine ecosystems, native plants and animals, cultural history, and the role of national parks in conservation. See website to find out more about how to plan your field trip, educational resources, possible fee waivers, and how to contact our park's education team.
Frontier Homestead State Park MuseumCedar City
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum tells the story of development in Iron County when in the 1850s, Brigham Young sent Mormon missionaries here to mine and process iron. Museum displays include horse-drawn vehicles used from 1850 to 1920 and a collection of pioneer artifacts. An iron industry exhibit features the only known remaining artifact from the original foundry - the town bell. In addition to the permanent collections, changing special exhibits highlight artists from the local region, as well as rarely seen artifacts from the museum's collections. Other items of interest include several historic cabins, a large collection of horse-drawn farm equipment, and a replicated pioneer household.
Summit County Historical MuseumCoalville
Escape from the modern day and reminisce with Summit County's early ancestors.
Hovenweep National MonumentCortez
Hovenweep preserves six prehistoric sites built between A.D. 1200 and 1300, which may have served as ceremonial centers. Explore a variety of structures, including multistory towers perched on canyon rims and balanced on boulders. The construction and attention to detail will leave you marveling at the skill and motivation of the builders. Spring through fall, short porch and overlook talks and evening campground programs are offered to the public on a regular schedule, and visiting school groups may join any of these programs. Private guided walks or talks can also be arranged for larger groups; please contact the park well in advance.
Dinosaur National MonumentDinosaur
150 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed here. Their fossils are still embedded in the rocks. Today, mountains, desert, and rivers flowing in canyons support a variety of life. Petroglyphs reveal the lives and connections of Indigenous people to this land. Homesteaders and outlaws found refuge here. Whether your passion is science, adventure, history, or scenery, Dinosaur offers much to explore. Scheduling an in-person field trip is an excellent way to get hands-on learning experience out in nature. There are many different topics at Dinosaur National Monument that can complement your curriculum. When booking your trip, let us know which areas you want to focus on and rangers can direct you to the best locations. Topics include, but are not limited to, dinosaurs, fossils, paleontology, geology, canyons, rivers, and local human history. While the majority of in-person field trips occur at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, rangers may be able to lead activities in other areas as staffing allows.
Escalante Petrified Forest State ParkEscalante
The visitor center features petrified wood, petrified dinosaur bones, ammonite, and shell fossils. Visitors will enjoy several trails, which wind throughout the park. The Petrified Forest Trail is a one-mile loop, winding through lava flows and thousands of pieces of petrified wood. The Sleeping Rainbows trail is an optional .75-mile loop off the Petrified Forest Trail. This section is much steeper and requires scrambling and climbing over rocks. In the fall of 2014, they added a 50-foot petrified tree. The entire tree can be viewed from its roots to the tip. It is accessible to all visitors.
Camp Floyd/Stagecoach Inn State ParkFairfield
The United States Army, Mormon Pioneers, Stagecoach Travelers, and the Pony Express met at Camp Floyd and the town of Fairfield. The Army arrived in 1858 and constructed Camp Floyd to suppress a supposed Mormon rebellion. The Army remained here for three years before being recalled for the Civil War. Today, Camp Floyd State Park features three structures and a cemetery. Visit the museum and Stagecoach Inn and learn about this nationally important historic site. See website for group field trip information.
Territorial Statehouse State Park MuseumFillmore
Territorial Statehouse in Fillmore is Utah's oldest existing governmental building. In anticipation of Utah's statehood, early pioneer Brigham Young directed construction of the building as the state's capitol. Only the south wing was ever completed. The existing portion was finished in time for the December 1855 meeting of the Territorial Legislature, which was the only full session held in the old statehouse. In December 1858, the seat of government was returned to Salt Lake City. Territorial Statehouse State Park Museum offers a museum store, and auditorium. Also, an All-American Rose Society Garden and picnic area adjoin the museum. Two restored pioneer cabins and an 1867 stone schoolhouse are also located on the grounds.
Utah Military Museum at Historic Fort DouglasFort Douglas
Our mission at the Utah Military Museum at Historic Fort Douglas is to honor and preserve the rich military history of Utah and Fort Douglas by preserving, interpreting, and promoting the contributions of the State of Utah and honoring the service and sacrifices of its veterans. Through engaging exhibits and educational programs, we strive to share the stories of our military heritage and inspire future generations to appreciate the sacrifices and contributions of our armed forces. We are dedicated to serving as a valuable resource for the community and fostering a deeper understanding of Utah's pivotal role in military history.
St. George Art MuseumGeorge
The Mission of the St. George Art Museum is to educate all visitors through quality exhibitions from all periods, cultures, and media, as well as to collect, conserve, inventory, exhibit, and interpret art and artifacts from Utah and the West. Free admission. Donations are welcomed. Tours available upon request.
Goblin Valley State ParkGreen River
The vast landscape of sandstone goblins may have visitors wondering if they're in Mars or Utah. The movie, Galaxy Quest, was filmed at Goblin Valley State Park because of its unearthly scenery. Scores of intricately eroded creatures greet visitors to Goblin Valley. Hike among intricately eroded rock formations in haunting coves.
John Wesley Powell River History MuseumGreen River
Situated on the banks of the wild and scenic Green River, the museum explores the history of the Colorado River system. Learn about the expeditions of John Wesley Powell, explore regional paleontology and geology, view historic watercraft, and take a walk through the River Runners Hall of Fame to learn about the history of river running on the Green and Colorado rivers.
Hill Aerospace MuseumHill AFB
Discover the power and majesty of American air power from the earliest days of the Wright brothers to the Second World War; from the Cold War to cutting-edge, modern aircraft of the 21st century. With over 70 aircraft on display and thousands of historical Air Force artifacts, Hill Aerospace Museum offers an incredible opportunity for discovery and excitement for the whole family! Founded in 1981, the museum is part of the United States Air Force Heritage Program and is supported by the Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Utah. Whether it’s seeing the first aircraft ever manufactured, the lumbering B-17, the speed-demon SR-71, or the one-and-only F-117 Stealth Fighter, Hill is a perfect location to unlock your inner child. Free admission.
Kanab's Heritage HouseKanab
This 1895 Queen-Anne-Style Victorian house demonstrates the prosperous lifestyle of Kanab's early Mormon residents. A guide will show you around the house and explain all is architectural details, giving you an idea of what life was like in early Kanab through photos, furnishings, and artifacts. Since there were no stores in town when the house was built, the complex has its own vegetable and fruit trees and gardens. A glimpse of pioneer-era life in the heart of Utah's Dixie.
Natural Bridges National MonumentLake Powell
Natural Bridges preserves some of the finest examples of natural stone architecture in the southwest. On a tree-covered mesa next to deep sandstone canyons, three natural bridges formed when meandering streams slowly cut through the canyon walls. In honor of the Native Americans that made this area their home, the bridges are named "Kachina," "Owachomo," and "Sipapu." Spring through fall, guided walks, overlook talks, patio talks, and astronomy programs are given throughout the week, and visiting school groups may join any of these programs. Check the visitor center or bulletin boards for current schedules, as times and topics vary. Private guided walks or talks can also be arranged for larger groups; please contact the park well in advance.
Zootah at Willow ParkLogan
Zootah at Willow Park Zoo focuses on education, conservation, scientific study, and offers recreation through its services to all patrons. The Zoo maintains a very popular story time program, conservation-oriented on-site and outreach education programs that involve over 10,000 students each year. The 9-acre zoo displays a variety of animals native to North America as well as some exotic species from around the world.
Stokes Nature CenterLogan Canyon
The nature center provides free exhibits and free programming throughout the spring and summer, including Nature Tales for young children and Canyon Conversations for adults. It also hosts a variety of workshops and fun, free events throughout the fall. Come visit our critters and exhibits, watch the hummingbirds, bring a lunch to eat at our riverside picnic area, and get messy in our mud kitchen! In addition to free programming, Stokes Nature Center offers educational programs, community events, and personalized excursions for individuals, groups, and classes throughout the year.
Midvale MuseumMidvale
Did you know we have a hometown astronaut? Have you ever had to do your laundry in a bucket? Have you seen the SandLot? Part of that movie was filmed in Midvale! We have a lot of items from early pioneer life, and historic mining. We have a museum in Midvale, located in Midvale City Park. It is free to attend, kid friendly. Our usual hours at 12-4 Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. There is no fee for this field trip opportunity. (We are volunteer run, and accept donation.) For special arrangements outside of these hours, you may email midvalemuseum@gmail.com or call 801-567-7285.
Arches National ParkMoab
Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, like the world-famous Delicate Arch, as well as many other unusual rock formations. In some areas, the forces of nature have exposed millions of years of geologic history. The extraordinary features of the park create a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures that is unlike any other in the world. Spring through fall, ranger programs are offered to the public on a regular schedule. There is no need to pre-register for short guided walks or campground talks; tickets for Fiery Furnace Ranger-led Tours must be purchased in advance. Private tours are not currently available.
Canyonlands National ParkMoab
Canyonlands preserves a colorful landscape eroded into countless canyons, mesas, and buttes by the Colorado River and its tributaries. The rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. While these areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, each retains its own character and offers different opportunities for exploration. Spring through fall, ranger programs are offered to the public on a regular schedule. There is no need to pre-register for short guided walks, patio talks, or campground talks. Private tours are not currently available.
Dead Horse Point State ParkMoab
Millions of years of geologic activity created the spectacular views from Dead Horse Point State Park. Deposition of sediments by ancient oceans, freshwater lakes, streams, and wind-blown sand dunes created the rock layers of canyon country. Igneous activity formed the high mountains that rise like cool blue islands out of the hot, dry desert. Dead Horse Point State Park is a designated International Dark Sky Park, so it's an excellent place for stargazing.
Goulding’s Trading Post MuseumMonument Valley
No visit to Goulding’s Lodge is complete without experiencing Goulding’s Trading Post Museum. The museum opened in 1989 as both a showcase of artifacts and a glimpse into a bygone era. Goulding’s Lodge is not just a famous locale for Old West movies – it is also steeped in a rich history of trading, tourism, and culture. Goulding’s Trading Post Museum is comprised of several different areas. The first is the “Trading Post Bull Pen,” which was the heart of the trading post back in its glory days. This small showroom was where the locals would bring their goods to trade for items available, such as kitchen wares, canned goods, material and threads, and even guns. Many current items in the Bull Pen are original, including the old scales. Next is the “Ware Room,” which was just that during the trading post era. Surplus and supplies filled this room; bags of raw wool, crates of coffee, and saddles were stored here. Today, the Ware Room is filled with photographs of the early days at Goulding’s and of local Navajos from the 20th century. Display cases showcase historical pottery and other crafts from a variety of Native American Tribes.
East Canyon State ParkMorgan
East Canyon State Park is a 680-acre boating and year-round fishing delight nestled in the mountains northeast of Salt Lake City. Although popular with water recreationists, East Canyon is also an attraction for history buffs. Nearby trails mark the steps of the Donner Party and the first Mormon settlers. This park is an International Dark Sky Park.
Mormon Pioneer National Historic TrailMulti-state
70,000 Mormons, led by Brigham Young, traveled from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah between 1846 to 1869 in order to escape religious persecution. "There are a number of ways to enjoy the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, including auto-touring, visiting interpretive sites, hiking, camping, biking or horseback riding along trail segments, and visiting museums and interpretive centers. Depending on which segment you would like to explore, some or all of these activities may be available. Although the word "trail" is used in the name, the Mormon Pioneer NHT is not necessarily a hiking trail. With 1,300 miles of the original route now in the hands of various private and public entities, access to trail segments depends upon the permission of the land owner. Some segments are open to the public for hiking and other means of recreation, while others are not."
Ogden's Union StationOgden
Ogden's Union Station is a monument to Ogden City's railroading history. It is a symbol of the cultural and economic changes brought to the West by the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Though it is no longer a train depot, the Station continues to attract people from all over the world. Most come to see the John M. Browning Firearms Museum and the Utah State Railroad Museum/Eccles Rail Center with its display of two of the largest locomotives ever manufactured anywhere. They stay to see the Natural History Museum and the Browning Kimball Car Museum, to visit Gallery at the Station, to shop at Gifts at the Station or Zephyr Station (model railroad shop), to have lunch at Union Grill and to enjoy the beauty of this old railroad town.
Treehouse MuseumOgden
TThe non-profit Treehouse Museum is rooted in the vital need of children to make meaningful connections through stories, imaginative play, literacy, and the arts. With nearly 30,000 square feet of exhibits, a giant tree at its center, plus a theater, a global “village,” an American downtown, a Science Circus gallery, and much more, Treehouse was built with love for the most important people on the planet – our children. Because Treehouse is a place designed for young children, all children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. All adults must be accompanied by a child ages 1 to 12. Teens and adults on their own without families are not admitted, but can arrange a tour to see what Treehouse has to offer. Families with older youth and adults with special needs are welcome, but should be aware that exhibits are designed for children ages 2 to 12, and may not be safe for adult-sized visitors. Please call if you have questions or would like to bring a group: 801-394-9663.
North Ogden Historical MuseumOgden
The purpose of the museum is to educate and bring awareness to the community of the rich heritage we share, to collect, perserve, and display items of historical significance for the people of North Ogden, and to find permanent housing for these items. The North Ogden Historical Museum is a small museum with lots of character. Interesting artifacts and displays can be found, along with photos and histories of North Ogden families for research.
Orem Heritage MuseumOrem
The museum is an impressive 2,000-piece collection that tells the unique history of the city of Orem through artifacts.
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at UVUOrem
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts at Utah Valley University provides a wonderful opportunity to expose students to world-class arts events. With all student tickets only $10, the Noorda is a wonderful and economical way to expose students to the arts and deepen their love. Many events are specifically targeting younger audiences.
Rainbow Bridge National MonumentPage
Rainbow Bridge is the world's largest known natural bridge.
Utah Museum of Fine ArtsSalt Lake City
UMFA programs and tours will spark curiosity and creativity for visitors of all ages. Enjoy roaming the galleries on your own, hands-on art projects for the whole family, lectures, films, or informative docent-led tours.
Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk ArtsSalt Lake City
The Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts is the only museum in the country dedicated to displaying a state-owned collection of contemporary folk art. It features objects made by living Utah artists from the state's American Indian, rural, occupational and ethnic communities offering a snapshot of Utah's contemporary culture and heritage. The Chase Home, built more than 150 years ago in a traditional hall-and-parlor style from adobe bricks, is a fine example of 19th century folk art. The Utah Folk Art Collection contains more than 450 pieces of traditional arts and crafts from the state’s European, Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and African communities. As a critical part of the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection, it includes paintings, sculptures, textiles, woodcarvings, metalwork, saddles, beadwork, and more.
Discovery Gateway Children's MuseumSalt Lake City
Discovery Gateway STEAM-Guided field trips encourage students to discover, explore and create with interactive, hands-on exhibits with the assistance of a Museum Imagination Facilitator. Each exhibit features age-appropriate elements that tie into Utah's Core Curriculum Standards.
Utah Museum of Natural HistorySalt Lake City
The museum houses 163,000 square feet of exhibitions exploring billions of years of natural history. Twelve permanent exhibitions—filling four levels at the Museum—explore billions of years of Utah's incredible natural history. An additional special exhibit gallery hosts exciting traveling exhibitions from international exhibit developers that rotate every several months. Also offers programming and events for guests of all ages. Many of these are included with Museum admission.
This is the Place Heritage ParkSalt Lake City
Journey back in time at Old Deseret Village, a collection of more than 40 historic homes and buildings brought to life by historical interpreters. Visit This Is The Place Monument, which marks the end of the 1,300-mile Mormon trail. This Is The Place Foundation, a nonprofit organization, manages the park. For more information and for current events, please visit www.thisistheplace.org.
Fremont Indian State Park and MuseumSevier
Discover artifacts, petroglyphs, and pictographs left behind by the Fremont Indians. During construction of Interstate 70, the largest known Fremont Indian village was uncovered. This museum preserves treasures from the site, including pottery, baskets, and arrowheads.
Old Spanish National Historic TrailSouthwestern US
Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. New Mexican traders moved locally produced merchandise across what are now six states to exchange for mules and horses.
Zion National ParkSpringdale
Utah's First National Park - Massive canyon walls ascend toward a brilliant blue sky. To experience Zion, you need to walk among the towering cliffs, or challenge your courage in a small narrow canyon. These unique sandstone cliffs range in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons.
Springville Museum of ArtSpringville
The Springville Museum of Art is a historic museum with work from local Utah artists, as well as nationally and internationally renowned artists. There are no admission fees, but donations are encouraged. All ages are welcome, and large groups can make reservations for guided tours. They also now offer free virtual field trips using an interactive virtual tour! It's the next best thing to physically being inside the galleries.
Capitol Reef National ParkTorrey
Located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes, and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. Ranger-led curriculum programs are generally offered from approximately mid-November through the end of February. Please know parking and space are limited, so it may be useful to inform the park of your visit even if you won't have a ranger lead your class. The park visitor center has museum exhibits and an 18-minute orientation movie. Be sure to visit the one-room Historic Fruita Schoolhouse, the Behunin Cabin, and the Fremont Culture Petroglyphs, located along Utah Highway 24. The Historic Gifford Homestead, located on the Scenic Drive, is open seasonally. A pioneer Blacksmith Shop exhibit, located on the Scenic Drive near the picnic area, is also open to the public.
Utah Field House of Natural HistoryVernal
So much time is revealed here, even more geologic time than in the Grand Canyon. Within an 80-mile radius of Vernal, evidence of the entire Earth's history is visible. At its center is the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum. The new museum is located two blocks east of the old Field House, a 22,000-square foot structure to preserve and reveal the wealth of prehistory found within the Uinta Basin. Outside the museum, and providing the greatest appeal to passing visitors, is the Dinosaur Garden, a prehistoric zoo of full-size replicas ranging in age from Pennsylvanian through Pleistocene. The garden includes a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus with six-inch, knife-like teeth, a horned Triceratops, six-ton Stegosaurus, winged Pteranodon and other full-size prehistoric animal replicas.
