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Mom-made Field Trips
Get out of the House and Explore
By Jenny Rackley
Many local firms will provide tours for your children. Some places that might be interesting: printing or copying companies, grocery stores, newspaper offices, bakeries, television or radio stations or manufacturing facilities. Manufacturing facilities may limit children's visits because of age, but they are especially interesting to children. Most children are used to seeing whole items in their home, and don't think much about how the item is produced. Seeing how things are put together and what raw materials and labor went into each item gives children a whole new understanding.
Introduce your children to the joys of reading through programs at the library. Call or visit your library to find out times of story hours and library-sponsored family or children's events. Many libraries offer summer reading 
programs, with prizes to encourage children to read. Make sure you visit the library regularly over the summer, and let children pick several books of their own to take home each time.
Don't forget about attractions in your area. Treat your hometown as if you were a tourist. Buy a tour guide and map for your area, and see whatever it is that visitors want to see. Don't overlook zoos or petting zoos, parks, historical sites and museums. Consider all kinds of museums - most children will glean something out of even adult-oriented exhibits, particularly with you as the tour guide.
Whatever you choose to do for a local field trip, remember that the important thing is that you are spending time with your children. With that in mind, pick a location, set a date and enjoy your field trip!