virtual field trip to hawaii for students

Hawaii Virtual Field Trips

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While you may not be able to visit ‘The Aloha State’ with your kids in person, there are many ways to explore the islands together using these Hawaii Virtual Field Trips!

Do you or your kids know what ‘Aloha’ means? The Hawaiian word is used as a greeting, much like Texans use the word ‘Howdy’.

Another important Hawaiian word to know is ‘Mahalo’. This is the Hawaiian way to say thank you and express gratitude. 

The first virtual field trip I knew I wanted to find to share in Hawaii was the Pearl Harbor National Memorial . If I ever have the opportunity to visit Hawaii in person, this will be my first stop. 

Along the way, I was excited to find amazing waterfalls, hiking opportunities, historical museums and so much more! 

Thanks to today’s technology, we have the amazing ability to travel the world without leaving our homes. This is such a gift and I am thankful to have these opportunities. 

Are you ready to travel and see the Hawaiian islands? I hope you have as much fun as I did! 

25+ Hawaii Virtual Field Trips

Hawaii – The Big Island

Wailua Waterfall 

Waikiki Walking Tour

Lahaina Banyan Tree

Akaka Falls State Park

Lava Tree State Monument

Keahiakawelo/Garden of the Gods

Sharks Cove  

Halona Blowhole & Cave

Diamond Head Crater Hike

Air Maui Helicopter Tour

Nahuku Lava Tour

  History

Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement

Pearl Harbor 

Kawaiahao Church  

Old Sugar Mill of Koloa

Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historical Park

Queen Emma Summer Palace

Iolani Palace

Bishop Museum Virtual Tour   

Byodo-In Temple

USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park

Hawaii State Art Museum

Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center

Road to Hana/Hana Highway

  The Royal Hawaiian (Pink Palace of Hawaii) 

What is your favorite virtual field trip in Hawaii?

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Hawaiian Culture Virtual Field Trip For Kids

This virtual field trip exploring Hawaiian culture will take your children on a deeper dive into the music, dance, language, and ancient practices of Hawaii plus so much more. A wonderful addition to a homeschool unit or as part of a fun global education at home .

Table of contents

What is hawaiian culture, traditional instruments, merrie monarch, ‘olelo hawaiian, other practices, for elementary children, for older elementary children and above, for high school age and above, hula lullaby read aloud, additional resources.

You may be familiar with some of Hawaiian culture. Maybe you have seen hula, heard some Hawaiian music and perhaps attended a luau. This virtual field trip will guide you as you learn more about what makes Hawaii so unique.

You can also listen to the podcast interview Exploring Hawaiian Culture with Relle Lum for even more insights especially about the Spirit of Aloha.

Overview of Hawaiian Culture from the Polynesian Cultural Center

The Makaha Sons are a popular Hawaiian performing group that has been around since the 1970s. Their aim is focused on sharing traditional Hawaiian music with the world. One of their most well known members was Israel Kamakawiwoʻole who was famous for his rendition of “ Somewhere Over The Rainbow ”.  

The group member’s have changed over the years and now my uncle, Kimo Artis, is one of the members! Here is a video from one of their more recent performances. The song is called “ Ke Alaula ” which means The Dawning.

This playlist on Spotify by Hawaii Magazine is a fun mix of both traditional and modern Hawaiian music. 

5 Things you probably didn’t know about the ukulele  

https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/5-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-%E2%80%98ukulele

Slack key is a style unique to Hawaii where the strings are purposely kept loose that allows for sounds that are not possible otherwise.  This is a style that I grew up listening to my father and uncles play and it will always be one of my favorites.

In this video with Leedward Kaapana he not only plays some beautiful music but also explains a little bit about how slack key works. 

A little more history about slack key: https://americanhistory.si.edu/blog/2013/05/talking-and-playing-hawaiian-slack-key-guitar-with-dennis-kamakahi.html  

https://kaimi.org/education/instruments/

A musical journey to Hawaii where you can create your own instrument and a music activity for kids.

http://www.tinytappingtoes.com/early-learning-with-music/a-musical-journey-to-hawaii

Most people know that Hawaii is famous for the hula. Hula literally means dance and there are two styles, ancient, called Hula Kahiko, and modern, Hula Auana. Both styles are popularly performed today. 

Hula Kahiko is the form of dance done before contact with the Western world. Dances were accompanied by chants, various percussion instruments.  In ancient times, the dances were predominantly performed by men, but today both men and women dance.

Read more about the history of hula here: https://www.discover-oahu.com/History-Of-Hula.html#:~:text=Hula%20Kahiko%20was%20danced%20by,was%20danced%20exclusively%20by%20men. 

Here are two short videos about the hula, one from the women’s perspective and one about the men’s .  

iHula Hawaii is a great Youtube channel for kids to learn hula basics.  You can dance along with Lynn to “He Mele No Lilo” from the movie Lilo and Stitch.

There is a competition every year in Hawaii called the Merrie Monarch where both solo performers and groups compete in various categories. The competition is in tribute to the legacy of King David Kalakaua and his vision for the perpetuation of Hawaii culture  including the arts, language and traditions.

This video shows the winners from the 2019 Merrie Monarch competition for both the Kahiko and Auana styles in the men’s and women’s categories. You can get a feel for the differences in music, dance, and clothing between the ancient and modern styles.

Want to help your family explore the world?

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There are several official languages in Hawaii- English, ‘Olelo Hawaiian, and Pidgin.

After Hawaii was annexed in 1898 by the United States, ‘Olelo Hawaiian was officially banned from schools and government although it was still allowed to be spoken otherwise. It did not become an official language until 1978 and many programs were created in the 1980s to teach the language.

Studies show that it takes one generation to lose a language and three generations to bring it back.  The Hawaiian language is considered to be in the middle of the second generation.

Pidgin, an English based Creole language, became an official language in 2015. Pidgin developed on the plantations as Native Hawaiian workers interacted with English speaking and other immigrants from places like Portugal, China, the Philippines, and Japan.

History of Hawaiian Pidgin

Learn to Speak Hawaiian youtube channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw7geNV3O33rY0XfU277STQ

Learn to speak Hawaiian for beginners https://youtu.be/SB9Rly1HmQw

Hawaiian Words and Phrases with Moana’s Auli’i Cravalho

Other Ancient Cultural Practices

If you have seen the movie Moana, you know that Polynesians were wayfinders. I put together a separate field trip to dive deeper into the history of wayfinding and also connect it with STEM activities. Here is the wayfinding virtual field trip .

It is a tradition to give a lei as a show of friendship, love, or to celebrate or honor someone like for graduations or weddings.

History and making of leis

How to make a haku style ti leaf lei

When you have seen hula portrayed on TV or in movies you might think of a grass skirt and a coconut bra. However, the grass skirts are traditional in Tahiti while ti leaf skirts are traditional in Hawaii.  

Making a ti leaf skirt

Making of Kapa Cloth

Stone Carving

Fishing and eating like Ancient Hawaiians

The Spirit of Sustainability

The Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the most diverse ecological systems in the world as well as rare and unique plant life. 

Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono is the Hawaiian state motto.  Most commonly translated as “the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” Ancient Hawaiian culture valued a strong relationship with the land and its resources where you give as much as you take from the land.

You can learn more about this spirit of sustainability with the resources below.

Explore the valley protecting Hawaii’s Ancient plants

Hawaii’s Plant Extinction Crisis

Learn more about specific native plants in Hawaii and some of their cultural significance. 

Nowhere else on earth: Indigenous Plants of Hawaii

Lesson from a thousand years of island sustainability  

Children’s books

Here are some children books that are written about Hawaii. I tried to find as many native authors as I could and all of these authors or illustrators are from the islands.

Buy Hula Lulluby here: https://amzn.to/3kv83lw

Modern Hawaiian food is representative of the blend of cultures that exist on the island. You’ll see lots of Asian influence plus plenty of fish and tropical fruits.

Here are some recipes to try:

• Slow Cooker Kalua Pork
• Slow Cooker Sticky Pineapple Chicken
• Real Hawaiian macaroni salad
• No Bake Guava Cheesecakes
• Butter mochi
• Shoyu Ahi Poke

You can also get the Foodie Passport to Hawai’i kit which has delicious recipes and a helpful breakdown for kids: https://gumroad.com/a/320345203/XJPDU

Here are a few other virtual tours for further exploring.

Kamehameha School virtual field trips 

https://sites.google.com/view/vft

Virtual tour of the Iolani Palace

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/hawaii/iolani-palace-virtual-tours-hi/

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This is such a great article! This year my Before and After School Program are doing a “Road Trip” around the US! They will love all of the things you have provided! Thank you for sharing!

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Virtual Science Field Trips

• Virtual Field Trip to Hawaii

Virtual Field Trip to Hawaii A Beautiful Escape

Aloha! Let's go on a virtual field trip to Hawaii! A virtual field trip to Hawaii is a journey full of stunning islands, adventure, and volcanoes! So whether you are looking for a fun Friday activity or standards-based, this incredible virtual field trip to Hawaii was designed to captivate and educate students. 

Virtual field trips have revolutionized the way educators can bring the world into their classrooms. Among the countless virtual destinations, Hawaii stands out as a captivating and educational journey for elementary school students. Through the immersive experience of Hawaii virtual field trip, teachers can unlock a multitude of benefits for their students. From cultural appreciation and geographical understanding to sparking curiosity and fostering engagement, this article explores the numerous advantages that such virtual expeditions offer to elementary school teachers.

Hawaii Virtual Field Trip

A virtual field trip Hawaii allows elementary school students to gain a deep appreciation for the diverse cultural heritage of the islands. Everything you need to travel to Hawaii is included in this resource. Interactive links are included and slides are bright in color. Students will love this virtual Hawaii field trip. This Hawaii virtual field trip includes Youtube.com links so be sure you and students have access to Youtube.com. I use AdBlock to block unwanted ads while streaming Youtube.com in my classroom.

Here's what's included:

PowerPoint and Digital Presentation

Virtual Field Trip Links

Virtual Field Trip Reflection

Presentation Includes:

Google Earth View (link included)

Hawaii's State Flower

Hawaii's State Bird (link included)

Hawaii's State Fish (link included)

Hawaii's State Anthem (link included)

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (link included)

History of the Tiki Torch

Pineapples (link included)

Hawaii's stunning landscapes and unique geographical features make it an ideal destination for teaching geography and environmental awareness. Through virtual field trips, elementary school teachers can introduce students to the concept of volcanic activity, showcasing the mesmerizing power of Kilauea and Mauna Loa. They can also explore the diverse ecosystems found in the islands, from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs. By studying the delicate balance between land and sea, students gain a deeper understanding of environmental conservation and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems. Virtual field trips to Hawaii offer an immersive platform for teaching geography and nurturing a sense of responsibility toward the planet.

Ocean Life in Hawaii

The waters surrounding Hawaii are home to a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. A virtual field trip can introduce students to the wonders of the ocean and raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation. Through virtual visits to marine protected areas, such as Hanauma Bay or Molokini Crater, students can learn about the fragile ecosystem, the impact of human activities, and measures taken to preserve these underwater habitats.

Volcano State Park Hawaii

Virtual field trips Hawaii have a remarkable ability to ignite curiosity and enthusiasm for learning among elementary school students. By virtually exploring the islands' rich history, unique flora and fauna, and engaging cultural experiences, students become actively involved in their education. The interactive nature of virtual field trips allows students to ask questions, conduct research, and connect with experts, all of which fosters a sense of discovery. Whether it's virtually hiking through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or participating in a traditional Hawaiian dance workshop, students are encouraged to explore their interests, paving the way for deeper engagement and a lifelong love of learning.

Let's Have Fun! Virtual Field Trip to Hawaii

Virtual field trips offer elementary school teachers the flexibility to integrate engaging experiences into their curriculum without the limitations of time, distance, or budget constraints. By leveraging technology, teachers can provide their students with a high-quality educational experience without leaving the classroom. Virtual field trips to Hawaii eliminate the need for expensive travel arrangements, reducing costs and making them accessible to schools with limited resources. Additionally, these virtual expeditions can be tailored to suit different grade levels and learning objectives, ensuring that every student can benefit from the experience. The flexibility and cost-effectiveness of virtual field trips to Hawaii empower elementary school teachers to enhance their curriculum and provide unique educational opportunities for their students.

Virtual Hawaii Field Trip 

Virtual field trip Hawaii offer elementary school teachers a wealth of benefits, ranging from cultural appreciation and geographical understanding to sparking curiosity and promoting flexible education. Through these virtual experiences, students develop a global mindset, deepen their knowledge of the world, and nurture a sense of wonder. By integrating virtual field trips into their curriculum, teachers can create engaging and immersive learning environments that expand horizons beyond the boundaries of the classroom. As technology continues to advance, the educational potential of virtual field trips will only grow, opening new doors of exploration and learning experiences for students.

As you can see, a virtual field trip to Hawaii is great to incorporate and offers great experiences for students. So, what are you waiting for? Let's go!

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Virtual Field Trip: Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

• Jessie Scott
• May 8, 2020

Hawai’i Volcanoes Virtual Tour

I have wanted to travel to Hawaii for as long as I can remember. I still haven’t made it all the way out to those beautiful islands, but this virtual tour of the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is helping me explore the world from my couch! Join me on this tour led by Park Ranger Andrea Kaawaloa-Okita to learn more about the fire goddess, Pele-honua-mea, and the geological processes that are expanding Hawaiʻi ( National Park Service ).

Hawaii is an archipelago, or a group of islands, located over the Hawaiian hotspot, which is a magma source from deep under the crust beneath the Pacific Ocean ( National Park Service ). As the tectonic plate under the Pacific Ocean moves northwest, the hotspot under Hawai’i remains in one spot, continuously releasing magma and making new land, causing the Hawaiian archipelago to expand. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park includes two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa ( National Park Service ). On this tour you will get to see inside a lava tube, witness what happens when flowing lava meets the sea, fly over an active volcano, and see how life slowly transforms the new land formed from volcanic eruptions.

(Figure demonstrating the formation of the Hawaiian islands from the Hawaiian hotspot. Image Source: Robinson, USGS )

Step inside a lava tube on this virtual tour! Lava tubes form as molten lava flows from a volcanic eruption. As the lava flows, the slower moving lava on the surface of the flow hardens, forming a layer of solid rock, which insulates the molten lava below. This causes the molten lava under the rock to become superheated, and to start carving into the stone beneath it in a process called thermal erosion. As the eruption ends, the lava eventually flows out of the lava tube, leaving behind an open cave that you can walk through if you visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! For more information and illustrations of this process, follow this link to the National Park Service website.

Kīlauea Crater

At the crater, you can take a flight over Kīlauea, listen to the deep rumblings that a volcano makes, and witness the 1959 eruption! Explore the damage that lava can cause and the new plant growth that colonizes and covers the fresh rock.

I hope you enjoyed virtually visiting this incredible National Park as much as I did! It is pretty neat to see so much lava from the safety of my couch.

More to Explore:

If you would like to learn more about Hawaii and see some beautiful pictures of sites that are outside of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, check out Atlas Obscura ! Here you can find beautiful images of and information about the Kalalau Trail, fascinating black and green sand beaches, as well as cultural and historic sites located on the Hawaiian islands!

SciShow Kids did an episode about volcanoes – this is a great resource for younger kids.

For more information about volcanoes and science activities to try, check out the free Educator’s Guide produced by SK Films!

Stay connected! Be sure to subscribe to Down to a Science— The Official Blog of the Connecticut Science Center and follow us on social media.

Jessie Scott is a STEM Educator who enjoys encouraging students’ enthusiasm for science. She teaches classes to students visiting the Science Center and brings STEM lessons to schools across Connecticut. Jessie completed her Master of Science degree in Microbiology at Dartmouth College and worked as a science educator at the Montshire Museum of Science before coming to the Connecticut Science Center. Her scientific interests are: biology – how living things have adapted different strategies to survive in their environments, insects, and plants. In her free time, Jessie likes to go rock climbing, hiking, and skiing.

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Enrich your curriculum with an interactive virtual field trip to hawaii by paradise helicopters..

If you are looking for a truly unique experience for your students and faculty, join Paradise Helicopters on one of our amazing and enriching virtual education experiences.

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Thank you so much for your time and the amazing tour of Hawaiʻi that you gave our ETS Scholars yesterday. Can you also thank the rest of your staff and the pilots from us… Selma De Anda, Education Specialist Office of TRIO Programs, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Thank you so much! That was amazing, and so wonderful of your team to put on such an educational event. Julie Morikawa, President of ClimbHI

Virtual  Education  Experiences 

Virtual Hawaii Island Adventure

Ala Kahakai, “trail by the sea”, is a geographically, historically, and culturally significant series of trails used by ancient Hawaiians to navigate the rugged terrain. Join us to traverse the entire coastline of Hawaiʻi Island by air. See dramatic waterfalls, breathtaking valleys, active volcanoes and craters, spectacular coastlines, and amazing green, black, and white sand beaches. We leave 15 minutes for questions, so that students can get answers from the two hosts, one of whom is a pilot.

Lava & Volcanoes Of Hawai’i

Witness the destruction and creation of land. This educational experience includes footage shot by award-winning videographers of the historic 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption as well as present-day footage of the volcano, live narration provided by our two hosts, including one pilot who’s flown over the active eruptions.

Our Educational Team

Aerial videography, mick & ann kalber, tropical visions video, inc. ****.

Mick & Ann Kalber have documented the eruptions of Kīlauea, the world’s most active volcano, for over 30 years. They have covered live sports and created highlights or background videos for events in the U.S. and around the world for ESPN, such as Hawai’i’s Ironman World Championship Triathlon and the NFL Pro Bowl. They also provide news media coverage for journalism giant, Reuters, including critical events such as Chinese President Jiang Zimen’s arrival to Honolulu.

Bruce Omori, Extreme Exposure

Bruce Omori is an international award-winning photographer and photojournalist who has been honored with the Windland Smith Rice Award twice so far in his career. His images have been featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. and the Natural History Museum in London. Bruce’s images have been published in just about every major newspaper and magazine across the globe. Bruce operates his photography business, Extreme Exposure, which has a fine art gallery located in downtown Hilo that is a must-see.

Volcanologist Consultant

Jack lockwood.

Jack Lockwood is a celebrated volcanologist and author of over 140 scientific articles and abstracts. Jack is a Registered Geologist (CPG-9806) with over twenty-five years of full-time work in geology and volcanology. His work has provided him with a wealth of personal experience and knowledge of most volcanic areas of the world. He has particular expertise in the assessment of geologic hazards and risks. Jack is relied upon by the U.S. government to provide accurate hazard information for long-range planning and reduction of geologic risk. For example, he has helped design lava flow diversion structures for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Narration & Media Contributor

Andrew richard hara.

Andrew Richard Hara is a professional photographer born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. During the recent massive eruption of Kīlauea on the Big Island, Andrew was onsite day in and day out documenting the destruction and beauty of this historical event. He received his formal training from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Among Andrew's many clients are National Geographic Society, NASA, Department of Defense, Vanity Fair, BBC, Time Magazine, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, W. M. Keck Observatory, and the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests.

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Vacation like ali'i.

The Kona region of the Island of Hawai'i was where Hawaiian royalty, or ali'i, vacationed. In the 1800s, Hulihe'e Palace in downtown Kona hosted many reigning monarchs. You can still visit it today in person, or view it from the air on one of our Kona tours.

Did You Know?

Hawaiʻi is the only U.S. state that grows cacao beans to produce chocolate.

The lush emerald-green rainforests of Hilo are nurtured by an average annual rainfall that is more than three times that of Seattle.

Aloha is more than a catchphrase; it is a way of conducting oneself that is encoded in the people-- and even the law-- of hawai'i..

In 1986, Hawai‘i lawmakers passed the “Aloha Spirit” law (Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, section 5-7.5) that outlines the expectations that people will be kind, work together, agreeable, humble, and patient.

Strawberry guava is actually an invasive species, thought to be introduced as a residential landscaping plant.

It bears small red strawberry guava fruits about 1.25" in diameter that are delicious and much sweeter than their larger, yellow regular guava cousins. Two of our tours land in a guava forest in Kohala which has many of these trees, Kona: Kohala Coast Waterfalls & Remote Hike and Waimea: Doors-Off Kohala Waterfalls & Hike.

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5th Grade Teacher , Hawaii

“ I took my students on a Virtual Trip to the Amazon today!  They told me this field trip was much better than the one we went on from Discovery Education!!! “

3rd Grade Teacher , Maryland

“I just want to let you know how much of a blessing this site has been to me and to my students during this pandemic.  The theme in my classroom is “travel.” We have been able to continue with this theme by having weekly field trips. It is the highlight of everyone’s week. This was by far one of the best purchases I made this year.”

3rd Grade Teacher , North Carolina

“My 6th grade students are always excited to learn through reading and the Virtual Field Trips site. The videos are incredibly engaging and informative. The ease of use is very appreciated as a teacher pressed for time.”

6th Grade Teacher , Arizona

“I use the Virtual Field Trips site and the students LOVE it. Learning by virtually experiencing has been highly successful for my students. A few of our favorites are the Amazon, Coral Reefs, African Safari, and Rome.”

Thank you very, very much for including your site for free during distance learning. You made the virtual field trips easy for both teachers and children to use. All I had to do was copy the link into my Seesaw activity and my kiddos just tapped on the link and learned about places, people, and things. The DC Tour fit in nicely with their weekly reading selection on U.S. symbols. 

2nd Grade Teacher , Virginia

“You have brightened my day, as I have looked extensively for high quality virtual trips, and your site is clearly one of the best I’ve found!”

5th Grade Teacher , Minnesota

“I teach 9th graders who are 2 to 3 years behind in their reading and writing.  They are also socioeconomically disadvantaged with not many experiences to write about.  I thought this would give them something to write about as well as be educational and enjoyable.  We do one each Monday and they love them!  They ask, “Where are we going today?”

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8th Grade Teacher , New Mexico

“I teach grades K-3 Science, Social Studies, Government, Geography, and Economics.  I have found Virtual Field Trips videos a valuable piece in many areas.  I use an interactive white board on a daily basis and have been able to link the videos into the flip charts making access to them very easy during the lesson.  I look forward to more of these quality videos.”

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El Limonar International School in Murcia, Spain absolutely loved Virtual Field Trips when we were given the opportunity to use it in June. There are so many topics included in their library that we study in the Primary School that it is well worth buying into and the children were mesmerized from the moment they began watching. The images were bright and colourful while the commentaries very informative and clear, leading to a lot of discussion afterwards. I definitely recommend it.

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I really want to thank Virtual Field Trips for allowing full access during the hardest time of education when we had to switch to remote so suddenly. It was super exciting for the students to tour around the world with just a click! They loved all the videos and naturally the assignments that followed. I really appreciate the support! Thank you thank you thank you!

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70 Best Virtual Field Trips for Kids

In the Classroom

Here you will find a list of the best virtual field trips for kids, ranging from preschool and kindergarten to elementary aged children.

These virtual field trips for kids will leave your kiddos learning about animals, history, community helpers, space, national parks, sports arenas, and farms all over the world!

The interactive tour with live webcams are a great way to give the kids a closer look at outer space, an animals natural habitat, and our natural world.

Whether for homeschool, preK, kindergarten, first grade, or second grade, you can quickly find great virtual field trips below with the easy-to-find categories. 

If you’re looking for a middle school and high school appropriate virtual reality field trip, there will be a few to choose from.

Otherwise, these are geared towards the younger children.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Leave a comment at the end of the post, and I will gladly search for a fun virtual field trip for kids.

The Best Virtual Field Trips to a Farm

During the Fall, most elementary grades take a field trip to a farm.

The most popular guided tour school groups are animal farms, apple orchards, and pumpkin patches.

Below are virtual field trip experiences your kids will love!

• Dairy Farm : Complete with a downloadable companion activity to get your kids prepared for the virtual field trip of a dairy farm.
• Animal Farm
• Condee Horse Farm:  Meet Shorty in this 8 minute virtual tour of a horse farm.
• Dutch Hollow Farm : 50 minute tour of a dairy farm
• Tailview Farm : A 47 minute tour of the Tailview Farm recorded in 2020
• Bonnie Plants : Home Depot takes kids on a multi-part virtual field trips to see gardens and plants
• Egg Farm Field Trip

Virtual Field Trips Aquarium

• Seattle Aquarium
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Live Cam
• Mystic Aquarium
• National Aquarium

Zoo and Animals Free Virtual Field Trips

Kids absolutely love getting up close and personal with animals at the zoo.

One of the most visited zoo’s in the United Stated is the Houston Zoo . While you may not be able to go there on a field trip, they still offer a virtual tour.

• San Diego Zoo : Live animal cameras and instructional activities
• Butterfly Garden : Learn all about butterflies with this 9 minute video of the most beautiful butterfly habitats in the world.
• Animal Shelter : This 8 minute video shows the Kidvision kids learning about the animal shelter and how to adopt a pet
• Emerald Hills Animal Hospital
• Dinosaur Exhibit
• Conservation Biology Institute and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Community Helpers Virtual Field Trips for Kids

Most elementary social studies curriculum integrates community helpers!

These virtual tours will support your lessons by offering an interactive experience.

• Ft. Lauderdale Children’s Theater
• Airport : Sit in a cockpit, learn how to fuel a helicopter, and visit an airplane museum
• Construction Site
• Bank : Visit the SunTrust Bank with the KidVision kids
• Television Station : An 8 minute video touring a TV studio with Penny. Learn about green screens, sound and audio boards, and much more.
• Recycling Center : Here’s an 8 minute video touring a recycling center
• Library : Learn about putting books in alphabetical order, how to check out your favorite books, and all the other fun parts of a library.
• Post Office : Learn how to mail a letter
• Fire Station
• Whole Foods Grocery Store
• Police Station
• Boston Children’s Museum

Virtual Field Trips to Food and Candy Shops

• Ice Cream Parlor : Visit Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor and learn how to order from a menu, choose your favorite toppings, and more sweet fun!
• Chocolate Factory : Take this fun tour with the KidVision kids and Ms. Penny to see how chocolate is made – from the bean to the candy
• How M&Ms are made
• Bakery:  A 7 minute video that will take you to a bakeshop and show how cupcakes are made

Virtual Field Trip to Space

The live videos of space exploration are excellent educational activities.

• Visit the Moon : This 23 minute video will take you on a NASA virtual field trip to the moon.
• Kennedy Space Center
• Virtual Tour of Mars (Access Mars)
• Slime in Space
• Google Earth interactive map to get the google street view of any location in the world, such as the Great Lakes, the Liberty Bell, Mexico City, New York City, or the beautiful Yosemite National Park.
• International Space Station

Virtual Field Trips for Learning History

• Pilgrim Life:  Learn about games and chores of pilgrim children in the 1620s
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon
• White House : Take a virtual tour of the white house
• Statue of Liberty
• Railroad Museum : Learn about railroad safety in this 5 minute video by Kid Vision
• Smithsonian National Museum of History :  Click to see different areas of the museum as you and the kids walk through this virtual tour.
• Great Wall of China : Although the history behind this extraordinary exhibit is beyond early childhood curriculum, the kids will love the 360-degree view. This virtual tour of the great wall of china would be great when teaching different cultures.
• Mount Rushmore
• Plimoth Plantation: Perfect for your Thanksgiving activities and lessons for kids
• Empire State Building Live Cam
• Ellis Island

Amazing National Parks Virtual Tours

• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Canyon
• Amazon Rainforest
• African Safari in Etosha

Sports Virtual Field Trips

• Baseball Stadium : This 6 minute video will take you on a virtual field trip to a Baseball Stadium. Meet the team mascot, throw a pitch, and much more.
• Bowling Alley:  Join the kids as they go to a bowling alley, learn how to pick out the right ball, and have fun with some strikes!
• Play 60 Football Stadium Virtual Field Trip for Kids

Virtual Field Trips to Oceans

• Hawaii : Learn about Hawaiian art, music, and dance.
• Artic : Explore the arctic for kids and learn about arctic animals and climates
• Coral Reef : See sea turtles, octopus, eels, and more as you explore the coral reef.

Virtual Field Trips to Kids Museum

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta : This was rated amongst the top world-famous museum choices for kids
• Explore STEM and STEAM projects at the National Children’s Museum

I hope you’ve enjoyed this collection of these best places for virtual field trips for kids. 

Be sure to bookmark this page, so you can easily access it throughout the year. 

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40 Amazing Educational Virtual Field Trips

No permission slips needed.

Virtual field trips are a game changer. Not only do they fill in for real field trips when budgets and other roadblocks prevent in-person options, but virtual field trips also open doors to educational experiences all over the country and the world, both past and present. No fundraising or permission slips required!

(Note: For anyone who needs it, YouTube offers a closed-captioning option. Just click the CC button in the bottom right-hand corner.)

1. Amazon Career Tours

Amazon Career Tours are free virtual field trips that inspire students to pursue careers of the future. Tour whenever, wherever on Kahoot! Each tour comes with a Teacher Toolkit that includes a facilitation guide and student worksheets.

• (New!) Amazon Music: Careers Behind the Beats : From studio to streaming, check out how computer science and amazing professionals make listening to your favorite songs possible.
• Amazon Fulfillment Center Tour : Explore how packages get delivered at lightning speed and how computer science, engineering, and real people work together to make the magic happen. 
• Data Center Tour 1: Uncovering Cloud Computing : Do students know what “the cloud” actually is? Find out how we went from renting movies at the store to streaming them from anywhere at any time.
• Data Center Tour 2: Keeping Data Safe and Sustainable : Discover the infrastructure that keeps your information safe and sustainable while diving into data careers of the future.
• Space Innovation Tour : Students will learn about the amazing technology on board the Orion spacecraft in NASA’s Artemis I flight test and hear from the engineers who made it all possible.

There are so many amazing online options when it comes to zoos that we couldn’t narrow it down to just one. Most zoos have live webcams in some of their most popular exhibits, such as the KC Zoo Polar Bear Cam and the Giant Panda Cam at Smithsonian’s National Zoo . However, some zoos offer a more in-depth look. You’ll definitely want to check out the San Diego Zoo as their site for kids includes behind-the-scenes videos and stories, as well as a variety of printable activities and online games. Check out our full list of virtual zoo goodness.

3. The Aquarium

It’s a similar story with aquariums. You have your pick of live webcams, but our favorites are the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager webcam (wait for the whale shark!) and the “Jelly Cam” at Monterey Bay Aquarium (so soothing). The Seattle Aquarium even has a 30-minute video tour . Want more under-the-sea fun? Here’s our ultimate list of virtual aquarium field trips.

4. The Farm

The classic preschool field trip goes online! You can have your pick of dairy farm field trips, but we like this one from the Dairy Alliance  and this one from Stonyfield Organic . Farm Food 360 gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Canadian farm and food tours—from raising pigs to making milk and cheese. We’re also loving these virtual egg farm field trips from the American Egg Board.

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5. An Art Museum

We found 20 art museums with virtual tours , including the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s # MetKids and its awesome Where’s Waldo? setup. And you can’t miss the world-famous Louvre in Paris (no passport needed!). Check out the current virtual tours: Traveling Materials and Objects, the Advent of the Artist, the Body in Movement, and Founding Myths: From Hercules to Darth Vader!

6. A National Park

From webcams at Hawaii volcanoes to a virtual run along the rim of the Grand Canyon , you have tons of options here. Our top pick would have to be Yellowstone. The interactive maps are a great way to see the Mammoth Hot Springs and Mud Volcano, but we think kids will be psyched about the Old Faithful Geyser livestream and the opportunity to make their own predictions for its next eruption . Check out everything the National Park Service has to offer virtually.

7. A Planetarium

Through Stellarium Web , kids can explore over 60,000 stars, locate planets, and watch sunrises and solar eclipses. If you enter your location, you can see all the constellations that are visible in the night sky in your corner of the world. ADVERTISEMENT

8. A Recycling Center

Take your students on a virtual field trip of a recycling center and a modern landfill . Plus, there’s a full-on curriculum that includes lesson plans, take-home handouts, and more.

9. Slime in Space

Nickelodeon teamed up with two astronauts on the International Space Station to demonstrate how slime reacts to microgravity and had kids reproduce those same demonstrations back here on Earth. It makes for an amazing 15-minute virtual field trip .

10. Nature Lab

The Nature Conservancy has a brand-new virtual field trip entitled “You’re the Scientist! Citizen Science, Frogs & Cicadas.” Check out their full library of videos on topics like climate change and water security.

11. Discovery Education

Discovery Education hosts a variety of virtual events —each with a companion guide with hands-on learning activities. Current offerings include “Making a New Life: The Courage of a Refugee” and “The Future Is Now” (architectural and engineering innovations). Stay tuned for their upcoming civics virtual field trip, “The American Ideal.”

12. The Great Lakes

This virtual field trip from Great Lakes Now has three components: coastal wetlands, algae, and lake sturgeon. Each video is a quick five minutes long.

13. The Strong National Museum of Play

Explore online exhibits and discover the history and evolution of play. Check out board games that changed play, sports video games that shaped digital play, and the making of Monopoly to name a few.

14. U.S. Census Bureau

Kids can learn about the most recent Census and how census data is collected and used. This virtual field trip also features interviews with subject matter experts and an interactive challenge.

15. National Constitution Center

The “Museum of We the People,” the Constitution Center serves as a “headquarters for civic education.” Check out the Interactive Constitution section , and be sure to watch the virtual tour .

16. The Johnson Space Center

Houston, we have a virtual field trip. Three, actually. All with companion educator guides. The star of the show is the behind-the-scenes tour of the Johnson Space Center .

17. Birthplace of Music

Boise State put together this fully interactive virtual field trip with text, photos, audio, and video about the history of music. The four featured music locations are: Vienna, Austria; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia.

18. Colonial Williamsburg

This living-history museum provides a look into life in an early American community. The website offers five different webcams featuring areas such as the tavern and the armory.

19. Mount Vernon

This virtual experience of George Washington’s home is incredibly well done. Enter the different buildings—from the opulent mansion to the chilling slave quarters—and click on different items for video and text explanations.

20. Mount Rushmore

This virtual tour comes with a real tour guide! Blaine Kortemeyer is the Assistant Chief of Interpretation and Education, who lends his expertise on the building of this national monument. The 3D Explorer is also an excellent tool.

21. The Manhattan Project

Take a visit to the National WWII Museum for “a cross-country virtual expedition to discover the science, sites, and stories of the creation of the atomic bomb.” Don’t forget to download the classroom guide!

22. The White House

For a look inside the iconic building, check out the 360° tour of some of the most historic rooms of the People’s House, from the Situation Room to the Oval Office. Examine each room and check out the contents up close.

23. The Smithsonian

The National Museum of Natural History’s virtual experiences are self-guided, room-by-room tours of permanent, current, and past exhibits. Be sure to send kids to the second floor Bone Hall so they can take a look at all different kinds of skeletons.

24. Google Arts & Culture

A collaboration with over 1,200 leading museums and archives, Google Arts & Culture is an incredible storehouse of monumental works of art. We recommend the Street View and Play sections.

25. 360 Cities

Boasting the world’s largest collection of 360° image videos, 360 Cities provides kids with the opportunity to see stunning panoramas across the globe, including their video of the ice floe on the Vistula River in Poland.

26. Buckingham Palace

It’s the official residence of the Queen of England, and boy, is it opulent! Get a peek inside the gorgeous Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room, Throne Room, and Blue Drawing Room.

27. The Great Wall of China

See one of the wonders of the world with this amazing, thousands-year-old fortification system known the world over. This virtual tour has four scenes available (you have to pay to get access to all 14). The bird’s-eye view of Mutianyu pass is a highlight.

28. Easter Island

Most of us recognize the giant stone statues of Easter Island, but what’s the story behind them? Nova’s online adventure “Secrets of Easter Island” delves into the mystery with a virtual tour.

29. Son Doong Cave

National Geographic lets you explore the world’s largest cave, located in Vietnam. Use the interactive map to enjoy the fully immersive experience (sound on!).

30. Ancient Egypt

You don’t need a time machine! Discovering Ancient Egypt has a ton of free resources, but it’s the interactive pyramid map and 3D temple reconstructions that really give it a field trip feel.

31. Back Through Time

Virtually visit Turn Back the Clock , a museum exhibit that ran for two years at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Through compelling personal stories, innovative interactive media, and pop culture artifacts, the exhibit takes guests through seven decades of history—from the dawn of the nuclear age to significant policy questions our leaders face today.

No, really! You can absolutely “go” to the red planet. With Access Mars , you can see the actual surface of Mars, recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Trust us—don’t skip the intro. And if your kids liked that, check out this 4K tour of the moon . These may go down in history as some of the best virtual field trips your students get to experience.

33. The Battleship New Jersey

Take a virtual tour of this historical battleship located on the Camden waterfront. This battleship has traveled more miles than any other!

34. The Vatican

No need to travel to Rome! Take in the amazing art and architecture located in the Vatican Museums with these 360-degree views.

35. Space Center Houston

Download the app and climb aboard the virtual tram line! Take a virtual walk through the Space Center Houston with informational stops along the way.

36. The Louvre

Virtually visit museum rooms in the famous Louvre located in Paris. Even check out The Louvre kids’ site for student-friendly galleries and stories. You can’t visit The Louvre without seeing the Mona Lisa , so check out their immersive Mona Lisa experience available in the app store.

37. Ellis Island

This interactive tour of Ellis Island lets students explore places like the Baggage Room and the Stairs of Separation through short stories, historical photographs, videos, and audio clips. Students can also hear the stories of real kids who recently immigrated to the United States, explore colorful charts and graphs with immigration data, and watch a 30-minute movie that includes a Q&A with National Park Service Rangers who explain what coming to America was like for many immigrants.

38. Plimoth Patuxet Museums

Travel back to the 17th century with options for free, on-demand, digital resources or a live, 1-hour virtual school program led by a Plimoth Patuxet Contemporary Indigenous Museum Educator. Students explore Wampanoag daily life and history; discover the real history of Thanksgiving and the legend behind it; meet a 17th-century Pilgrim; get an interactive sneak peak into 17th-century wardrobes; and learn about simple machines and water power at the Plimoth Grist Mill. There are also options for virtual hands-on history workshops, including Wampanoag Pottery and Write Like a Pilgrim.

39. Children’s Museum Houston

When you can’t visit the museum in person, 3D virtual field trips to the Children’s Museum Houston are the next best thing. All videos are produced and curated by museum educators and feature hands-on activities that can be done in the classroom. Topics include nutrition, math, states of matter, forces and properties of water, and more.

40. Museum of the American Revolution

Beyond the Battle Field is a virtual field trip for grades 2-8 hosted by Lauren Tarshis, author of the I Survived historical-fiction series for kids. Students will meet a museum educator as well as the museum curator, and explore artifacts and documents from the American Revolution. Plus they’ll hear the stories of teens who served during the war. There’s also a Classroom Kit available with a vocabulary list and discussion questions by grade level.

If you liked this roundup of the best virtual field trips and want more resources like this, be sure to  subscribe to our newsletters.

Plus, check out the best field trip ideas for every age and interest (virtual options too) ..

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ARIZONA NEWS

Development of Holocaust museum in Phoenix receives $7 million from education department

Sep 12, 2024, 4:05 AM | Updated: 11:21 am

Tom Horne delivered a check for $7 million to help the development of a Holocaust education center in Phoenix.

BY AARON DECKER

PHOENIX – In an effort to educate the community on the Holocaust, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne presented a multi-million dollar check to help build a Holocaust education center in Phoenix.

On Tuesday, Horne gave the Arizona Jewish Historical Society a $7 million check from the Arizona Department of Education to aid in the development of the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center.

Estimated to open in 2027 near the Arizona Jewish Historical Society building, the center is aimed at educating 50,000 students a year on the Holocaust and other genocides.

The creation of the museum comes after Horne and Arizona legislators have pushed for a more robust policy on educating students on the Holocaust. In April, legislation passed that required educators to teach students between seventh and 12th grade about the Holocaust and other genocides for at least three class periods on two separate occasions.

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In light of recent protests regarding the Israel-Hamas war, Horne has showed concern over antisemitic messaging and hopes an education center can assist students in making informed decisions on current events.

“In the past year, we have seen the unbelievable and tragic targeting of the Jewish community with the horrific acts committed on innocent men, women and children by Hamas in Israel, the ignorant and misguided protests against Jews on college campuses and the endorsement of anti-Semitic literature in some Arizona classrooms,” Horne said in a press release.

“This cannot go unchallenged, and educating people is one of the most powerful tools to face this scourge. Developing the Hilton Family Holocaust Education Center is a needed step toward bridging understanding between people of all ethnicities and belief systems and I am grateful to be a part of this important cause.”

A unique approach to teaching history

During a press conference for the announcement of the funds, Steve Hilton, a Holocaust education advocate and whom the center is named, spoke on the plans for the museum and how it will find a unique way to educate children.

In order to approach a new generation of students who are less enthused about museums because they now have accessible information on their phones and social media, the plan is to create a new way to educate students that will create an impactful experience.

“We’re not going to build a building that has a lot of artifacts but we are going to create a two-hour immersive, highly technical … journey experience through the history of the Holocaust, how it happened, why it happened,” Hilton said.

With histories on other genocides the hope is that students will be taught how to stand up to hate, Hilton said.

Production on the design of the museum has already begun and construction is expected to begin next summer.

“Today Phoenix is the largest city in the country that doesn’t have a Holocaust museum or Holocaust education center,” Hilton said. “We’re going to change that, we’re going to have not the largest museum or largest education center in the country but the most unique. The place that’s going to teach it the best.”

A long road to creation

In November 2023 , the Arizona Jewish Historical Society announced plans to build the center along with a campaign to raise money.

Initial funding was supplied by Hilton and the Phoenix GO Bond, which devoted $2 million to the project.

The $7 million donation came after came Democratic Rep. Alma Hernandez and Republican Rep. David Marshall co-sponsored legislation to provide money for the center through the state education department.

“I’m really proud to be able to work with my colleagues who made this possible,” Hernandez said. “I want to say that this was one of the most bipartisan bills that we’ve seen this year. We had almost every member both in the house and in the Senate sign on as co-sponsors to this legislation and I just really wanted to thank all of those who were involved to make this day possible.”

Hernandez and Marshall have both spearheaded the push to create comprehensive education on the Holocausts in Arizona schools.

“This project will be a tourist destination, not just that, but it’ll be an Arizonan destination, as well as field trips for our children to come and learn the true story about the Holocaust,” Marshall said.

Not just education, but a personal matter

Horne and Hilton both spoke about their own personal ties to the Holocaust in their press conference.

Horne and Hilton shared stories of how their fathers lived through the Holocaust and were faced with antisemitism. Hilton’s father grew up in Warsaw, Poland and was sent to five different concentration camps after being captured in 1943. He was the only survivor of his family.

The concern of anti-Semitism growing in the country was a focus for Horne, Hernandez and Marshall who all spoke of incidents occurring in schools and protests on college campuses.

Horne has opposed pro-Palestinian events that have taken place in Arizona schools. In 2023, Horne denounced an event at Desert Mountain High School that presented support for Palestine, calling it antisemitic and anti-American.

He shared a story of his Jewish father who lived in Warsaw in 1930. He tells of his father loving history and interpreting the current events of his time through a historical lens. Seeing the Nazi invasion was soon to come, he tried to convince his friends and family to escape the region but they refused.

Horne’s father was able to convince his wife to leave to the United States but the family that stayed behind did not survive the Holocaust.

“I know that my immediate family survived because of my father’s knowledge of history and ability to interpret current events. And I’ve been pushing very hard for the teaching of history in our schools because I believe the survival of the next generation will depend on their knowledge of history and their ability to interpret current events,” Horne said.

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