Out-of-school experiences teach kids independence and cement educational concepts through hands-on learning. But they can also be a lot of work to plan and execute, starting with the challenge of finding great places for school or camp trips.
The best school trips are ones that are planned well in advance, with teachers using books and other materials to set the stage and get kids excited before the day of the trip. For example, teachers can discuss the upcoming trip and have kids predict what they will see and do during their adventure.
Teachers and other student leaders who are tasked with organizing these activities almost always start their planning in the same place — choosing a trip location. Planning is the key to success here, and certain locations are more fun and educational than others.
Keep reading for key tips on how to find great places for school or camp trips in the New Jersey area.
Check the Calendar
Great places for school or camp trips can book up months, if not years, in advance. Check school calendars, sports team calendars, and community calendars to pinpoint the best date for the trip, and then start calling potential event venues or locations to see if they’re available on the dates you selected.
Popular attractions, like national parks and museums, need to be reserved months in advance, and it can be difficult to get tickets for more than 20 to 30 students at once. Private facilities, like indoor amusement parks, are usually easier to reserve. These facilities are used to hosting school classes, youth groups, sports teams, and clubs, and most open up their calendars one year in advance to make booking reservations easier on teachers and other event hosts.
Consider the Group Size
How large is the group you’re traveling with? There are a number of great places for school or camp trips that simply can’t accommodate large groups of 30 or more kids. Therefore, it is important to have a rough estimate of the size of the group, along with the number of chaperones, when searching for a place for your school or camp trip.
Plan Out the Hands-On Experiences
Great places for school or camp trips are ones that have plenty of activities for kids to try. Students spend hours each week sitting inside classrooms. Class trips are their chance to let loose. Think about the activities your students are most likely to enjoy, and then search out a venue that offers those activities.
For bonding and team building trips, encourage kids to work in pairs or small groups as they take part in the various hands-on experiences, like rock climbing or kids ropes courses.
Some examples of popular activities for kids include laser tag, go karts, arcade games, carousels, and 4D theaters. Anything that gets kids moving and laughing is a win.
Think About Transportation
How will your class or club get to the event venue? Certain locations are easier to get to than others. Plan the route your group will take in advance, and book a private driver or bus company as early as possible. Also, check with the venue to confirm where buses or school vans should park upon arrival.
iPlay America: Dedicated and Experienced People At Your Service
iPlay America is a favorite destination for the most memorable parties, events, corporate outings, and charitable functions. And it’s no surprise! With the numerous rides and attractions, climate-controlled indoor facility, and flexible pricing and options, iPlay America is the perfect destination for any school or camp trip. Frequently listed as one of New Jersey’s great places for school or camp trips, iPlay America offers versatile event spaces and more than 155,000 square feet of meticulously clean fun, games, and entertainment.
With the most dedicated and experienced event planning specialists, iPlay America has been delivering high quality events since 2011. It’s no surprise that iPlay America is one of the most popular spots in New Jersey for team building, company outings, group events, and fundraising.