CM Destinations are suggestions for twaddle-free field trips that will enhance your child’s Charlotte Mason-style education. They include places such as museums, art galleries, orchestras, opera companies, Shakespeare companies, handicraft demonstrations, nature museums and parks, historical battlefields and landmarks, aquariums, living history farms, zoos, botanical gardens, nature trails and hikes.

Be sure to send us your favorite destinations. If we all contribute, it will become a more valuable resource for all of us to share. And when the list gets long enough, we’ll organize it by geographical area and add a search feature.

Aquariums

Nancy L. says: Your adventure begins under a spectacular glass dome, home to freshwater fish, free flying birds, otters, alligators and other Florida wetland inhabitants. You follow a course to brackish water inhabitants and end at the bay/beaches. This is an amazing set up. Everything was SO CLOSE and easy to observe. We went two days in a row, and saw things we missed the day before.

Nancy L. says: In recent years our facility has served as an educational exhibit for increasing numbers of schools in the Florida panhandle. It is now open to the public, enabling people to see many local marine animals for the first time. Most of us have never seen what lives in a sea grass meadow or on a limestone outcrop - the tiny green shrimp and scarlet sponges, the crystal and glittering comb jellyfish. The very existence of most of these thousands of different life forms is unknown to all but a few scientists.

Phyllis says: Whether looking at the 28 foot high kelp forest, watching tunas, sharks and sea turtles in the million-gallon outer bay exhibit, or touching a live ray or starfish in the touch pool, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has plenty to see and experience.

Nancy L. says: The Aquarium is home to a variety of marine and aquatic animals, as well as a very unique fishing tackle collection. Animal feeding schedules are a highlight. The electric eel sets off a sound device and meter registering the amount of electricity he releases as he eats.

Art Museums

Sharon says: Located in Stockton, California, the Haggin is a little known gem! In addition to an Egyptian mummy and modest history collection, the Haggin boasts an extensive collection of both American and European art! They have a large number of Bierstadt paintings and works by Renoir and Gauguin, among others! Neat place!

Stephani says: Wonderful lesser know museum in Chattanooga TN.

Karen M. says: I have been to several museums and this is my favorite. With 3 floors of art ranging from sculptures to paintings, it was wonderful!

Candace M. says: A beautiful and intimate collection of 19th and 20th century European and American art located at the Marion Koogler Spanish style estate.

Jennifer F. says: The National Gallery in Washington DC offers family workshops usually centered on a particular artist. This includes a picture “scavenger hunt”, art projects, and usually a film on the life of an artist. They also offer educational resources to use for free - just pay mailing costs.

For those with younger children, be sure to check out the Stories in Art.

Laura H. says: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is dedicated to the enjoyment and understanding of the visual arts and the varied cultures they represent. It is committed through its collections and programs to being a vital partner in the educational and cultural life of Kansas City and a preeminent institution both nationally and internationally. The Nelson-Atkins strives to achieve this goal by adherence to the highest professional standards in the collection, preservation, exhibition and interpretation of works of art.

Dawn T. says: The OK Museum of Art is a beautiful place. It’s home to the most extensive collection of Chihuly glass, which includes the magnificent entry-way piece. This piece of artwork is on the website; however, you must see it in person to really see how breathtakingly beautiful it is. They have wonderful exhibits too, including the George Washington Portait last year; that was awesome. Next time you’re in OKC, stop in and enjoy.

Botanical Gardens

Karen D. says: Extensive and beautiful gardens and enormous Victorian indoor greenhouses and butterfly houses.

Anita K. says: Web site also includes links for Shaw Nature Reserve, Butterfly House, EarthWays Center

Historical Battlefields

Cynthia S. says: Shiloh was the first major battle of the Western theatre of the Civil War. Nearly 24,000 were killed, injured or reported missing after the 2-day battle on April 6 & 7, 1862. Kids can join the Shiloh National Military Park’s Junior Ranger Program, be certified as a Shiloh National Military Park Junior Ranger and receive a Junior Ranger badge and certificate after completion of a booklet (available at the visitor’s center). School groups may qualify for free admission (see website for more info).

Historical Landmarks

Beth O. says: Castillo de San Marcos still stands as a monument to Spain’s determination to control this area. This oldest masonry fort in the US overlooks Matanzas Bay. The fort successfully withstood every enemy attack. It is a well preserved example of Spanish colonial fortifications used in the New World. The National Park Service website includes lots of information including activities and educational programs. Our visit to the fort included watching reenactors, watching a movie about the long history of the fort and exploring the fort and displays that reflect the historical importance of the fort.

Merrilee M. says: There is a wealth of history AND natural history to be found here! Fort Ross actually gets its name as an English corruption of Russia. The Russians had a fur trade colony established in California on the edge of the Russian River. Our kids had a wonderful time here!

Jennifer F. says: The museum here is terrific! So much to see and do. Be sure to
check out their Junior Ranger Program - an information “scavenger hunt” where the children learn while searching. Most National Parks have a program, so be sure to check all when you visit. The kids can have fun collecting badges! Gettysburg is also fun!

Doug S. says: Not only is this an interesting place to talk about presidents and stone sculpture, but there are many other things in the area worth seeing. A few highlights are the Crazy Horse stone sculpture, which is still in progress, several caves, and the Badlands.

There are also several fire towers in the area. If you ask nicely, the rangers are usually happy to invite your family up into the tower for a tour.

Jennifer D. says: Twenty-six historic sites and museums throughout the state of PA that celebrate PA history. All have special festival days as well as being open to the public most of the year. You can join the PA Historical Commission and get free admission to all sites for a year membership.

Nancy L. says: The Parthenon stands proudly as the centerpiece of Centennial Park, Nashville’s premier urban park. The re-creation of the 42-foot statue Athena is the focus of the Parthenon just as it was in ancient Greece. The building and the Athena statue are both full-scale replicas of the Athenian originals.

Monica T. says: Attractions include: The USS DRUM, The USS Alabama, B-52 Bomber; Calamity Jane, Tuskegee Airmen P-51D Mustang, A-12 “Blackbird” Spy Plane, F-16 Falcon, and many other aircraft and exhibits.

Historical Museums

Mary M. says: This fabulous historical center is made up of 5 separate museums. There are 3 history museums — The Buffalo Bill Museum, The Plains Indian Museum, and Cody Firearms Museum — as well as an art museum and a natural history museum. There is so much to see; plan on at least one entire day.

Brandie L. says: California Missions have a great history and there are 21 spanning the state of California. The web site is a list of Missions to visit, links to individual missions (visiting hours, museum hours, etc.). A great guide to help you in the planning of historical destinations.

Dick K. says: Loads of interest in the pioneer days along the Ohio River.

Nancy L. says: Art Museum and History of Cowboys, rodeos, historic firearms. Sketching is encouraged.

Debbie M. says: Absolutely fabulous new facility with tremendous amounts of Native American exhibits as well as a full-size model of a Wiley Post airplane. There are many interactive centers and many hands-on exhibits.

Sharon says: Located in San Jose, California, this museum has an extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts and a tomb replica. They offer classes in reading hieroglyphs and have both guided and self-guided tours.

Historical People’s homes, libraries, museums, studios

Nancy L. says: The Hermitage is the most authentic early presidential home in America, where you’ll be a honored guest in the Jackson family mansion, the formal garden, slave quarters, and the original log cabin the Jacksons occupied in 1804. Their 1,100-acre plantation was once home to 150 enslaved African Americans who worked the farm, cultivated the gardens, tended livestock, baled cotton, cared for the home and its guests, and met countless other needs of the plantation. Guides were period costumes.

Sonya S. says: We loved our trip to the Hermitage! Peter, the head gardener, was giving a rare garden tour when we arrived, and it was a real treat to hear him share his enthusiasm about restoring the garden, which trees were original, and what he had discovered while tending the flower beds. He encouraged us to collect and take some flower seeds home.

Dick K. says: He was key operative in the Underground Railroad, as I recall.

Dick K. says: Largest collection of Lincoln Memorabilia anywhere. Used to be the home of Lincoln Financial. Very impressive.

Dick K. says: Very nominal charge. View of the city. He was a founder of the city of Akron, Ohio. Across the street from the John Brown Museum.

Living History

Cecelia B. says: 1890s Living History Village, Museum and Exhibits. Working farm, grist mill, cotton gin, general store, railroad, school, church, printing press and more. Hands-on activities for K-4th and 5th and up. Wonderful trip.

Beth O. says: The Colonial Spanish Quarter features living history interpreters dressed in period clothing and performing period tasks. They represent the residents of 1740’s St. Augustine, a time when St. Augustine was under threat of attack from British forces in the Colonies to the North. You will see townspeople engaging in activities typical of merchants, craftsmen and their families in an 18th Century Spanish City. Interpreters include The Carpenter, The Cooper, The Treenware Maker, The Blacksmith, The Seamstress, The Leather Shop, The Church Scribe, The Candle maker, and The Herbalist. The Museum includes gardens and a home that provides the opportunity to see the lifestyles of a soldier and his family in the 1740’s.

Our family spent a fascinating afternoon at the Colonial Spanish Quarter! During this period of time St. Augustine was a military city of about 2,000 people. Most of the people were soldiers or militiamen. We visited with the interpreters and learned so much about the time period in Florida.
For instance, we visited with the Church Scribe and he explained different lettering styles of the period. He inscribed a certificate for our family to take home. We discussed medicinal herbs with the Herbalist, the important uses of leather with the Leatherworker, and received a detailed explanation of family cooking methods at a soldier’s home. Our family admission fee included two day admission to the Spanish Quarter, a 45 minute movie about St. Augustine at the St. Augustine Visitor’s Center and admission to the St. Augustine Museum. A great value!

Marcia M. says: This place was fun for the whole family with three time-period villages spread out on a large acreage.

Jennifer C. says: The CAF is unique in that their aircraft are not merely a collection of artifacts but is living history, available for all the world to see. And there is more to it than the airplanes, there is also the people — MANY of their members are the people who were THERE, putting their lives on the line all those years ago. What they strive to do is paint the history of American airpower and pay tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women who built, maintained, and flew these airplanes for the defense of our nation with a depth and historical perspective that no mere textbook can capture. Recommended ages: Grades 5 - 12; Presentation: 45 - 60 minutes; Hangar Tour: 30 minutes; Cost: FREE.

Doug S. says: Copper Harbor is the most northern point in Michigan. They have a fort there that has been turned into a museum. In the summer, it is staffed by actors in period costumes. They stay in character while you visit. They also have a campground within walking distance to the fort, and a great lighthouse.

Cecelia B. says: They have had a homeschool day in the past with admission and lunch for $10. Keep checking their website to see if they will have it again.

Lisa J. says: Living History Farm with events throughout the year (fall festival with applebutter making, cider making,craft making for kids-corn husk dolls, live animals, etc. Summer Ice Cream Socials, Christmas events). Open year round-closed on Sondays and Mondays. Since we live about 1 and 1/2 hours away, we go to the annual Corn Shucking in October almost every year. The children love it!

Sonya S. says: The Living History Farms is wonderful; I highly recommend it! It’s actually four different sites from Iowa history: a 1700s Indian camp, an 1850s pioneer homestead, a 1900 farm, and an 1864 town. They expect you to pitch in and help do the work, so when you start out they give everybody work gloves. Let’s see, at the Indian camp they had just skinned a deer but we didn’t help with the scraping :-/ At the pioneer homestead the kids helped dip candles outside the cabin, and one of the interpreters (all are dressed in time period clothing and SO knowledgeable) showed us an apple pie they were “baking” near the fireplace. She also showed us how to spin the sheep’s wool into yarn. At the farm the kids helped shuck corn with a hand-crank. At the town they swept out the store at the broom factory, worked the bellows at the blacksmith’s, planed some wood at the carpenter’s/undertaker’s, decorated some hats at the milliner’s, and washed clothes at the implements store. Plus, we toured the 1865 house and learned how to sit when wearing a bustle :-) At all the sites you’re welcome to look, touch, and ask everywhere and everything.

Kathy L. says: The Farmstead is a typical Northeast Texas turn-of-the-century farmstead, complete with the 100-year-old house, barn and smoke-house from Charlie Hoffman’s Camp County farm. Completely restored, the house is furnished with period antiques, which include several pieces from the Hoffmans. Descendants in period costumes will conduct you through this delightful, historic home.

Jessica B. says: A living history museum that takes the visitor back to the 17th
century. Role players are in character as the pilgrims in the village in Plymouth, MA. The Wampanoag people perform traditional work and play but are not representing the 17th century but how the people lived then and now. There is also a crafts area as well as heritage breed animals.

Candace M. says: Located in LBJ State Park in Stonewall, Texas (1 hr. from San Antonio and Austin). A wonderful example of the German settler’s life at the turn of the century.

Cecelia B. says: One of the best 1800s living history villages in the south. Hosts several very good events all year long.

Natural History/Nature Museums

Tammy B. says: This museum is awesome!! More to see than just one day’s visit. The dinosaur section is absolutely amazing. Tons of animals and dioramas to enjoy. Also hands-on science exploration.

Kristen S. says: This is a fantastic natural history museum. There are replicas of various habitats, a large collection of stuffed birds, an artificial cave, a few mummies, and many other exciting exhibits. They even have a small children’s section. There are a couple other small museums and a picnic area right nearby, so it’s great for spending a day.

Nancy L. says: An American Mastodon and Columbian Mammoth, both found in a North
Florida river, greet visitors in the museum lobby. Observing the differences was great fun. The Megladon Exhibit was fantastic, entering through the full size jaws and walking to the end of the 60ft shark!!

Janey P. says: Absolutely wonderful field trip destination! Don’t miss the Cockrell Butterfly Center & Live Insect Zoo. You walk into a Rainforest environment with butterflies flying all around you. There is a planetarium, IMAX Theatre, Lecture series and on-going exhibits as well as special traveling exhibits at times! Located in Houston near The Houston Zoo and Herman Park.

Cecelia B. says: The all time favorite museum in the area. It’s not just a zoo, it’s not just a living history village, it’s not just a place for reptiles and birds; it’s everything!

Nature Trails

Kimberly C. says: Located on the western border of Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park within the Plano Parks and Recreation Department system. The park features vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activity. The park is open year-round from 5am-10pm. Amenities include: Playground, Three pavilions (reservations accepted on one), Restrooms, Paved recreational trail (approx. 4.4 miles), Natural unpaved trails, Off-road cycling trail (approx. 2 miles), A natural biofilter for cleaning surface run-off from the parking lot before it reenters the ground water tables, Observation tower, Creeks.

Kimberly C. says: Within Zilker Park’s 358 acres, lies one of the crown jewels of Austin, Barton Springs Pool. Three acres in size, the pool is fed from under-ground springs and is on average 68 degrees year round. Barton Springs, the fourth largest natural springs in the state, was created as a result of a landshift that created the Balcones Fault.

Kelly C. says: This is part of the Audobon Society of S.W. Pennsylvania. They have many ongoing educational programs at reasonable costs (sometimes free) and beautiful trails to just enjoy at other times.

  • Birdsong Nature Center, Thomasville, Georgia

Cecelia B. says: Watch birds in habitat from bird window, discovery walk and butterfly garden. $3.00/person. Can bring lunch and eat on grounds. Contact: 229-377-4408.

Ann Katherine B. says: We recently went here to camp with our children. It offers not only camping, but numerous hiking trails and Cade’s Cove which has old cabins and barns that people used to really live in and use. Our children loved it and we could have spent weeks there. Oh, we also saw wildlife in the park (mostly in Cade’s Cove): wild turkeys, deer, woodpeckers, chipmunks, hawks, and best of all, black bears—all of which we saw up close.

Cecelia B. says: This is a kids’ favorite! Programs include Wetland scavenger hunt, Pond Life Microscopic, Pond Life Macroscopic and Wetland Survey, and then fishing on the stocked pond. Can be scheduled year-round. Various fees.

Sarah A. says: This is actually a theme park. But, that is not why I put it in. There is a one mile walk up the mountain. And also a train ride to see where they chiseled a picture into the side of the mountain of three men riding horses. It is gorgeous and amazing at the same time.

Sonya S. says: This destination could also be a good addition to a history study; the three men carved into the mountain are leaders of the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Kimberly C. says: Located in the heart of Austin, Zilker Park hooks up with Town Lake Park, and serves as home to Barton Springs — the city’s most famous swimming hole. The park has just about everything, and even on its most crowded days, you should be able to find room to yourself somewhere on its 400 acres.

Opera Companies

Orchestras

Kelly C. says: The Pittsburgh Symphony does an educational/outreach program to schools (and homeschoolers!) that they call Tiny Tots concerts. FREE! They have performed classics such as Peter and the Wolf, Sleeping Beauty, etc. under a conductor well chosen for his understanding of honing in on kids’ interests. My kids have come away with an appreciation for the music and a better understanding of the instruments and the roles they play in the orchestra. The Symphony also provides educational materials for preparing the students before the show and expanding upon what they’ve learned afterwards.

Sonya S. says: Where else can you hear Andre Watts play Beethoven “live” for $10?

Planetariums

Leesa S. says: Wonderful space museum, planetarium, IMAX theater, and “Doctor Goddard’s Lab”– a live demonstration of early rocket science. They also conduct various “space camps” for school-aged children and adults!

Science Museums

Kelly C. says: We have been going to the Carnegie Science Center since my kids were toddlers and have found something fun for us at every age and interest since. There are permanent and changing exhibits that always seem new every time we go. There’s even a whole building that we haven’t seen yet… the Science of Sports that we’ll probably venture into this year sometime. There’s also a planetarium that is just amazing.

Cecelia B. says: Various programs including simulators, planetarium and IMAX theatre. Recommended for older children.

Nicole M. says: First, you choose one of 5 themed zones (nature, geology,
engineering, etc), then a guide takes you on a three-hour tour of the
section. There is even a section for under 5s, which includes a
plasticine workshop, puppet shows and a gymnasium area, where the
toddlers can climb, use a trampoline, etc. In the grounds of the
museum is an Avianca plane, which you can board and you are told about
the workings of a plane, along with having an introduction to aviation
history. During the month of May, in which Colombians celebrate the
Month of the Child, admission is free every wednesday for children
under 11. All the guides speak Spanish, so if your Spanish isn’t too
good, that can be a bit of a problem. That said, those that we have
met so far, were happy to speak slower for us.

Nancy L. says: We joined together with other families to meet their 15 student minimum. Programs are offered at no charge. Must make a reservation. Provides an opportunity for students to learn about aquatic ecology in a natural setting. Students participate in aquatic programs, ranging from studying pond life to wetland surveys that are selected to complement their classroom learning. Students are provided with equipment and supervised instruction while they enjoy fishing in JBAEC’s well-stocked 15-acre pond. We hope this first-hand experience with an aquatic habitat will enhance the students’ appreciation of proper environmental management.

Dick K says: Over 300 aircraft and space items, command modules, presidential aircraft and on and on! Check the info page for VERY helpful info. It is open all but three days per year! Excellent map to help you get there. Arrive early, spend a full day there! There is a required ratio of adults/children, so plan accordingly.

Nancy L. says: Bodyzone is very interesting. Literally entering through a giant mouth and following how different parts of the body work as you walk.

Tricia C. says: No twaddle here! For the most part I am very impressed with the exhibits. The planetarium and butterfly house are a must see.

Jill P. says: This is fun for all ages. The museum is inside the historic Union Station in downtown Kansas City, MO. Across the street from Crown Center, a large shopping center. If you do go to Crown Center go downstairs and have lunch at Fritz’s where a train will deliver your burgers and fries!

Tammy T. says: This is a great place to learn about and see the different minerals.

Shakespeare Companies

Candace M. says: Ambleside School of Fredericksburg’s (Texas) annual Shakespeare festival features activities, handwork, two plays performed by the students (3rd-12th grade), sonnet recitations, and beautiful singing set along the river in Luckenbach, Texas. Takes place in May. Ambleside School of Fredericksburg is a Charlotte Mason model school.

Janey P. says: Each summer during August, professional acting companies put on WONDERFUL performances of Shakespeare’s plays; usually a comedy and a tragedy alternate nights. Best of all these are FREE! People bring blankets, lawn chairs, picnics, and I’ve even seen little grills out there! Children are welcome, and have room to move without disturbing others! It’s great!

Janey P. says: Shakespeare in the Park!

Erminia K. says: This is a beautiful place and it was an amazing experience. Make sure to sit in the front row, the kids will love it!

Zoos

Mary M. says: The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is a zoo, natural history museum, and botanical garden all in one place. It is our favorite place to visit in Arizona. There are hundreds of species of animals and plants in their native Sonoran Desert environment. They have great free-flight demonstrations with various birds of prey and a spectacular free-flight hummingbird aviary. Plan to go early to be there when it opens because crowds are low and the animals are most active.

Dick K. says: Free!

Nancy L. says: Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences.

Nancy L. says: Fantastic Meerkat exhibit

Cynthia S. says: Northwest Trek is home to more than 200 North American animals representing more than 30 species found typically in the Northwest. Trams tour the free-roaming 435-acre park. Moose, Elk, Caribou, Big Horn Sheep, Bison, Bobcat, Cougar, Lynx, Bears, Wolves, Fox, Coyotes are just a few of what you might see on a typical day at Northwest Trek!

Tammy B. says: Great zoo with lots of new exhibits. Plus a fun water play area.

Kelly C. says: Come early because you’ll need nearly the whole day to see everything!

Anita K. says: St. Louis Zoo is one of the best Zoos in the Mid-West.

Nancy L. says: GREAT ZOO, we spent three days visiting all the different areas. The Behind the Scenes tours are outstanding. My daughter, 4yrs old at the time, fed a giraffe.

Cynthia S. says: FREE Admission! Part of the Smithsonian Institute. The Famous Giant Panda Bears are a big hit!

  • Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum, Oklahoma

    • Stacey N. says: This is a “petting zoo” — and so much more — just seven miles south of Bandon, OR, on the Oregon Coast. This is a very interactive zoo (my kids bottle-fed baby cougars and pet a baby tiger), it has MANY animals, and is rarely crowded. 46914 Hwy. 101 So. Bandon, Oregon 97411,
    (541) 347-3106.

    Frankie M. says: I second Stacy N…this is a great zoo! I visited it before I had children, and just wish that we could all go back! We were allowed to hold days-old baby bears wrapped in baby blankets and a de-skunked skunk! The folks were friendly and welcoming!

    Cynthia S. says: One of the best zoos in the Pacific Northwest!

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    Guidelines for CM Destinations

    • Add only destinations that relate to the fine arts, science and nature, and history. If in doubt, take a look at the categories on the list.
    • It’s best if the destination has a Web site that we can link to for more detailed information.
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    • Since this site is dedicated to CM education, please list destinations that are educational, not merely entertaining. For example, commercial athletic stadiums or amusement parks probably don’t fit.
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