Trips we have enjoyed so far this year:

Fort Christmas Historical Society

Our visit to the Fort Christmas Historical Society was a journey back in time! Students explored a full-scale replica of the 1837 Fort Christmas, originally built during the Second Seminole War.

Throughout the day, we toured authentic Cracker-style homes, a historic schoolhouse, and exhibits filled with artifacts from early Florida settlers. We also learned about the Seminole people and their interactions with pioneers.

This hands-on experience gave students a deeper understanding of Florida’s rich history, making it both an educational and memorable adventure!

Andretti Theme Park

Andretti Theme Park was a blast! What was educational about a theme park?

• Engaging and Fun Activities – The park offers a mix of high-energy attractions like go-kart racing, arcade games, laser tag, and mini-golf, which kept the kids excited and engaged.

• Leadership Experience – It gave our student leader a great opportunity to greet our members and collect Andretti waivers.

• Team Building – Activities like racing and laser tag encouraged teamwork, friendly competition, and social interaction among the kids.

• Physical Activity – Unlike a museum or classroom setting, the park allowed the kids to move around, stay active, and burn off energy in a structured way.

Valentines Day Party

• Our Valentines party was held a local farm and offered plenty of social Interaction!  Homeschoolers don’t always get traditional classroom holiday parties, so this gave the kiddos a chance to celebrate together, make friends, and strengthen their community.

• Creative Activities – Whether it included card exchanges, crafts, or games, the party encouraged creativity and hands-on fun.

• Inclusive for All Ages – Unlike some field trips that might be geared toward a specific age group, our social parties are geared towards all ages.

Vero Beach Airport Tour

Our visit to Vero Beach Airport offered an exciting behind-the-scenes look at aviation! Students toured the facilities, fired a fire truck hose, and saw planes up close. They learned about air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, and airport operations, while aviation professionals shared their experiences.

This hands-on tour provided a fascinating glimpse into the world of aviation and its many career opportunities!

GATORLAND!

Gatorland was a fantastic field trip! It provided a unique blend of education, interaction, and fun. It offered an up-close look at Florida’s native wildlife, including alligators, snakes, and birds, making it an excellent learning experience in ecosystems, conservation, and animal behavior. The interactive experiences, such as feeding alligators and watching live shows, kept the kids engaged while reinforcing zoology and biology concepts. The trip also encouraged physical activity as the group explored the park’s trails and exhibits. 

Coastal Connections: Simply Sea Turtles

Field Trip Friends had an exciting and educational experience during our Simply Sea Turtles trip! The adventure kicked off with a hands-on life cycle puzzle, where kids pieced together the incredible journey of a sea turtle from hatchling to adult. They also enjoyed a creative coloring activity, where they identified and colored in key anatomical features of sea turtles. To deepen their understanding, participants explored the different sea turtle breeds, graphing the most popular species and learning about their unique characteristics. The day was a wonderful mix of interactive learning, environmental education, and fun!

Photography at the beach

Today, we welcomed new and current members of Field Trip Friends for a special open house at the beach! It was the perfect setting for families to connect, kids to explore, and everyone to enjoy the fresh ocean air.

Participants had the option to follow a fun photography scavenger hunt, capturing creative shots of seashells, footprints in the sand, and the waves rolling in. Others spent their time building sandcastles, digging moats, and creating their own little worlds along the shoreline.

It was a fantastic day of friendship, creativity, and beachside fun—exactly what Field Trip Friends is all about! 🌊📸🏖️

Nourishing Food for Thought (2 tours!)

🐄🥛 Field Trip Recap: Nourishing Food for Thought & Jupiter Creamery! 🥛🐄

Our Field Trip Friends families had an amazing hands-on experience at Nourishing Food for Thought/Jupiter Creamery! 🌿 We learned about sustainable farming, met the friendly cows 🐄, and even got to see how dairy is produced. The kids loved exploring the farm, asking great questions, and seeing firsthand where their food comes from! 🍶🌱

A huge thank you to Nourishing Food for Thought for hosting us and sharing their passion for healthy, sustainable living. We had a blast! 💚

St. Patrick's Day Party

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🍀🌈 St. Patrick’s Day Party Recap! 🌈🍀

Our Field Trip Friends had a fantastic time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with hands-on learning, creativity, and a little leprechaun mischief! 🎉

🍀 History Station – We explored the legend of St. Patrick, Irish traditions, and why we wear green! 📜🇮🇪
🎨 Craft Station – The kids got creative making leprechaun paper plate masks and beautiful stained "glass" shamrocks and rainbows! ✂️🎭🌈
🧪 STEM Table – We engineered mini catapults and had a blast flinging Lucky Charms into cups—a perfect mix of physics and fun! 🎯🍀
🌮 Food & Fun – Delicious treats, laughter, and plenty of green-filled the day! 💚🍪

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined in the fun—we love celebrating and learning together! 💫

Wild Florida!

🦅🐊 Wild Florida Field Trip Recap! 🐊🦅

Our Field Trip Friends had an unforgettable adventure at Wild Florida! 🌿 From soaring birds to massive alligators, we explored Florida’s incredible wildlife up close. The airboat ride was a thrill, taking us through the beautiful swampy landscapes and spotting native wildlife along the way! 🚤🌊

The kids had a blast feeding the animals, learning about conservation efforts, and even getting to see some incredible up-close animal encounters! 🦉🐍 A huge thank you to Wild Florida for an educational and exciting experience—we can’t wait to come back!

Oxbow Eco Center

Today, Field Trip Friends had an unforgettable adventure at Oxbow Eco-Center! 🌿🐍 We explored the beautiful preserve, learned about Florida’s unique ecosystems, and got up close with some amazing wildlife. The highlight? We got to hold a snake and hang out with a friendly box turtle! 🐢✨

From exploring the local preserve to discovering the importance of conservation, this trip was packed with hands-on learning and outdoor fun. Huge thanks to the Oxbow team for an awesome experience! Can’t wait for our next adventure! 🚀🌎

Indian River Sheriffs Department

Field Trip Friends had an exciting and educational visit to the Indian River County Sheriff's Department! We began with an informative PowerPoint presentation about law enforcement roles before touring key facilities.

At the 911 Call Center, we saw how emergency calls are handled, and in the Analyst Center, we learned how crime data is studied to solve cases. A highlight was visiting the helicopter unit, where the kids got to sit in the helicopters for a photo op.

We also explored the Sheriff’s farm, where trustees care for animals and a garden that provides fresh produce for the local food pantry. It was a fantastic experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for law enforcement and their community impact.

Daytona International Speedway

Our adventure began with a one-hour tram ride around the legendary track, giving us an up-close look at the Speedway’s massive scale. Along the way, we learned about the history and significance of this world-famous racing venue.

A highlight of the trip was getting to watch some high-end sports cars—Porsches and Lamborghinis—tear up the track. These weren’t part of an official race, but rather, car enthusiasts who had rented out the track for a day of high-speed fun. Seeing and hearing these incredible machines in action was an unforgettable experience!

We also had the chance to sit in the grandstands, taking in the view from a spectator’s perspective and imagining the excitement of a real race day.

After that, we explored the museum, where we got to see historic cars, trophies, and memorabilia that showcased Daytona’s rich racing history. The kids especially loved getting their picture taken inside one of the race cars—a fun keepsake from an amazing day!

Overall, it was a fantastic trip full of speed, history, and hands-on experiences. Another great adventure with Field Trip Friends! 🚗🏁

Busch Wildlife Tour (offsite)

Our off-site field trip with Busch Wildlife Center was full of hands-on learning and up-close animal encounters! The students were thrilled to meet a variety of Florida native wildlife, including a box turtle, a sweet opossum, a one-month-old alligator, a grouchy owl, and a friendly corn snake. Each animal ambassador gave us a unique opportunity to learn about their habitats, behaviors, and the important roles they play in the ecosystem. The educators from Busch Wildlife were engaging and informative, answering lots of great questions from the kids. It was a memorable experience that brought science and nature to life in a fun and interactive way!

Naval Seal Museum

Our visit to the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce was a powerful and inspiring experience for our group. Students explored the history and heroism of the U.S. Navy SEALs through interactive exhibits, real equipment, and incredible stories of courage and dedication. From climbing aboard a real SEAL delivery vehicle to viewing artifacts from past missions, everyone gained a deeper appreciation for the training, teamwork, and bravery these elite forces embody. The museum brought military history to life in a way that was both educational and meaningful, leaving our group with a lasting respect for those who serve.

Valiant Air Command

✈️ Field Trip to the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum 🇺🇸

Our group had an incredible day exploring history at the Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum in Titusville, FL! Surrounded by vintage aircraft, our students had the chance to learn about aviation history up close—walking through hangars filled with beautifully preserved military planes from WWII to the present day.

We were guided by knowledgeable docents who shared fascinating stories about the pilots, the missions, and the evolution of flight. One of the highlights was stepping inside a fully restored C-47 that actually flew on D-Day!

This hands-on, immersive experience gave us a powerful appreciation for both aviation and the heroes who helped shape history. It was a perfect blend of education and inspiration—and a total hit with our future leaders!

FL State Park Jr Ranger

Field Trip Friends enjoyed visiting the fishing museum at the Sebastian Inlet State Park and completing the Junior Ranger program. We learned about Florida’s unique coastal environment, completed our Jr. Ranger booklets, and even earned our official badges. Afterward, we gave back to the beach with a cleanup and then cooled off by dipping our toes in the water. It was a perfect mix of learning, helping, and having fun in the sun!

Medieval Times

Our adventure to Medieval Times was truly a journey back in time! Families from Field Trip Friends gathered for an exciting and immersive experience at the Orlando castle. Students watched in awe as knights battled in a live jousting tournament, showcasing incredible horsemanship and swordplay. The royal court kept us entertained with storytelling and pageantry, while we enjoyed a hearty medieval-style feast—no utensils required!

This trip offered a unique blend of history, entertainment, and fun, giving our homeschoolers a chance to explore medieval culture in a dynamic and memorable way. It was more than just a show—it was a full sensory experience that sparked curiosity and inspired imagination.

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Center

In early May 2025, Field Trip Friends explored the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Visitors Center! Our group enjoyed a short educational film that introduced us to the fascinating world of marine science, from coral reefs to deep-sea exploration. After the film, students took part in an interactive scavenger hunt through the exhibits, where they discovered marine animals, ocean research vessels, and learned how scientists protect our ocean ecosystems. It was a fun and informative morning that sparked curiosity and appreciation for the wonders beneath the waves!

Vero Beach Art Museum

Our visit to the Vero Beach Museum of Art was a wonderful blend of creativity, culture, and connection! Students had the chance to explore a variety of exhibits, from vibrant contemporary pieces to classic works that sparked thoughtful conversations and artistic curiosity.

The museum staff was incredibly welcoming, guiding us through the galleries and sharing stories behind the art that brought each piece to life. 

Elliott Museum

Our group had an amazing time stepping back in time at the Elliott Museum in Stuart! From antique cars and vintage bicycles to baseball memorabilia and local history exhibits, there was something fascinating around every corner.

The highlight of the day was our guided tour with Craig, who brought the exhibits to life with his enthusiasm and knowledge. Our students especially loved seeing the car collection in motion thanks to the unique automated racking system—such a cool behind-the-scenes peek at museum innovation!

This trip was a perfect blend of history, technology, and hands-on learning. Thank you to the Elliott Museum staff for such a warm welcome and to our families for making the day extra special!

Amazon Fulfilment Center Tour

We got a behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon packages are picked and packed! We learned about the amazing technology Amazon uses to process thousands of orders every hour—including robots that help move shelves, conveyor systems that span the warehouse, and barcode scanners that track every item with precision.The tour was both educational and inspiring, showing real-world applications of logistics, robotics, and supply chain management. We left with a new appreciation for what it takes to get those familiar brown boxes to our doorsteps!

Annie Jr Kids @ Riverside Theater

Today, Field Trip Friends enjoyed a wonderful performance of Annie Jr. at Riverside Theatre! The talented young cast brought the beloved story to life with energy, heart, and catchy musical numbers. From “It’s a Hard Knock Life” to “Tomorrow,” our group was captivated by the production. A big thank you to Riverside Theatre for hosting such a fantastic show—and to our FTF families for making this a memorable outing!

Big Shots Golfing

What an amazing morning at Big Shots! 
Today’s field trip was completely complimentary thanks to the generosity of Big Shots — and that’s not all. Big Shots has gone above and beyond to support Field Trip Friends by not only opening their doors to our families, but also by becoming a Bronze Level Sponsor and donating a gift certificate to our June fundraiser. 
The kids had an absolute blast golfing today, and the smiles say it all. We’re so grateful for community partners like Big Shots who believe in what we’re doing and help us create these special memories together.

📸 Thank you, Big Shots, for pouring into our mission and our families. We feel the love — and we’re sending it right back!

Chuck E Cheese STEAM Event

STEAM at Chuck E. Cheese – Melbourne, FL-
Today was a perfect mix of learning and fun! Our Field Trip Friends crew enjoyed delicious pizza & juice, learned all about Push & Pull forces through an interactive science video, put their knowledge to the test with a hands-on worksheet, and then wrapped it all up with game play! 
Who says science can’t be fun? 

Publix 

Today we got a behind-the-scenes look at Publix, and it was amazing!
We visited the bakery (and enjoyed some cookies 🍪) and then stopped by the Boar’s Head counter, where we also enjoyed a surprise puppet show 🎭✨. Next, we explored the colorful fruit & produce section with mandarins and blueberry sampler cups 🍊🫐 and learned about the meat department. Out back, we saw the restocking area and even stepped inside to feel just how cold the freezers are ❄️.
At Customer Service, the kids got to pick items off the shelves and try out the checkout process themselves 🛍️💳.
What an educational (and tasty) day for our group! 💚

Mel Fishers Treasure Museum

💰🏴‍☠️ Treasure Day at Mel Fisher’s! 🏴‍☠️💰
Today, 49 of our amazing adventurers dove into history, mystery, and a little bit of treasure hunting! Half of our group started by watching the fascinating film about Mel Fisher and the legendary Atocha shipwreck, learning all about the daring search that led to one of the greatest treasure discoveries in history.
The other half took on the scavenger hunt, exploring every corner of the museum to find hidden clues and artifacts. By the end of the day, everyone had a blast discovering, learning, and imagining life as a real-life treasure hunter! 🗝✨
A huge thank you to Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum for hosting us and making history come alive. We can’t wait for our next adventure!

Legler Orthodontics

Our group enjoyed a fun and educational visit to Legler Orthodontics! The kids took a behind-the-scenes tour of the office, learned about dental care and the importance of proper tooth brushing, and even got to make their own tooth molds. We wrapped up the day with a sweet surprise—ice cream! It was the perfect way to end a hands-on learning experience filled with smiles. Thank you Legler Orthodontics!

Museum of Discovery & Science

Field Trip Friends took an exciting ride on the Brightline train to visit the Museum of Discovery & Science! Families explored hands-on exhibits, from fascinating ecosystems to interactive STEM labs. The highlight of the day was a MakerSpace workshop where students learned about bioluminescence, sparking creativity and curiosity. This trip gave our members the chance to discover, play, and learn together in a fun, engaging environment.

Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest

Field Trip Friends visited the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure, where students explored both aquatic and rainforest habitats. Families enjoyed interactive exhibits featuring exotic fish, reptiles, and rainforest wildlife, making science and conservation come alive in a fun, hands-on way. This trip gave our students the opportunity to experience the beauty of biodiversity while sparking curiosity about the natural world.

Riverside Theatre Tour

Exploring the Magic of Theatre at Riverside Theatre! 🎭

Today, our Field Trip Friends had an amazing behind-the-scenes tour of Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach! The kids got to see how shows come to life—from the costume and sewing rooms to the prop-building workshop. We even got a peek into the world of marketing shows, concerts, plays, and dance performances.

The children also had the chance to visit the theatre’s children’s room and practice some improv skills, sparking creativity and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

A huge thank you to Oscar and the Riverside Theatre team for sharing their time, talent, and passion for the arts. We can’t wait to see which kids are inspired to pursue theatre in the future!

FL. Oceanographic Center

​Our Field Trip Friends had an incredible day exploring the Florida Oceanographic Society! From the moment we arrived, the kids were immersed in hands-on learning about Florida’s unique marine ecosystems.

Highlights from the trip included:

• 🐢 Meeting sea turtles and learning how they are cared for

• 🐠 Exploring the touch tanks and feeling stingrays and other marine animals

• 🌊 Discovering how we can all help protect Florida’s oceans and waterways

This field trip was the perfect blend of fun, adventure, and education. A big thank-you to the Florida Oceanographic Society for inspiring our students to become ocean stewards! 💙

Hollstrum House, Vero Beach, FL

Today, our Field Trip Friends had the pleasure of visiting Hollstrum House in Vero Beach! The children explored local history, engaged in interactive activities, and enjoyed a day full of learning and laughter.

Field trips like this allow our members to experience education beyond the classroom, fostering curiosity, friendships, and leadership skills. We love seeing our explorers grow while having fun and connecting with the community!

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Field Trip Friends had an incredible day at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, where 45 of our members explored the exhibits on a self-guided tour. Families learned about sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation while seeing firsthand the important work being done to protect Florida’s marine life.

This trip was the perfect combination of education and adventure, giving our members the chance to connect with nature, ask questions, and discover the vital role we all play in protecting sea turtles.

Giuseppe's Pizzeria, Fellsmere

Field Trip Friends took a tasty adventure to Giuseppe’s in Fellsmere! The children were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen and watched how authentic pizza is made. Then, they got the chance to roll up their sleeves and create their very own pizzas!

While their pizzas were baking, the kids decorated their own aprons, adding a fun and creative touch to the day. They also stepped into the role of restaurant staff—working the cash register and pretending to take customer orders. This playful activity gave them a hands-on introduction to customer service and real-world math skills.

To extend the learning even further, each child received a math practice sheet to take home, connecting what they experienced in the restaurant to their at-home learning.

Once the pizzas were ready, everyone enjoyed their homemade creations together. At the end of the field trip, each child proudly received a certificate of achievement to take home.

This was such a fun and engaging experience that combined learning, creativity, math, and (of course) delicious food! We are so grateful to Giuseppe’s for welcoming us and making this field trip unforgettable.

Vivianne Monroe Pottery

Field Trip Friends visited Vivianne Monroe Pottery in Jensen Beach and it did not dissapoint! The kids got hands-on with clay, learning how it’s shaped and transformed into art. Each child created their own unique piece and added colorful glazes to bring their projects to life. This trip was the perfect blend of creativity and education—introducing our students to the artistry and process of pottery while letting their imaginations shine. We can’t wait to see the finished pieces after firing!

Indian River Main Library

📚 Library Visit – Children’s Section Tour
Our group enjoyed a fun and educational visit to the library! We explored the children’s section and learned how books and DVDs are organized to make finding favorites easy. The kids discovered different genres, and gained a better understanding of how to navigate the library on their own.

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This hands-on experience helped students feel confident and excited about using the library as a resource for learning and fun!

Central Florida Animal Reserve

October 2025- Our group had the incredible opportunity to visit Central Florida Animal Reserve, a sanctuary dedicated to caring for big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars. We learned about the animals’ unique stories, their care, and the important role sanctuaries play in protecting exotic species. The guided tour gave us an up-close look at these magnificent creatures and helped us understand the importance of responsible wildlife conservation.

This trip was not only exciting but also educational — sparking meaningful conversations about animal welfare, conservation, and respecting wildlife. 

Lion Country Safari

Our Field Trip Friends group embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Lion Country Safari! From observing lions, zebras, and giraffes up close to enjoying hands-on learning and outdoor fun, our participants experienced a day filled with excitement, discovery, and connection with nature.

Field trips like this are at the heart of what makes Field Trip Friends so special — providing children with meaningful, educational experiences beyond the classroom while fostering friendships and leadership skills.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors and sponsors. Your contributions help cover field trip costs, provide materials and resources, and ensure every child can participate, regardless of financial need.

Texas Roadhouse Palm Bay, FL

Our Field Trip Friends visited Texas Roadhouse in Palm Bay for a special behind-the-scenes tour and lunch! Students got to see the restaurant’s freezer, learn how the kitchen operates, and try their hand at making their own bread rolls and snake bites. They also watched how the famous Cactus Blossom is made and even joined the staff in the iconic Texas Roadhouse line dance!

This hands-on trip gave our homeschoolers a fun look at teamwork, food preparation, and restaurant life — all wrapped up with a delicious lunch and plenty of laughter.

The Sweet Heartist Bakery

We had such a sweet time today (Oct 2025) at the Sweet Heartist Bakery in Melbourne, FL! 🧡
Our kids learned royal icing techniques from a professional instructor and got to decorate four fall-themed cookies. 🍂🍁 From pumpkins to leaves, their creativity (and frosting skills!) really shined!

Coach Fly

Field Trip Friends met with Coach Fly in beautiful Sebastian, Florida, for an exciting morning of physical education and teamwork!

Our older group started the morning with a more competitive-style P.E. class, focusing on coordination, endurance, and friendly competition. Afterwards, our younger group took the field for a variety of fun and engaging athletic activities designed to build confidence and movement skills.

We couldn’t be prouder of our kids—not only for their athleticism and effort, but also for the compassion, teamwork, and encouragement they showed one another throughout the day. It was a wonderful reminder of what Field Trip Friends is all about: learning, growing, and having fun—together!

Painted Sky Farms

Our Field Trip Friends spent a beautiful morning exploring the sights, sounds, and sunshine at Painted Sky Farms!

The kids started the day by meeting some of the farm’s friendly horses and briefly chatting with a farrier, learning a little about how he helps care for their hooves. Then we met a bunny and the barn kitties, which quickly became a favorite part of the morning! 🐴🐰🐱

The highlight of the trip was our time with Ms. Summer, who did an amazing job teaching the kids all about farm life and gardening. She gave a fun and interactive greenhouse tour, showing everyone how plants grow and the right way to pick flowers without harming the stems.

Each child got to pick a handful of colorful blooms — including amaranth, marigolds, zinnias, and more — and proudly took their bouquet home. 🌸

It was a wonderful day filled with hands-on learning, friendly animals, and the warm hospitality of Painted Sky Farms. Huge thanks to Ms. Summer for making the experience so engaging and memorable for our Field Trip Friends! 💛

Laura Riding Jackson/Friendsgiving

Today, (November 2025) FTF gathered at the Laura (Riding) Jackson House in Vero Beach, Florida for a memorable morning of history, creativity, and community. Our members enjoyed guided tours of the beautifully preserved 19th-century cracker home, learning about the life and literary legacy of Laura (Riding) Jackson and the significance of this historic site.

Following the tour, we welcomed everyone to a special Friendsgiving celebration, featuring seasonal arts and crafts, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to connect. The event brought together friends, families, and supporters of all ages for a warm and engaging fall gathering.

We are grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the day such a success. Events like this reflect our ongoing mission to honor local history while fostering community through meaningful experiences.

St. Augustine November 2025

In November 2025, FTF members spent an unforgettable few days together in historic St. Augustine. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters during our June raffle fundraiser, we were able to use those funds to provide a complimentary trolley tour for 46 members, allowing everyone to experience the beauty and history of the nation’s oldest city.

Over the course of two nights, our group explored some of St. Augustine’s most iconic landmarks, including the Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth, and the Colonial Quarter. Members shared lunch and dinner together, enjoyed s’mores in the evening, and took in the breathtaking glow of the city’s famous Night of Lights.

This trip was more than a getaway—it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and create lasting memories as a community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this experience possible, and we look forward to many more adventures together with FTF.