Want to Know the Secret to Planning an Amazing 6th Grade Trip?

Planning an overnight 6th grade trip might seem like a terrifying daunting task. But these tweens are really the perfect travelers! Most haven’t yet crossed over into the angsty teen years and are open to new ideas and adventures. And they still have a wide-eyed respect for authority that translates well on a trip.

The secret to planning an amazing 6^th grade trip is to meet ‘em where they’re at! Give them experiences that feed their natural curiosity and allow them to explore their world.

Need a little inspiration? We’ll help you get your 6^th grade trip on track with some great ideas and helpful pro tips.

Fantastic Factories and Museums

Everyone wants to know where their favorite stuff comes from and how it’s made. That’s why factory and museum tours are so much fun!

Here are our top picks for great factory and museum tours for 6^th graders…

World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta

The World of Coca-Cola is a fantastic tour with 125 years of stuff to check out! Students get a behind-the-scenes look at the bottling process and explore the very cool Vault of the Secret Formula.

They can also create their own formula to try or sample more than 100 different beverages from around the world (arranged geographically – you’re welcome, teachers 😉)

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville

If your 6^th grade is heading to Louisville, “swing” by the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory where the world’s biggest baseball bat (120 feet and 68,000 pounds of steel) greets you as you enter!

The museum chronicles the Louisville Slugger throughout baseball’s history and is super interactive and fun for students.

The factory tour is also a one-of-a-kind experience. You’re right in the middle of the production line where you can see, smell and hear these iconic bats being manufactured. And the best part? Everyone gets a free mini souvenir bat at the end of the tour. A swing and a hit!

 Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY

I know what you’re thinking. Glass + student groups = DISASTER! Well think again because this is a really cool experience for kids.

The Corning Museum of Glass is an ultramodern facility with a designated education department for student groups. Students can learn about the history, science and art of glass, as well as its daily applications. Each tour is age-specific and has a S.T.E.A.M. focus.

Demonstrations, exhibits, glass making and more make this a great stop on any New York itinerary!

Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster, PA

I scream, you scream… the Turkey Hill Experience in Lancaster, PA will make your 6^th graders scream for ice cream! This bright, spacious facility in the middle of Amish country is tons of fun.

Students can learn how ice cream is made, milk mechanical cows or sit in an old-fashioned milk truck. The Turkey Hill Taste Lab allows them to virtually create their own ice cream flavor and then EAT IT!! So much fun…

STEM Connections

Your 6^th graders are probably just beginning to explore the sciences, so give them a chance to experiment!

Cleveland

Cleveland is a great spot for STEM-inspired activities. For example, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame offers classes focused on the fine arts, mathematics, science and technology.

The Greater Cleveland Aquarium hosts a ton of workshops and classes designed with the aquatic sciences in mind. And the Great Lakes Science Center offers a ton of programs fueled by STEM learning.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is home to high-tech industry, medicine and universities with cutting-edge technology programs.  It’s also home to the brightest minds and most innovative moguls in history.

But you can’t visit Pittsburgh without touching on its legacy of steel.  Rivers of Steel offers several tours of the Carrie Blast Furnace, a remnant of the legendary U.S. Steel Works. The pre-WWII structure is a rare example of iron-making technology and the only one that still exists in the region. These guided tours are great for student groups and touch on all STEM areas (past and present).

The Monongahela Incline was built in 1870 and has been in nearly constant use since its construction. Students will love the ride and the spectacular view of the city.

And don’t forget Kennywood – where one of the oldest amusement parks in America becomes a learning lab on designated days in May!

Houston

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including its STEM adventures! Check out the NASA Johnson Space Center for an in-depth look at America’s space flight program. The center hosts programs geared for students of all ages and interests, with a special emphasis on STEM.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has engaging exhibits and workshops with a direct emphasis on the sciences. The museum also hosts programs like STEM/Nova Overnight and Student STEM Ambassador for more in-depth experiences.

Highlighting History

History is a huge part of the 6^th grade curriculum. Take it from 2-dimensional black and white to vibrant life with these historic highlights!

Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown

One of our favorite history trips for 6^th graders is the Historic Triangle. There’s sooooo much history here – from our European roots in 1607 through the Civil War era and beyond.

But what makes this spot even better is a new emphasis on exploring and sharing the stories of Native peoples, enslaved peoples, and women. Understanding the unique roles and contributions of each really helps to frame our understanding of the past in a more comprehensive way.

A Fresh Look at an ‘Olde’ Favorite: Plan A Trip to Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown

Plimoth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation is an amazing, interactive 17th century experience centered on the Wampanoag people and the English settlers of Plymouth Colony.

The plantation has been committed to sharing a realistic perspective of life in the 1600s since 1947. Your 6^th graders will interact with history in an engaging setting while exploring the daily challenges and triumphs of both the settlers and Native people.

Plimoth also has a full-scale reproduction of the Mayflower (the Mayflower II) to help students understand the experience of traveling across the Atlantic with 102 passengers for 66 days. They may be shocked that it isn’t quite as luxurious as the cruise ships of modern times!

Philadelphia and Gettysburg

In Philadelphia, students can tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, stop at the Museum of the American Revolution, visit the Franklin Institute, and learn about the Stars and Stripes at the Betsy Ross House. There are countless attractions and activities with revolutionary roots.

Just a few hours to the west is Gettysburg, the site of the 1863 battle that turned the tide in the Union’s favor during the Civil War.

Visit the Gettysburg National Military Park, explore the battlefield, get close to the action at the diorama, and stop at the Shriver House for a civilian’s view of the conflict. Be sure to hop on a ghost tour – Gettysburg is reputed to be one of the most ‘spirited’ locations in America!

Oh – and don’t forget Mr. Ed’s Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium (a must for any 6^th grade group!)

Here’s Another Secret to Planning an Amazing 6^th Grade Trip…Make it Simple and Plan with a Pro Partner!

Planning an overnight trip for your 6^th graders doesn’t have to be hard – especially when you have a pro partner on your side.

Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning outstanding student travel for more than 30 years. Online registration and payments, convenient crowdfunding options, and an expert team make your planning simple and efficient.

They’ll work with you to plan an amazing 6^th grade travel experience from start to finish!

START PLANNING YOUR 6TH GRADE TRIP WITH A COMPLIMENTARY QUOTE FROM OUR TEAM