Playgroup Fieldtrips

Tired of the same old playgroups at Johnny’s house or the local park? Consider setting up a field trip for your playgroup – you’ll enjoy the change of scenery, and your kids will learn about new people and places. Here are some suggestions for fieldtrips for kids aged 1-4:

Fire Station
Children can learn about fire safety while playing on fire trucks. Most fire stations will let children “drive” a fire truck as well as sit in the back. A firefighter may put on all his gear to show kids not to be afraid if there’s a fire and they see a firefighter with a mask on. Some fire stations will even extend the ladder and have a firefighter climb up, or slide down the pole.

Police Station
A trip to the police station can be a good compliment to talks on stranger danger. Children also love police cars and may be allowed to climb inside one. Many police stations love giving children tours.

Post Office
At the post office, children can see how mail is sorted and look inside a mail truck. This is a great trip for children who love to watch for the mailman.

City Maintenance Garage
All sorts of interesting vehicles might be found at a municipal maintenance garage. Children may get to see garbage trucks, recycling trucks, street sweepers, plow trucks, and more.

Train/Bus Ride
A ride on a train or bus doesn’t even have to be with a specific destination in mind. However, if you can plan your ride so that there’s a bakery or ice cream shop on the way, so much the better.

Airport
Many kids are fascinated by planes. You can park on top of a parking garage to watch the planes take off, or some airports have a “kid zone” inside the terminal where kids can watch the planes. Even smaller airports often have a parking lot where you can see planes parked and taking off. You may even see blimps at your smaller airport. Depending on the airport, you may even be able to set up a tour.