There are advantages to homeschooling which mostly deals with its flexibility and spontaneity. This gives kids the freedom to study and take breaks as they seem fit. If you feel like going for a short trip, you can without any obligation towards attendance. As much as people vouch for systematic education homeschooling has a profound effect on kid’s psyche. While some of the homeschooling families choose to keep work with them during their vacation, they forget to integrate travel in the curriculum. Through travel, the kids can actively participate in gaining knowledge which seems like a practical way to make children under homeschooling learn. Road trips will also help your kids learn the ways to adjust, accommodate. Be it one of the Palm Springs vacation homes or some luxury hotel in Paris, the kids will know how to assess and act accordingly. Now that you’ve established to your kids that the world is their classroom, make a list of some places that you would want to incorporate into this road trip.
Here are six great road trip list that will give your family a chance to relax and learn things simultaneously.
1. Animal Lessons: San Diego – Los Angeles
The sunny weather will promise you the days to more productive and less gloomy. This also gives you a chance to visit the beaches from north to south. The itinerary of southern California is perfect for those who are fond of sunny weather and beaches. This place also happens to have some of the nation’s top zoological establishments, giving your kids an opportunity to learn a lot about animals. The San Diego Zoo, on the other hand, offers some of the best locations in the globe where your kids can be up close and personal with different kinds of animals. Drop by the traditional zoo situated in Balboa Park and then make your way to the city of Los Angeles. While you are on your way to LA, be sure to check the 1,800 acres long San Diego Zoo Park. Zoo safaris are available here where the children can even interact and feed giraffes. If the curriculum needs some adjustment then the aquarium of the Pacific is the place you’d want to be in. This aquarium in Long Beach houses 19 different species habitats that can be explored.
2. History Lessons: Baltimore – Williamsburg
History is often a subject that kids avoid but it is important for them to learn history. Nothing can be more interesting than visiting some of the historical places where major historical events took place, literally shaped the modern world. Thus, this drive from Baltimore to Williamsburg will be helpful in visiting the different historical ages that America went through. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine situated in Baltimore is the site that inspired “The star-spangled banner”. Soon after this, make your next stop at Fredericksburg, Virginia and visit the four Civil War battle locations. The entire town of Williamsburg is just a piece of an era where history wrote itself all over this place. Your kids can learn a lot about the 18th-century American life through their visit to Williamsburg.
3. Ecology: Milwaukee – Madison
Wisconsin has over 15,000 lakes so naturally, it gives the families a chance to bike or walks around the shorelines. While exploring is obviously on the plate, a lot can be learned from this place especially its ecology. The Urban Ecology Center established in Milwaukee has trails of nature with a climbable wall. The lake shores have Discovery World which hosts hands-on exhibits with scientific facts. The realistic model of the five great lakes showcased there can also give an insight into its ecological backgrounds. The University of Wisconsin Arboretum in Madison has biking and hiking trails with eleven gardens that represent various plant communities thriving in the southernmost part of Wisconsin.
4. The Lone Star State: Dallas – San Antonio
Texas is rich history wise and the Texans are quite proud of that. This road trip will give you and your kids an opportunity to learn about the historical background of this place in details. There are indeed a lot of learning opportunities during the trip but don’t forget to munch on some tasty Tex-Mex cuisine. Make a stop at Dallas Heritage Village where you can learn how life was like during the 19th century Texas. This village has also preserved the commercial and Victorian buildings to present them as historical exhibits. Next stop should be at the B.B Texas state history museum in Austin where your kids can get a comprehensive story along with historical highlights.
5. Great Art: Boston – Portland
These two English coastal cities will offer you the chance to explore the art scene here. Most of this visit can be indoor which will likely be a great plan in case it rains. The Boston Museum of fine arts has a thriving collection of art that spans from the ancient times to the present age. Get yourself an Art Connections Card to learn and explore more with your kids. MFA has a large collection of Winslow Homer’s paintings which of course needs to be looked out for. The Portland Museum of Art, on the other hand, will offer a small tour of the painter’s house and his views of the sea which made him popular among the children aged seven or more.
6. Nature Lessons: Orlando – Fort Myers
Orlando, Florida is famous for its theme parks. Theme parks are entertaining and rejuvenating for kids and adults. After you are done with all the fun, hit the road to your next stop at Gulf Coast Florida, offering you the chance to explore the paradise for a nature lover. Boat tours of the swamps at Kissimmee might just be the highlight of this road trip for the kids. Follow the waster trails while kayaking in Fort Myers where you are likely to have a one on one encounter with manatees. The last stop should be at J.N Darling National Wildlife Refuge where you can expect a tram tour that will offer you a chance to see a variety of migrating bird.
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