Score Big During Field Trips at the Ballpark

Explore MLB Education Days, Learning Labs, All-Star Days, and hands-on programs in the Northeast for student groups

By Lorelei Skurzewski

When teachers think of field trips, ballparks may not be the first place that comes to mind. But Major League Baseball (MLB) teams across the country are opening their gates for Education Day field trips—weekday morning games that blend live sports with standards-based lesson plans, behind-the-scenes learning and budget-friendly tickets, along with other educational programs for K-12th graders.

What are “Education Days?”

Education Days are special 11 a.m. weekday games where the stadium transforms into a hands-on classroom. Teams provide free curriculum packets tied to math, science and literacy standards. Additionally, on-site STEM activities like physics demos and interactive booths keep students engaged in learning. Group discounts make pro sports affordable for schools, so students get the thrill of a live game while teachers check the “curriculum” box.

Who’s Playing Ball: Leagues & Programs in the Northeast

Many MLB clubs host strong Education Day programs each spring, usually in April and May. Here’s a look at the Northeast standouts:

Boston Red Sox–Fenway Park Learning Lab

• Year-round Fenway tours are available with discounts for school and camp groups.
• Fenway Park Learning Lab (partnership with Boston Public Schools & Mass Mutual) takes 6th graders through six interactive stops inside the park.
• Curriculum covers statistics, U.S. history, science, and financial literacy, with lessons at Fenway Farms, the Green Monster, and concession stands for budgeting practice.

New York Yankees–STEM Scholars & Education Programs

• The STEM Scholars Program, in association with the STEM Educational Institute, serves underrepresented NYC high school students.

• Includes a one-week summer session at Yankee Stadium plus hybrid sessions into the fall.
• Curriculum spans coding (Python), financial literacy, mental health, and real-world problem solving.
• Students earn stipends, scholarships and ongoing alumni opportunities.

• Bronx Education All-Star Day brings thousands of public-school students into Yankee Stadium to celebrate academic excellence and leadership.
• Additional community outreach includes mentoring, internships and faculty recognition events.

New York Mets–Private & Specialty Experiences

• The Mets offer private specialty experiences at Citi Field that can be tailored for school groups.
• While less standardized, these tours often emphasize hospitality, STEM tie-ins, and behind-the-scenes learning in the ballpark environment.

Pittsburgh Pirates–Education Days & STEM Zone

• PNC Park Group Tours: School groups of 25+ pay just $10 per person (with one free chaperone per 10 students). Non-school groups are $15/person. Tours are accessible, with accommodations available for special needs.
• Education Days: Interactive pre-game programming and student workbooks aligned to Pennsylvania state standards, developed in partnership with local teachers. Carnegie Science Center adds hands-on STEM experiences.
• Chevron STEM Zone: A permanent, interactive exhibit at PNC Park featuring:
• A jump test measuring vertical height
• Graphics to calculate distances on the diamond
• A video wall showing how bats, gloves and balls are made
• VR batting cage with a 360° park view
• A broadcast booth where kids call the game live

Philadelphia Phillies–Educational Programs at Citizens Bank Park

• Phantic About Reading: A long-running literacy program encouraging K-8students to read more, featuring classroom visits and incentives.
• Phillies Phundamentals: Free online lesson plans integrating math, science, social studies, and language arts with baseball examples.
• Science of Baseball Show: Interactive program linking physics and engineering with the game, offered at Citizens Bank Park and local schools.
• School Nights & Education Days: Discounted group tickets for students and educators, often paired with recognition opportunities.

Washington Nationals–Education Initiatives & Youth Baseball Academy

• Fun at Bat (with USA Baseball): PE-focused, emphasizing movement skills, active play, and character.
• Summer Slugger: Free digital games that reinforce math and literacy for ages 8-12 to prevent “summer slide.”
• NatsPrep: In partnership with DC Public Schools Career Academies, students explore hospitality/tourism careers, attend seminars with Nationals execs, and intern in the summer.
• Nationals Park Tours: Groups can add behind-the-scenes experiences on gamedays, including suites, dugouts, and concourses.
• Youth Baseball Academy: Provides long-term sports and academic enrichment programs for underserved DC youth.

Each program has a slightly different flavor, but all prioritize K-12 alignment and group-friendly logistics.

How Much Does It Cost?

MLB Education Days are designed to be accessible:

• Tickets: $10-$25 per student (chaperons often the same rate).
• Add-ons: Boxed lunches ($8-$10), behind-the-scenes tours, and on-field STEM shows.
• Example: The Pirates bundle discounted tickets with Education Day programming and STEM Zone access for one low price.

Pro tip: You can compare nationwide student ticket discounts directly on the MLBStudents ticket portal by visiting https://www.mlb.com/tickets/students

Curriculum Gold–What Students Can Learn

Students will learn the following at the ballpark:

• Math – Calculate batting averages, analyze scoreboard stats, or estimate ballpark seating capacity.
• Science – Physics of pitching and hitting, weather’s effect on ball flight.
• History & Literacy – Fenway Park tours link to U.S. history, while Yankees’ programs emphasize leadership and character through stories.
• Teamwork & Character – Programs stress collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving, themes that align across K-12 standards.

By connecting each activity back to the classroom, MLB Education Days ensure that a pro sports class trip doubles as hands-on curricula.

Booking Cheat-Sheet

• Search your team’s site for “Education Days”, “School Day Games,” or “GroupTickets.”
• Book 3-6 months ahead for the best seating and bus parking.
• Request curriculum packets in advance so you can integrate them into lesson plans pre-and post-trip.
• Leverage extras like chaperone perks or behind-the-scenes access.

Northeast Spotlight–Easy Wins for Your Classroom

Here are some quick picks for teachers in the Northeast looking for Education Day fieldtrip ideas. Keep in mind that most programs run in April and May, perfectly timed between state testing and the start of summer break.

• Boston Red Sox: Learning Labs combine US history, science and financial literacy.
• New York Mets: Private tours with flexible STEM and hospitality tie-ins.
• NewYork Yankees: STEM Scholars and Bronx All-Star Day highlight academic excellence.
• Pittsburgh Pirates: Education Days + Chevron STEM Zone for complete hands-on learning.
• Philadelphia Phillies: Literacy-focused “Phantic About Reading” program, Science of Baseball shows, and discounted student nights.
• Washington Nationals: Summer Slugger, NatsPrep, and Youth Baseball Academy programs.

FAQs from Educators

1. Are lessons standards-aligned? Yes—most MLB partners design activities with K-12 curricula alignment.
2. Can students bring outside food? Policies vary by stadium—always check in advance.
3. What’s the chaperone ratio? Typically, one chaperone per 10-15 students at discounted rates.
4. Are there grants for transportation? Some teams and sponsors offer subsidies to help offset field trip costs.

Take your students out to the ballgame, where education meets exciting sporting experiences for a memorable connection between classroom and real-world learning. Inspire curiosity for STEM, social studies, history, and sports through fascinating tours, educational programming and hands-on opportunities.