It’s no surprise that Washington, DC, ranks high on every teacher’s field trip wish list.
The city is a living classroom of history, government and culture. But the real secret to an unforgettable trip might be just beyond its borders: Montgomery County, Maryland, a welcoming destination where students can learn, play and recharge.
With affordable hotels, student-friendly restaurants and a treasure trove of hands-on educational attractions, Montgomery County is more than a convenient base camp—it’s an extension of your lesson plan. Staying here gives your group space to breathe, eat well and experience history, science and nature up close, all before or after your time in DC.
A County Full of Classroom Connections
Montgomery County’s attractions span history, culture, science, and nature, making it easy to connect with what you’re teaching in class. One standout is the Josiah Henson Museum & Park in North Bethesda, which interprets the life and legacy of Rev. Josiah Henson, whose autobiography inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Interactive exhibits, multimedia displays and original historic structures help students grasp themes of slavery, resistance and freedom. The site is also an active archaeological dig, with ongoing excavations revealing new artifacts and stories. Teachers can arrange tours that highlight not only the history but also the methods archaeologists use to uncover it—a rare chance to tie social studies and STEM together in one visit.
Science-minded classes will be fascinated by the National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, initially founded by the U.S. Army during the Civil War. This free museum displays specimens, prosthetic innovations, and exhibits on battlefield medicine and public health. It’s a natural springboard for lessons about medical ethics, technology, and careers in STEM fields.
For a change of pace, Brookside Gardens in Wheaton offers 50 acres of themed gardens, trails, and ponds where students can observe plant life, practice nature journaling, or simply stretch their legs. Seasonal exhibits and a visitor center provide teachers with additional tools for transforming a garden stroll into a teachable moment.
Two more Montgomery County sites also blend beautifully with history, social studies, and environmental science curricula. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park in Sandy Spring interprets Quaker heritage, 19th-century agriculture, and the Underground Railroad. Students can walk the self-guided Underground Railroad Experience Trail and literally step into the stories of freedom seekers.
And at the C&O Canal National Historical Park’s Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac,19th-century engineering meets spectacular natural scenery. School groups can explore the restored tavern, hike to the falls, and ride a replica canal boat pulled by mules while rangers deliver curriculum-aligned programs.
Affordable and Student-Friendly
Beyond the classroom connections, Montgomery County gives teachers practical advantages that make a big difference on a field trip. Hotels are typically more affordable than downtown DC properties and often include breakfast and motorcoach parking at no extra cost. International food halls, classic diners, and park picnic pavilions make feeding a crowd easier and more budget-friendly. And after a full day of museums and memorials, your students can get their energy out at Pinstripes or Dave and Busters before unwinding.
Close to the Capital
One of Montgomery County’s biggest perks is its location. It borders Washington, DC, and is connected by major highways and Metro lines, so you’re never far from the capital’s headline attractions. You can give your group a rich morning experience in the county, then head into the city for an afternoon at the National Mall or stay overnight in Montgomery County and build a two-day program that mixes DC highlights with the county’s hidden gems.
Planning Tips for Teachers
- Reserve ahead. Montgomery County museums and parks welcome school groups but often require advance booking for tours.
- Mix indoor and outdoor stops. Alternating museum visits with gardens or parks keeps students refreshed and engaged.
- Use local help. The team at Visit Montgomery can connect you with contacts for lodging, dining, and attractions to simplify your planning.
A Field Trip That Feels Bigger Than D.C.
For teachers, Montgomery County, Maryland, isn’t just a place to sleep between Smithsonian visits. Students can walk an Underground Railroad trail, see Civil War medical artifacts, sketch flowers in a public garden, or watch archaeologists at work. Pairing the county’s attractions with D.C.’s iconic sites provide your students with a richer, more varied educational experience. It gives you, the teacher, a trip that’s easier to plan and more rewarding to lead.
