Orlando ranked 3rd as the preferred in-country destination for student groups after Washington D.C. and New York in 2023. – STYA
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Around 30% of student group travel in Orlando is focused on educational experiences, including STEM programs, arts and culture, and history tours.
Orlando hosts more than 300,000 student groups annually. We’re in good company! – Visit Orlando
Learning comes to play in Orlando, Florida, a creative community brimming with unrivaled immersive experiences perfect for student groups. Combined with spectacular theme parks, diverse history and a family-friendly environment, Orlando is the perfect solution for dynamic, one-of-a-kind field trips. Plus, it’s easy to align your Orlando student field trip with any curriculum because “The City Beautiful” covers the gamut of opportunities promoting curiosity, passion and excitement in all ages and stages of education.
Orlando is a city that believes in learning by doing. Student groups can embark on thrilling field trip journeys through Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando Science Center, and Kennedy Space Center, where they can engage in unique STEM experiences. At Disney World, experience hands-on opportunities to discover cultural celebrations like Mardi Gras in a way that only Disney can recreate.
This vibrant city encourages students to explore and uncover new lessons in fulfilling ways. Ecotours offer learning adventures outdoors, while ICON Park provides a plethora of wonders to marvel at, including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. New family-friendly resorts, along with more award-winning Michelin Star restaurants, complete the field trip package.
We understand that planning a school trip is challenging, especially when catering to different age groups and educational goals. To help streamline your planning process, we have created three sample itineraries tailored to various age groups and subject areas. These itineraries provide a balanced mix of educational experiences and fun activities, ensuring a memorable and enriching trip for your students.
Orlando offers a wide variety of enriching experiences perfect for student groups. From immersive science museums to hands-on history tours and outdoor adventures, our curated list of top field trip locations is designed to inspire learning and curiosity. Each destination is selected for its educational value, safety, and ability to engage students in interactive learning outside the classroom. Browse the profiles below to find the perfect spot for your next student adventure!
The Orlando community celebrates diversity and the arts every day of the year. From the colorful celebrations of Hispanic and Latin heritage during Festival Calle Orange in October to the captivating displays of African art and traditions at the Orlando Museum of Art, every corner of the city is a canvas for cross-cultural appreciation and exchange.
Student groups can experience the magic of Broadway at Dr. Phillip’s Center for the Performing Arts, as well as breathtaking performances at the Orlando Ballet. They can even star in their own theatrics at venues like SeaWorld and Walt Disney World. Disney provides hands-on opportunities to discover cultural celebrations like Mardi Gras in a way that only Disney can recreate.
Language immersion opportunities await students at Epcot’s World Showcase, featuring 11 different country pavilions, each staffed by beloved cast members from those nations speaking the native languages.
Take a stroll down International Drive and visit neighborhoods including Little Brazil, Little Saigon, and Chinatown for a deep dive into native languages and ethnic food, art, and traditions.
Orlando’s allure extends far beyond its cultural mélange. It also serves as a gateway to unraveling the threads of America’s storied past. The Orange County Regional History Center invites students to delve into 12,000 years of Central Florida’s unique history, unveiling tales of pioneering settlers, Native American heritage, and the region’s pivotal role in shaping the nation’s narrative. Students can also time travel at the Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture for segregation-era history, Fort Christmas Historical Park to learn about 19th-century pioneer life, and other historic sites and monuments.
Take a stroll down International Drive and visit neighborhoods including Little Brazil, Little Saigon, and Chinatown for a deep dive into native languages and ethnic food, art, and traditions.
Beyond the neon lights and thrilling roller coasters, Orlando stands as a veritable playground of scientific discovery. At the Orlando Science Center, hands-on exhibits and interactive workshops unlock the secrets of physics, chemistry and biology, igniting a passion for STEM disciplines that will undoubtedly shape the innovators of tomorrow.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex transports student stargazers to the final frontier for an out-of-this-world experience, igniting their dreams of space exploration. WonderWorks captivates students with scientific discovery zones focusing on weather, engineering, space, art and more.
The Museum of Illusions offers students a unique perspective through fascinating optical illusions. Over 50 exhibits teach groups about the brain science behind the illusions.
Younger groups will be inspired during a Crayola Experience, where colors and creativity combine for a one-of-a-kind trip. A visit to the Orlando Museum of Art is paramount for most school groups following an art curriculum itinerary. The impressive permanent collection, along with awe-inspiring exhibits, creates a vivid world for students to explore.
Orlando’s events provide unique opportunities to enhance the educational experience of your student trip. From science-focused showcases to environmental conservation festivals, you can create an itinerary that entertains and educates, making the most of what Orlando has to offer. Below are a few key events that can serve as focal points for planning your trip.
This event, dedicated to science and technology, offers interactive STEM experiences for students, such as hands-on exhibits, workshops, and engaging presentations.
A cultural and historical celebration that honors the renowned author, with exhibitions, activities, discussions, and experiences that highlight African-American history, art, and culture.
An interactive arts festival that transforms the streets of downtown Orlando into a vibrant, open-air gallery. Featuring student-friendly activities, immersive performances, and thought-provoking installations.
A STEAM event that combines creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. Students can explore a world of possibilities through interactive exhibits and also allows student inventors to showcase their work.
Florida offers a wide range of funding and assistance opportunities to help make student travel and field trips more accessible. Whether you’re looking for grants, scholarships, or fundraising ideas, there are many options available to ease the financial burden for schools and families. In this section, we list a few of the various programs and resources designed to support educational trips.
Provides financial assistance for field trips that support educational goals.
(850) 245-0505
info@floridaeducationfoundation.org
325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Funds field trips that enhance students’ understanding of Florida’s history and culture.
(850) 844-8492
info@floridahumanities.org
500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Offers funding to help cover the cost of field trips for K-12 students.
(612) 304-6073
targetfieldtripgrants@target.com
1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Supports field trips related to the arts and sciences.
(407) 566-2300
disneydonations@disney.com
1375 E Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Provides grants to support educational field trips with a focus on geography and
science.
(202) 857-7000
grants@ngs.org
1145 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Supports school field trip groups to help cover the costs associated with educational
visits to Florida's state parks.
1 (813) 586-0681
grants@floridastateparksfoundation.org
1700 North Monroe Street, Suite 11 #200
Tallahassee Florida 32303
Planning a student group trip to Orlando can be exciting, but it requires thoughtful organization. Our blog section is here to help teachers every step of the way by offering in-depth guides, expert tips, and inspiring ideas.
Seaworld Orlando is a fantastic field trip destination for educators looking for an educational field trip for their students.
Your students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of educational programs and tours at the park, or simply enjoy the park.
Orlando, with its rich artistic heritage and vibrant community, offers an array of opportunities to enrich your visual arts curriculum.