Massachusetts, known as The Bay State, is one of the most prominent destinations in New England
As one of the first thirteen colonies, Massachusetts holds a significant place in history. With a mixture of history, art and unique experiences, Massachusetts offers a multitude of adventures for students to explore and practice their skills outside of school. From travelling back in time at historical museums to challenging experiences and environmental exploration, Massachusetts is a hub for excellent field trips.
Make student group travel stress-free! Access the latest Student Travel Pro magazine for must-know destination insights and expert advice.
Peabody Essex Museum (Salem)
Channel your inner artist with an immersive experience at the Peabody Essex Museum. Just north of Boston in Salem, MA, students can explore their creative side through exhibits that display an array of artwork focusing on history, culture and different perspectives. Step into another world with Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home, a preserved traditional Chinese home from the Qing Dynasty. Students can also unleash their creativity and critical thinking skills on the Visual Art tour, which provides a contemporary view of art and offers great examples of artistic expression across different styles. For aspiring storytellers, the Images and Words: Writing in the Museum exhibit blends visual and verbal literacy, inviting students to observe artworks from around the globe and transform their observations into compelling poems and stories.
Fascinating exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum excite young learners. Photo credit: Peabody Essex Museum Facebook
Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge)
Take off on a captivating adventure through New England’s history at Old Sturbridge Village. Located on 200 acres of Sturbridge landscape, this attraction allows students to become villagers through self-guided tours and guided exploration experiences. The Hands-On Workshop introduces students to the daily life of a 19th-century villager. Whether it’s weaving on a loom or writing with quill pens, students can connect the past to the present and understand how far humans have evolved. To the future lawmakers and change seekers, take part in a mock town meeting and civil debate with the Town Meeting: Poor Relief in the 1830s exhibit. Students can tie historical issues to today’s events and gain insight into ways to strengthen their critical thinking to empower change. Learners are encouraged to participate in discussions and discover the power of their voice with the Abolition and Social Change in the 19th-century New England experience. This journey offers a powerful immersion into the history of the Abolitionist Movement and the profound impact of slavery in New England.
Old Sturbridge Village captivates learners with live historical demonstrations and reenactments. Photo credit: Old Sturbridge Village Facebook
Boda Borg (Malden, Boston suburbs)
Unique learning opportunities at Boda Borg. Photo credit: Boda Borg Boston Facebook
In the northern suburbs of Boston, Boda Borg offers students an opportunity to experience a series of quests that strengthen both their mind, body and collaboration skills. Boda Borg offers an array of challenge rooms where students rely on teamwork and critical thinking to overcome obstacles. Grab a lab coat and enter Area 51 to uncover the mysteries of alien life and boost their problem-solving skills in this mental and physically enticing quest. Students can also transport themselves to the front lines with different physically demanding quests, such as Boot Camp and Platoon. Many quests are designed to work the brain, such as Potions, which invites students to put their chemistry skills to the test, whereas Eye of the Storm encourages students to work together to prepare for a major storm. The Boda Borg experience offers students a great opportunity to escape the classroom and apply their skills to various scenarios in a fun and engaging way.
Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center (Mattapan)
Explore the native flora and fauna of the Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center and take part in environmental programs to help build future environmentalists. Situated on 67 acres of woods, wetlands and meadows, the Boston Nature Center introduces students to their local environment and fosters chances to put their science skills to use throughout different programs. With two miles of trails, students can interact and discover local habitats, along with over 150 species of birds and over 40 species of butterflies. Students are invited to use their critical thinking skills to observe the environment, take notes and gather data to help figure out ways to improve the environment and fight climate change. This hands-on experience aligns with local schools’ curriculum to provide tailored programs to allow students to exercise their knowledge in the classroom and apply it to the real world.
Take your students on an interactive nature field trip to Mass Audubon in Boston. Photo credit: Mass Audubon Boston Nature Center Facebook
Stay updated on the best student travel experiences! Subscribe to the Student Travel Pro newsletter and receive expert insights, top destinations, and planning strategies straight to your inbox.
Header image: Immerse your students in history at Old Sturbridge Village. Photo credit: Old Sturbridge Village Facebook
