From the small state of Delaware, the mossy region packs big learning opportunities into every field trip.
From salt marsh ecosystems to Revolutionary-era factories, and natural history halls to coastal state parks, Delaware offers rich and varied sites that engage students in STEM, history, environmental science, and the arts. Whether your class is in Dover, Wilmington, or elsewhere, there are numerous hands-on learning opportunities available to deepen students’ understanding of the First State.
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The Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover)
Field Trips on the Green programs at Biggs Museum. Photo credit: Biggs Museum of American Art Facebook
Uncover the beauty of Delaware art and history at the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover. Suitable for all ages, the museum is a great field trip destination, featuring a diverse range of American artwork, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative pieces from the 1700s to the present day. Guided tours help students connect art to history, culture, and the art of storytelling. Teachers can select tours that align with their class goals, and self-guided options are also available. The museum is compact and easy to navigate, making it ideal for younger students or shorter visits. Visiting the Biggs with your classroom will encourage creativity, observation, and critical thinking. It’s a hands-on way to explore American heritage through art, right in the heart of Delaware.
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science (Wilmington)
The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science offers excellent school and group programs that combine hands-on science and natural history in engaging ways. Students can choose guided discovery tours, where experienced docents lead them through the classroom, galleries, and outdoor areas that showcase the natural beauty and state history. Groups can also explore at their own pace with a self-guided visit. For younger students, programs like “SENSE-ational Animals” or “Cycle of Life” bring curriculum topics to life with interactive settings, including live animal encounters and wildlife exhibits.
STEM Stations provide interactive learning opportunities at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. Photo credit: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science Facebook
Hagley Museum & Library (Wilmington)
Spark your students’ curiosity with STEM experiences at Hagley. Photo credit: Hagley Museum and Library Facebook
The Hagley Museum & Library in Wilmington offers engaging field trips that allow students to explore the connections between science, technology, and history. Set on the site of the original DuPont gunpowder mills, visitors can witness water-powered machines, the daily lives of people in the 1800s, and the work that factories did to help shape modern America. Programs include hands-on experiments with simple machines, tours of historic buildings, and interactive lessons about daily life in the past. All activities are aligned with school standards and help students learn through interactive experiences. A visit to Hagley brings history and innovation to life in a real-world setting that is both fun and educational for all ages.
Fort Delaware State Park (Delaware City)
Located on Pea Patch Island and accessible only by ferry, the journey to Fort Delaware State Park sets the stage for adventure. Students step back in time as they explore a real Civil War–era fortress, guided by costumed interpreters portraying blacksmiths, soldiers, and even prisoners. They’ll witness cannon demonstrations, walk through historic barracks, and learn how people lived, worked and survived during wartime. Beyond the fort, students can explore nature trails and observe the island’s rich wildlife, including herons and egrets. With its unique blend of living history and coastal ecology, Fort Delaware brings social studies and science to life in a way that’s memorable, interactive, and truly one-of-a-kind.
Immerse your students in history at Fort Delaware. Photo credit: Fort Delaware State Park Facebook
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Header image: Fascinating live demonstrations at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science provide students with firsthand educational experiences. Photo credit: Delaware Museum of Nature & Science Facebook
