While a theme park may not be the first place you think of for an educational field trip, Kings Dominion becomes an incredible STEM classroom through its Education Days program, presented by Extreme Networks. The park explores the physics and engineering behind its rides, turning roller coasters and attractions into real-world lessons in motion, force, and design.
Adventurous Learning
Educators can capture the exhilaration of a theme park trip while adding unique hands-on learning. Students will be drawn in with the excitement of water parks, rollercoasters, and new experiences around every corner. Add in some real-life problem-solving and critical thinking and you have the recipe for a successful learning opportunity. It’s the perfect win-win situation!
Kings Dominion partners with top-tier interactive education experts to develop standards-aligned materials for participating groups, including teacher-student workbooks, educator guides, and pre-field trip classroom activities. These resources align with Virginia courses of study and the National Science Standards, making it easy for teachers and group organizers to connect the visit to STEM curriculum before students arrive at the park.
Student Programming
Kings Dominion offers a wide variety of educational programs designed specifically for student groups. Engineering Day invites students to explore the engineering behind roller coasters as they meet with industry professionals. In October, they host a Scare School with acting lessons and a production seminar – and in 2027, they are introducing Drama Day targeted to theatre kids. Youth Leadership Day encourages students to be leaders in their community. They also host a variety of competitions including Youth Sports tournaments and a Dance Competition. All programming blends the thrill of a theme park with comprehensive learning to create one-of-a-kind student adventures.
The highlight of Education Days is the Coaster Mania Contest, where school groups are challenged to design and construct a themed roller coaster using engineering principles learned through the program. Winners are awarded daily across three divisions – Elementary, Middle/Junior High, and High School – adding a competitive, hands-on element that reinforces STEM concepts through friendly rivalry.
More Exciting Opportunities
In addition to their tried-and-true STEM programming, there are opportunities for music education. Take your student musicians to a Performance in the Park, where they will gain experience performing for a real audience and showcase their skills. For music on an even bigger scale, check out Kings Dominion’s Festival of Music. Students gain more than performance experience; they can learn directly from professional adjudicators and composers. Then at the end of the performance, they get to celebrate their success with a day at the park.
Kings Dominion may have all the flash of a theme park, but look past that to find the hidden gem learning opportunities ripe for the taking. Its varied educational programming makes its commitment to student learning clear. By combining thrill rides with structured, standards-based learning, Kings Dominion offers a unique field trip model that engages learners who might not connect with STEM in a traditional classroom setting — with plenty of opportunities for fun, too!
