7 Top Redding, California, Field Trip Ideas

Your next exciting educational group experience is waiting, with plenty of Redding, California, field trip ideas that will spark curiosity!

Discover an outdoor paradise in Redding, California, with miles of hiking and biking trails, 300 days of sunshine annually and nine national and state park designations. Explore iconic sites, marine sanctuaries and more with seven immersive field trip ideas.

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1.) Shasta Dam Guided Tours

Shasta Dam is the eighth-tallest dam in the U.S., standing at 602 feet high and stretching 3,460 feet long. Built during World War II, this concrete gravity dam on the Sacramento River was crucial in providing electricity to wartime factories. Construction began in 1938 and required over 15 million tons of concrete. When completed, it was the second-highest dam globally after Hoover Dam and one of the most massive concrete structures ever built. The Shasta Dam tour offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history, engineering, and significance of one of California’s most iconic structures. Free guided tours are available year-round.

Field trip information:

Tours include:

• A fascinating glimpse into the history, engineering and significance of one of California’s most iconic structures.
• A thrilling walk across the top of the dam.
• A 428-foot elevator ride to the base of the dam.
• Visits to inner galleries within the dam and the powerhouse.
• Stunning views of the spillway and Lake Shasta.

2.) Lake Shasta Caverns Tour

A stunning natural attraction, located about 30 minutes north of Redding, the Lake Shasta Caverns were formed over 200 million years ago by flowing water and are made entirely of limestone. Officially discovered in 1878, the caverns feature a variety of formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, flowstone, and helictites. Visitors reach the caverns via a boat ride across Shasta Lake, then a scenic bus ride up the mountain to the entrance. Declared a National Natural Landmark in 2012, the Lake Shasta Caverns are a unique natural wonder that highlights the stunning geological formations of the area.

Field trip information:

• Guided tours, including the boat and bus rides, are available year-round and typically last about 2 hours. The tour involves navigating approximately 600 cavern stairs in total.

3.) Shasta State Historic Park

Shasta State Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into California’s Gold Rush history. Known as the “Queen City” of California’s northern mining district during the mid-1800s, Shasta was a bustling commercial hub until the railroad bypassed it in favor of Redding in the 1880s, leading to its decline into ghost town status. Whether you’re interested in exploring ruins or learning about justice in the 1800s at the Courthouse Museum, it’s an excellent stop for history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Field trip information:

• The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. However, the Courthouse Museum operates Thursday through Sunday and requires entry fees.
• Shasta State Historic Park’s field trip program includes a guided tour of the Courthouse Museum and the Litsch General Store.

Learn more at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24061

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4.) Turtle Bay Exploration Park

A 300-acre cultural and educational center, along the banks of the Sacramento River, the Turtle Bay Museum features natural history, cultural history, art, and science exhibits. Explore an underground aquarium, Native American history exhibits and rotating art displays. Various animal exhibits promote conservation and appreciation for wildlife. The McConnell Arboretum & Botanical Gardens across the river has 20 acres of beautiful walkable gardens.

Field Trip information:

• Operating hours vary slightly by day, generally opening at 9:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 AM on weekends. The park is wheelchair accessible with accessible entrances and free parking.
• While Turtle Bay field trips are self-guided, the museum does offer various exploration, animal, and garden classes as field trip add-ons at https://www.turtlebay.org/school-field-trips

5.) Schreder Planetarium

The Schreder Planetarium is a prominent science education facility in Redding. It features a 65-seat, 10-meter domed theater, equipped with advanced digital projection systems. The planetarium offers diverse programs, including scientific documentaries, cultural sky lore and science fiction stories, to educate and inspire audiences of all ages.

Field trip information:

• Public evening shows are held twice a month, and school field trips can be scheduled weekly by reservation. Shows include immersive 3D experiences and hands-on exhibits. The facility is wheelchair accessible and provides free street parking.

6.) Lassen Volcanic National Park

Located about an hour’s drive east of Redding, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a diverse range of geological features, including volcanoes, hydrothermal areas, and landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and glaciers. The park is home to all four types of volcanoes: plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and stratovolcano, with Lassen Peak being crowned the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Overall, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique destination for those interested in geology, hiking, and natural beauty.

Field trip information:

• Explore over 150 miles of hiking trails, including the popular Lassen Peak trail, which allows visitors to summit the volcano. The main park road provides stunning views and reaches an elevation of 8,512 feet. There is a visitor center, picnic tables, public restrooms, kid-friendly hikes, and wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots.
• In addition to self-guided field trips, Lassen also provides various ranger-led field trip options. These need to be reserved at least three weeks in advance. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/education/rangerguided.htm

7.) Coleman National Fish Hatchery

The Coleman National Fish Hatchery, located about 30 minutes south of Redding, is a critical facility for the propagation of Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. Established in 1942, it was designed to mitigate the loss of natural spawning habitats caused by the construction of Shasta and Keswick Dams, which blocked access to upstream spawning grounds. It produces approximately 12 million fall Chinook salmon, 1 million late-fall Chinook salmon, 200,000 winter Chinook salmon, and 600,000 steelhead trout annually. The Coleman National Fish Hatchery is vital in supporting salmon and trout populations critical to California’s ecosystems and fishing industries.

Field trip information:

• The hatchery is open daily for self-guided tours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Adult Chinook salmon viewing is best in October, with spawning occurring from early October to mid-November.

Every October, the hatchery celebrates with its annual “Return of the Salmon Festival”. This one-day, family-friendly educational event is free to attend and will highlight the salmon spawning process. Learn more at https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/coleman

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