New York is unrivaled when it comes to the dynamic educational experiences for student groups. Engaging learning opportunities abound, from lessons in aviation at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island to incredible creative displays and art history at Buffalo AKG Art Museum.
Discover historical firsts in New York, including the Women’s Rights Movement, which took shape in Seneca Falls, with a trip to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park. Ascertain the threads of our nation’s fabric through exhibits showcasing the welcoming of immigrants at Ellis Island. New York is home to world-renowned institutions where groups can better understand classroom curricula and connect them to real-world examples. New York City is teeming with superior art- and culture-driven environments, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the vibrant stages of Broadway.
For STEM-focused experiences, subterranean tours deep into Howe Caverns engage students while teaching them about geology and ecology. At the same time, a trip to the Erie Canal shows visitors up close about engineering and hydrodynamics. A visit to the New York Hall of Science engrosses students with cutting-edge science and innovative technologies through fun, interactive exhibits.
With so many exceptional learning opportunities throughout the Empire State, you’ll have no problem crafting the perfect field trip itinerary, regardless of subject matter or location.
The vast state of New York offers myriad learning opportunities for student groups, including cultural and performing arts experiences in New York City, outdoor science classrooms in the Adirondack Mountains, ancient history in southern regions, and so much more. Immerse your students in the wonders of science and advanced technology at institutions designed to engage and excite through interactive exhibits and hands-on educational programs. Each location is selected for its academic value and ability to stimulate students in interactive learning outside the classroom safely. Browse the profiles below to find the perfect spot for your next student adventure!
Cultural learning opportunities abound throughout New York. The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester provides a highly interactive experience with hands-on exhibits focused on the history of play.
The National Museum of the American Indian in New York City provides exceptional educational experiences focusing on Indigenous culture, anthropology and linguistics. Students can engage in guided tours and study authentic artifacts for in-depth learning. The Center for Jewish History in the city highlights Jewish heritage and immigration. The Center provides exemplary Holocaust education, world history, Jewish studies, engaging museum exhibits, and interactive workshops for students.
Immerse your students in the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) culture and history at Ganondagan State Historic Site, where Native American heritage comes to life in Victor, NY. At the Bethel Woods Museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, discover the vibrant culture of the Woodstock festival and the history surrounding the three-day event in 1969.
For international languages and diverse educational opportunities, take an immersive walking tour through Chinatown and Little Italy in New York City. Learn about immigration, food culture and traditions of these multilingual communities.
History can be uncovered in every corner of the state. View Gilded Age mansions of Hudson Valley, Adirondack Great Camps in the north, and the Long Island Gold Coast estates. For immersive history, tour the FDR Presidential Home and Library in Hyde Park, West Point Military Academy, and the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford.
The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton provides a glimpse into the history and culture of boating in North America, particularly on the St. Lawrence River. Step into the world of Olympic winter sports with a visit to the Lake Placid Olympic Museum. View extraordinary exhibits before heading to one of the original 1932 or 1980 skating arenas in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains. Before leaving Lake Placid, visit the scenic John Brown Farm State Historic Site and learn about John Brown’s path through civil rights history.
Lake George’s Fort William Henry Museum and the Iroquois Museum in Howe Caverns offer insights into the history and culture of Native Americans through dynamic art installations, authentic artifacts and recreated structures. From Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, history runs deep in the Empire State.
Student groups interested in aircraft and flight can visit the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Long Island and soar through high-flying aviation history and culture. They can also explore the National Soaring Museum (NSM) in Elmira and glimpse historic aircraft while touring various aviation exhibits and displays.
Uncover stimulating interactive exhibits at the Rochester Museum & Science Center, where STEM activities engage young minds and tie hands-on experiences to curricula. The Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) in Syracuse provides 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, both permanent and traveling showcases that capture the curiosity of students of all ages. They also offer educational programs and community events throughout the year. A trip to the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY, will not disappoint. Vibrant exhibits showcase the art of glassmaking and the techniques used to create breathtaking pieces. Learn the history of Corning glass and the art of glassmaking throughout history, from antiquity through the present day.
Incredible opportunities for immersive learning await throughout the vast Empire State. Albany touts The Egg – Center for the Performing Arts, an iconic center known for its unique architecture and diverse performances, including dance, theater and music. The Broadway Training Center of Westchester provides exceptional theatrical training, classes, workshops, and performance opportunities for all ages. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is a premier venue that hosts renowned performers, showcasing the talents of the New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and numerous jazz and contemporary artists. Diverse visual art installations, including pottery, sculptures, modern art, paintings, and ceramics, can be viewed at places like the Everson Museum of Art in Syracuse and The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum & Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs.
Intriguing museums can be found statewide, making perfect itinerary additions or full-day field trip options. The Buffalo AKG Art Museum in Buffalo captivates groups with thought-provoking artworks, including sculptures and noteworthy selections.
For world-renowned performing arts experiences, New York City provides the glittering stages of iconic Broadway and award-winning shows for students, where breathtaking live performances transform learning into something magical. The city is also home to revered institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Carnegie Hall, and Apollo Theater. Marvel at world-class collections at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Guggenheim Museum. Discover architecture and all forms of design at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, providing strong ties to the STEAM curriculum.
The National Comedy Center provides high-spirited entertainment and immersive learning opportunities for students traveling to Jamestown. Visit Cooperstown and the National Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame, which features engaging sports history exhibits and fascinating memorabilia.
New York’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 New York has to offer. Below are a few key events that can serve as focal points for planning your trip.
Encourage your students to submit original stories or poems for a chance to be recognized in this statewide K–12 writing competition.
Support your student filmmakers by guiding them through submission to this top-tier NYC festival showcasing youth talent in all film genres.
Inspire your students to create artwork that celebrates reading and intellectual freedom—winners earn national recognition and publication.
Nominate standout student performers and artists to be featured in this celebrated NYC public school arts festival.
New York 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.
The Connect-Kids-to-Parks Field Trip Grant Program reimburses up to $80 per student (and $160 per Special Education student) for field trips to New York’s parks, forests, historic sites, and recreation areas.
parksbusgrant@parks.ny.gov
WEBSITE
Public school educators in Dutchess and Ulster Counties, New York, may apply for grants of up to $2,000 per field trip.
(850) 844-8492
grants@communityfoundationshv.org
WEBSITE
The Community Grant Program from the Brown Rudnick Charitable Foundation provides funding for small projects that enhance education in underserved communities.
WEBSITE
Planning a student group trip to New York 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.
Discover how New York’s top outdoor classrooms cultivate critical thinking, scientific inquiry, historical empathy, environmental stewardship, and teamwork for middle school students.
Explore meaningful, curriculum-aligned art experiences at Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Storm King, MoMA, Museum of Broadway, and The Met—ideal for inspiring student creativity and critical thinking.
Celebrate America 250 with curated field trip ideas across New York. Discover activities and civic-focused destinations to deepen your students’ understanding of U.S. history and culture.
This resource is presented in collaboration with I♥NY, New York State’s official tourism organization, dedicated to inspiring teachers with exciting educational journeys statewide. Together, we’re highlighting extraordinary destinations and enriching experiences designed specifically for student group travel, helping educators bring learning to life through the diverse culture, history, and natural beauty of New York.