Homeschool field trips offer a wide range of benefits, including hands-on learning, real-world application of knowledge, cultural exposure, and the opportunity to foster curiosity and social skills.
These experiences can enhance the overall educational journey of homeschooled students while allowing families to customize their learning experiences.
Chattanooga offers a variety of educational and recreational opportunities that can complement your homeschooling journey.
Whether you're organizing an exciting day trip or a fun, family getaway, can Choose Your Homeschool Adventure in Chattanooga by checking out these fun and educational activities.
301 N Holtzclaw Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37404
(423) 697-1322
The Chattanooga Zoo provides an opportunity for kids to see, hear, and smell some of the world’s most treasured wildlife!
Their Zooniversity is a series of homeschool classes that combine hands-on learning with classroom instruction. Students can explore a variety of topics including Zoology, Earth Science, Physical Science, Life Sciences, and Ecology.
Students are divided by the grade levels as follows: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th.
Classes are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays and run from August 10th - November 30th.
Visit the Zooniversity website for prices and more information.
900 North Sanctuary Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 892-1499
The Chattanooga Audubon Society was formed in 1944 by Robert Sparks Walker to protect the land on which he had spent his youth, now known as Audubon Acres.
Mr. Walker was a highly respected and noted naturalist in the 1900s and his reputation and work lives on today. He believed in educating people on the ways of nature, learning how to protect the environment, and studying the indigenous people who had lived in this area.
Once a month the Chattanooga Audobon Society offers a special field trip day just for homeschoolers and co-ops.
Homeschool Field Trip Days
A Log's Life - October 25th, 2023
9:30am or 1pm (Ideal for K-3rd)
After a tree falls in the forest, it creates another life as home to a variety of creatures.
Learn about the life cycle of trees, decomposition and discover the many creatures that depend on forests. Get an up-close experience in their unique habitat.
This program includes a bug jar & booklet for every child 5 and older that can be taken home.
$12 per student ages 5+, $3 per child 2-4 years old, $5 for non-member parents and free to member parents. Click here to register.
Natural Ornament Making - December 5th, 2023
9:30-11:30am or 12:30pm- 2pm, details to come
Winter Wildlife Walk - January 11th, 9:30am (details to come)
Birds in Love - February 13th, 9:30am (details to come)
Avian Discovery Days - March 13th, 9:30am (details to come)
Visit the Chattanooga Audubon Society website for prices and more information.
1720 S Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37409 (423) 821-2544
Breathtaking Ruby Falls was accidentally discovered by Leo Lambert in 1928 deep within Lookout Mountain in Chattanoooga, Tennessee.
Leo named the waterfall and cave after his wife, Ruby, and opened the iconic Chattanooga attraction to the public in 1929.
Today, Ruby Falls welcomes guests to Lookout Mountain from around the world to enjoy underground cave adventures and spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau.
2023 Homeschool Days at Ruby Falls
September 10 - 16, 2023
Ruby Falls offers homeschool students and families a special discounted Cave Walk ticket during this event.
Advance Ticket Request is Required. Complete the form on the website to request tickets.
Visit the Ruby Falls website for prices and more information.
1001 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 643-7700
The Chattanooga Public Library was established 1905. This 12,000 square foot center is a public laboratory and educational facility dedicated to design, technology, and the applied arts.
From now until December 31, 2023, the library will host "The Wayne-O-Rama" exhibition hosted by the History Funhouse.
This exhibit will showcase a selection of three dimensional puppets created by artist Wayne White. Wayne-O-Rama Puppets include: Frieda Carter, Luther Masingill, Olan Mills, Adolph Ochs, John Ross, Sequoyah, General William Sherman, Bessie Smith, Mary Edwards Walker, Nancy Ward, and Emma Rochelle Wheeler.
There will be a variety of immersive, interactive, fun, and collaborative experiences.
Stop Motion Animation with Skeleton Key featuring The Bohannons
Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Come learn about Chattanooga’s own stop motion animation studio, Skeleton Key! Creator Matt Eslinger will show and tell his creative process, with special guests The Bohannons!
International Puppetry Presentation
Saturday, October 21, 2023 Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Join us for a special International Puppetry presentation from Atlanta’s Center for Puppetry Arts. Learn about different puppet traditions from around the world, and then stick around to create your own puppet!
Click here to reserve free tickets and get more information.
1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 265-0695
Situated on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, TN, the Tennessee Aquarium is home to 10000 animals and an IMAX theater.
While a trip to the Tennessee Aquarium is the perfect way to spend the day, you can benefit from their educational opportunities from home!
The Aquarium's Weekday Wonders series is designed for parents and other adults who are interested in engaging children in science at home.
Click here to discover more about the Weekday Wonders series.
321 Chestnut Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 756-2738
This interactive children's museum offers hands-on exhibits on science, art, and technology. It's a fantastic place for kids to learn while having fun.
Creative Discovery Museum is excited to introduce their new Homeschool Lab Days for homeschool families! These special days are designed for family learning groups to engage in science inquiry, provide hands-on exploration, and create networking opportunities for homeschool families. Parents and children of all ages are welcome to attend!
Homeschool Lab Days Fall Semester
September 21, 2023: Sense-sational Science (1-5pm) October 19, 2023: Good Vibrations (1-5pm) November 26, 2023: States of Matter (1-5pm)
Click here for prices and registration information.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
755 E 5th St, Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 425-4126
The Challenger STEM Learning Center was built on curiosity, collaboration, innovation, and perseverance. They cultivate tomorrow’s creative problem solvers through meaningful learning experiences, interactive adventures, and team-building exercises for a wide range of grade levels and age groups.
The Challenger Learning Center offers hands-on STEAM programs for students participating in homeschool programs.
The second Friday of each month (during the school year from 9am-12pm) is dedicated to learning new skills and discover new interests!
Homeschool Days registration is completed based on each student’s age.
Ages 5-7 will be grouped together, ages 8-10 will be grouped together, and ages 11-14+ will be grouped together.
Animal Encounters
October 13th, 2023
Do you love animals? Come explore animal behavior, animal ecosystems, and more during our Animal Encounters Home School Day.
Activities may include crafting dog toys, watching Superpower Dogs in IMAX, and meeting therapy dogs hosted by TMH.
Stay for a special event in our planetarium hosted by North Florida Wildlife Center to learn about animals taking flight.
Click here for prices and registration information.
10 Bluff View Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403
(423) 267-0968
The collection of the Hunter Museum spans the history of American art from the colonial period to the present day, and covers a wide variety of media including painting, sculpture, contemporary studio glass, and crafts.
SUNDAY STUDIO & FAMILY FUN DAY
Art lovers of all ages are invited to Sunday Studio on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 2-4pm for drop-in art making. Geared toward pre-K through middle school artists and their families, each Sunday Studio highlights a work of art from the museum’s collection and features an activity that can be taken home.
Like Sunday Studio but on a larger scale, Family Fun Day showcases youth artists through music and dance and features art making for all led by local organizations. Inspired by the current special exhibition on view at the time, Family Fun Day takes place three times a year on the 2nd Sunday in March, August and October.
Youth 17 and under are free. Visit their website for pricing and more information.