Match the field trip with the subjects. If it's history, contact a local historical society and ask for recommendations on sites to visit. There might be an historic house in your hometown that you've never seen before. If you're close to your state capitol, schedule a visit to sit in the gallery and watch the legislators in action. Call your representatives and senator ahead of time so you can visit their offices.
Art is a topic rich in ideas. Monitor museums for special exhibits. Museums often plan an educational component to encourage field trips. If you like music, but cannot afford tickets to the symphony, see if the rehearsals are open. Hearing the conductor work on arrangements may be more educational than a polished performance.
Physical education field trips might mean visiting a trainer at a local gym. Have the trainer explain the different machines or muscle groups they address. If your city has a professional sports team, contact the head office for a tour of the facilities. Explore career opportunities in the field.
Science can be explored in a number of places. Find a local nature reserve. Chances are there is an educational group associated with it that can explain the foliage, animal habitats or wildlife there. If animals interest you, look for a 4-H fair. People displaying their animals love to talk about them. If you don't mind getting a little dirty, track your trash by visiting a recycling center or the county dump.
Foreign language students should look for opportunities to practice their skills. Take in a cultural fair, or visit an authentic restaurant. Let your server know that you only want to speak their native language. If you're near a city, see if there is an embassy you could visit that speaks the language you're learning.
Not all field trips need to be about reading, writing and arithmetic. Go where you can learn about the world around you. Visit a local church that operates a soup kitchen. Put together the menu, or study the demographics of poverty before you go. Habitat for Humanity welcomes high school students to help build houses for the poor. Even if you've never hammered a nail, you can paint, caulk and carry supplies.
Plan your trip before you go for the best experience. Make sure you know the rules of your location. For instance, ask if you can bring a packed lunch, or if young siblings are allowed to tag along. Find out if there will be someone there who can answer questions if you plan to write a report. Also be sure to take time after the visit to talk about what you've learned. Share your learning with other homeschooled students.
It is often more fun to join with other homeschool groups on field trips. Be sure you call the location and let them know how many people will be coming. Dress appropriately for the venue, such as a concert hall versus an outdoor nature preserve. Keep your voices down if it is a place of business. Remember, work must go on while you are there. And make a good impression by sending a thank-you note to the people who allowed you to tour their site, or took the time to talk with you.
Many commercial ventures make ideal field trips. Depending on what is near you, explore manufacturing plants or companies in very specialized fields. For example, in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., there is a DNA laboratory that has a field trip program for students studying advanced placement biology. The Dolan DNA Learning Center says its purpose is "to prepare students and families to thrive in the gene age."