A visit to an historical site can make history come alive for a fifth grade class. Places like Colonial Williamsburg, Mystic Seaport, Chestnut Square Historic Village and the Amana Colonies will allow fifth graders to visualize what life was like for people hundreds of years ago. If those living history locations are not convenient, ask about reenactment events at your local historical homes and battlegrounds. These events are often organized by local reenactors with an obsession for historical detail and an enthusiasm for history that they love to share.
A hands-on science center is an enjoyable field trip for a fifth grade class. According to Parents magazine, the 10 best science centers are COSI in Columbus, Ohio, the Exploratorium in San Francisco, the Museum of Science in Boston, Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, the St. Louis Science Center, the New York (City) Hall of Science, the California Science Center in Los Angeles, the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport, The Franklin in Philadelphia and the Maryland Science Center in Baltimore. But many other cities have science centers where fifth graders can see the science they've been learning about.
In addition to attending local concerts, ballets, tapings and plays, fifth graders might also enjoy behind the scenes tours of theaters, studios and stadiums. CNN in Atlanta, Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and Lincoln Center in New York all offer behind the scenes tours, as do many smaller venues and networks around the country. Art and/or design museums also provide trip opportunities for a fifth grade class. Many museums offer tours that can be customized for the grade level and current class topics.
Fifth grade students are physically ready for certain outdoor field trips. They can go hiking or canoeing and even participate in some ropes or climbing courses. Local state parks, national parks and environmental centers may even provide specific programs for a fifth grade class. An arboretum or botanical garden is another outdoor option for fifth graders.