Every homeschooled family knows that traditional “back to school” time is the best time to begin adventuring again! A late summer trip to the Hocking Hills region could be a fun way to ease back into the school year. There are SO many educational activities in the region, many of them are free. Read more of our Hocking Hills Homeschool Field Trip Guide to learn all the area has to offer. There is really something for everyone.
John Glenn Astronomy Park - If you’re into star (or planet) gazing, this is the place for you! Every Friday and Saturday evening from March through November, they have a special event listed on their website The stargazing events are free but they do require that you register for a (free) parking pass. You’re also welcome to visit on evenings when they don’t have events planned (no registration required).
Hocking Hills Nature Center - This student-led center is part of Hocking College and has all sorts of free events - guided nature hikes, animal encounters, nature craft programs, a 645-gallon aquarium, an augmented reality sand table, and a geology corner. They’re open Fridays - Sundays.
Muddy Boots Farm - a petting zoo with all kinds of animals! From cows, pigs, and goats to even exotic animals like ostriches, peacocks, and a camel! Plus many more. Visit their Facebook page to check out all their offerings and updates. The price is $8 for 4-12 year olds, and $12 for ages 13 and up. They’re open Fridays-Sundays from 12-6 pm. This petting farm is a huge hit with families - they have a 4.9 rating on Google reviews! (Don’t forget to check out their new corn maze!)
Hocking Hills County Historical Museum - their Facebook page is worth checking out as they frequently post about historical events and newspaper articles. Currently, they’re closed until March or April of next year but it does say they may open at request.
Hocking Hills Children’s Museum - for families with young children is a must-visit! If you live outside of Hocking County, the price is $10 a person. They have an infant and toddler soft play area designed like a honeycomb, a huge water table area, a large Lite Bright board within a makeshift cave, a TinyHouse for littles to pretend is their home and many more hands-on activities. See their website or Facebook page for more information. They’re open Mondays-Saturdays from 10 am-6 pm.
Mother Nature’s Classroom Learning Projects - they have several free printable activities for families visiting the parks and/or hiking, like scavenger hunts, bingo sheets and craft ideas.
Forest EcoTour - this option is a little pricey but looks very in-depth! If you’re into geology, and researching plants and trees, check out this guided ecotour. There's even a tour called Edible & Medicinal Plants! You must schedule in advance and have at least two people. The cost is $55/person and up. Intended for ages 6 and up, it’s a 2.5 tour!
Tecumseh! - This is the premier outdoor drama at Sugarloaf Mountain in Chillicothe. Written by seven-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and Emmy recipient, Allan W. Eckert, it tells the story of Tecumseh, the famous Shawnee leader living in Ohio during the 1700s. It includes a herd of horses, a live military cannon and exciting battle sequences. Tickets are $30 and up.
Archery - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources hosts a beginners’ archery course that even children can attend, though they need to be accompanied by an adult.
Nature Etching - ODNR also hosts a nature etching class that meets at the Old Man’s Cave Visitors Center.
Scales and Tails Along the Trails - This one is for snake lovers! This snake talk is held at the Hocking Hills Campground Amphitheatre (August 31, 10-11 am).
Butterfly Ridge Conservation Center - Located in Rockbridge, Ohio, this Butterfly conservation is open every day except for Tuesdays and has lots of educational opportunities for butterfly and moth lovers. Check out their website to learn more.
Our Carpenter's Cabin makes the perfect landing spot for your Homeschool Field Trip. Built by our family, for our family...and yours, it offers lots of fun places inside, the Jaybird Fort outdoors for hours of creative play, and 32 wooded acres with creeks and ravines for plenty of discovery.
Do you have other recommendations? How many of these would you like to experience even as an adult?
Written by: Meg Fowler
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