A homeschool field trip group is an organized community of homeschooling families who coordinate group outings to educational venues, sharing planning responsibilities while accessing group discounts and building social connections.
What is a Field Trip Group?
Homeschool field trip groups (also called field trip co-ops or clubs) bring families together to plan and attend educational outings collectively. Unlike academic co-ops requiring lesson plans and teaching commitments, field trip groups are low-commitment communities focused on experiential learning through shared adventures. Members typically need only "kids, a car, some money, and a camera" to participate. These groups coordinate visits to museums, historical sites, nature centers, factories, and other venues—negotiating group rates, handling logistics, and providing built-in socialization for children and parents alike.
Key Takeaways
- Group discounts often activate at just 10 people, making even small groups cost-effective
- Members rotate planning responsibilities so no single family bears the full burden
- Groups provide low-pressure socialization and community building
- Finding groups: Facebook, Meetup.com, state homeschool associations, venue homeschool day announcements
How Field Trip Groups Operate
Most groups establish a communication hub—typically a private Facebook group or Meetup page—where members discuss destinations, coordinate attendance, and share information. Members take turns researching and proposing outings that interest their families. About two weeks before each trip, the organizer gathers headcounts to meet venue minimum requirements and secure group pricing. Each family handles their own transportation (groups typically avoid organizing carpools for liability reasons). On the day, a designated point person assists with check-in, timing, and any special needs. After the trip, photos and experiences are shared in the group, building community memory.
Starting Your Own Group
Where to Find Existing Groups
Search "[your city] homeschool field trips" on Facebook and Meetup.com. State homeschool associations like HEAV (Virginia) coordinate trips with negotiated discounts. Texas families can check Field Trip Fridays, a community of 13,500+ members. Venues hosting dedicated Homeschool Days often attract informal groups—attend one and you'll likely meet families to connect with. Local homeschool networks, co-ops, and even library homeschool programs can point you toward existing field trip communities. If nothing exists in your area, that's your opportunity to start one.
The Bottom Line
Field trip groups offer the best of homeschool community: shared experiences without curriculum commitments, cost savings through group rates, and friendships built through adventures rather than obligations. For families new to homeschooling, field trip groups provide an accessible entry point into the community—show up, enjoy the outing, get to know other families. The children benefit from peer interaction; parents benefit from adult conversation and shared planning. Even if you consider yourself a solo homeschooler, an occasional group field trip enriches everyone's experience.
