An abundance of programs and financial support from state and national parks means that teachers need not stress when planning student trips
A wonderful world of experiential learning awaits in state and national parks throughout the U.S. with park programs for students. When planning an escape from the classroom for your students, consider the great outdoors full of wonder, excitement and learning opportunities galore. The National Park Service (NPS) and many state park departments cater to educational groups and student visitors seeking to learn about the environment and our natural landscapes. Best of all, they operate generous grant programs with educators in mind, including in Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and California, where you’ll find some of the most interesting, fulfilling and inspiring nature experiences imaginable.
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National Park Service Programs for Student Groups
While state park programs are lively and diverse, you’re within driving distance of a national park. The National Park Service (NPS) is renowned for prioritizing financial support for groups itching for an outdoor experiential adventure.
Kids to Parks Day School Grants Program
A phenomenal program administered through NPS is the Kids to Parks Day School Grants Program, through which the National Park Trust awards grants to under-served schools to help students discover and explore public parks, land and waters. It has a noble purpose and is uniquely effective: In 2024, it selected 110 Title I schools as grantees, with each recipient receiving up to $1,000 to fund their park trip and nearly $150,000 being awarded in total. With a focus on student-driven trips and student-teacher collaboration, the Kids to Parks initiative makes wildlife exploration possible for students in hundreds of classrooms across America.
Every Kid Outdoors
Every Kid Outdoors is a similarly purposed program put on by various participating federal government agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the NPS. Designed for fourth graders, the initiative offers free activity guides for teachers, which include free access passes to all national parks, land and waters. Teachers simply need to download and fill out online activity guides, then generate passes for their students.
Sample Outdoor Park Programs Sponsored by States
Many states provide unique outdoor experiences for student groups throughout their parks. We’ve gathered several programs for examples of what states may offer.
Illinois Park Programs for Students
The Illinois Conservation Foundation, run by Illinois State Parks, operates some of the country’s most exceptional outdoor programs. Through the state’s Historic Sites Field Trip Grants, teachers can apply for funding to take students on a field trip to study some aspect of Illinois’ history, from its development as part of the American frontier to contemporary life in the nation’s 21st state.
Illinois Historic Sites Field Trip Grant
Similarly, educators can apply for the Biodiversity Field Trip Grants Program, another state parks-enabled program that prioritizes conservation and a greener future in students’ educations.
Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant
Indiana Programs for Students
Indiana is one of the Midwest’s leaders in school and group programs, with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources leading the way.
Perhaps the best option for those planning a trip is the Outdoor Field Trip Grants Program, operated by Indiana State Parks and designed with one purpose: to distribute funds to public, private, parochial or home-school educators interested in taking students on field trips to an Indiana state park or reservoir. Available for grades K-12, the grants are extended between May 1 and June 30 every year, giving educators the opportunity to enrich their students’ lives through a better understanding of the Hoosier State’s diverse array of wildlife and natural habitats.
DNR: State Parks: School & Group Programs (in.gov)
California Park Programs
Did you think the Golden State was all about Silicon Valley, flashy beaches and top attractions like Hollywood and the State Capitol in Sacramento? Think again because California’s other defining feature is its state parks.
One option for student groups is the Explore the Past Tour put on by Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It is designed for grades K-12 and can accommodate up to 20 participants. In just one hour, students can explore San Diego’s rich history while enjoying a guided tour.
CA School Programs: Explore the Past Tour
Donner Memorial State Park, the crown jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, also offers field trips. Teachers and other student travel planners can register in advance for this free offering, which brings to life the California emigrant experience at an elevation of 6,000 feet!
Donner Memorial State Park CA Programs
Texas for Student Park Programs
The Lone Star State is chockful of fascinating natural wonders, from canyons and creeks to desert animals like scorpions and snakes. Fortunately, Texas has more than just wildlife: it also offers dynamic programs for student groups.
One example is the Government Canyon State Natural Area, a 12,000-acre wilderness expanse just north of San Antonio. It features TEKS-aligned learning experiences in nature with ranger-led and self-guided tours. (TEKS refers to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in English language and arts). Ranger-led field trips occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays from February through May and mid-September through December. Teachers and travel planners should schedule in advance to request an entrance fee waiver, which allows free entry for your group.
Government Canyon State Natural Area Field Trips
Other Texas state park offerings are suitable for families and student groups alike. For instance, Texas Outdoor Family provides camping workshops where groups can rent camping equipment and learn what it’s like to spend time outdoors.
The programs and offerings listed in this article are just some examples of what national and state parks bring to the learning table. There is a bevy of additional options from the National Park Service, and other states provide grants and financial support for teachers who want to take their students on enriching nature-focused trips.
Now that you have an in-depth look at what state and national parks across the U.S. have to offer, start planning your school field trip today. Subscribe for FREE and dive into more student travel planning tips and content on all things student travel!
By Billy Stampfl, Contributing Writer
Photos courtesy of NPS/Gin Majka
