Field Trips and Summer Plans

By Lisaorchard @lisaorchard1

Hello everyone! I hope all is well with you. Last week was the last week of school for the kiddos and let me tell you it was jam-packed! I was just as excited for the last day of school as my kiddos!

The highlight of the week was the field trip I went on with my fourth grader. We went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. What an eye opening experience for the kids! My son loved it and told me he wants to go again. I feel so strongly that these types of field trips are important for our kids. It’s a nice break from their routine and gives them a different learning environment.

Another great learning tool was the fact that they collected pop cans to keep the cost of the field trip down. It was a great lesson in how to save and put off gratification until they reached their goal. Another valuable lesson I hope the class noticed.

This field trip inspired me and so this summer, my hubby and I plan to take our boys on many adventures right here in Michigan. We’re hoping to take them up to Tahquamenon Falls and hike in the area, rumor has it the falls are breathtaking and even though my boys might complain about the hike, they do enjoy getting out in nature. Hiking is also a great way to have some family time and keep the kids away from spending too much time playing video games.

I’m also planning a trip to the zoo. We go at least once every summer and it’s a great way for my kids to expand their horizons. They can get up close and personal with animals they only see on TV or on the internet. I enjoy these trips just as much as my kids do.

However, the biggest trip I’d like to take is heading back to Chicago and going to Shedd’s Aquarium. I hear it’s spectacular. They have daily shows with killer whales and dolphins and I think my boys would have a blast! I know I would! So cross your fingers for me that we can squeeze the aquarium in before the summer is over. It involves getting to the train station on time and dealing with taxis, but it’s going to be worth it. I just know it! :)

So how about you? Any big plans for the summer? Any traveling tips you’d like to share? Any other suggestions of places we can go? Leave a comment; I’d love to hear from you.