Today in Michigan, everyone is hurting financially, especially schools. As money dries up, teachers have to get creative so field trips don't break the bank. Fortunately, west Michigan has educational options for classrooms traveling on a budget and the following article lists some of the best.
Free Field Trips in the Grand Rapids and Lakeshore Area
For totally free trips, the Grand Rapids Public Library is a great resource. At the main library downtown, the staff offers a variety of free programs including read alouds and local history presentations. A walking tour of the city's two pedestrian bridges and lunch at nearby Ah-Nab-Awen Park is a great end to this trip and builds civic pride.
Colleges and universities are also great resources for the cash strapped educator. Aquinas College, near Eastown in Grand Rapids, has a self-guided tree identification walk through its bucolic campus. Guides can be picked up at the library or downloaded from their website. The Foster Planet Walk, a scale model of the solar system, is also on campus. Grand Valley State University operates the Annis Water Resource Institute in Muskegon which offers these free programs:
- Invaders of the Great Lakes
- The Water Cycle and Watersheds
- Air Quality
- Ecosystems
For a totally unique experience, Ford International Airport maintains a viewing area outside the fenced-in runways. Tuning in to the control tower's broadcast frequency lets students listen in on the life of a pilot or air traffic controller and children who have never travelled by air will get a thrill seeing the big jets take off and land.
Local Businesses Offer Free Field Trips
Businesses eager to connect with the next generation are a great resource for teachers on a budget. Schuler Books has a Store Tour Program on the inner workings of a bookstore. They also have a story time option for preschoolers. In Holland, Veldheers claims to be the most unique company in America. They make authentic Dutch pottery and wooden shoes. Factory tours end with a visit to their buffalo pasture.
National companies also offer tours. PETCO has the Furs, Feathers, and Fins program that teaches animal habitats and respect for animal welfare. Great Harvest Bread Company offers tours of their bakeries with a focus on the health benefits of whole grains. They are located in Grand Rapids and Grand Haven.
Free Field Trips are in West Michigan
These days school budgets are shrinking and there's less money available for expensive class trips. But with taxpayer supported institutions, colleges and universities, and local businesses all offering free field trips, Grand Rapids and the lakeshore area is a great place for teachers on a shoestring.
Jason O'Hare - Jason O'Hare is a veteran educator and Suite 101 contributor interested in all aspects of teaching in elementary schools but especially ...
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