BHEA Field Trip Planning Guide

Welcome to the BHEA Field Trip Planning Guide! We believe field trips are a fantastic way to bring learning to life, build community, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re interested in history, science, the arts, or local businesses, this guide will help you plan an amazing outing for your homeschool group.

How to Plan a Field Trip with BHEA

Anyone can organize a field trip! Here’s a quick overview of the steps to plan and schedule a trip:

1. Choose Your Destination
   Browse the list below of recommended local and regional field trip ideas spanning history, science, arts, and business.

2. Contact the Venue
   Call or visit the venue’s website to confirm group availability, admission costs, group rates, and any special guidelines or requirements.

3. Select a Date & Time
   Pick a date that works well for your group and the venue.

4. Submit Your Field Trip Proposal
   Email your planned field trip details (destination, date, estimated number of attendees, contact info) to the BHEA Activities Coordinator at:
   [email protected]
   This helps us keep a calendar of trips and support your planning.

5. Promote the Trip
   Once approved, you can announce your trip on BHEA’s website and newsletters to invite other members.

6. Prepare for the Trip
   Organize transportation, permissions, and any special needs for your group.

7. Enjoy and Share!
   Take photos and feedback to share with the community afterward.

Field Trip Categories & Suggested Destinations

Science & Nature

• Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont – Ecology, citizen science

• Ijams Nature Center – Wildlife, environmental education

• The Muse Knoxville – STEM-focused children’s museum

• Oak Ridge National Lab / American Museum of Science & Energy

• Seven Islands State Birding Park – Guided nature walks, bird study

• Ijams Audubon Nature Center* (Knoxville) — 577-4717

• Western N.C. Nature Center (Asheville) — 828-259-8080

• Sugarlands Visitor's Center - Great Smoky Mountains Nat'l Park (Townsend)

• Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg) — 430-8808

• Warriors Path State Park* (Kingsport) — 423-239-8531

• Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium (Kingsport) — 423-229-9447

• Appalachian Bear Rescue (Townsend) — 738-3683

• Knoxville Zoo (Knoxville) — 637-5331

• Tennessee Aquarium (Chattanooga) — 800-262-0695

History & Culture

1700s - early 1800s Historical Field Trips

1800s (mid-late) Historical Field Trips

Early 1900s Tennessee Historical Field Trips 

Tennessee History Museums:

Arts & Theater

• Clayton Center for the Arts – Tours, behind-the-scenes

• Knoxville Museum of Art – Student workshops available

• Appalachian Ballet Company – Attend a rehearsal

• Local pottery studios or art galleries

• Cumberland County Playhouse (Crossville)

• Bijou Theatre (Knoxville)

• Clarence Brown Theatre (Knoxville)

• Johnson City Community Theatre

• Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

• Knoxville Opera Company

• Tennessee Theatre (Knoxville)

Business & Community Helpers

• Fire stations / EMS tours

• Courthouse / Mayor’s Office / Local Government

• Animal shelters or veterinary clinics

• Post Office or UPS Distribution Center

• Keep Blount Beautiful – Website: Keep Blount Beautiful Field Trips

• Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (Knoxville)

• Police Station / Jail (Knoxville)

• Library - McGhee Tyson Main Branch (Knoxville)

• TV Stations 6 & 10 (Knoxville)

• Knox Glass Co. (Knoxville)

• News-Sentinel Newspaper (Knoxville)

• Sea-Ray Boat Factory (Knoxville)

• Clayton Homes Factory (Knoxville)

• Island Airport Flight Training Center (Knoxville)

• Children’s Hospital (Knoxville)

Careers & Life Skills

• Behind-the-scenes at local farms

• Factory tours (Mayfield Dairy, Bush’s Beans, etc.)

• Restaurants or bakeries – See how they operate

• Tradespeople – Mechanics, welders, carpenters, etc.

Just for Fun!

• Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, or apple orchards

• Indoor trampoline or climbing gyms

• Group hiking days or picnic outings

• Bowling, roller skating, or mini-golf mornings

Big or Small—It All Matters

Whether it’s 2 families or 20, your field trip helps build our BHEA community. Some of our favorite outings have been small, simple, and spontaneous.

Have an Idea?

Make it happen! The more you give, the more you get from this vibrant homeschool group. Let’s work together to create memorable learning moments!

Contact for Field Trip Support

If you have questions or want to submit a field trip proposal, please contact:
BHEA Activities Coordinator
 [email protected]

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