Field Trip Opportunities

Asia Pacific Cultural Center: K - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 1

Field Trip: APCC Field Trip

Description: During Field Trip visits with APCC's Asia Pacific Cultural Program, students will visit the new APCC building and participate in immersive, hands-on activities and demonstrations. We engage students in Asian and Pacific Islander culture and arts, promoting greater awareness and understanding of the Asia Pacific people and their proud heritage. Our instructors and presenters are from these cultures and know the language, history, traditions, and customs, providing teachings that showcase and honor their represented cultures.

Grades: K-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Culture, The Arts, Promoting greater awareness of the Asian Pacific people

Field Trip Length: 1-2 hours

Date: Monday - Friday

Who to Contact:

• Faaluaina Pritchard, Executive Director, faaluaina@asiapacificculturalcenter.org, (253) 383-3900

• Dareth Pak, Cultural Program Manager, dareth@asiapacificculturalcenter.org

Pricing:

• $10 per child 17 years and under
• $15 per chaperone

Additional Information:

• 1 class per field trip
• Field trips groups to the APCC often stay during/after the presentation to enjoy/experience Asian and Pacific lunch and we offer cultural lessons at K-12 grades. The APCC field trip provides an opportunity for children to see artwork, artifacts, and cultural/art demonstrations at our Center.
• There must be at least one chaperone assigned for each class and each field trip.

For More Information: www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org

Buffalo Soldiers Museum: 5th, 8th, & 11th Grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 1

Field Trip: American History Tour

Description: The Buffalo Soldiers Museum comprises of five themed rooms that chronicle 75 years of history outlining the historical events from 1866 – 1944. The themed rooms include; From Slaves to Soldiers, Bravery and Heroism(tribute to Native Americans), World War I, War II and Life Journey. This tour is based on common core curriculum standards for American history. Students will experience dates, times and events of significance in American history during this time period. Progressing chronologically, the guided exploration through the museum reveals the dates, times, and events through 1944 understanding the contributions these men made to US history. The students are left to answer the question; What will your contribution be to history?

Our immersive 2-hour interactive tours guide students through the five thematic eras of the Buffalo Soldier experience, fostering an interactive and enriching learning environment that spans the journey of African American soldiers from slavery to the present day.

Grades: 5th, 8th, & 11th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Social Studies

Field Trip Length: 2 hours

Dates: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays

Who to Contact: Jackie Jones-Hook, Executive Director, SoldiersMuseum@aol.com, (253) 272-4257

Pricing: Free

Additional Information:

• The Buffalo Soldiers Museum comprises of five rooms that chronicle 75 years of history outlining the historical events following the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, when Congress enacted laws allowing freed slaves to join the military. The tour begins with a concise introduction and video highlighting the origins of the Buffalo Soldiers. Progressing chronologically, the guided exploration through the museum reveals the dates, times, and events through 1944.

For More Information: www.buffalosoldierstacoma.org

Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation: 6th - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trips Options: 1

Field Trip: The Chinese Reconciliation Park History Tour

Description: This tour takes you to some of the places and people involved with the 1885 expulsion of Chinese merchants, laborers and their families from the city of Tacoma. It broadly recounts the history of expulsion and provides context to the places associated with activities leading up to these events.

Grades: 6th-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Social Studies

Field Trip Length: 1-2 hours

Who to Contact: Ben Everett, Administrator, ben@crpftacoma.org, (720) 256-8989

Pricing: Free

Additional Information:

• 15-20 students per trip
• 1:10 adult-to-student ratio
• The park is wheelchair accessible
• For further information about the expulsion, the Chinese Reconciliation Park or the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation, please visit tacomamethod.com. The Chinese Reconciliation Project hopes to spread the message of reconciliation and cultural harmony through education. Our mission is to provide as much opportunity as we can to show cultural wealth can unify us all. As we continue to promote our message of inclusion and Harmony in diversity, we hope to partner with teachers/schools to encourage students to participate in the field trip.

Study Guides: Teacher's Guide to The Wind Will Not Stop

For More Information: www.crpftacoma.org

Greentrike: Pre-K - 3rd grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 2

Field Trip 1: Group Visit

Description: The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a safe, stimulating environment showcasing the natural connection between play and life-long learning in our one-of-a-kind playscapes. Schedule your group visit to enhance classroom learning, spark creative spirit, and promote community building.

Grades: Pre-K-3rd grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social-Emotional Learning

Field Trip Length: 90 minutes

Field Trip 2: Inclusive Group Visit

Description: If you are looking for a quieter experience for a group with children with special needs, we offer visits during off-hours. The Children’s Museum of Tacoma is a safe, stimulating environment showcasing the natural connection between play and life-long learning in our one-of-a-kind playscapes.

Grades: Pre-K-3rd grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social-Emotional Learning

Field Trip Length: 90 minutes

Who to Contact: reservations@greentrike.org, (253) 533-6882

Pricing:

• $50 for 15 people or fewer
• $80 for 16-30 people
• $110 for 31-45 people
• Lunch room use: $45 for up to 30 people for 30 minutes
• A limited number of free scholarships available for the 25/26 school year

Additional Information:

• 45 student maximum
• Weighted vests, noise cancelling headphones available; if booking an Inclusive Group visit, we can limit the number of people in the space and modify sounds and light.
• Basic Visits are scheduled in 1 (one) hour and 30-minute blocks. Reservations must be made 2 (two) weeks in advance.

For More Information: greentrike.org/programs/at-the-museum/group-visits

Job Carr Cabin Museum: 3rd - 4th & 7th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 2

Field Trip 1: Museum Field Trip

Description: An interactive experience for elementary students to discover local history. Learn about traveling Oregon Trail, the Transcontinental Railroad, and daily life in Tacoma in the 1800s, plus heritage arts and crafts.

Grades: 3rd - 4th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Social Studies

Field Trip Length: 2-3 hours

Field Trip 2: Middle School Classroom Program

Description: Bring the Museum to your classroom. This in-class program aligns with TPS curriculum about the contributions of tribes, settlers, and immigrants to Tacoma's growth in the 1800s. The interactive lesson highlights the experiences of the Puyallup people, the Carr family, and multiple immigrant communities who called Tacoma their home.

Grades: 7th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Social Studies

Field Trip Length: 75 minutes

Who to Contact: Holly Stewart, Program Manager, hstewart@jobcarrcabinmuseum.org, (253) 627-5405

Pricing: Free

Additional Information:

• 90 students per field trip
• 1:6 Student-to-Adult ratio
• ADA compliant
• Gender-neutral restroom
• Field trips groups to the Museum often stay after the presentation to enjoy lunch and recess in Old Town Park. Covered picnic tables are available. Explore nearby Chinese Reconciliation Park to learn more about the Chinese immigrants who built Tacoma's railroad and the expulsion of 1885. This park is a space to inspire hope, healing, and inclusivity.

For More Information: www.jobcarrmuseum.org

LeMay - America's Car Museum: 3rd - 8th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 3

Field Trip: Crash-Test Cars Workshop & Customized Guided Tour

Description: Students will learn how cars are designed with safety in mind before using limited materials to design and build a vehicle that will keep an egg safe in a crash. The Crash-Test Cars workshop is one of our most popular programs at ACM, and is a great way for students to use their hands and learn all about force, motion, inertia, gravity, friction, and put their design skills to the challenge.

Grades: 3rd-8th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts & Science

Field Trip Lengths: 3-4 hours

Field Trip 2: Renewable Energy Cars Workshop & Powering the Future Guided Tour

Description: Students will discuss where our energy comes from and learn about the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy sources before using limited materials to engineer a car that moves using only energy that can be easily regenerated.

Grades: 3rd-8th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts, Environment & Sustainability, Science

Field Trip Length: 3-4 hours

Field Trip 3: Pinewood Derby Cars Workshop & Stylish Speed/Customized Guided Tour

Description: Our Pinewood Derby workshop is a great way to explore energy. Students will review science concepts related to potential and kinetic energy before assembling and decorating a pinewood derby car that can be tested on the Museum’s full-length track in the Family Zone. Our pinewood derby track allows students to test and modify their cars to see whose can go the fastest down the track!

Grades: 4th-8th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Science

Field Trip Length: 3-4 hours

Who to Contact: Rebecca Bresler, School Programs and Curriculum Coordinator, rebecca.bresler@americascarmuseum.org, (253) 683-3978

Pricing:

• Tour: $6 per student
• Tour with workshop: $9 per student
• Additional adult outside of 1:10 ratio: $6

Additional Information:

• 90 students per trip
• 1:10 Adult-to-Student ratio
• Tactile experiences for sight impaired; quiet spaces/private rooms can be reserved; ramps and elevators
• Our guided tour highlights the history of the automobile and how safety features have changed and improved over the years.
• Stylish Speed Tour: Analyze the evolving design of a vehicle’s exterior body and what makes a car aerodynamic, safe, and fast.
• Powering the Future Tour: Discover how automotive technology has advanced over time, and hypothesize the best way to power vehicles for a sustainable automotive future.
• A Nation On Wheels Tour: Learn how cars shaped American culture through the decades.
• Preschool Tour: Encourage curiosity and imagination with a condensed guided tour, playtime in the Family Zone, and storytime with a related hands-on activity. Preschool programs are geared to ages 3-5 and allow one free chaperone for every 5 students.
• Customized Tour: Work with us to create a program that meets your classroom’s learning objectives and students’ interests. Contact our education department for more details.

For More Information: www.americascarmuseum.org/school-programs

Northwest Sinfonietta: 6th - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 1

Field Trip: Open Rehearsal with Northwest Sinfonietta

Description: TPS orchestra and band classes are invited to join Northwest Sinfonietta for an open rehearsal at Rialto Theater on Friday, March 13, 2026 from 10am-1pm. Students will have a Q&A with conductor Yaniv Attar and composer Angelique Poteat following the rehearsal, which will include a world premiere piece by Angelique Poteat inspired by Washington State's Chuckanut Formation, Einojuhani Rautavaara's concerto for birdsong and orchestra Cantus Arcticus, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 with side-by-side players from Tacoma Youth Symphony. Attending students will receive complimentary ticket vouchers to attend the Saturday, March 14, 2026 concert with their families.

Grades: 6th-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts

Field Trip Length: 2-3 hours

Date: Friday, March 13, 2026

Who to Contact: Karin Choo, Executive Director, execdir@nwsinfonietta.org, (253) 383-5344

Pricing: Free

Additional Information:

• 500 students per field trip
• 1:25 Adult-to-Student ratio
• Wheelchair/limited mobility seating, assisted listening devices available upon request

For More Information: www.nwsinfonietta.org

Symphony Tacoma: 5th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 1

Field Trip: Simply Symphonic

Description: Simply Symphonic is Symphony Tacoma’s flagship educational offering. Using curriculum from Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute award-winning Link Up program, it introduces 5th grade students to the joys of orchestral music. Teaching guide attachements have been sent out to all TPS teachers, and can be sent again upon registration for the field trip. All other supporting material is on the Carnegie Hall Link Up website.

Grades: 5th Grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts

Field Trip Length: 1 hour

Dates:

• Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:30 am
• Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 am & 11:30 am
• Thursday, April 23, 2026, 10:00 am & 11:30 am

Who to Contact: Li-Ling Liao, Education Coordinator, education@symphonytacoma.org, (253) 272-7264

Pricing: $3 per ticket with scholarships available for eligible schools

Additional Information:

• 1,200 students per field trip
• In January, there will be one professional development session via zoom for teachers, the date is to be determined

For More Information: www.symphonytacoma.org/learning/simply-symphonic/

Tacoma Art Museum: Pre-K - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 1

Field Trip: Art As An Interdisciplinary Tool for Learning

Description: Bring your students to TAM for a tailored educator led tour and hands-on artmaking activity that will empower and inspire your students! Our artmaking activities provide students the opportunity to further explore their ideas and experiment with different processes.

Grades: Pre-K-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts, English Language Arts, Environment & Sustainability, Health & Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, Social-Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tribal Sovereignty, World Languages

Field Trip Length: 1-2 hours

Who to Contact: TAM Education Department, education@tacomaartmuseum.org, (253) 272-4258 ext. 3060

Pricing:

• Free for Tacoma Public School students
• Outside of TPS: $10 per student / $7 per student for Title 1 schools
• $5 per chaperone

Additional Information:

• We are wheelchair accessible. Please let us know your accessibility needs and we will accommodate as best we can!
• Primary School - Minimum 1 adult per 5 students
• Secondary School - Minimum 1 adult per 10 students
• Please allow 3 weeks notice when scheduling visits! We use an inquiry based method called Visual Thinking Strategies, VTS, in our programs. VTS encourages critical thinking, builds community by allowing students to share different points of view, and gives space for students to build their voice and literacy skills.
• TAM now offers classroom visits as an alternative to visiting TAM, tailored to curricular needs and in support of Washington State Learning Standards and Common Core.

For More Information: www.tacomaartmuseum.org

Tacoma Arts Live: Pre-K - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 2

Field Trip 1: Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

Description: When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.

Grades: K - 5th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Communications & Language Arts, Music, Science, Social Studies

Field Trip Length: 1 hour

Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 10:00 am & 12:15 pm

Study Guide: Contact education@tacomaartslive.org

Field Trip 2: The Wind in the Willows

Description: Journey into the Wild Wood on this multi-media adventure based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s novel. Wind in the Willows mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the trials of Mole and Rat on an all-night race against time as they venture through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter before it’s too late.

Grades: 3rd grade and up

K-12 Subject Area Connections: Fine Arts, Language Arts, Science, Emotional/Social Development

Field Trip Length: 1 hour

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 10:00 am & 12:15 pm

Study Guide: Contact education@tacomaartslive.org

Who to Contact: Jill Heinecke, Senior Manager of Education, jheinecke@tacomaartslive.org, (253) 346-1721

Pricing:

• Advance Tickets (before November 1) - $7 per attendee
• Regular Tickets - $8 per attendee
• Tickets will need to be purchased for all attendees, students & adults.

Additional Information:

• All field trips are hosted at the Pantages Theater.
• Between 900 - 950 students per trip, depending on the number of teachers & chaperones.
• The Pantages Theater is wheelchair accessible.

For More Information: www.tacomaartslive.org/education/education-matinees

Tacoma Musical Playhouse: K - 8th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 1

Field Trip: Family Theater at Tacoma Musical Playhouse

Description: Bring your students to see Tacoma Musical Playhouse's Family Theater productions of James and the Giant Peach or Elephant and Piggie's We're In a Play - shortened versions of musicals for the whole family!

Grades: K-8th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts

Field Trip Length: 1-2 hours

Dates:

• The Rainbow Fish Musical: October 21 & 23, 2025
• Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus: January 21 & 22, 2026

Who to Contact: Kayla Littleton, Director of Education, kayla@tmp.org, (253) 565-6867

Pricing:

• $10 per student
• $10 per adult

Additional Information:

• Up to 300 students per field trip
• Recommended 1:20 student-to-adult ratio so adults can be scattered throughout the auditorium
• Study guides will be made available closer to show dates

For More Information: www.tmp.org

Tacoma Youth Symphony Association: 4th & 7th-12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trip Options: 2

Field Trip 1: Discover Music: What Is a Melody?

Description: In these free community concerts, the Tacoma Youth Symphony provides thousands of fourth graders with their first symphony orchestra experience. These young musicians-in-the-making explore the different instrument families of the orchestra through music from their favorite movies and popular classics!

Grades: 4th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts

Field Trip Length: 1-2 hours

Date: Friday, February 6, 2026. Two shows at 10:00 am and 11:30 am

Additional Information: The Tacoma Youth Symphony presents 2 concerts (one at 10am and 11:30am) on the morning of February 6th. Times fill up quickly so reserve your spot as early as possible!

Field Trip 2: Symphonic Orchestra Festival (SOF)

Description: Each March, the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association sponsors an orchestra festival for middle school, junior high, and high school orchestras!

Grades: 7th-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts

Field Trip Length: 3-4 hours

Dates:

• Thursday, March 19, 2026 - For Middle School
• Friday, March 20, 2026 - For High School

Who to Contact: Dr. James Welsch, Music Director, musicdirector@tysamusic.org, (253) 627-2792

Pricing:

• Discover Music: Free
• Symphonic Orchestra Festival: $225 with an additional fee of $3 per student

For More Information: www.tysamusic.org/tysa-programs/tysa-in-the-schools

The Grand Cinema: Pre-K - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trips Options: 1

Field Trip: Film Screening

Description: The Grand Cinema can show any film that fits the curriculum of theme for any teacher/class/school (film on DVD or BluRay needs to be provided by the school). Rental time can also include time for a post-film talk or discuss as arranged by the teacher/school.

Grades: Pre-K-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts, Computer Science, English Language Arts, Environment & Sustainability, Finacial Education, Health & Physical Education, Mathematics, Science, Social-Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Tribal Sovereignty, World Lanuages

Field Trip Length: 2-3 hours

Who to Contact: Rental Office, rentals@thegrandcinema.com

Pricing: $100 - $150 per film screening

Additional Information:

• For groups of 25 or less, we can host a tour of our projection booth and equipment (dependent on staff availability) at no addtional cost
• Up to 350 students per trip
• Audio and visual devices, open captions (if available on disc), wheelchair accessible, and lights and volume can be adjusted
• We have been hosting TPS field trips for a long time and can be really creative on what works best for each individual teacher, classroom, or school

For More Information: www.grandcinema.com

Toolbox Laboratories: Pre-K - 12th grade ⇩

Number of Field Trips Options: 1

Field Trip: Toolbox Learning Laboratories Material Explorations

Description: Our hands-on, open-ended STEAM activities can be created for our workshop or we’ll turn your classroom into a laboratory! Access machines, hand tools, and explore all kinds of materials. Our activities can be differentiated for a diverse group.

Grades: Pre-K-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts, Environment & Sustainability, Mathematics, Science, Social-Emotional Learning

Field Trip Length: 2-3 hours

Who to Contact: Aaron Goodge, Director, Aaron@ToolboxLaboratories.com, (253) 590-9845

Pricing: Free

Additional Information:

• If you have a curriculum standard to meet we can engineer a project for your students. Give us a call so we can make a plan to meet your students' needs
• 40 students per field trip
• Indoor space for lunch
• 1 adult per 10 students required

For More Information: www.toolboxlaboratories.com

Write253: 4th - 12th Grade ⇩

Number of Field Trips Options: 1

Field Trip: Tacoma Wayzgoose

Description: Tacoma Wayzgoose is Tacoma's annual printmaking, letterpress, and book arts celebration! This year, over 40 artists with free educational opportunities will be on hand. Students can also watch steamroller printing!

Grades: 4th-12th grade

K-12 Subject Area Connections: The Arts

Field Trip Length: 2-3 hours

Date: May 2, 2025

Time: Starts at 10 AM

Who to Contact: Michael Haeflinger, Executive Director, michael@write253.org, (253) 345-1959

Pricing: Free

For More Information: www.write253.org