Homeschool field trip planning checklist
A homeschool field trip goes smoothly when you know three things early: how far ahead to book, how many kids you need, and what to bring. Here's a checklist, with real examples from metro Atlanta venues.
Prices, dates and rules are copied from each venue's own page (or the official listing we cite), last checked 2026-10-21. Click a program for its source link. Confirm with the venue before you go.
1. A few weeks out: pick the trip and check the rules
- What kind of program is it: drop-in, ticketed, drop-off class, or a group booking? (See how homeschool days work.)
- Is there a group minimum? Many group rates start at 10 students. The Carlos Museum takes 5–65 guests per tour, the Alliance Theatre says there's no minimum ticket count, and diDomizio Arts Center lets families form a new group with 4 or more students.
- Does every adult and sibling need a ticket? At Georgia Aquarium, adults need a program ticket unless they're active members.
- Does the age or grade range fit your kids? Some programs are split by grade band, like Zoo Atlanta HomeSchool Academy.
- Do they ask for proof of homeschooling? See what Atlanta venues ask for.
2. Book before the deadline
Lead times vary a lot. These are the booking rules from the venues' own pages:
| Program | Booking rules (as listed) |
|---|---|
| Self-guided field trips for homeschool groups Zoo Atlanta | Reserve and pay at least 14 days ahead. Minimum 10 students. No walk-up groups. Full refund if cancelled 7 days before. Optional $9.50 pre-ordered lunch. |
| Homeschool tours and Homeschool Days Michael C. Carlos Museum (Emory University) | Schedule online at least 2 weeks ahead. 5–65 guests per tour. One chaperone per 10 students required. Custom invoice after booking. |
| K–12 student group visits Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum | Submit the online reservation form at least 2 weeks ahead. |
| Planetarium group visits Fernbank Science Center (DeKalb County School District) | Request at least 10 days ahead with the FSC Program Request Form. Not confirmed until paid. |
| Homeschool field trips Tellus Science Museum | Reserve at least one week before. Pay at registration (cards only). Siblings and adults do not count toward the 10-student minimum. |
| Homeschool field-trip rates Fernbank Museum of Natural History | Groups of 10+ need a 48-hour advance reservation. |
| HomeSchool Academy (Fall) Zoo Atlanta | Register online by grade band. Registration for each date closes two days before at 10 a.m. (Nov 11 closes Nov 9; Dec 9 closes Dec 7). Drop-off and pick-up at the Education Conservation Gate; parents stay in the car. |
| Tuesdays in the Field (homeschool program) Georgia Aquarium | Advance tickets only. Sales close 12 p.m. Eastern the day before. No refunds. Aqua Passes, Kids Free and other promotions are not valid. |
| Home School Friday art classes (ages 7–12) Booth Western Art Museum | Registration required; deadlines Oct 30 (for Nov 6) and Nov 27 (for Dec 4). Minimum 10 students. Info 770-387-1300 ext. 7271. |
| Homeschool programs (amphibians & wetlands) Amphibian Foundation at Blue Heron Nature Preserve | Contact the education staff. Pay 2 weeks in advance; fees non-refundable but can be applied to a future program. Drop-off allowed. |
3. Check the money details
- Refunds. Georgia Aquarium's Tuesdays in the Field tickets are non-refundable. Zoo Atlanta's self-guided homeschool groups get a full refund if they cancel 7 days ahead. The Amphibian Foundation's fees are non-refundable but can be applied to a future program.
- How to pay. Tellus takes payment at registration, cards only. The Carlos Museum sends a custom invoice after booking. LEGO Discovery Center wants payment online at booking.
- Free chaperones. Several venues include free adults per 10 students. See our budget guide.
4. The week before
- Re-check the venue's page for changes or cancellations. Programs sell out and dates move.
- Sign waivers if needed. Sparkles Smyrna has every guest sign one, and SkateATL needs a signed waiver for every participant.
- Plan food. LEGO Discovery Center allows no outside food. Zoo Atlanta offers an optional pre-ordered lunch for groups. Autrey Mill lists a 10:30 snack and a 12:00 lunch in its schedule.
- Know the drop-off rules. At Zoo Atlanta's HomeSchool Academy, parents stay in the car at the Education Conservation Gate. The Amphibian Foundation allows drop-off. At West Cobb Regional Library, younger siblings and parents can use the library during class.
5. On the day
- Booking confirmation (email or printout)
- Homeschool documents, if the venue asks for them
- Arrive within the listed window. The aquarium's check-in ends at 12 p.m., and the Carter Library asks groups to arrive between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Head count of kids and adults, matching what you booked
- Lunch or snacks, if allowed
6. Afterward
- Use any pre- and post-visit materials. Zoo Atlanta's self-guided program comes with standards-based curriculum guides.
- Found a new homeschool rate or a changed date? Tell us so other families know.