Central Virginia
Field Trips

Highland is a historic plantation owned by fifth President James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, from 1793 to 1823.

The Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center is a hands-on center focusing on this historic expedition as a gateway for learning about exploration, transportation, the natural environment, and native cultures.

The Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is 50-acres of horticultural exhibits which include the Cherry Tree Walk, Asian Valley, Cochrane Rose Garden, Woodland Walk, Edible Display Garden, and the interactive Children’s Garden.

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site honors Maggie Lena Walker who devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era African Americans and women.

The Maymont Nature Center holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria that showcase many of the animals, aquatic and terrestrial, that inhabit the waters and land of the James River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Explore Monticello, home of the president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Exhibitions such as “Crossroads” explore the history of slavery at Monticello with life-sized figures, interactive models, and recovered artifacts.

Scotchtown is the home of Patrick Henry, patriot and orator of the American Revolution. Henry conceived his most influential revolutionary ideas at the home, including the ideas for his famous “Liberty or Death” speech.

Experience the world of ballet with the Richmond Ballet’s Carpenter Theater or Studio Theater. Past and current performances include Cinderella, The Nutcracker, Echoing Past, and The Rite of Spring. Richmond Ballet also offers special youth performances in which younger learners can enjoy the ballet experience

Richmond Shakespeare produces vital works of classical and contemporary theatre, with Shakespeare as the foundation, offers student matinees and family friendly performances.

The Richmond Symphony offers classics–great orchestral masterpieces, contemporary works, and chamber concerts; creative presentations and popular music; and community programming and music education.

Rockwood Nature Center provides hands-on nature programs, where visitors can go on scavenger hunts, learn about native nature center animals, take a nature walk, and even take a beginner’s whittling class.

The Science Museum of Virginia offers experiential exhibits, interactive technologies, innovative programs, dynamic films, impressive live animals and interesting lab demos for visitors.