I have really wanted to share some of the fabulous field trips we have either been on, or plan to go on in the Carolinas. There are so many wonderful things to see, do and learn about in the Carolinas. But when I started making my list, I realized that there were just too many to write about in one post. So, I decided I would break them up into groups based on the type of field trip that they were.
In this first group, I am going to share about some fabulous animal related trips you can take with your kids. Some are perfect for a family outing. Some would be better to experience with a group, your co-op or a group of friends.
The Tatanka Bison Ranch - This was probably the best animal related field trip we have taken in South Carolina. It is located in York County. The owners are passionate about creating a healthy and natural environment for these wonderful animals. On your wagon tour, they will explain how they keep the animals healthy through their diet and the way that they rotate them through the various fields on their property. All of our kids were engaged on our nearly 2-hour tour. At the end of the tour, all of our families bought some bison meat to cook at home. It was delicious! Now just a word of warning to you moms - you'll want to wear a sports bra on this one. That wagon ride was rough!
All-a-Flutter Butterfly Farm - We visited this unique farm with our co-op to get a group discount. They are located in High Point, NC. They do tours in the spring and summer. Check their website for family days or schedule a tour with your group. They did an excellent program teaching the kids about the lifecycle of the butterfly as well as explaining how the butterfly uses its senses. We were able to tour through an enclosed area and feed the butterflies with "sugar sticks". That was the high point for most of the kids. At the end, most of us took home milkweed plants with monarch butterfly eggs. Our science trip continued at home while we watched our caterpillars hatch, grow and change into butterflies.
Carolina Pride Pastures - If you have alpaca lovers in your group, you'll want to visit this farm in Pomeria, SC. Unfortunately, we visited on a very wet, stormy day, so I don't feel that we really got to experience this farm the way we could have. We had to rush a bit. The owners did a great job explaining the difference between alpacas and llamas. She explained how they use the fur for wool and let the kids see the yarn in the different stages of being processed. Of course, the kids' favorite part was petting and feeding the alpacas. They have some lovely signs that explain other areas and features of the farm, like a pollinator garden, the importance of alpaca poop, vermicomposting and other interesting things.
The Carolina Raptor Center - Just north of Charlotte, the Carolina Raptor Center is known for rehabilitating injured and abandoned raptors. I personally have not yet visited the center, but it is highly recommended by a good friend. They offer educational field trips as well as regularly scheduled homeschool days. We are planning a visit here in the spring of 2022.
Zoos and Aquariums - There are so many zoos and aquariums in the Carolinas, that I thought I would put them together in this section.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden - By far my favorite zoo in the Carolinas! We had annual memberships to this zoo until my youngest became too old to appreciate visiting the zoo more than once a year. Located in Columbia, SC, it has a great layout for spending a day at a zoo. There is a nice collection of animals along with educational programs scheduled throughout the day. My kids' favorite activities always include feeding the giraffes and the lorikeets. They have wonderful overnight programs if you want to schedule a behind the scenes experience.
The North Carolina Zoo - Located in Asheboro, NC this is the state's main zoo. Because of the distance, we have only visited this zoo one time. It is a wonderful zoo with spacious enclosures for the animals. Because of its size, people recommend parking at one end, taking the provided shuttle service to the far end and then walking to your car as you explore the zoo. My middle son and I visited this zoo as part of an overnight adventure with his Cub Scout pack. It did not disappoint. If you can attend an overnighter, do it!
Tiger World Endangered Wildlife Preserve - This is another one that I have not visited, but our American Heritage Girls did an overnight experience here a few years ago. It is a little different than the other zoos listed here as it is not funded through tax dollars. It is strictly run-on donations and the fees it charges. They do offer group discounts and guided tours. Be warned, the website says that the grass and gravel paths make it difficult for strollers.
Sea Life Aquarium - This is a unique aquarium. It is built inside the Concord Mills Mall! It is smaller than most aquariums than I have visited, but that makes it perfect for younger kids. Our co-op did a group field trip when it first opened. They have the only underwater ocean tunnel in North Carolina. The kids enjoyed the touch tanks where they could feel sea stars.
Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach - This is one of my favorites. I have taken both of my younger sons on overnight adventures here. There is so much to see and do. They both loved touching the sharks and rays. I loved touching the jellyfish...yikes! The overnight tour is so well done, I learned a lot about animal conservation. I even learned how you can tell the sex of an octopus. And then of course, you get to sleep in the shark tunnel with the fish swimming over your head.
North Carolina Aquariums - North Carolina boasts four state aquariums. Due to distance, I have not yet visited any of them, but they are on my to do list. They are all located on the coast. One is on Roanoke Island, and the second is on nearby Nags Head Island. Farther south, you will find one at Pine Knoll Shores and the last one is south of Wilmington at Kure Beach. Each one has its own unique feel and animals. But they all focus on education, conservation and research, especially of animals from the Carolinas.
I hope you enjoy learning more about animals at these wonderful sites. Tell me if I have missed any of your Carolina favorites!
Comments