Preparation for a trip anywhere is as important as the trip itself.  A trip to a train station could be a flop if no trains were scheduled to arrive for another hour!  Be prepared! (Some of these tips and more can be found in K. Moser’s (1998) “Ten tricks for a successful field trip.”)  

Find out as much as you can about a site before taking your child.  Visit the site by yourself and find out how long you should plan to be there, the cost, what time any scheduled activities are, and what accommodations are available (such as restrooms and restaurants).  Pick a place to meet should someone get separated.  Pick up maps and brochures that you can show your children prior to the trip.  

Make a list of things you will need to bring with you.  Keep this list handy for future field trips!  Some necessary items include snacks and drinks, first-aid supplies, diapers, wipes, tissues, changes of clothes, small toys to occupy children in case of delays, paper and pencils, plastic baggies, paper bags or knapsacks to carry home souvenirs, and a camera or video recorder.

Don’t overwhelm yourself!  Bring enough adults to allow children the freedom to explore safely.

Discuss your trip with the children so they will know what to expect.  Read books that relate to your trip such as airplane stories before a trip to the airport.  Show pictures or brochures to the children when available.  Ask the children what they think they might find or see during your visit.  Allay any fears the children might have.  For example, make sure they know that they are only going to watch the airplanes take off – they will not actually be flying in one.

Feel out your children – do they seem interested in going?  Do they really understand what will be happening when they arrive?  You want your children to be eager and interested in going – not anxious or afraid.   If they are not interested in the proposed visit, you may want to consider postponing it until a later date.

Discuss safety and behavioral issues with your children.  Let them know the importance of staying together if you are going to a crowded area, such as a zoo or a large museum.  Make sure they know what to do in case they do get separated.  If your trip is within walking distance, discuss the “Stop, look, and listen” rule.  Let your child know what behavior is considered appropriate at the proposed setting (i.e. “We always use our quiet voices in the library.”) and explain why.
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