Educational trips with family
Ideas for learning outside the classroom
Children don't just learn in the classroom. Educational trips open the doors to a world beyond the usual learning environment and offer benefits that the classical school system cannot provide. In this article, we highlight the advantages and provide ideas for inspiring educational trips.
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Trips for the family: benefits and ideas for learning outside the classroom
Children don't just learn in the classroom. Family excursions or trips open the doors to a world beyond the usual learning environment and offer benefits that the traditional school system cannot provide. In this article, we highlight the benefits and provide ideas for trips that will inspire children. Perfect for the next summer holidays.
Why family trips?
Promoting family bonding: Joint excursions and trips (or "educational trips for children") create unique opportunities to link learning content with real-life experiences. This offers children many advantages in their development:
- Practical learning: Theoretical knowledge is reinforced through direct experiences, making learning more tangible and sustainable.
- Fostering curiosity: New environments and experiences spark children's curiosity and motivate them to discover and learn more.
- Developing social skills: On trips, children practise working in groups, making friends, and practising teamwork.
- Broadening horizons: Exposure to new cultures, stories, and landscapes fosters understanding and respect for different perspectives.
- Building self-confidence: Overcoming new challenges and experiencing adventures helps children build self-confidence and autonomy.
- Joint trips and excursions strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
- Raising environmental awareness: Direct contact with nature sensitises children to ecological connections and the importance of sustainability
5 ideas for a family trip
It doesn't always have to be a trip to distant lands. Visiting local museums or historical sites can also connect children to history and nature in an exciting way.
1. Discover the world of history
A visit to a historical museum or an old castle can feel like a journey through time to the past. Children can learn firsthand how people lived in other times, what clothes they wore, or what tools they used. This hands-on experience with history deepens their understanding and appreciation of what they learn in school.
Tip: There are many opportunities for such time-travels in Zurich. The Zurich State Museum, for example, is a true treasure trove for history enthusiasts of all ages. Here, children can wander through interactive exhibitions ranging from prehistoric times to modern Switzerland. Even a guided tour in Zurich's Old Town can be a valuable outing for children
2. Astronomical observations
Visits to observatories are a good way to introduce children to astronomy. There, children can look through telescopes and observe objects such as planets, stars, and galaxies up close. These experiences are often accompanied by astronomers who explain the wonders of the cosmos and stimulate the curiosity of the young observers. Instead of a visit to an observatory, guided night walks in less light-polluted areas are also an option.
3. Experience nature
Immersing oneself in nature is no less educational. Whether on a guided forest walk, a visit to the botanical garden or an observation tour in the local mountains: children learn about the importance of ecosystems and the diversity of flora and fauna. Such experiences not only promote environmental awareness, but also analytical thinking and observational skills.
Tip: If you are in Zurich, there are many options. The Lake Zurich with its rich history and impressive fauna and flora is a great educational opportunity right on your doorstep. Alternatively, you can visit the Zurich Zoo with your children, go for a hike on the Uetliberg or take a walk through the Sihl Valley.
4. Art and Culture Workshops
Art and culture workshops provide children with the opportunity to express themselves creatively while learning practical skills. Whether it's pottery, painting or glassblowing, these workshops are often led by local artists who share their knowledge and skills. Children not only get to know different art forms, but also develop an understanding of the cultural backgrounds of the techniques. This type of educational journey fosters creative thinking, improves fine motor skills, and allows for cultural exchange.
5. Agricultural and ecological tours
Agricultural and ecological tours allow children to understand the origin of their food and appreciate sustainable practices. Visiting organic farms enables them to experience the entire process of food production - from sowing to harvesting - firsthand. Often, they can even participate themselves - for example, by planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, or feeding farm animals.
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Final words
Family excursions and trips can offer children huge benefits. They provide a unique opportunity to experience learning as an exciting adventure that goes far beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Children not only gain deeper insights into their learning content, but also develop a closer relationship with their environment and history. This way, parents can offer their children holistic education from extracurricular activities that go far beyond the usual curriculum. We wish you a lot of fun in the summer holidays. :-)
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