Plan A Field Trip

Ranger and student look over the salt marsh. — Students get to explore their local marine environment.
NPS Photo

Planning a successful field trip takes good communication, time and preparation. Most of our programs are designed to be ranger led and our capacity is limited by staffing levels. We offer field trips in both the Maryland and Virginia Districts from early September through November and from late March through May. May is our busiest month and rapidly fills up. The Maryland District also offers classroom programs the majority of the school year.

Our early elementary programs usually take place in our visitor centers while the majority of the remaining programs occur in the field. Many of these field studies take place in or near water and require proper student preparation. To get the most out of the programs, students participating in bay programs and some of the beach programs should bring a change of clothing, towel and shoes that can get wet. Bay wading requires protective footwear other than flip flops.

Visit the links below for more information on field trips, classroom programs and self-guided tours.