What to Pack for a School Field Trip

A school field trip provides kids with an opportunity to step outside of the classroom and embrace education in a new setting. If your child has returned home with a letter from school regarding an upcoming trip, it’s likely their teachers will have taken the time to compile a list of items your son or daughter will need to bring.

However, there might be some essential items your child might need to have in their backpack or luggage, which might not be on the list. To ensure they have a smooth experience, find out what to pack for a school field trip.

Food and Snacks

If your child is set to embark on a day trip, you should pack a lunch for them, unless a teacher has advised you not to do so. You also should ensure they remain well-hydrated throughout the day by adding either water or juice into their backpack. If you’re worried about their stomach rumbling, add some healthy snacks into their lunch box, such as fruit, trail mix or a granola bar.

Stationery

Encourage your son or daughter to embrace an educational trip by packing the right stationery in their bag. For example, a notebook and pen will allow your child to take notes on various facts about a landmark, which could support their studies. You also could add a camera into their bag, so they can snap photographs of different locations throughout the trip, which could help them to retain information about a destination.

The Right Clothing

It is wise to check the weather forecast prior to a field trip to ensure your child wears the right clothing. If, however, they are heading off on educational student tours overseas, such as in the likes of Spain, France, or China, you should learn more about the expected temperature to pack the appropriate clothes in their suitcase.

For example, if they’re traveling to Spain during the nation’s summer, they’ll need t-shirts, shorts and comfortable footwear, as well as a lightweight jacket for chillier temperatures during the evening.

Money

If the school allows, provide your child with money for a field trip, so they can buy a meal, a drink or a souvenir from a gift shop. You also could provide them with emergency money, which should be stored in a safe location.

A Cellphone and a Portable Charger

Unless a school prohibits the use of cellphones during a field trip, you should ensure your child has a fully-charged smartphone on their person during a school trip, which should store their teachers’ cellphone numbers, as well as numbers for the local emergency services. This will ensure they can quickly reach an adult should they become lost or injured during travel. Plus, it will allow them to call you or a loved one should they feel home sick on a lengthy field trip. Don’t forget to provide them with a portable charger, too, so they will never experience a dead battery.