Few cities offer the diversity of learning experiences found in Los Angeles, California. From world-renowned museums and encounters with marine life to historic landmarks and outdoor adventures, Los Angeles homeschool field trips transform ordinary days into extraordinary educational journeys. For families pursuing a classical education, these educational field trips in LA offer hands-on experiences that create lasting memories under the California sun.
This guide highlights the best homeschool trips California families can take across the greater Los Angeles area. Families in Classical Conversations often plan field trips together to discover truth, beauty, and goodness in community. Whether you’re exploring ancient civilizations, marveling at God’s creatures, or discovering artistic masterpieces, LA offers unparalleled opportunities for classical homeschool experiences.
🌱 Science & Nature
Best Los Angeles Homeschool Field Trips for Science and Nature Learning
Aquarium of the Pacific (Long Beach)
Home to over 12,000 animals representing nearly 500 species, the Aquarium of the Pacific celebrates the world’s largest and most diverse ocean. Families can watch divers feed tropical fish in the massive Tropical Reef habitat, meet playful sea otters, and explore ecosystems from Southern California kelp forests to the icy waters of the Northern Pacific. The Moon Jelly Touch Lab offers a surreal experience of feeling these gentle creatures.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Special homeschool days offered throughout the year with discounted admission; no traditional school groups booked on these dates; perfect for Foundations Cycle 1 science and marine biology studies.
California Science Center (Los Angeles)
Explore the wonders of science in this interactive museum, featuring the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the World of Life gallery, which explores human biology, and hands-on exhibits covering everything from flight to natural disasters. Don’t miss the 50-foot seamless kelp forest aquarium and the High Wire Bicycle demonstrating principles of physics and balance.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free core exhibit galleries; special homeschool days feature age-appropriate activities in the Big Lab (ages 5-16); IMAX theater available; perfect for all Foundations Cycles science and Challenge IV physics.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
One of the largest natural history museums in the western United States, featuring the Gem and Mineral Hall housing spectacular specimens, the African Mammal Hall with stunning dioramas, and the Nature Gardens showcasing Southern California’s native plants and wildlife.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Offers educational programs and self-guided exploration; excellent for all Foundations Cycle 1 for geology.
Perched on Mount Hollywood with panoramic views of Los Angeles, this iconic Art Deco building offers visitors to explore exhibits on astronomy, physics, and space science. Peer through the historic Zeiss telescope, touch a real meteorite, and watch the Foucault Pendulum demonstrate Earth’s rotation. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium features live shows that transport viewers through the cosmos.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Building and grounds are free; free public telescope viewing every clear evening; perfect for Challenge B astronomy and Challenge I physical science; spectacular views of God’s cosmic handiwork.
Discovery Cube Orange County (Santa Ana)
This hands-on science center features interactive exhibits covering aerospace, ecology, earth sciences, and technology. Students can experience hurricane-force winds, explore the inner workings of the human body, experiment with physics concepts, and participate in live science demonstrations throughout the day.
Great for: Foundations – Essentials
Homeschool-friendly: Offers special homeschool days with discounted rates; engaging for kinesthetic learners; connects with various Foundations science topics, including Cycle 3 Hands-on Science.
Home to more than 1,400 animals representing over 270 species, the LA Zoo offers opportunities to observe God’s creatures from around the world. Highlights include the Rainforest of the Americas, the African savanna exhibit, and interactive areas where students can learn about animal care and conservation efforts.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge II
Homeschool-friendly: Group rates available; docent-led programs; perfect for Challenge II biology studies.
Faith-Based Highlight:
Marine Mammal Care Center (San Pedro)
This rescue and rehabilitation center cares for sick and injured seals and sea lions before releasing them back to the ocean. Students witness marine biology in action while learning about stewardship, compassion, and caring for God’s creatures. Volunteers share stories of individual animals and explain the rehabilitation process.
Great for: Foundations – Essentials
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission; self-guided tours; demonstrates Christian stewardship of creation; connects science with compassionate care for God’s creatures.
🏛 History & Culture
Classical Homeschool LA Destinations for History and Cultural Studies
Step back 50,000 years at the world’s only active paleontological research site in a major urban area. Watch scientists excavate Ice Age fossils from the asphalt deposits where saber-toothed cats, dire wolves, and mammoths were preserved. The museum houses over one million fossils, including complete skeletons, and families can observe ongoing research in the Fossil Lab.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Educational programs available; perfect for Cycle 1 science; active excavation site demonstrates real scientific research; raises fascinating questions about creation and God’s timeline.
Autry Museum of the American West
Explore the diverse stories of the American West through art, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Collections include Native American materials, Western films and pop culture, and exhibits on California history. The museum presents a comprehensive look at Western expansion, pioneer life, and cultural heritage.
Great for: Essentials – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Offers homeschool days; excellent for Cycle 3 American history; connects with westward expansion studies and Challenge I and Challenge III American history.
Museum of Tolerance (Los Angeles)
Through interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, this museum examines the Holocaust and explores themes of prejudice, discrimination, and the importance of standing for human dignity. The experience is intense but profound, offering lessons about the consequences of hatred and the responsibility to pursue justice. Appropriate for mature students.
Great for: Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Educational programs available; best for high school students; connects with World War II studies in Challenge I and Challenge III; powerful lessons on worldview, ethics, and human nature.
International Printing Museum (Carson)
This unique museum preserves the history of printing and written communication from Gutenberg to modern times. See working antique printing presses, learn how books were made, and understand the revolution of movable type. Hands-on demonstrations bring history to life, and students can print their own souvenir.
Great for: Essentials – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Hands-on workshops available; connects with printing of Scripture; perfect for Challenge II studying the printing press’s impact on the Reformation.
Los Angeles Maritime Museum (San Pedro)
Housed in a restored 1940s ferry terminal, this museum chronicles Southern California’s rich maritime heritage. Exhibits include ship models, naval artifacts, fishing industry history, and displays on naval battles. The museum overlooks the Port of Los Angeles, America’s busiest port.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission (donations appreciated); beautiful waterfront location.
🎨 Arts & Creativity
Field Trips for CC Families and Fine Arts Exploration
This stunning architectural masterpiece houses European paintings, drawings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photography spanning from the Middle Ages to the present. Families can view works by Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and numerous other masters while enjoying the breathtaking Central Garden and panoramic city views.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission (parking fee applies); family programs and interactive activities available; audio tours designed for kids; perfect for fine arts studies and Challenge II Western Cultural History.
Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens (San Marino)
This remarkable estate combines world-class art collections, rare books and manuscripts (including a Gutenberg Bible and medieval illuminated texts), and 120 acres of themed botanical gardens. The library houses literary treasures, while the art galleries feature British and American works. The gardens range from Japanese and Chinese landscapes to desert and rose gardens.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission for youth 18 and under with an adult; educational programs available; connects literature, art, history, and botany in Challenge II; perfect for multi-subject learning and nature journaling.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The largest art museum in the western United States features over 150,000 works spanning 6,000 years of artistic expression. Collections include ancient art, European paintings, modern and contemporary art, and impressive Asian collections. The iconic “Urban Light” installation of vintage street lamps makes a memorable photo opportunity.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission for youth 17 and under; family programs available; connects with art history across multiple cultures and time periods; excellent for Challenge II art studies.
Norton Simon Museum (Pasadena)
This intimate museum houses an extraordinary collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century, plus impressive Southeast Asian sculptures. See works by Raphael, Rembrandt, Degas, and Picasso in a manageable space perfect for focused study. The sculpture garden provides a peaceful setting for reflection.
Great for: Essentials – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission for students with ID; easier for focused visits; perfect for Challenge II art history.
Faith-Based Highlight:
Sacred Art Throughout LA Museums
Many Los Angeles museums feature remarkable religious artwork spanning centuries. The Getty Center houses medieval illuminated manuscripts and Renaissance religious paintings, LACMA displays sacred objects from multiple faith traditions, and the Huntington Library contains rare religious texts. These collections demonstrate how artists throughout history have sought to express divine truth through beauty, offering opportunities to discuss theology, church history, and the role of art in worship.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Use religious artwork as springboards for theological discussions; connects art history with church history and Scripture.
🌳 Off the Beaten Path & Outdoor Adventures
LA Learning Adventures and Unique Outdoor Experiences
Descanso Gardens (La Cañada Flintridge)
This 150-acre botanical garden features the world’s largest camellia collection, rose gardens, California native plant gardens, and oak woodlands. The Enchanted Railroad miniature train delights younger children, while older students can practice nature observation and botanical sketching. Seasonal displays ensure something beautiful year-round.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Educational programs available; quieter alternative to larger attractions.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (Arcadia)
This 127-acre garden showcases plants from around the world, organized by geographic regions. Walk through gardens representing Africa, Australia, the Americas, and Asia, see peacocks roaming freely, visit the historic Queen Anne Cottage, and explore greenhouses with tropical plants. The site has appeared in numerous films and TV shows.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Educational programs and plant sales; excellent for botany in Challenge II, geography, and nature journaling; connects God’s creation across continents.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (San Pedro)
This aquarium focuses on Southern California’s marine life. Touch tanks allow hands-on encounters with sea stars, sea cucumbers, and other tide pool creatures. The facility emphasizes conservation and local ecosystems, offering programs on marine biology and ocean stewardship.
Great for: Foundations – Essentials
Homeschool-friendly: Free admission; tide pool explorations available; demonstrates local marine ecosystems; teaches stewardship of God’s creation.
Olvera Street and El Pueblo Historical Monument (Downtown Los Angeles)
Experience the birthplace of Los Angeles in this historic district, which preserves the city’s Mexican and Spanish heritage. Walk brick pathways lined with traditional shops, watch artisans create crafts, taste authentic Mexican food, and tour historic buildings, including the oldest surviving structure in LA (the Avila Adobe from 1818.
Great for: Foundations – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free to explore; docent-led tours available; connects with California and Spanish colonial history; perfect for Cycle 3 US geography.
One of the largest urban parks in North America offers miles of hiking trails, the famous Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre, the Los Angeles Zoo, Travel Town Museum with vintage trains, pony rides, and countless recreational opportunities. The park provides breathtaking views and nature exploration within the city.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Free park access; combines multiple attractions; perfect for physical education, nature study, and outdoor exploration.
Faith-Based Highlight:
Wayfarers Chapel (Rancho Palos Verdes)
This stunning glass chapel nestled in the coastal bluffs was designed by Lloyd Wright (son of Frank Lloyd Wright) and is known as the “Glass Church.” The structure’s transparent design integrates the surrounding redwood grove and ocean views, creating a sanctuary that celebrates both architectural beauty and God’s natural creation. The Meditation Garden and grounds offer peaceful reflection spaces.
Great for: Essentials – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Free to visit and explore grounds; combines architecture, nature, and spiritual reflection; demonstrates how design can point toward the divine; beautiful setting for discussing the intersection of faith and creativity.
🎉 Fun for the Whole Family
Family-Friendly Los Angeles Homeschool Field Trips and Entertainment
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Buena Park)
Step back to the 11th century for an evening of knights, horses, falconry, and jousting while enjoying a four-course medieval feast. This immersive experience brings Foundations Cycle 2 history to life with authentic horsemanship, swordplay, and pageantry. The two-hour show combines entertainment with historical elements.
Great for: Foundations – Essentials
Homeschool-friendly: Group rates available; perfect complement to medieval history studies; memorable way to experience chivalry, heraldry, and knightly virtues.
Renaissance Pleasure Faire (Irwindale, seasonal)
This annual spring festival recreates 16th-century England with costumed performers, artisan demonstrations, jousting tournaments, theatrical performances, and interactive experiences. Students can watch blacksmiths, glassblowers, and weavers practice historical crafts, enjoy period music and comedy, and participate in games and activities.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Educational and entertaining; excellent for Cycle 2 studies; demonstrates Renaissance culture, trade, crafts, and daily life; dress in costume for full immersion.
Kidspace Children’s Museum (Pasadena)
This hands-on museum designed for children features outdoor and indoor exhibits including a physics forest, climbing tower, ant tunnel, and numerous STEM activities. The emphasis on learning through play makes complex concepts accessible for young learners.
Great for: Preschool – Foundations
Homeschool-friendly: Engaging for ages 0-10; membership available; combines science, nature, and creative play.
Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park)
This historic theme park began as an actual berry farm in the 1920s and still maintains Old West theming alongside modern attractions. Ghost Town recreates 1880s California with period buildings, a working blacksmith shop, and the Calico Mine Ride educating visitors about Gold Rush mining. Seasonal events include the boysenberry festival celebrating the farm’s original crop.
Great for: All ages
Homeschool-friendly: Educational programs available; connects with California and American West history; physics demonstrations through rides; group rates available.
Sony Pictures Studio Tour (Culver City)
Go behind the scenes of a working movie and television studio. Students learn about filmmaking, visit sound stages, see props and costumes, and understand the technical aspects of production. The tour demonstrates storytelling through visual media and the collaborative nature of creative work.
Great for: Essentials – Challenge
Homeschool-friendly: Educational tour format; connects with rhetoric, communication, and media literacy; appropriate for ages 12+.
Plan Your Los Angeles Homeschool Adventures
From ocean aquariums to mountain observatories, from world-class museums to outdoor gardens, Los Angeles offers extraordinary educational opportunities for homeschooling families. These Los Angeles homeschool field trips cultivate wonder, deepen understanding, and connect academic subjects with real-world experiences.
As your family explores these destinations together, you’re training hearts to recognize God’s hand in the natural world, human creativity, and the unfolding of history. These homeschool trips California families take together strengthen classical education while deepening appreciation for the Creator behind all creation, the Artist inspiring all artistry, and the Author of history itself.
Looking for more classical field trips for homeschool families? Check out these resources:
- The Best Homeschool Field Trips in Houston, TX
- Top Homeschool Field Trips in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX for Your Family
- 20 Top Homeschool Field Trip Ideas in Atlanta
- 29 Amazing Educational Adventures: St. Louis Homeschool Field Trip Guide
- Homeschool Field Trips in Chicago: Museums, Nature, and Hidden Gems
- Washington DC Field Trips | A Homeschool Guide for Families
- 48 Best Homeschool Field Trip Ideas
