Field Trip Fridays - Fun, Educational Homeschool Field Trips

Today we pause to honor the men and women who gave everything so that we could live, raise our families, and educate our children freely.

The freedom to homeschool, to choose how and where our children learn, is one we don't take for granted. It exists because of the sacrifices made by those we remember today.

From our Field Trip Fridays family to yours, happy Memorial Day. Hug your people a little tighter today. ❤️

Was your family in public school before switching to homeschooling? What caused the shift for you?

The interesting part is that schools keep this an “enrollment crisis” instead of asking why so many families are leaving in the first place.

Texas public schools just saw their first major non-pandemic enrollment decline in nearly 40 years — and the numbers are honestly pretty shocking.

According to new Texas education data:

• Texas public schools lost over 76,000 students in a single year
• Enrollment dropped from about 5.54 million students to 5.47 million
• Experts are projecting another 100,000 student decline by 2030
• One demographer warned Texas could lose 120,000 more students NEXT year alone
• Large urban districts have lost nearly 170,000 students over the past decade
• Some districts are already closing campuses because of shrinking enrollment and funding losses

And what’s interesting is this is happening while Texas itself is still growing in population.

A lot of families are simply choosing different options now — homeschooling, hybrid programs, private schools, charter schools, online education, co-ops, flexible learning models, etc.

Whether people agree with that shift or not, it’s very obvious that parents are rethinking education in a way they weren’t 10 years ago.

And honestly… I don’t think this is just a temporary trend. I think it’s a massive cultural shift happening in real time.

Thank you to FC Dallas for welcoming us for a session of STEAM FC, where we learned the real-world application of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) through the lens of soccer!

And it was nice to be accompanied by other homeschool friends, The Homeschool Network and Fellowship Homeschool!

We look forward to another FC Dallas session in our 2026/2027 Field Trip year.

Last week, our families spent the day at a The Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club School Day game -- and the Allen Americans went above and beyond to make it a real learning experience.

The Allen Americans provided educational booklets connecting the game to real learning, included lunch, and then after the final buzzer, players Trevor LeDonne, Hank Crone, and Chase Maxwell came back out on the ice to give our group a private skating lesson.

For some of our families, this was a first. A first professional sporting event. A first time on the ice. Some of our families are seasoned hockey fans, who received a brand new experience.

This is what experiential learning looks like when a community shows up for kids. We are so grateful to Julia and the entire Allen Americans organization for making it possible, and we cannot wait to bring our families back this Fall semester.

We can't wait for Texas Homeschool Expo! If you are currently homeschooling or considering homeschooling, this conference is the place to be June 5-6.

We will be there, stop by to see us for some fun surprises!

Whether you homeschool now, plan to start, or just want more information, the 2026 Texas Homeschool Expo - DFW is the place to find resources, support, and connection!

*Meet over 90 exhibitors and explore curriculum, local organizations, museums and attractions, online programs, and much more.
*Learn, ask questions, and get hands-on in over 40 workshops and sessions by education professionals and experienced homeschool parents.
*Bring the kids for free programs teaching dance, music, language, and more.

All this for only $5/day for adults, and free admission for kids! Follow the event page for regular updates and information.

Today's field trip to Urban Dallas Farm and Rabbitry was awesome. Two-day-old goats were making their wobbly debut, Henry the turkey (five years old and impressively social) kept us company throughout the morning, and Cookie Dough the horse gave riders a gentle introduction to the saddle. Hens, roosters, a peacock, pigs, and rabbits rounded out a barnyard roster that kept the kids moving from one discovery to the next.

The bigger lesson of the day was the one you can't plan into an itinerary. You do not need a sprawling operation or expensive equipment to run a thriving farm. Much of what makes Urban Dallas Farm work was found, free, or upcycled, built by people who lead with knowledge and hard work. That combination goes a long way.

We can't wait to harvest our tomatoes in June/July!
Thanks for joining us today!

Thank you Kendall Rogers!

We 💙 VELA!

Today's field trip to Texas Motor Speedway was one for the memory books. Families got a behind-the-scenes look at one of racing's most iconic venues, taking in sweeping views of the track from the top floor before heading down to the Winner's Circle for a photo moment. The highlight? An actual lap around the track. It was a rare, immersive experience that brought the thrill of motorsports to life in a way no classroom could replicate.

This week, our Field Trip Fridays families had the honor of volunteering with Feed My Starving Children. What an unforgettable experience.

In just two hours, our group hand-packed meals made of rice, soy, dried vegetables, and a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals. Each bag was sealed, boxed, stacked on pallets, and prepared to be shipped to trusted partners who will place that food directly into the hands of children who need it most around the world.

It is hard to describe the feeling of knowing that small hands working together can help feed hundreds of children. The energy in the room was focused, joyful, and full of purpose. Our kids didn’t just learn about global hunger. They became part of the solution.

Volunteering with Feed My Starving Children is a hands-on way to serve with impact. In a single packing shift, families can make a tangible difference that reaches far beyond our own community.

Children ages 5 and up can participate in packing sessions, making this a meaningful opportunity for the whole family to serve side by side.

So proud of our families for showing up with willing hearts. This is what learning beyond the classroom looks like. 🌎🤍