Last Updated on June 28, 2022 by Ariana Svenson
As the school break approaches, students begin to look forward to lazy days and long nights spent hanging out with friends or family. However, school vacations can also be learning vacations; an opportunity to learn new skills and explore new interests.
By incorporating some educational and meaningful activities into your plans, your kiddos can go back to school feeling refreshed and ready to tackle their studies.
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Why Should You Incorporate Learning on Your Next Education Family Vacation?
Incorporating education into your family trip has many benefits. It can break up the monotony of traditional vacation activities, focus on physical and mental wellness, introduce new topics and ideas, and provide a way to bond with your kids while they’re out of school.
It also shows them that learning can be fun and doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. In short, we think there is massive educational value of travelling. We are big advocates of learning vacations.
12 Ways to Incorporate Education Into Your Summer Learning Vacations
1. Visit National Parks
There are hundreds of national parks located across the world and each one offers its own unique opportunities for learning. Spend a day hiking through a park and you’ll not only get some exercise, but you’ll also learn about the local flora and fauna.
Many parks also offer ranger-led programs that can teach you even more about the area. We believe in the educational value of traveling, and education holidays for families are not only times to learn but to connect.
There are many great educational tourism destinations around the world. Here are some of our favourite education family vacations we have taken:
Natures Window and Kalbarri Skywalk
Best Tips for Visiting Machu Picchu with Kids
Off The Beaten Track Thailand With Kids
5 Day Singapore Itinerary For Families
Amazing Great Barrier Reef Tours And Tips For Snorkeling In Cairns
Off The Beaten Track Bali With Kids
2. Go Camping
Camping trips may not sound like learning vacations but they certainly can be! Camping is great way to get back to nature and learn more about your surroundings. In addition to enjoying the outdoors, camping can also teach you valuable skills like how to build a fire, pitch a tent, and cook over an open flame. You can read about one of our favourite places for camping in Complete Potters Gorge, Wellington Dam, Honeymoon Pool Camping Reviews.
If camping isn’t quite your thing, perhaps try glamping? Read our Glamping in Western Australia with Kids for an idea of what to expect.
3. Go on Museum Tours
Museum tours are a great way to learn about different cultures and historical moments in society.
Museum groups offer more than just sightseeing, as they often include activities such as guided walks or workshops on museum topics that can keep your family engaged all day long!
We have visited many great museums throughout our world travels. Gardens By The Bay Singapore is not a typical museum but certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4. Take a Road Trip
Turn your summer vacation into a learning experience by planning a road trip. Not only will you get to see some stunning scenery, but you’ll also learn about the different regions and their customs.
Our family loves a good road trip and we take them often. If you are in or visiting Western Australia, Western Australia Road Trips from Perth is an awesome resource.
We also have a few posts specifically for road tripping with kids hacks. These educational trips for kids don’t have to be a struggle. Travel Hacks and Road Trip Essentials for Kids and The Best Road Trip Foods: Awesome Kid Snacks for Road Trips are full of great information!
5. Visit a Farm
Farms are not only a great place to get fresh produce, but they can also be a fun learning experience for the whole family. They are great education places to visit as they offer insight into where are food comes from. Many farms offer tours and workshops that teach about farm life and how food is grown. You can even try your hand at some fun activities, like milking a cow or feeding chickens.
There are some great interactive farms around Busselton Western Australia, read about them in the Best Things to do for Families in Busselton.
6. Visit Historical Landmarks
There are historical landmarks scattered all across the globe, and each one has its own story to tell. Take a trip to see some of America’s most famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore, and learn about their history and significance.
In Australia, some of the best most famous landmarks include the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House Bondi Beach, and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to name a few. If you are interested in learning more about famous Australian landmarks you are in luck. Famous Australian Landmarks for your Bucket List! and Famous Man Made Landmarks in Australia are packed with so much insider information about Australia’s most famous educational tourism destinations.
7. Attend a Local Festival
Summer is the perfect time to attend a local festival, as there are usually many going on throughout the season. Festivals are a great way to learn about different cultures and try new foods. Many also offer live entertainment, so you can enjoy some music or dance while you’re there!
Two festivals we enjoy visiting with our family are WOMADelaide and the Manjimup Truffle Kerfuffle Festival.
8. Take Some Local Cooking Classes
One way to really get to know a culture is through its food.
On your next trip, sign up for a cooking class so you can learn how to make some of the local dishes. This is a great activity for both kids and adults, as it’s a fun way to bond and learn about new cuisines. You’ll learn about different techniques and recipes, and you’ll also get to meet other people who share your passion for food. It also doesn’t hurt that you’ll get to eat some delicious food at the end of it.
One of our favorite cooking class experiences was the Choco Museo in Cusco, Peru. Learning vacations don’t have to be stale and boring. We had a great time learning about chocolate and making our own. Read all about it in Yummy Fun – A Choco Museo Cusco Peru Review.
9. Visit a Planetarium
Summer is the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the night sky. Visit a planetarium to learn about the different constellations and planets, and then head outside to see them for yourself. This is a great activity for stargazers of all ages. And, the best part is you can visit a planetarium at any time of the year.
We love visiting Scitech Western Australia as part of our educational family trips.
10. Learn a New Language
Learning a new language is a great way to connect with the locals on your next trip. A new language can be a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and learn about different people and customs. And, there’s no better time to learn a new language than on vacation.
When you travel to a country where a new language is spoken, you have the opportunity to engage with native speakers on a daily basis. This gives you the chance to practice your skills and really start to get a feel for the language. Additionally, learning a new language can help you appreciate the beauty of other cultures and understand their history and traditions.
Many language schools offer summer programs for kids, so they can learn some basics before you even arrive. They may even be able to take lessons there, so you can all learn together. In fact, if you are on a long flight why not try and learn some of the local dialect for the place you will be traveling. Once you’re there, try speaking the language as much as possible; you’ll be surprised at how quickly it helps when trying to communicate with locals.
We have done some much international traveling with our kids. If you are looking for more ideas to keep them occupied inflight, read 21 Awesome Airplane Activities For Kids and Tweens. Even if you are not embarking on an education vacation for families it is still important to keep your kids occupied while flying. Thinking of new and exciting ways can be difficult, that is why we have done the research (and testing) for you!
11. Visit a Local Art Gallery
Art galleries are not only a great place to see some beautiful works of art, but they can also be a learning experience.
Many galleries offer tours that explain the artwork on display, and some even offer workshops where you can create your own art. This is a great activity for all ages, as it’s a fun way to learn about different cultures and art styles.
12. Go Geocaching
Geocaching is a great way to explore your surroundings and learn about different places.
It’s a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to find hidden “caches” that contain small prizes. This is a fun activity for the whole family, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while you’re on vacation.
The Verdict – 12 Awesome Ways to Enjoy Learning Vacations
Learning vacations are the perfect time to incorporate some education for the whole family. By visiting national parks, going on museum tours, or attending a local festival, you can make your family vacation an enlightening experience for everyone. Education trips for families can be fun! We hope we have presented a great many educational vacation ideas so that your next learning vacation will be enjoyed by all. So get out there and start exploring!
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