"Remember the joy and excitement of an elementary school field trip day? Few things made us feel more alive than adventuring to a new place to learn new things. From history museums to botanical gardens, field trips sparked a sense of wonder and a hunger for knowledge that, in adulthood, feels rare. However, a recent TikTok trend invites us to embrace our inner child and get out of the house with an outing reminiscent of the field trips we used to take as kids. We may not have access to a big yellow bus, but we can certainly still pack a sack lunch, put on a special outfit picked out just for the day, and lean into the nostalgia of it all. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the adult field trip trend.
panic packing? I don't know her.
What is an adult field trip?
Like most trends circulating the internet these days, the idea of an “adult field trip” came from a viral TikTok video. In a clip that has since amassed over 1.1 million views, creator @sarahshook_ shared, “I kind of missed the high of going on a field trip in elementary school.” She added that she packed a classic plastic-baggie-sandwich-and-chips lunch and was ready to hit up the aquarium—in a coastal-themed outfit, no less. After a pause, she exclaimed, “I am on a field trip!”
People loved the concept, leaving comments like, “absolutely FANTASTIC use of free will, 10/10” and “with the aquarium-themed outfit yesss.” Another person really captured the childlike exhilaration, writing, “this is exactly the vibe i want for this year. random nostalgic impulses and just living this silly little life again like we wanted to as kids.”
While the nostalgia factor is a huge appeal of taking an “adult” field trip, there are other benefits to getting out of the house and setting off on a journey of discovery. Field trips are an easy way to visit new places and try new things in your area—or perhaps even visit attractions that have been a mainstay for years that you’ve yet to explore. These little day trips can boost inspiration, impart new knowledge, expand your worldview, break up your routine, and offer a fun, nostalgic activity to do solo, with friends, or with your partner.
How do you plan an adult field trip?
So, how do you plan an adult field trip, and where do you go? It’s truly as easy as researching attractions in your area, choosing a place, setting a date, and making your way there in what we’ll all just imagine is a school bus for the nostalgia. Don’t forget to pack your favorite field trip lunch—Lunchables or Subway sandwiches, anyone? Bonus points if you wear a themed outfit related to your adventure, like plant accessories if you’re going to a botanical garden or a particularly eclectic, artsy look for an art museum.
There are a few things in particular that you’ll definitely want to do to ensure you have the perfect field trip. First of all, wear comfy shoes since you’ll be on your feet for a few hours. For a true throwback experience, you’ll also want to unplug, so be sure to bring a digital or Polaroid camera if you want to take photos. And most importantly, treat yourself to a souvenir at the gift shop before you leave as a memento of your nostalgia-filled day trip.
Fun Adult Field Trip Ideas
Need some inspo for your own adult field trip? Grab your bagged lunch and try out one of these ideas:
- Learn about our solar system and the galaxies beyond at a planetarium
- Admire animals from around the world at a zoo or animal sanctuary
- Embrace your inner thrill-seeker at an amusement park
- Sign up for a public tour of a local factory or other business that produces goods, like a perfumery, printing press, or winery
- Discover history, art, and culture at a museum
- Take a closer look at underwater animals and environments at an aquarium
- Ground yourself with a meditative day at a botanical garden
- Visit a notable historical site, such as a monument, important building, or memorial
- Pick out a book and read at your local library
- Experience live entertainment at a play, opera, or orchestral show
- Immerse yourself in nature at a state park or nature preserve
- Attend a local sporting event
- Explore the world of STEM at a science center or museum
- Check out a niche attraction that’s unique to your area
- Get to know your neighbors and help your community at a food bank
Alyssa Davis, Contributing Home Writer
Alyssa Davis is a freelance writer specializing in home, lifestyle, beauty, and entertainment content. She studied English at Indiana University and has since produced articles for publications including SheKnows, Architectural Digest, and Well+Good, to name a few.