There are plenty of ways for student groups to play in Cleveland, whether it’s conducting your school orchestra on the stage of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum or conducting experiments at Great Lakes Science Center. From learning about the inhabitants of Ohio lakes and rivers to proper chocolate dipping techniques, students can discover the unexpected sides of Cleveland.

(800) 321-1001, www.positivelycleveland.com

Wonders of science 

Experiment with sound, light, gravity and more at the Great Lakes Science Center. Situated right next door to the Rock Hall, Great Lakes Science Center offers 400 hands-on experiments, daily demos, the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, Steamship Willam G. Mather and an Omnimax Theater with a giant domed screen six stories high. Schedule a camp-in to explore the science center after dark and sleep among the exhibits.  

(216) 694-2000, www.greatscience.com 

Olympia Candy 

Try your hand at making chocolate I Love Lucy-style during Olympia Candy’s hands-on chocolate factory tour. Get an insider’s look on how they make their delicious chocolates and get a chance to stamp chocolate coins. After the tour, shop the candy store to pick out favorite old-fashioned penny candies or choose from 40 flavors of ice cream. (800) 574-7747, 

www.olympiacandy.com 

The wild zone 

As wildlife projects go, they don’t get much bigger than the massive African Elephant Crossing at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, which opened in 2011. Five acres of grasslands, swimming ponds and a heated outdoor range make a homey habitat for five elephants, along with an assortment of other creatures ranging from plumed birds to meerkats and African rock pythons. Get personal with the pachyderms thanks to open-air views, a nose-to-trunk window, an easily spotted feeding station and gated elephant crossing and an education center modeled after an African village. 

(216) 661-6500, www.africanelephantcrossing.com

Situated in southern California along 70 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, San Diego is a city with unlimited potential for fun in the sun. Famous for its year-round idyllic climate and world-class attractions, greater San Diego has countless adventures and discoveries for students. Whether soaking up the sun at the picturesque beaches or experiencing the arts and culture the city has to offer, visitors are sure to find something to remember about San Diego.

(800) 350-6205
www.sandiego.org

Lions, tigers, bears

With more than 4,000 animals housed in its 100-acre facility, the San Diego Zoo holds exciting and memorable encounters around every corner. See more than 800 species of mammals, birds and reptiles while strolling through aviaries and bioclimatic zones or along the ample pathways. A -acre, $2 million Panda Trek exhibit opened over the summer. A 35-minute guided bus tour is also provided to give guests an overview of the park. The zoo is open year-round. It also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is also referred to as the Wild Animal Park and features a 900-acre native species reserve and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.

(619) 231-1515 (San Diego Zoo)
(760) 747-8702 (Safari Park)
www.sandiegozoo.org

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a focal point of San Diego, a place of arts, culture and activity offering 17 museums, the San Diego Zoo and seven other attractions, performing arts venues, gardens, recreational areas, trails, green spaces and natural environs on more than 1,200 acres. The site of the international 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, among its museums are Mingei International Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, San Diego History Center, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego Natural History Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art and Timken Museum of Art.

(619) 239-0512
www.balboapark.org

Whale watching

No trip to California would be complete without seeing the gentle giants of the sea. Newport Landing Whale Watching offers year-round tours to see an array of leviathans, from several species of dolphins and sea lions to the enormous blue whale. From December to April is when California gray whales migrate. The 2½ hour tour on board one of three 70- to 85-foot whale-watching vessels will captivate and delight students as they witness some of the world’s largest mammals in their natural habitat in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

(949) 675-0551 
www.newportwhales.com

Beachy Coronado

Spend a relaxing day at one of the nation’s best beaches. Coronado Municipal Beach provides group-friendly fun and scenic views. Lifeguards patrol the beachfront, with historic mansions and downtown Coronado nearby. Coronado has two primary marinas (Glorietta Bay and Crown Isle); volleyball and fire rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. With the skateboard park, an 11-mile bikeway and pedestrian paths with nearby dining, shopping, arts and culture, there are plenty of options.

(866) 599-7242
(619) 473-8788
www.coronadovisitorcenter.com

Through aquatic eyes

Students can learn about sea life while having the time of their lives at SeaWorld San Diego. The park features several educational programs for students of all ages. Real-world math and science are used to engage students as they learn how marine animals are trained to perform amazing tricks. After a day of learning, it’s time for fun and excitement with rides like Riptide Rescue and Wild Arctic Ride. There are also exhibits like the Penguin Encounter, Sesame Street Bay of Play and the Coco Loco Arcade.

(800) 257-4268 
www.seaworldparks.com/seaworld-sandiego

With fascinating museums, interesting attractions and a wide array of picturesque scenery, Mobile is the place to be for people on the move. Historic homes and mouth-watering cuisine make ‘life on the bay’ a unique and memorable experience.

(800) 566-2453
www.mobile.org

History meets heroism 

Students can get a glimpse into history at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.  A two-hour self-guided tour allows students to explore the USS Alabama at their own pace.  Reservations for groups are not required, but are appreciated.  Catered meals are available aboard the battleship for groups of 30 or more, with advance notice.  Pricing will vary based on group size and menu selection. Admission price includes a tour of the battleship and the Aircraft Pavilion.

(251) 433-2703
www.ussalabama.com

Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Engaging interactive exhibits leave students with a broader understanding of the estuary in Mobile Bay at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Students can experience a variety of habitats representative of the fourth largest estuary in the United States. From the Living Marsh Boardwalk to the Billy Goat Hole and Touch Tanks, students will gain a greater understanding of ecosystems in the Southern U.S. through tour walks and interactive encounters with aquatic life.

(251) 861-7511 
www.disl.org

French fortress

Students can see and learn about early American history at Fort Conde. This partially reconstructed 1724 French fort in downtown Mobile features period-costumed guides and demonstrations of cannon and musket firing that will amaze and delight history buffs. Located within the Museum of Mobile, the historic Fort Conde is open for tours Monday-Friday. Admission is free.

(251) 208-7569
www.museumofmobile.com/other_locs.php

Become a Shedhead

For authentic Southern barbecue served with a side of deep-South blues, visit The Shed Barbeque & Blues Joint.  Guests are treated to great barbecue cuisine along with live blues music.  With a genuine down-home ambience and family-friendly atmosphere, The Shed is sure to tickle taste buds and eardrums. The Shed has been featured on The Food Network’s reality show Best in Smoke. 

(251) 342-7433
www.theshedbbq.com

Hands-on, minds-on fun

With so many exhibits to explore and activities to do, Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center & IMAX Theater is a great choice for students. More than 150 exhibits and attractions will delight and enthrall visitors as they enjoy interactive encounters in biological, astronomical and many other scientific pursuits. Groups are always welcome, and discount rates apply to groups of 14 or more. Students are sure to come away with lasting memories and an appreciation for all things scientific.

(877) 625-4386
www.exploreum.com

A trip to Manassas enables students to visit historic battle sites, dine and explore the best heritage, history and culture that Prince William County has to offer. 

On July 21, 1861, a major conflict for the U.S. Civil War was fought in Manassas, Va. The First Battle of Bull Run’s (known as the First Battle of Manassas by Confederate forces), heavy fighting swept away any notions of a quick war for the Union. The Second Battle of Bull Run was fought between Union and Conference armies in late August 1862. What was little more than a railway crossing at Manassas Junction eventually developed into the seat of Prince William County.  

(800) 432-1792
www.visitpwc.com

Manassas National Battlefield Park

See history come alive walking the grounds where the U.S. Civil War played out in two battles. Explore the museum and view Civil War-era uniforms, weaponry and gear or take a stroll on one of several walking tours that span both battles. Guided tours require at least one-month advance registration to ensure availability.

(703) 754-1861 
www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm

Hoo-rah!

At The National Museum of the Marine Corps, groups can pay tribute to and learn about the past, present and future of the U.S. Marine Corps. The 120,000-square-foot structure situated on 135 acres uses interactive exhibits to immerse visitors in the Marines’ rich history and tradition. Groups wanting to tour the facility are asked to make online reservations.

(877) 635-1775
www.usmcmuseum.com

Hylton Performing Arts Center

After soaking up and learning about the rich history of Prince William County, students can immerse themselves in some rich culture at Hylton Performing Arts Center. From the 1,121-seat Merchant Hall to the Didlake Grand Foyer, the Hylton creates an experience that art and music lovers can appreciate, whether the symphony or ballet is on the playbill.

www.hyltoncenter.org

Remembering heroes

 Students can pay their respects while they learn about some of the nation’s heroes at Quantico National Cemetery. Nine memorials are dedicated to individuals or groups who have served with distinction and those who have chronicled the events of battle. Contemporary figures of historic note interred here include Louis R. Lowery, a World War II combat photographer who took the famous picture of the U.S. flag rising on top of Iwo Jima’s Mount Suribachi in 1945, and Gen. Lewis William Walt, assistant commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968-1971. The cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

(703) 221-2183
www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/quantico.asp#np

American graffiti

Built in 1832, the house at Ben Lomond Historic Site served as a makeshift hospital for Confederate soldiers after the First Battle of Manassas. It was later occupied by Federal soldiers, who scribbled their names and messages on the walls. Behind the house, see one of the largest collections of old garden roses in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

(703) 367-7872
www.virginia.org/Listings/HistoricSites/BenLomondHistoricSiteOldRoseGarden

Located across the Riviere des Prairies (River of the Prairies) from Montreal, Laval is a city that has something for indoor explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. This bustling community is the largest suburb of Montreal and the third largest municipality in the province of Quebec with about 398,000 residents. Its thriving arts and cultural community features museums, art galleries and theaters. Canoeing adventures and an abundance of green spaces and parks offer a balance between indoor and outdoor fun.

(877) 465-2825
www.tourismelaval.com

Outdoor environs

With more than 120 acres of verdant green space, the Centre de la Nature has relaxation and entertainment to suit a variety of tastes. Enjoy a quiet meal in the picnic areas (cooking is prohibited) while soaking in panoramic views of mature trees, shrubs and plants as well as a small lake. For more active pursuits, canoe and kayak rentals are available, and skateboarding and rock climbing adventures also await.

(450) 662-4942
www.ville.laval.qc.ca

Freefall fun

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the thrill of a skydiving freefall without the fear of a mile-high drop from the sky, visit Montreal Skyventure. Students can freefall in a 45-foot tall, 14-foot diameter vertical wind tunnel that is safe for ages four and up. Expert instruction, ground preparation time and professional-grade equipment remove the fear and ensure the fun. Reservations are strongly recommended, as this attraction is a fan favorite.

(514) 524-4000
www.skyventuremontreal.com

Lab coats, microzoos

Computer terminals, short films, microscopes, association games and a sampling counter are all part of the experience at the Armand-Frappier Museum, which showcases the contributions of Dr. Armand Frappier to the development of public health research in Quebec. Students can explore the museum’s Microzoo to see the world of microorganisms, their harmful and beneficial effects and their habitats. At the new “Manipulating DNA” exhibit, students get to manufacture genetically modified bacteria in the laboratory.

(450) 686-5641
www.musee-afrappier.qc.ca

Astronomical adventures

For students who prefer an experience that’s out of this world, the Cosmodome is guaranteed to satisfy would-be astronauts with an adventure of galactic proportions. Visitors get to see replicas of rockets, spacesuits and a scaled-down model of the solar system. The Cosmodome also offers one, three and six-day space camps for children over age nine, who can participate in workshops, simulators and a space mission on a replica of the NASA space shuttle Endeavor. This fall, the Space Science Center is undergoing renovations expected to be completed by mid-December.

(800) 565-2267
www.cosmodome.org

Funtropolis 

The largest of its kind in Canada, this Interactive BallPlay attraction is fun for all ages. A multilevel platform features blasters, cannons, fountains, dumping buckets, hyper blowers plus the mega tipping basket that propels, levitates, throws and dumps up to 10,000 multi-colored foam balls. There are also gang slides, trampolines and a maze with obstacles. Arcade and skill games challenge the active student.  An on-site restaurant provides the opportunity to relax and refuel. Group packages available for 20 or more with a 48-hour advance reservation.

(450) 688-9222
www.funtropolis.ca

If Illinois is considered “The Land of Lincoln,” then Springfield could be called “Lincoln’s Backyard.” Home to more than a dozen sites and attractions associated with Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, Springfield offers an educational experience with a side of Midwestern charm. Rich with Civil War-era history, the city of about 116,000 people also provides historical attractions from more recent eras as well as diverse culinary fare.

(800) 545-7300 
www.visit-springfieldillinois.com

The Pizza Machine

Dine at The Pizza Machine, where a 24-inch pizza is only considered a medium. For extra-hungry groups, 40- or 60-inch pizzas are transported to the table via an overhead crane. A diverse menu is available if an enormous pizza is not for your group. A video game arcade and big-screen television provide some pre-feast entertainment. Root beer floats served in a frosted mug are another favorite.

(217) 788-5976
www.thepizzamachine.com

Washington Park Botanical Garden

To experience all the beauty and bouquets that nature offers, budding horticulturists will delight in visiting one of central Illinois’ major horticultural attractions, the Washington Park Botanical Garden. More than 1,800 species of plants and flowers make up the seasonal rose gardens, annual and perennial flower beds that adorn the 20-acre facility. Admission is free, and age-appropriate educational programs for students are offered with a two-week advance notice. 

(217) 753-6228
www.springfieldparks.org/facilities/botanical

Lincoln Tomb/Oak Ridge Cemetery

The second-most visited cemetery in the U.S. behind Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery, Oak Ridge Cemetery dates to the late 1850s and is the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln and his family. Visitors can rub the nose on Lincoln’s bust for good luck. Although rich in Civil War history, the cemetery also contains monuments to World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Four Illinois governors are buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery, which also contains other notable historic figures including labor leader John L. Lewis, poet Vachel Lindsay and Lincoln’s law partner, William Herndon.

(217) 782-2717 
www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/lincoln_tomb.htm

Lincoln Presidential Museum

Students can learn everything about the 16th U.S. president at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Using holographic imagery, Hollywood-style special effects and interactive multimedia, students are transported 150 years backward in time, where they are surrounded by historical figures from Lincoln’s life. Accredited school groups receive free admission to the museum from June–February and admission is only $4 per student March–May. There is no charge for chaperones with a 1:10 ratio. All groups must be scheduled through the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.

(800) 610-2094
www.alplm.org

Old Capitol Building

Visit the Old Capitol Building, which served as Illinois’ fifth statehouse. From 1839 to 1876, all three functions of the state’s government were conducted there. See Representatives Hall, where in 1858, Lincoln launched his U.S. Senate campaign against Stephen Douglas with his famous “House Divided” speech. Tour the home of poet, artist and performer Vachel Lindsey, who gained international fame with his poems, “The Wedding of the Rose and Lotus” and “General William Booth Enters into Heaven.” The Lincoln-Herndon Law Office, situated across from the Old Capitol Building, gives visitors a glimpse into the early law career of Abraham Lincoln. Learn about the courtrooms where Lincoln tried his early cases.

(217) 785-7960 
www.state.il.us/hpa/hs/old_capitol.htm