Making education fun during a pandemic can be tough. Many popular field trip spots in Miami are operating quite differently, and educators, camp counselors, and youth organization leaders may have a difficult time planning a fun yet safe field trip. Local learning centers like the ICA Miami and Deering Estate are offering virtual field trips for students continuing lessons online. However, a few locations in Miami are still offering safe, in-person field trips that follow proper social distancing protocols.

A woman helping a child adjust a face covering

Small educational pods looking to explore Miami safely can count on National Charter Bus for sanitized transportation. Renting a charter bus for your youth group, school pod, or scout troop can ensure everyone is traveling as safely as possible. Reserve a bus that’s thoroughly sanitized, that’s operated by a professional driver, and that has plenty of space to social distance onboard if necessary. The National Charter Bus rental team is available 24/7 at 305-330-4453 to reserve a charter bus or minibus.

Here are a few educational destinations that are offering safe, in-person field trip options with prior reservation:

 

Frost Science Museum

Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Phone: (305) 434-9600

The Frost Museum is one of the most popular field trip destinations in Miami and is a wonderful location for visitors of all ages. The museum boasts an aquarium, a planetarium, an observation deck overlooking the city, and a variety of hands-on exhibits. Kids will learn about NASA space missions, renewable resources like solar-powered energy, biodiversity in the Everglades, the evolution of flying animals, and scientific research from several departments at the University of Miami.

All guests ages 2 and older are required to wear face coverings at all times in the museum. Non-contact temperature screenings will be done upon arrival, and be sure your field trip pod stays at least 6 feet away from other visitors. Any large field trip group will need to split into subgroups with a maximum of 10 people, including one chaperone. Depending on availability, guided 45-minute enhanced field trip experiences can be added to your visit for each subgroup of students.

Charter bus rental parking: The museum does not offer bus parking, so you’ll have to reserve a spot off-site. Private lots are available throughout nearby Downtown Miami.

 

Lion Country Safari

Address:  2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, FL 33470

Phone: (561) 793-1084

Lion Country Safari is located in Palm Beach County, about a 1.5-hour drive from Miami. This safari-style experience gives guests a unique up-close view of animals roaming in their (almost) natural habitat. The attraction is home to more than 1,000 animals, including giraffes, lions, rhinos, ostriches, water buffalo, gibbons, and zebras. Typically, drive-thru and walk-thru options are available, but walking options are limited due to minimized guest capacity.

Local Miami wildlife centers like ZooMiami, Parrot Jungle Island, and Monkey Jungle are currently closed to school groups, so driving up Lion Country Safari may be worth it for animal-loving kids! Group visits are available but limited at Lion Country Safari. You’ll want to make sure you organize a field trip well in advance to ensure your group gets a spot. All guests will be required to wear masks outside of their vehicles at all times.

Charter bus travel tip: Normally, a member of Lion Country Safari’s educational staff will board your bus for a guided drive-thru of the park. You’ll want to inquire if their policies have changed during the pandemic.

A child in the outdoors wearing a mask

Miami EcoAdventures

Address: Varies

Phone:  (305) 666-5885

The Miami-Dade County Department of Parks and Recreation offers educational programs for the community at select parks. These Miami EcoAdventures aim to teach participants of all ages about the city’s terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, conservation, and natural history.

Programs vary by park location, but most EcoAdventures are available at Arch Creek Park Nature Center, Crandon Park Nature Center, Bill Sadowski Park Nature Center, and A.D. Barnes Park Nature Center. If your students are interested in one specific program like the Seagrass Ecosystem, for example, your options of parks will be more limited. Most programs are best suited for up to 35 students, and hands-on activities may be limited for larger groups.

Charter bus rental parking: Parking availability will depend on which park your field trip is located in. Most Dade County parks will have plenty of parking for your bus. You can inquire about parking options at the time of your field trip reservation.

 

Pinecrest Gardens

Address: 11000 SW 57th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156

Phone: (305) 669-6990

Tucked away in the Miami suburb of Pinecrest, these gardens are a beloved spot to locals. Pinecrest Gardens regularly hosts community concerts, holiday events, a farmer’s market, and of course — field trips! Kids can explore a variety of tropical and subtropical botanical gardens, a petting zoo, a splash pad, and a playground during their visit. Guided learning programs will be tailored to your students’ age group and can cover topics such as plant pollination, Florida’s native flora, and how plant forms serve certain functions.

Usually, guided programs would be available for groups of up to 50 students. However, only smaller groups will be permitted at this time. Keep in mind that some parts of the gardens may be closed or have limited capacity during the pandemic. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the Educational Program Coordinator.

Charter bus parking: Pinecrest Gardens shares a spacious parking lot with the Pinecrest Branch Library. Have your driver drop everyone off at the garden entrance before parking at the easternmost end of the lot.

A wooden deck trail in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

Ernest Coe Visitor Center Address: 40001 State Hwy 9336, Homestead, FL 33034

Phone: (305) 242-7700

As the largest area of tropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park has endless learning opportunities. The Ernest Coe Visitor Center has informative displays and educational resources for groups planning a self-guided tour. Start your self-guided tour by watching the “River of Life” short film and viewing exhibits about the park’s ecosystem, history, and conservation efforts. You may even spot an alligator or two from the decks of the visitor center! After you grab your educational materials, explore the Anhinga, Mahogany Hammock, Pa-hay-okee Overlook, and Gumbo Limbo trails.

Ranger-led programs are usually available throughout the year but are temporarily on hold during the pandemic. While in the visitor center, guests should wear face coverings and social distance from any visitors outside of their group. 

Charter bus travel tip: Groups traveling by buses with a capacity of 16 or more passengers will have to pay $15/person. Qualifying organizations may apply for academic waivers to cover the cost. Once you’re in the park, free parking for your bus can be found throughout different locations in the park.

 

Organize Your Safe Miami Field Trip Today

Whether your home-learning pod is planning a day out or your scout troop is organizing a socially-distanced meetup, National Charter Bus will handle the transportation. A sales rep is available 24/7 at 305-330-4453 to reserve a safe and sanitized charter bus rental for your field trip in Miami. We can provide a fast and free bus rental quote within minutes!