Why I Love Virtual Field Trips (and Why You Might, Too)
- Laura Swallow
- May 11
- 3 min read
When I was a brand-new teacher, the words “field trip” sparked excitement… and panic. I loved the idea of my students experiencing the world beyond our classroom—but the planning, permission slips, and parent volunteers? Not so much. That’s why I fell in love with virtual field trips. They give students the excitement of exploration—with none of the bus schedules or head counts.
Over the years, virtual field trips have become one of my favorite ways to build curiosity, spark discussion, and bring social studies to life. Whether I’m teaching ancient civilizations or leaving sub plans behind, I love using online explorations to create real connections for my students.
So… What Is a Virtual Field Trip?
A virtual field trip is any online exploration of a real-world place, artifact, or experience—but when it’s used well, it’s so much more than just clicking through a website. With a little structure and purpose, it becomes a meaningful learning experience that students remember.
Google even has an Arts & Culture section that is set up so that you can virtually visit famous museums from all over the world.
Some of my favorites include:
Visiting the Louvre to explore Hammurabi’s Code up close
Viewing ancient art from the life of Siddhartha Gautama
Using Google Earth to tour ancient river valleys like the Nile and Yellow River
Exploring Machu Picchu, the Great Wall, or even natural wonders during science and geography units
🔍 Why I Use Them in My Classroom
Here’s what I’ve found over time: virtual field trips work really well when students are already curious. That’s why I tie mine to essential questions and informational text. I want students to go into the experience asking, “Why did the people who lived here build this?” or “How did geography shape their choices?”
In my social studies reading passages, I always pair the text with an online exploration—so students can see what they’ve just read about and reflect on it with new understanding.
Here’s what that might look like:
After reading about the Shang and Zhou dynasties, students explore ancient Chinese oracle bones or visit a digital exhibit on the Mandate of Heaven.
While learning about the Indus Valley Civilization, students examine satellite maps of Mohenjo-Daro and compare modern city planning to ancient grid layouts.
Studying Ancient Egypt? We click through a virtual tour of the pyramids and reflect on what it tells us about religion, leadership, and architecture.
These moments bring social studies alive in a way that a worksheet alone just can’t.
📚 Want to Try One?
If you’re curious about how to bring virtual field trips into your lessons, I have a growing collection of social studies reading units that include online exploration activities. They’re all based around essential questions and include leveled passages, vocabulary, comprehension questions, and a writing prompt to tie it all together.
A few favorites:
Hammurabi’s Code
Siddhartha Gautama & Buddhism
Shang & Zhou Dynasties
And if you’re looking for no-prep sub plans that include virtual field trips (yes, the good kind that are actually useful and won’t confuse your sub), check these out:👉 Sub Plans with Virtual Field Trips
Some of My Best Sellers:
✨Freebie to Get You Started
Want to give virtual field trips a try? Sign up for my email list to try out my free Tiger unit with virtual field trip or my Patreon to grab my free reading passage and web exploration on the Nile River which includes a short text, vocabulary, and a simple Google Earth prompt students can do independently or in partners.
🎒Final Thought
Field trips don’t have to mean buses, paperwork, or lost jackets. With a little guidance and the right structure, virtual field trips can take your class somewhere meaningful—without ever leaving your room.
Got a favorite virtual field trip destination? I’d love to hear about it—leave a comment or message me anytime!
Xx, Laura
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