School is very different this year, but there’s one aspect that doesn’t have to disappear — field trips.
Whether you decide to send you kids back to school or continue to remote learning, you can take your children on outings that will teach them about their county.
Here are five options that are free, or almost free:
Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
The center is used as a multiuse history, culture, heritage and environment facility on 233 wooded acres near the Mall of Georgia. It features interactive exhibits, walking trails and greenways and is a model of innovative green building techniques.
According to the center’s website, students of all ages are engaged and inspired through S.T.E.A.M (Science Technology Engineering Arts-Math) programming. Educational programs are a hands-on, real-world extension of the classroom engaging and inspiring students by:
- Enhancing the appreciation of Gwinnett’s natural resources
- Promoting sustainability while encouraging further exploration
- Developing an emotional connection with nature
- Promoting a greater understanding and attitude of responsible stewardship
- Developing a wider perspective of students’ sense of place in the environment
3595 Peachtree Road, Duluth, GA 30096
2020 Clean Water Drive, Buford, GA 30519
Hours: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
The museum was founded in 1970 by the Atlanta chapter of the National Railway Historical Society. There are more than 90 pieces of rolling stock exhibited on the 30-acre site. In 2000, the museum was given the title of being Georgia’s official transportation history museum. The grounds also contain the restored 1871 Duluth passenger train depot, a G16/Park train ride and a model railroad housed in Building 1.
Southeastern Railway Museum
3595 Peachtree Road, Duluth, GA 30096
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday
Admission: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 65 and up)$; $12 for children ages 2-12
Norcross Welcome Center and adjacent Fire Station Museum
The welcome center houses the Baseball Museum, a room dedicated to the area’s baseball history. Visitors can also see artifacts from Norcross’ history, such as the original charter, an old fashioned notary seal, historic newspapers and interesting photos of families that have lived in the area for generations. Adjacent to the welcome center is the Fire Station Museum, where you can check out a restored fire truck that was used by the Norcross volunteer fire department. While there, check out all the other interesting fire artifacts on display.
Norcross Welcome Center and Museum
189 Lawrenceville St., Norcross, GA 30071
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Lawrenceville Female Seminary/Gwinnett History Museum
Originally built in the 1830s, the building was used as a finishing school for the county’s young women. It was reconstructed in 1855 after being destroyed in a fire, and was later converted into a civic center for community activities. It now houses the Gwinnett History Museum, with exhibits relating to early Gwinnett County farming, textiles, schools and more.
Lawrenceville Female Seminary
455 South Perry St., Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday-Saturday
This former cotton farm is relatively unchanged since its drawing in the 1820 land lottery. In the early 1900s, it was a thriving farm. In later years the farm housed sharecroppers and experienced the struggles of the Great Depression and the boll weevil. The property has its original barn, well house, chicken coup, blacksmith shed and restored tenant farmer house. There are also 3 miles of paved and unpaved trails if you need some exercise.
3251 McDaniel Road, Duluth 30096
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
About the Author
