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VIRTUAL FIELDTRIPS

Updated September 16, 2000


castle.jpg (4596 bytes)At Castles of the World, you can take a virtual tour around the world to see castles from such places as Belgium, Scotland, Russia, Spain, France, and even Japan, just to name a few.  There's a section designed especially for kids, but don't miss the real pictures on the rest of the site as well.  There are also reviews of castle games and castle books, and you can send in your review to be placed on the site. There is even information about a kit you can order to build your own castle! 

The Columbus Zoo has long been known as one of the best zoos in America. Their online site is no exception. The animal and plant collection areas are full of incredible pictures and detailed information. Also included is the zoo's featured exhibits, newsletters, event calendar and the Columbus Zoo's Virtual Safari, a kid's view of the zoo, produced by kids for kids and directed by teachers.

The Miami Parrot Jungle and Gardens has been one of my favorite places since I was a little girl and had my picture taken there with 5 parrots on my arms. Nothing can replace the experience of actually being there, but the Parrot Jungle's website is still a great place to visit for a virtual trip back to nature. Some of what you'll see includes parrots, flamingos, tortoises, apes, tropical plants, and "Creatures In The Mist", a rainforest adventure.

Thomas Jefferson was our 3rd president and the author of The Declaration of Independence. Take a virtual walk through a day in the early 1800's at his Virginia home, Monticello. By following Jefferson through a day, you will gain a sense of the extraordinary range of his talents, his insatiable thirst for knowledge, his watchful use of time, and the larger community that lived and worked at Monticello.

"No trip through cyberspace can begin to communicate the thrill of actually running the Colorado River through The Grand Canyon. This multimedia journey is intended to simply provide a glimpse of the river corridor and share some the joy of being in the grandest of all canyons." Great pictures and three different formats to fit your computer's speed and capabilities.

Davis's Farmland Family Fun Adventure is one of the most unique, entertaining, and educational sites I've seen on the web. This farm in Sterling, Massachusetts is "Part Children's Museum, Petting Farm, and Play Park, and houses the Largest Exhibit of Rare Livestock in North America". At the website, you can hear animal sounds and see their pictures, learn about endangered species of livestock, color a farm picture, do a crossword puzzle, or send a virtual Farmland postcard to a friend. There's also "moo-chandise" for sale and a "cow-lendar" of Farmland events. If you're planning to be anywhere near Massachusetts, this sounds like a terrific place to spend a day!

The Virginia Marine Science Museum of Virginia Beach, Virginia was recently named the Travel Attraction of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. Now you can visit without having to travel to Virginia by visiting the museum's online site. You'll see pictures of the museum's sharks, sea turtles, and otters. You'll find out how you can reserve your spot on a whale or dolphin-watching boat trip. You'll find listings of special events and show times at the museums's amazing six-story-high IMAX theater. If you're planning a trip to Virginia, you'll definitely want to find out about what the museum has to offer. Be sure to tell your parents about the map that's included at this site so Mom and Dad can find it.

The White House for Kids - This is a really great site where you can learn about the White House and the President and First Lady. The tour is hosted by First Cat, Socks. He will teach you about the history of the White House and Washington D.C., he will introduce you to some of the kids that have lived there, and of course, he will introduce you to his favorite White House pets. While you're there, write a letter to the President, the Vice President or the First Lady and let them know how you think they're doing. For more detailed information on the White House history, or for information on ordering tickets for a real tour, go to White House History and Tours.

While in Washington, why not visit the world's most famous museum, The Smithsonian Institution? The Kids Guide to the Smithsonian makes it easy for you to find the museum exhibits that kids like the most. It will take you directly to the National Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of American History, and the National Air and Space Museum. See dinosaurs, mummies, the ballgowns of First Ladies, the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner in 1814, the Wright Brothers' "Wright Flyer," and an actual space capsule....and that is only the beginning!

Surf on in to World Surfari, a totally cool site by 11-year-old Brian Giacoppo and his dad. Every month, Brian brings you a new virtual fieldtrip to exciting places all over the world. You'll learn about the people, the society, and the history of the featured place. Brian has taken cyber trips to Japan, Italy, Kenya, and Jamaica. The information and pictures make this a great site for homework help, but it's just plain fun too!

Odyssey in Egypt is a week by week diary of an archaeological dig. You'll meet and interact with the archeaologists, see the discoveries that they unearth, learn how archeaology is done, and learn about life in Egypt. There is even a video clip of a walk through the excavation site. (Be sure to ask mom or dad before you download it.) And be sure to scroll down toward the bottom of the first screen for a link to pictures of the excavation site.

The San Francisco Zoo is one of the world's most famous. Now you can take a tour in the comfort of your home without the hot weather, tired feet and big crowds. There's a search feature where you can type in the name of your favorite animal to go right to its exhibit. You can find out what's new at the zoo, how to become a zoo member, and even how to adopt an animal! (Adoption does cost money, so be sure to ask your parents to visit the sight with you for this.)