Learning Beyond the Classroom
Discover homeschool field trips and educational destinations throughout Southern California. Explore museums, California missions, science centers, zoos, aquariums, tide pools, and historical landmarks that support hands-on learning from preschool through high school. Every destination has been personally visited by Learning Locker and includes practical planning information, educational highlights, and parent tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Before You Go
Learning Locker Packing List
✔ Refillable water bottle
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Hat
✔ Snacks
✔ Portable phone charger
✔ Weather appropriate clothing
Orange County
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Address
26801 Old Mission Road
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Hours
Tuesday–Sunday • 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Admission
Adults $18
Seniors $15
Youth (5–17) $10
Children 4 & under Free
Best For
Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
California History • Social Studies • Architecture • Geography • Agriculture
Learning Locker Tip
Wear comfortable shoes because you'll walk more than you expect. Plan for 2–3 hours so you can enjoy the museum, gardens, and mission grounds without feeling rushed.
Website
https://www.missionsjc.com
Ocean Institute
Address
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
Hours
Saturday–Sunday • 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Admission
Adults $16
Children $12
Seniors/Military $14
Best For
Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
Marine Biology • Earth Science • Ecosystems • Conservation
Learning Locker Tip
Parking fills up quickly on weekends. Arrive early and bring a light jacket since it can be cooler near the harbor.
Website
https://www.oceaninstitute.org
Pretend City Children's Museum
Address
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Hours
Tuesday–Sunday • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Admission
See website for current pricing.
Best For
Preschool • TK • Elementary
Learning Focus
Community Helpers • Economics • Social Studies • Life Skills
Learning Locker Tip
Bring a change of clothes for younger children and plan on staying a few hours. Once kids start exploring, they usually don't want to leave. Near closing time, staff will make announcements to pick up crafts that were created that day and will close the exhibits one by one.
Website
https://www.pretendcity.org
Laguna Beach Tide Pools
Address
Multiple access points including Crescent Bay Beach, Shaw's Cove, Heisler Park, and Treasure Island Beach
Hours
Open daily (Best during low tide)
Admission
Free
Best For
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
Marine Biology • Ecology • Earth Science • Ocean Conservation
Learning Locker Tip
Always check the tide chart before heading out. Water shoes with good grip make walking on the rocks much easier, and remember to admire the tide pool animals without touching them.
Website
https://www.visitlagunabeach.com
Los Angeles County
Museum of Tolerance
Address
9786 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90035
Hours
See website
Admission
See website
Best For
Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
History • Civics • Human Rights • Character Education
Learning Locker Tip
This museum is best for older children. Plan extra time afterward because it naturally leads to meaningful conversations together. There is an Anne Frank exhibit that is meant for younger children, still use your judgement, you know your child. At the time we visited my oldest was 10 and I had already introduced the Holocaust, WWII so this tied in to what she remembered.
Website
https://www.museumoftolerance.com
La Brea Tar Pits
Address
5801 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Hours
Daily • 9:30 AM–5:00 PM
Admission
See website
Best For
Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
Earth Science • Paleontology • Fossils • Life Science
Learning Locker Tip
The museum part is closed until 2028, the outdoor tar pits are worth exploring though. Wear comfortable shoes and don't forget sunscreen.
Website
https://tarpits.lacma.org
Riverside County
Pennypickle's Workshop
Address
42081 Main Street
Temecula, CA 92590
Hours
Tuesday–Saturday • 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sunday • 12:30 PM–5:00 PM
Admission
$5 per person
Best For
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School
Learning Focus
Engineering • Physics • STEM • Mathematics
Learning Locker Tip
Weekdays tend to be less crowded, giving kids more space to explore the hands on exhibits.
Website
https://temeculaca.gov/pennypickles
Sugarplum Zoo
Address
39695 Berenda Road
Temecula, CA 92591
Hours
Daily • 9:00 AM–4:30 PM
Admission
See website
Best For
Preschool • Elementary
Learning Focus
Animal Adaptations • Habitats • Life Science • Animal Care
Learning Locker Tip
The small zoo is outdoors, so bring sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. Shade can be limited during warmer months.
Website
https://www.sugarplumzoo.com
Western Science Center
Address
2345 Searl Parkway
Hemet, CA 92543
Hours
Tuesday–Sunday • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Admission
Adults $10
Seniors $8.50
Students $7.50
Youth $7
Best For
Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
Earth Science • Paleontology • Fossils • Archaeology
Learning Locker Tip
This is a great indoor option during hot summer afternoons. The Western Science Center showcases Ice Age fossils, mammoths, mastodons, archaeological discoveries, Native American artifacts, and interactive exhibits focused on Southern California's prehistoric past. There is otdoor seating for picnics and a small giftshop when entering the museum.
Website
https://www.westernsciencecenter.org
San Diego County
Mission San Luis Rey
Address
4050 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92057
Hours
Daily • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Admission
Adults $8
Seniors $5
Youth $5
Best For
Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
California History • Social Studies • Architecture • Agriculture
Learning Locker Tip
The grounds are much larger than they appear from the road, so wear comfortable shoes and give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Website
https://www.sanluisrey.org
SeaWorld San Diego
Address
500 Sea World Drive
San Diego, CA 92109
Hours
Hours vary
Admission
Varies by date
Best For
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School
Learning Focus
Marine Biology • Ecosystems • Conservation • Animal Adaptations
Learning Locker Tip
Check the daily show schedule as soon as you arrive to make the most of your visit. If you're sitting in the splash zone, expect to get wet!
Website
https://seaworld.com/san-diego/
LEGOLAND California
Address
One LEGOLAND Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Hours
Hours vary
Admission
Varies by date
Best For
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School
Learning Focus
Engineering • Physics • Mathematics • Creativity
Learning Locker Tip
Even if your younger child no longer uses a stroller regularly, consider bringing one. It's a bigger park than many families expect.
Website
https://www.legoland.com/california/
San Diego Zoo
Address
2920 Zoo Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Hours
Open daily
Admission
Varies by date
Best For
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
Animal Adaptations • Habitats • Biodiversity • Conservation
Learning Locker Tip
Arrive early when the animals are most active. This is easily an all-day adventure, so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Website
https://www.sandiegozoo.org
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Address
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027
Hours
Open daily
Admission
Varies by date
Best For
Preschool • Elementary • Middle School • High School
Learning Focus
Ecology • Animal Behavior • Conservation • Geography
Learning Locker Tip
Summer afternoons can get hot, so visiting earlier in the day makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Wear comfortable shoes because you'll do a lot of walking.