Orlando is “the theme park capital of the world,” and visitors come from far and wide to experience the magic of Disney World, Universal Orlando, and other famous parks with a Lake Buena Vista bus. They are undoubtedly amazing places for a vacation, but a field trip is a different kind of experience with different criteria for success. Chaperones who need to keep up with dozens of excited students will thank you for skipping the big parks for a field trip. (Plus, local kids might have already had their fill of the major parks.)
Fortunately, skipping the theme parks doesn’t mean missing the fun of a field trip. We’ve selected a wide range of Orlando attractions for educators and field-trip planners to consider. They all fit the bill for educational needs without compromising on fun.
Skip the School Bus and Rent a Charter Bus
Yellow school buses might be a field trip mainstay, but they often lack comfort and climate control. For your next field trip, reconsider the yellow school bus tradition! An Orlando charter bus promises extra comfort and amenities, with options like plush reclining seats, climate-controlled interiors to combat the Florida heat, on-board WiFi, and TV screens.
Our network of charter buses in Orlando comprises hundreds of vehicle options, so we can provide custom quotes for your specific group. Small groups can rent an 18- or 25-passenger minibus, while larger groups might rent a full-sized motorcoach that can accommodate up to 56 passengers. Have an even bigger group? Our rental experts can arrange a custom fleet of charter bus rentals in Orlando just for you.
Call our rental experts today to discuss the best charter bus options for your Orlando field trip.
Orlando Destinations for History and Art
Orlando’s theme parks sometimes overshadow the city’s admirable cultural scene, which includes a number of renowned art centers and history museums. While popular with tourists and locals alike, these destinations have smaller crowds and are very amenable to school and youth groups. They often have special programs and educational events designed just for field trips, too.
Orlando Museum of Art
Address: 2416 North Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 896-4231
The Orlando Museum of Art is a cultural gem, presenting world-class art exhibitions and award-winning enrichment programs throughout the year. Its collections focus on American and African Art from many eras. They include a remarkable Art of the Ancient Americas collection of items spanning almost three millennia and dozens of indigenous nations. The museum is located in Loch Haven Park, a rich and scenic cultural space flanked by three lakes.
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Address: 445 North Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: (407) 645-5311
The Morse Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of works from the celebrated artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Although famous for art glass and leaded-glass creations, Tiffany also created striking jewelry, pottery, paintings, and interiors, which are on display throughout the museum. An unmissable centerpiece is the Tiffany-designed chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Check out the Secrets of Tiffany Glassmaking exhibit, where students can learn how mosaics, jewels, windows, lamps, and more were hand-crafted by artisans.
Kennedy Space Center and Visitor Complex
Address: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Phone: (855) 433-4210
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Visitor Complex sits on Merritt Island, just west of Orlando. Reaching the unique location is easy with an experienced Orlando Charter bus driver handling the transportation. You can focus on amazing field trip experiences and interactive learning opportunities at the center, such as meeting an astronaut and taking a tour of historic launch sites. This Orlando destination combines history and science for a multifaceted, highly educational day out.
Titanic: The Experience and Artifact Exhibition
Address: 7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-248-1166
The tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912 continues to fascinate new generations. Plan a field trip to Orlando’s Titanic: The Experience and Artifact Exhibition, and your group will get a first-hand look at almost 200 authentic artifacts recovered from the wreck site deep under the Atlantic. The museum also features a recreation of the ship’s grand staircase and a genuine section of the Titanic’s hull. Comprehensive teacher guides for all grade levels are available free of charge.
Get Hands-On With Science
From interactive museum exhibits to outdoor spaces preserving Florida’s native flora and fauna, students will enjoy a science-themed field trip at any of these special attractions.
Discovery Cove
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Phone: (407) 513-4600
This unique resort, a sister property of SeaWorld Orlando, offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim and interact with bottlenose dolphins. Visitors learn a lot about marine creatures and habitats and get to see over 250 tropical birds in a free-flight aviary. Discovery Cove has a limited-access model, meaning only about 1,300 guests are allowed per day to minimize crowds – a big plus when you’re chaperoning groups of kids.
Harry P Leu Gardens
Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 246-2620
The tropical and semi-tropical landscaping at the Harry P Leu Gardens creates a beautiful, enriching environment for school and youth groups to explore. The grounds also feature the historic Leu House Museum. Guided field trip tours are available, with options including a “birds around the world” themed tour and a self-guided tour ideal for encouraging independent adventures.
Orlando Science Center
Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 514-2000
The award-winning Orlando Science Center focuses on hands-on experiences, so students can really immerse themselves in the exhibits, labs, workshops, and more. Popular highlights of the museum include the observatory, 3D theater, DinoDigs exhibit, and real-life experiments at Dr. Dare’s Lab. Planners should ask about the STEM Discovery Center’s educational programs.
Just for Fun
The best educators understand that learning goes hand-in-hand with playing and that, above all else, kids just want to have fun! Plan a field trip to one of these attractions, which do feature educational opportunities but put the emphasis on entertainment.
Gatorland
Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32837
Phone: (407) 855-5496
Florida’s famous gators are fascinating for all ages, and even more so when you get to see and learn about them in real life. Gatorland is a wildlife preserve and theme park, home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and other amazing creatures. The park presents live shows that combine lessons about the animals with displays of their mighty jumping, wrestling, and chomping skills. There are rides, zip lines, and close-up animal encounters as well. Your kids will never forget this field trip!
ICON Park
Address: 8445 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 601-7907
ICON Park is an exciting entertainment complex that brings together top Orlando amusements with restaurants, shops, and arcades. The biggest attractions for field trips include the largest observation wheel on the East Coast, Madame Tussauds Orlando, the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, a 7D Motion Theater, and the Pearl Express Train tour.
Universal Citywalk
Address: 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 363-8000
Part of the Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Citywalk is a major epicenter for entertainment. It might be known for its dining, shopping and nightlife, but in the daytime this is a fantastic field trip destination with lots of kid-friendly options. Shows and attractions change periodically but typically include escape rooms themed around a family movie such as “Jurassic World” or “Back to the Future.”
WonderWorks Orlando
Address: 9067 International Dr, Pointe Orlando, Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 351-8800
With its super-fun brand of “edu-tainment,” WonderWorks Orlando offers more than 100 interactive exhibits across six diverse zones. Learn what it’s like to be in a magnitude 5.3 earthquake or hurricane-force winds in the Extreme Weather Zone. Lie on a bed of nails in the Physical Challenge Zone, and create dazzling, dancing patterns with your movement in the Light and Sound Zone.
Book Your Charter Bus Field Trip Transportation in Orlando Today
Your school group will have a blast at any of these top Orlando attractions. Once you’ve secured your field trip itinerary, contact Champion Charter Bus to travel safely and efficiently with a customized charter bus rental in Orlando. To chat with our rental experts and get a free, personalized quote, give us a call at 407-274-9808.
