The summer heat may have you down, but hopefully not out! There’s a ton to do and learn all summer long in Missouri, and summer break is a great time to experience the sites and riches of your home state. The summer and fall months are a great time to take advantage of the many diverse demographics, historical landmarks, and educational activities, available near you when homeschooling in Missouri! Here are some of our top ideas.
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The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot, 43,000-ton monument in Saint Louis that celebrates the United States’ pioneering spirit. Research the history of the arch before making a Missouri homeschooling field trip, then experience its history first-hand by climbing the arch or visiting the museum exhibits!
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City Museum
Another Missouri homeschooling must-see is the St. Louis City Museum. The City Museum is essentially a giant playground made from unexpected and unique objects. You can climb a giant slinky, slide down a 10-story slide, or even ride on a Ferris Wheel! If you’re in St. Louis, the City Museum is a must-see for the whole family!
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The Ozark Mountains
Much of the Midwest is known for its flat terrain, but Missouri is blessed to have the beautiful Ozark Mountains as part of its landscape. While you’re checking out the beautiful scenery, take a float on the Black River, hike Elephant Rocks State Park, or visit Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
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Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns is home to the largest commercial cave in Missouri and is comprised of over 6,000 caves. Learn about caves by taking a guided tour of the caves, panning for gold, or taking a riverboat ride through the Meramec River.
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Titanic Museum
Homeschooling in Missouri wouldn’t be homeschooling without a museum or two. The tragic story of the Titanic is most popularly documented by the feature film, but dive into the historical story of the Titanic by visiting the Titanic Museum in Branson. There are exhibits on the Women of the Titanic, the Titanic Bible, the Musicians, and so much more!
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Mark Twain National Forest
This is the only national forest in Missouri, but there are tons of activities and hikes to take advantage of there. Before you go, look into the history of the forest. Turns out, there was quite some controversy surrounding its official name.
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Old Courthouse
One of the most interesting historical sites in Missouri is the Old Courthouse. The Old Courthouse was home to two of the most influential court cases in American history: Dred Scott and Virginia Minor. Before you visit, research what these cases were and how they affect America today!
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National Museum of Transportation
The National Museum of Transportation is home to the largest transportation vehicle collection in the world. Go visit to see how transportation has changed over time. You can also contact them and have them set up a homeschooling educational tour for your whole family!
- National World War I Museum
World War I had a massive effect on U.S. and world history and can even offer evidence for how World War II began! Take a step back in time while homeschooling in Missouri this summer to take a look at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City.
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Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is a free museum with a focus on STEM. It has exhibits on dinosaurs, Apollo 11, Mars, ecology, and so much more! They are also known for their OMNIMAX theater experience that has shows about aircraft, Pandas, and the South Pacific.
If you’re homeschooling in Missouri, be sure to take advantage of these amazing sites and museums! Your kids will thank you for the field trip, and you’ll be pleased that they’re learning while having fun. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and do a post-visit writing activity to add to your portfolio and to commemorate the day!