Cross-Curricular School Trips To East Coast USA

This 2.5 mile walking tour through the compact city of Boston reveals the rich history of America’s Revolution – the events that led up to the historic break from Britain. It starts at Boston Common and takes in 16 historical sites, including King’s Chapel, the Benjamin Franklin statue, The Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, and USS Constitution.

Sometimes referred to as ‘the Cradle of Liberty’, Faneuil Hall has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1742. It was the site of several speeches by Samuel Adams, James Otis and others, encouraging independence from Great Britain. The third floor contains the museum and armoury of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.

A major educational resource, this aquarium a must-visit for students interested in marine life hosts more than 1.3m visitors a year. They can observe the behaviour of aquatic animals from green sea turtles to leafy seadragons and bonnethead sharks. Exhibits include the Giant Ocean Tank and the Simons IMAX Theatre – taller than a six-storey building.

Take the Statue Cruise from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, one of the world’s most iconic structures and a symbol of freedom and democracy. Continue to Ellis Island and be inspired by the history and stories of the immigrants entering America between 1892-1954. This hop-on, hop-off service allows you to explore at your leisure.

When arriving in New York, a great way to appreciate the scale of the city and avoid crowds is to take a boat cruise. Students can see the famous skyline and get to know the layout of Manhattan with excellent photo opportunities. The Full Island Cruise takes in over 100 landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Yankee Stadium.

Built at the peak of the skyscraper craze in 1931, the 1250ft Empire State Building is an Art Deco symbol of NYC. A ride in the express lift to the observatory floors gives students an unrivalled view of the city with outdoor decks and restored original interiors. A handheld device acts as an audio and visual companion with engaging videos, image galleries, quizzes and maps. An immersive Exhibition Gallery also explains the history of the site, the construction, sustainability and how the building has achieved its iconic status.

The memorial quadrant is a poignant reminder of the 9/11 devastation and an inspiring testimony by citizens to honour those who died. Twin reflecting pools and manmade waterfalls mark the spot where the Twin Towers stood, with the names of everyone lost inscribed into bronze panels around the outside.

The maze of glass walkways and 110ft atrium lobby ensure this is a breathtaking experience from the get-go. The most influential modern art collection in the world has highlights like Monet’s Water Lilies and van Gogh’s Starry Night, with a recent face-lift by Yoshio Taniguchi creating space for huge contemporary installations and three movie theatres.

The National Archives holds original copies of the three main formative documents of the United States and its government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, plus a copy of the 1297 Magna Carta confirmed by Edward I. Tip:All filming, photographing, and videotaping is prohibited, so don’t get out your camera phones.

The Smithsonian Institution – the world’s largest museum and research complex – includes 19 museums and galleries and a zoo. It’s dubbed ‘the nation’s attic’ for its eclectic holdings of 137m items. Take a museum tour or book activities from elephant baths at the zoo to tarantula feedings at Natural History or scavenger hunts at American Art.

Visit some of the monuments that honour those who helped shape the US nation. The Washington Monument is a towering 555-feet high marble obelisk, The Lincoln Memorial is a symbol of freedom, the Martin Luther King Jnr Monument promotes love and tolerance, while monuments to the Vietnam War, the Korean War, World War II commemorate those that died.

This military cemetery was established during the Civil War, and since then deceased veterans of America’s conflicts have been buried here, and their white headstones stretch out over 624 acres or rolling hills. A tour here can bring the military history of the United States to life. Don’t miss the elaborate Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Make a stop at Philadelphia, en-route from New York and Washington DC. The city of Brotherly Love was the epicentre of American Democracy and is the first city in the US to be awarded World Heritage status. See the Liberty Bell; an extraordinary symbol of freedom through the inspirational inscription it carries, and take a guided tour around Independence Hall where the US Constitution was shaped.

Mural graffiti is a fundamental element of community art in New York, expressing peace and conflict, cultural shift and reflecting zeitgeist. The tour visits a number of major murals in the Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx and Harlem districts, with knowledgeable guides to discuss the evolution of graffiti and elaborate on the storyboards and memorial walls.

Students can take on a true Broadway experience. Enjoy a workshop led by Broadway stars located next to the audition studios of Matilda. Enter the world of theatre and discover the theory behind movement on stage.

Complement your visit to the Edge with REACH FOR THE SKY, a virtual STEM education Programme. Students take a behind-the-scenes look at amazing innovations of architecture and engineering and learn about the STEM, history, and social impact of this gravity-defying structure through digital resources and a Virtual Field Trip.    

Learn about Hershey’s iconic brands during this special educational visit to Hershey’s Chocolate World in Times Square. Topics covered include: Why Hershey’s chose to have a retail location based in Times Square, stories about the iconic brands and how they have been marketed, how the iconic brands play a part in the layout of the store and how the legacy of Milton Hershey is honoured. Tastings included!

Visit three of NYC’s best bagel shops savouring an assortment of bagels, spreads and sandwiches. Get behind-the-scenes access at one of NYC’s largest bagel shops for a peek into the bagel-making process and the secrets behind the dough. Discover the bagel’s unlikely journey from Polish peasant food to NYC superstar. Guests leave full of delicious bagels and a deeper appreciation for this food and city! 

Step into the shoes of a bagel artisan and learn the art of crafting authentic and mouth-watering New York-style bagels. Led by an award-winning baker, you’ll practice the tips and tricks to create perfect bagels, from rolling to boiling, seeding with toppings, and baking. You’ll also enjoy the delicious bagels you’ve made fresh out of the oven with a variety of spreads and toppings! Best of all, you’ll leave with a bag of your hand-crafted creations.

This unique visitor attraction offers three levels of multi-sensory immersive experiences on the top of the fourth tallest building in Manhattan. Visitors will experience a blend of art installations and technology against the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline. Amazing photo opportunities during the day or at night!