The goal of our FAM (Familiarization) Trip was to introduce Legoland to FL teachers, so that they could see and have the Legoland experience for themselves; this way they in turn can consider Legoland for their field trips this year. FAM trips are something we at SAT do often, and with many educational field trip destinations. Legoland as it turns out is an amazing educational travel destination, with lots of places to learn and an ideal opportunity to connect with students of all ages.

We arrived at Legoland in the morning, and we met up with our contact at the theme park, who gave us a personal tour of the grounds, and the overall experience to be had! Walking through the park.. the whole time I’m thinking how well the  park is laid out, and that it was obvious how much thought went into every detail.

Not only were the signs easy to read and to find what you were looking for, but the whole park is adorned with lots of things (animals, trees, cars, etc) made entirely of Legos!

About Legoland – Legoland in Winter Haven, FL is a theme park devoted entirely to young children and students, making it an ideal place for a field trip for any school. There are rides and exhibits with lots of things for children to see and experience.

LEGOLAND Florida is an interactive theme park dedicated to schoolswith students ages 2-12. With more than 50 rides, shows & attractions, LEGOLAND Florida is geared towards educational fun & activities. A planned expansion to open a waterpark is slated for opening on May 26, 2012!

LEGOLAND Florida offers 7 educational programs which incorporate STEM (Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs and the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

• Tall Towers (Grades K-3)
• Funtastic Gears (Grades K-2)
• Get Moving (Grades 2-5)
• Energy Lab (Grades 2-6)
• Amazing Machines (Grades 3-6)
• Dr. Heartbeat (Grades 3-6)
• Adventure Bot (Grades 3-6)

One of the great things we experienced was the actual classroom learning environment, where each of the students and teachers were actively participating in the learning process, all while having fun. How? Easy, there are a number of “learning labs” that go over different ways technology, design, and problem-solving are put to good use, all of this in a fun and interactive way. Students were learning without even thinking about it!

An example of this is in a class where the Legoland insructor had us pair up and create a rollercoaster using a small bin of assorted lego pieces. Everyone had to (1) give the rollercoaster a name, (2) say how many people their coaster would hold, and (3) – If the rollercoaster ride was fast or slow.

At the end of the timed period, we stopped working on our individual rollercoasters and then the instructor came around and looked at everyone’s design, and each of the participants had a chance to tell everyone about their lego design.

This was a great learning experience for everyone that participated, and the teachers were excited about how fun and interactive it was.

Take a look at a few pictures we took from the tour of Legoland, and certainly contact SAT for more information about  taking your school or group to Legoland, FL.

Call 1-800-241-1728 or use our Contact Form Here.

Legoland, FL Pictures

This is a complete map of the Legoland, FL theme park. Everyone gets a copy of this on entry, and you can see the park is laid out very well. Restrooms and places for food/beverages are convenient from everywhere you are.

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Legoland, FL is a great destination for Scout Trips! Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts would really enjoy a trip here! Bring the whole troop! Not only is there the educational element, but the shows and the rides add to the overall experience. With the water park opening next door, this will be a good summer field trip spot for kids of all ages!

Florida schools can really benefit from a trip here, as it can be bundled with a visit to Busch Gardens, Disney, SeaWorld, Universal Studios, Wet’n Wild, Kennedy Space Center, Lion Country Safari, and Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, FL. Ask us about a trip that combines any of these destinations with a visit to Legoland, FL.

Florida Field Trips Include: FL Keys, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, St. Augustine

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April 28th – 29th, 2012

Free Weekend Promotion for Teachers!

Participate in a FAM (Familiarization Trip) to experience new field trip destination in Florida. Attend a brief info session and enjoy a FREE entrance to Legoland. Promotion includes the teacher (you) plus one guest. This is NOT a sales event – There are no fees, charges, or obligations to purchase anything.

Just come and experience new options with educational travel and enjoy the weekend on us. Let us have your attention for a few minutes so we can tell you more about new educational travel options for your upcoming school field trips, enjoy a free 1 night stay in a beautiful hotel, and go and visit Legoland for free (park entrance only).

Your only committment is your time & travel to the destination. This promotion for teachers is from April 28th – 29th, 2012. You must call 1 800. 241. 1728 x303 or contact us no later than Tuesday, April 17th.

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DC Field Trip Attraction - Zip Line at Go Ape!

Most of the time we see that field trips are focused on attractions like museums, art galleries, monuments and memorials.  While these field trip attractions are the staples of educational travel, there is also stuff to do outdoors!

One of the newer attractions that you might want to check out if you’re taking a field trip to Washington, DC is Go Ape! ... huh? Yes – I said GO APE – This is an attraction located in Rockville, MD (not too far from DC) where you can learn and play OUTSIDE!

If you think taking a quick ride on a Zip Line sounds like fun, you would be right! You’ve probably seen a TV commercial with a little pig yelling “weeeeeeee – weeeeee” while going down a zip line, you can only imagine how much fun that would be. Well, it IS that much fun, so stop imagining it and lets get on one!

In addition to the zip lines, there is climbing and much more to do outside at Go Ape! This is an ideal attraction for a field trip, and because it is located just outside of Washington, DC, students of all grades can really enjoy some outdoor learning and fun as part of their DC Field Trip experience.

Attention all Boy Scouts and Girl Scout Troops! This is a great outing and should be included with your scouting trip plans for the summer! GO APE and Make this a part of your field trip to Washington, DC, and say “WEEEEEEEEE – WEEEEEEEEEE – WEEEEEEEE!”

To learn more about field trips to Washington, DC, please visit our website at
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While we’re all hunkered down in the middle of winter… Spring is right around the corner, and so is summer! Summertime is a great time to create long-lasting memories and life experiences. If you’re like most Boy Scout or Girl Scout Troop out there, chances are you’ve been talking about your plans for the upcoming summer.

Your troop can travel to places like Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Florida, Atlanta… Or anywhere you have in mind!

Learn More About Scout Trips and Troop Field Trips
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There are so many great things to experience on a scouting trip, telling stories around a campfire, hiking, group discussion, and most importantly…. bonding! These scout trips are a chance for kids to travel and learn more about life’s important lessons.

Boy Scout Trips

Boy Scout Troops will typically plan to for one or two overnight camping trips, single-day hiking trips; great opportunities to earn merit badges and get some real camping experience.  There’s everything from setting up a proper campsite, building tents, making a fire, and learning to cook and prepare meals in the outdoors.

So many important lessons here, this is a chance for troop leaders to demonstrate why all of those important Boy Scout Knots are good to know! Being prepared is what it’s all about, and that goes for the leaders too. SAT can help you prepare a Boy Scout Trip your troop won’t forget, and make the process easier for everyone participating.  Learn More – http://studentadventuretours.com/boy-scout-field-trips

Girl Scout Trips

Girl Scout Troops make annual camping trips, hiking trips and other planned visits; great opportunities to earn merit badges and get some experience using a map and a compass.  There’s everything from setting up a proper campsite, building tents, making a fire, and learning to cook and prepare meals in the outdoors.

Being prepared is what it’s all about, and that goes for the leaders too. SAT can help you prepare a Girl Scout Trip your troop won’t forget, and make the process easier for everyone participating. Learn More - http://studentadventuretours.com/girl-scout-field-trips

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To give you an idea of what an industrialist was, these where people whose families were part of gigantic early companies who made some of the biggest products used in our everyday lives. The businesses might be textiles, food, or supply stores. Henry Flagler was friends and business partners with John D. Rockefeller, and their oil profits made them magnates, the super-wealthy of their day. Some of these early industrialists often became philanthropists, mostly because they had too much money and knew it was the right thing to do, for they would have plenty for anything they would ever need or want.

The article, which was in this Sunday’s Miami Herald, takes us through the historical records and talks about his gigantic investment into developing Florida really opened up the state to the rest of the country, and proved to be the emphasis behind all of the growth. [Read the original article here]

Some of the key things he did in his lifetime include building railroads all the way South through to Key West, built hotels and developed real estate in places like Royal Palm Beach, Tampa, St. Augustine, and later down south to Miami, and the Keys.  Flagler’s drive and motivation paved the way to prosperity for many, and he is honored with museums and other properties all over as a result.

I’ve scanned the whole article for you to read below, but please give the Miami Herald all the credit and visit them here.

Learn more about student field trips to Florida where you can visit museums that honor the man and the legend of Henry Flagler. On these FL field trips students can see and experience different cities and historic landmarks in FL that bear his footprint:
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Student Adventure Tours has made it easier by matching these academic subjects with our lineup of SAT quality student field trips and popular educational travel destinations.

Student Adventure Tours – Listing of Student Field Trips by Academic Subjects:
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Math Field Trips

Science Field Trips

History Field Trips

Art Field Trips

Social Student Field Trips

Lit. & Lang. Field Trips

Paul Revere's Famous Ride - Part of The Fabric of American History

Teacher and school trip planners are always asking us “Where can we go to show students real American history? There are so many choices for us and our kids!”

True! With many travel options available, what are some places of historical importance? How about Boston?  If you haven’t really put enough thought into your field trip already, here’s some great information about Boston and why it makes sense to go here for your next class trip.

Boston is the place where the American Revolution began, and has long been considered the birthplace of the “Patriot.” Historical events like Paul Revere’s famous ride and others all took place in Boston, MA. and there are many landmarks highlighting our colonial roots and “freedom” routes that helped those seeking freedom during the anti-slavery movement. Boston is indeed a culturally-rich area, and one of America’s oldest cities; A perfect place for a class trip!

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Today, Boston is known for being a major port and economic center along the eastern US seaboard. Many of the historical landmarks and attractions include the following:

The Old North Church – The Old North Church is officially known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. It was built in 1723, and is the oldest standing church building in Boston.

This church in Boston became famous because of the events leading upto and occuring on the night of April 18, 1775. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Two if by land, one if by Sea” – this relates to the actions of a young man, the church’s sexton, Mr. Robert Newman. Robert climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea and not by land. This event alone ignited the American Revolution and began our nation’s first fight for freedom.

Freedom Trail – The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites, every one an authentic American treasure. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1958, when the wrecking ball threatened, the Freedom Trail today is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

Paul Revere House – On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small wooden home in Boston’s North End and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend.

Salem Witch Museum – The Salem Witch Museum has told the story of the victims of the Salem witch trials of 1692 since the museum’s founding in 1972. It is dedicated to bringing the larger issue of persecution and ‘scapegoating’ of all innocents to light through its exhibit “Witches: Evolving Perceptions” as well as through its educational outreach programs. Prominently located opposite the Salem Common, the museum prides itself on being a major attraction on Boston’s historic North Shore.

New England Aquarium – Founded in 1969, the New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. The Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston, with over 1.3 million visitors a year, and a major public education resource.

Site of The Boston Massacre – The Massacre was the 1770, pre-Revolutionary incident growing out of the anger against the British troops sent to Boston to maintain order and to enforce the Townshend Acts. The Massacre became a legendary event of the American rebellion against the British with many controversies and myths surrounding the true facts. The impact of the incident on the cause of the American Revolution was profound.

Boston Common - The United States of America’s oldest public park, Boston Common was purchased by its citizens in 1634 for 30 Pounds and officially set aside as public or “common” land by a vote in 1640. Boston Common has its place in military history. British troops gathered there in 1758 before the 2nd Battle of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, during the French and Indian War. Soldiers were recruited there in 1759, just before the decisive second Siege of Quebec.

In modern times, Boston Common is used for recreation. It’s a place to escape from the bustle of the city. There are several “malls,” or broad walkways, where people stroll to relax and get a little exercise. Occasionally, one may see a political protest or a voting drive at Boston’s downtown “centerpiece.”

House of Seven Gables – The House of the Seven Gables is a National Historic Landmark District. The House of the Seven Gables was built by a Salem sea captain and merchant named John Turner in 1668 and occupied by three generations of the Turner family before being sold to Captain Samuel Ingersoll in 1782. This first period and Georgian architectural “fabric” is today considered significant to American architectural, maritime, and cultural history.

Lexington Battle Green – It was here, on the morning of April 19, 1775, that “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. In this first skirmish, 77 Minutemen (local colonists who had volunteered to be first responders to military and other threats) faced British Regulars. Eight Minutemen lost their lives and 10 were wounded. Two British soldiers were also injured. After the battle, Samuel Adams exclaimed to John Hancock, “What a glorious morning for America.”

The Lexington Center at the junction of Massachusetts Avenue and Bedford Street. Here there is a “Minuteman Statue” – Erected in 1900, this statue by Henry H. Kitson memorializes the Lexington Minutemen.

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The Empire State Building is a Top Destination for Students and Visitors From All Around the World

New York City is a BIG place that is our 3rd most requested destination for Student Field Trips. New York is full landmarks and historical sites of importance, making it a popular destinations for school trips and tours.

Key Stops - The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s main tourist attractions,and is a staple part of our student tours of the city. The building offers a variety of activities for its visitors. Students get a tour through the building, which includes a trip up to the Observatory (open 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine) and features breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond.

The New York Skyride is one way to see the city, this is a simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theater. In addition, there are concerts and art exhibits located in the lobby year-round, holiday-based decorations/shows, as well as special annual events such as The Valentine’s Day Weddings, The ESB Run-up and the Boys and Girls Scout Camp-outs.

All in all, the feeling and spirit of New York City is embodied in the Empire State Building. Everyone recognizes the building not only as an awe-inspiring landmark which offers one of the most spectacular views on earth but an unequaled symbol of American ingenuity and Art Deco architecture. The historical value here is IMMENSE. The tour of the building gives students a peak into our nation’s past, and talks about early industrialists who helped build our country, and important spots along our history’s timeline.

The Statue of Liberty – This is so large it needed its own small island to properly give it a home. The statue itself was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.

The Statue of Liberty was dedicated on October 28, 1886, designated as a National Monument in 1924 and restored for her centennial on July 4, 1986.

Today, there is a quick boat ride to visit both Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty. Both have importance to any educational visit, with the onsite musuems and tours that mark our nation’s history, and the steps taken towards our current events. These should be considered “must-see” when planning your school field trips to New York, NY.

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The Liberty Bell is a Must-See for Students

Philadelphia is a popular destination for schools to consider when reviewing options for your next class trip.  Philadelphia, PA  a.k.a. “Philly” (The City of Brotherly Love) is a city in the Northeast United States, and it plays host to a number of historical sites, and many places of interest. Students of all ages visit Philadelphia to see and experience all of the history, and many other local destinations.

One of the most well known attractions has to be the Liberty Bell, and SAT calls our school tour the “Liberty Tour” for that very reason. The Liberty Bell represents a piece of history that is closely tied to our country’s freedom, and our roots. The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is an internationally known symbol of freedom.

As history tells us, the sounding of the Liberty Bell changed the world on July 8, 1776. When the Liberty Bell began ringing from it’s home (The Tower of Independence Hall), this signified the call to the most early Americans. The initial ringing summoned the first citizens of Philadelphia to hear the very first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, done by Colonel John Nixon.

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The Liberty Bell Center – The Liberty Bell has a new home in recent years, and it is as powerful and dramatic as the Bell itself. Throughout the expansive, light-filled Center, larger-than-life historic documents and graphic images explore the facts and the myths surrounding the Bell.

X-rays give an insider’s view, literally, of the Bell’s crack and inner-workings. In quiet alcoves, a short History Channel film, available in English and eight other languages, traces how abolitionists, suffragists and other groups adopted the Bell as its symbol of freedom.

Other exhibits show how the Bell’s image was used on everything from ice cream molds to wind chimes. Keep your camera handy. Soaring glass walls offer dramatic and powerful views of both the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, just a few steps away.

In addition to visiting the famed Liberty Bell, Philadelphia offers students and educators a chance to explore a number of museums and attractions like…

Franklin Square – One of Philadelphia’s five original public squares laid out by William Penn in his original plan for the city, has undergone a dramatic renovation.

The Philadelphia Museum of Art – This cultural landmark is located at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The vast collections of priceless art make it the 3rd largest art museum in the nation.

Valley Forge National Historical Park – This vast historical site encompasses over 3,600 acres of rolling hills and trails. Valley Forge is now an epicenter of history buffs, picnicing families, cyclists, runners, and others seeking a place to exercise outside.

National Constitution Center – The world’s only museum dedicated to the U.S. Constitution. It’s only four pages long, but the U.S. Constitution is among the most influential and important documents in the history of the world. This 160,000-square-foot complex known as the National Constitution Center explores and explains this amazing document through high-tech exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. The Kimmel Theater, a 350-seat star-shaped theater, features “Freedom Rising,” a multimedia production combining film, a live actor and video projection on a 360° screen to tell the stirring story of “We the people.”

Independence Hall – Birthplace of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Experience of Independence Hall is rooted in our nation’s history. The writers and eventual signers of our Constitution risked everything — “their lives, their fortune and their sacred honor.” During the blistering summer of 1776, 56 courageous men gathered at the Pennsylvania State House and defied the King of England. Eleven years later, representatives from 12 states gathered to shape the U.S. Constitution, finally creating one unified nation.

The Franklin Institute – One of the oldest and most beloved science museums in the country. The Franklin Institute is as clever as its namesake. Man y of the attractions are “touchable” and allow visitors to explore science in disciplines ranging from sports to space.

The Barnes Foundation – Scheduled to re-open in Spring 2012, the new location of the Barnes at 20th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be open to the public six days a week. Visitors from around the world make the journey to this destination in Philadelphia to view 181 Renoirs, 69 Cézannes and 59 Matisses, along with works by Manet, Degas, Seurat, Prendergrast, Titian and Picasso.

The Rocky Statue - Made popular in by Sylvester Stallone in his epic movie battles as a boxing hero and legend Rocky Balboa, this statue was featured in the cinematic blockbuster – “Rocky III.”

The Rocky Steps – As famous than the statue itself are the stairs leading to the East Entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, aka “The Rocky Steps.” Making the iconic trip up the steps is regarded as a symbol of perseverance and determination.

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Student Adventure Tours (SAT) is proud to announce a new opportunity for schools all over the US to visit a new and interesting site for student field Trips. Legoland is open! Legoland is a theme park devoted to Legos!

He added later added “As a kid, you play for hours with Legos buiding all kinds of things, and this is such a cool place to visit – for ‘Kids’ of all ages. What an awesome experience for children on their field trips to come and see what you can do with Legos. This is a dream come true.” (J. Globe)

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Fast Facts:
- Legoland Florida is the second U.S. Legoland outdoor park
- It was built on the ground of Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park

Photos of Legoland, FL

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This blog post about student field trips to Legoland was inspired by an article posted on the CNN Website. Please visit the article in it’s original format here http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/14/travel/florida-legoland-opening/index.html. All pictures previewed here are credited back to the original photographer, whom, has marked all of their photos with their respective names. SAT takes no credit for ownership of these images, they should not be reproduced without the express written consent of the photographer and/or rights owners.

More About Legoland in Florida:

Winter Haven, Florida (CNN) — It’s a Lego fan’s dream come true: Legoland Florida opens this weekend in central Florida, the first Lego-themed outdoor park in the United States since Legoland California opened in 1999. Built on the former grounds of Cypress Gardens, one of Florida’s first theme parks, Legoland Florida has preserved much of the historical and natural beauty of its predecessor.

Popular in the 1950s and 1960s, Cypress Gardens featured Southern belles in large hoop skirts walking around the carefully manicured grounds greeting guests. Its famous water-ski shows were glamorized in movies and the 1982 music album and video for the Go-Go’s song “Vacation.”After Disney World opened in 1971, Cypress Gardens’ attendance started dwindling, and after several attempts to revive the park through new ownership, it closed in 2009.

Legoland officials were thrilled to find Cypress Gardens available, as it’s about an hour drive from Orlando, considered to be the theme park capital of the world.

“We were excited about the actual site, the heritage and history,” said Adrian Jones, Legoland’s general manager. “We talked about the hairs standing up on the back of our neck in term of the sheer beauty.”

Legoland Florida features a water ski show, this one featuring a Lego pirate, and an elegant Southern belle still greets guests as they enter the park — but she’s made entirely out of Legos.

It took Legoland more than a year to transform the 75-year-old park’s outdated and crumbling buildings and overgrown garden into a modern facility, without removing the historical charm of the cypress trees draped with Spanish moss.This week, annual pass holders were allowed a sneak peek at the 150-acre park before its official opening Saturday.

“Legoland! Legoland!” chanted Denise Valletutti, along with her kids Savannah, 8 and Noah, 12, while their car climbed to the top of Technic Test Track, a roller coaster-like ride.

The chants were quickly replaced with screams on the way down.The family skipped school in order to beat the crowds, though they plan to be there on opening day anyway.

“We’ll be back whenever we can,” Valletutti said.

Legoland Florida is the largest of the five Legoland parks, located in Denmark, England, Germany, and the United States. Future parks are planned to be built in Malaysia and Dubai.

There are also smaller indoor Legoland Discovery Centers around the world, including several U.S. shopping malls.Legoland Florida is geared for kids ages 2 to 12 and features 50 rides as well as Miniland USA, the heart of every Legoland Park.

This park’s Miniland USA features Florida destinations in the form of intricate Lego structures, including NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, featuring the space shuttle spewing smoke, ready for takeoff.

Designers started building Lego sculptures two years ago, with the help of a computer program that “Lego-izes” models into a brick pattern for assembly.

The larger models are hollow, with a steel frame to keep them strong and stable in the park.But park designer Bill Vollbrecht says there’s nothing special about the Legos they use to construct the models.

“We always use the parts and pieces that are available to kids at home,” said Vollbrecht, who also designed the California park.”It really shows that this is a real model made out of real bricks that kids can see the pieces and recognize.”