Holiday Discounts - Shop here

    Free Virtual Field Trips and Other Money-Saving Online Tours

    Exploring the world from your couch with virtual field trips and online tours is a wonderful way to engage and enjoy some of the most historically significant and interesting places in the world, no matter your travel budget or restraints. See places you've always dreamed of; ancient ruins, deep oceans, or even outer space. Virtual tours and experiences give you a glimpse into global history and help students and their families connect on a deeper level, giving context and a frame of reference as history and science are taught.

    Historical Sites and Landmarks

    Virtual tours allow us to travel back in time to explore historical landmarks without the long flights or expensive tickets. Take a walk through Rome's Colosseum or explore the pyramids of Ancient Egypt; history is at your fingertips.

    • The Colosseum, Rome, Italy: Take a 360-degree tour of this ancient amphitheater where gladiators once battled.
    • Machu Picchu, Peru: Explore the breathtaking Inca citadel high in the Andes mountains. The Great Wall of China: Walk along sections of this incredible ancient defense structure.
    • Acropolis, Athens, Greece: See the iconic Parthenon and other ancient ruins.
    • Pyramids of Giza, Egypt: Get an up-close look at these magnificent wonders of the ancient world.

    The White House

    The White House, the home to the president of the United States, the first family, and countless meaningful items connected to the legacy of democracy.

    • White House Virtual Tour: Walk through some of the halls of the White House and get a behind-the-scenes look at life within its walls.
    • The People's House: With dollhouse and floorplan perspectives, you will get a better sense of the scale and grandeur of the White House.

    The Vatican

    Visiting the heart of Rome to explore Vatican City's masterpieces is on the bucket list of many. These virtual tours let you visit famous religious and artistic landmarks, including the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, no passport needed.

    • Vatican Museums Virtual Tours: Breathtaking artwork can be found in the Vatican. With many different areas to explore, everyone has their own favorite.
    • St. Peter's Basilica: Explore this stunning church with a virtual walkthrough and learn more about the history and purpose of various sites.

    Museums Around the World

    These museums have opened their virtual doors so you can enjoy art, science, and culture from around the globe, whether you're into ancient artifacts or world-famous paintings.

    War & Military History Museums

    Explore powerful stories of resilience and conflict through virtual visits to military museums. These tours bring history to life with aircraft, war memorabilia, and educational resources on global conflicts.

    Space Tours

    Virtual space tours offer us a unique perspective on our planet and our place in the solar system. You can walk through NASA research centers and labs to see how scientists today are working to better understand and explore outer space, tour the International Space Station, or explore Mars through high-resolution 3D models. These virtual field trips are perfect for aspiring astronauts and curious minds alike.

    Under the Sea/Aquariums

    Get ready to go underwater with virtual aquarium tours and live streams that let you dive into the ocean and get up close with marine life-from sea otters and jellyfish to deep-sea robots on real-time expeditions.

    Nature and National Parks

    When you can't get out into nature in person, virtual park tours let you hike, climb, and explore stunning landscapes without ever leaving your living room. That fresh-air feeling hits differently, even from your screen. Several national Parks offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, no matter where you are.

    Miscellaneous Adventures

    There's no shortage of virtual fun online to satisfy curious minds, from factory tours to animal livestreams and coral reef dives. These experiences are quirky, educational, and perfect for filling a free afternoon.

    Other Fun Activities For Families on a Budget

    There are so many different ways to make a staycation fun for your family. Here are a few simple, budget-friendly ideas to keep the fun going even when the budget is tight.

    • Have a themed movie night: Pick a theme, make some popcorn, and enjoy a cozy night.
    • Get creative with crafts: Use materials you already have around the house to make art.
    • Go for a nature walk or hike: Explore local parks or trails.
    • Bake or cook together: Try a new recipe or make your favorite treats.
    • Game night: Dust off those board games or card games for some friendly competition.
    • Visit your local library: Borrow books, movies, or even attend free events.

    Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you create yourself. And remember, wherever you are, discovery is just a click (or a craft supply box) away. When your adventures take you out of the home, do your research ahead of time to see what types of coupons and discount codes might be available to help you save on the things you want to do.

    about the author

    Clay Cary
    Senior Trends Analyst
    As an e-commerce analyst at CouponFollow, Clay enjoys spending his time collaborating with brands to make helpful content for consumers and finding great deals to share on CouponFollow. As a recent college graduate, his primary focus is creating resources for consumers, especially students, to save money through online shopping and everyday life.