Ames Home School Field Trips

• Website: Look for updates here on this website. Things can change last minute due to weather, or other unforeseeable circumstances. 

• Emails and Updates: I will also send emails concerning updates (registration, cancellations or other information). Please check emails and the HSAP field trip site before the event because things can change at the last minute.

• Newsletter: I will post the field trip information in the ParentSquare newsletter.

• Registration Button: Look for and click the registration button below each individual field trip. Make sure after filling out all the information you click "submit." I will send out an email when registration opens up.  If the registration is not open there will be no button and there may be a note with special registration information. 

• Opening up Registration: We are opening registration up one or two months at a time.

• Deadlines: You must register by the deadline given in most cases. There are exceptions. The vendors only allow a certain number of participants in order to serve our group well. 

• Last Minute Openings: In some some cases look for a special note where the registration button should be, in case people cancel or there are still openings after the deadline (We have not reached our maximum yet.). 

• Waitlists: I also keep waitlists in case someone cancels. 

• Fees: Several of our field trips involve no cost for our families. We do have a few exceptions where HSAP will pay the full admission fee for the HSAP students. However, adult and non-HSAP fees are the responsibility of the family. It is our sincere desire that no HSAP student(s) are excluded from any event due merely to finances. 

• HSAP Staff Contacts: Please put Carrie Pahl and Sarah Johnson's numbers in your cell phones so you know who is calling you. We want to be able to reach you easily for those "just in case " scenarios during field trips.

 Field Trip Supervising teachers numbers: Carrie Pahl (515) 450-4068.  Sarah Johnson (515) 460-4428

• Younger Siblings: Please do not bring a younger child to an older child's event unless you talk to me first or it says it is allowed on the website. Babies and pre-schoolers are welcome to join some family events. 

• Non-HSAP Students: Are generally only allowed if whole family or it is mentioned as being allowed in the information. 

• Parents/Adult Attendance: Parents are welcome to attend most events with their student, but we may ask for your help if we need extra hands. Some vendors limit the number of adults that can attend...or attend for free. 

• Canceling: Please let me know ASAP if your family or student cannot attend an event they have registered for (illness, funerals etc..). The places we visit make staffing decisions based on registration numbers. We also want to give other families an opportunity to attend who are on the waiting list. I need to contact those families in a timely manner in order for the waitlisted people to attend. 

• Questions: Please email me with any questions (Carrie Pahl) carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us

• WE HAVE STUDENTS WITH SEVERE NUT AND PEANUT ALLERGIES! Please do not include any products with nuts or peanuts in snacks or lunches on field trips.

Prairies

Event Details

Grades: Grades 2nd-5th. Parents must attend. The Story County Conservationists have requested that there be no younger students attending.  

Description: Through hands-on discovery, students learn about Iowa's once vast prairies and their animal inhabitants. At this point this event will be at West Peterson Park. Story County Conservation expects all parents/adults to participate fully in all activities and keep children on task. 

Important Notes: 

• Portable bathroom 

• Water needs: Everyone needs to bring marked water bottles. No water available on site. 

• Clothing requests: by Story County Conservation - Clothes that can get dirty, long pants, and comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking are best. We will be in tall prairie grass. 

• Bring bug spray or wear long sleeves. Consider sunscreen. 

Fees: None

Event Date & Time

• • Registration Deadline: September 24, 2025 @ 5:00 PM

• Friday, September 26, 2025

• Check-in Time: 12:45

• Time: 1:00-3:00 PM 

Event Location

West Peterson Park 

55310 180th St.

Ames, IA

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with questions.

Open for registration. Click on form below.

ISU Gaffer's Guild (Glassblowing Demo)

Event Details

Grades: Whole family

Description: The Gaffer's Guild is the artistic glassblowing club at Iowa State University. They will do a demo for us. 

On Your Own Additional Option: Check out the ISU Creamery Store before or after the demo. No tour. 

Here is the link to the store located in the Food Sciences Building near the Farm House. https://www.creamery.iastate.edu/isu-creamery-store

Fees: None unless you want to park in the parking garages and/or buy ice cream. 

Event Date and Time

• Registration deadline: Monday, October 13

• Date: Friday, October 17, 2025

• Check-in time: 15 minutes before event 

• Time: Sign up for time choice in registration form (11:00-11:45 OR 1:00-1:45 OR 2:00-2:45) I had too many people in the 11:00 session so I filled the 2:00 session. 

Event Location

Iowa State University

Student Innovation Center (Located on the ground level the west side of the building, right by the building entrance.) 

606 Bissell Rd

Ames, IA

Parking Options

• Memorial Union (parking fees)

• Lot 21 (parking fees - need ParkMobile app) 

• East Parking Deck (parking fees - need ParkMobile app) 

  • Link to Map of Paid Parking Locations

• CyRide Orange Route the commuter lot south of Hilton (free)

  • Link to CyRide information for this event

  • CyRide Information

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with any questions.

All three sessions are full. I had too many people in the 11:00 session so I filled the 2:00 session. Please email Carrie Pahl if you want to be on the waitlist for a cancelation. 

Science Center of Iowa

Event Details

Grades: Whole Family

Description: Families can enjoy the programs and exhibits. Unfortunately, the Small Discoveries exhibit will be closed. 

Notes: 

• SCI said families can eat a sack lunch on the lawn if the weather is good. 

• Otherwise you can eat at restaurants in the vicinity, but you will need a wristband before leaving the building so you can return. 

• We are only allowed in the Science Center of Iowa till 2:30. 

Fees: 

• Pay for all students (HSAP and non-HSAP) with a CHECK paid out to Ames HSAP.

• The Ames School DIstrict does not like cash. 

• Students in HSAP - Full price is $6.00. Suggested donation for each HSAP students is $3.00. 

• Students not in HSAP will pay the full price of $6.00.

• Parents pay $15.00 at the counter. They can use their membership. SCI will not allow parents to use their membership for children (HSAP AND NON-HSAP) since it is a school sponsored field trip.  

Event Date and Time

• Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 by 5:00 pm

• Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025

• Check-in time: 9:45 inside front doors

• Time: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM 

Event Location

Science Center of Iowa

401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway

Des Moines, IA 

PARKING:

• The parking ramp is $4 for the first hour and $1 each hour after.  

• There are QR codes posted in the garage that guests can use to register and pay for their parking.  

• Limited street parking is also available.

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with questions.

Open for registration. Click on form below. 

Fire Station Visit

Event Details

Grades: Best suited for K-4th grade. Babies and preschoolers welcome. There are stairs and no elevator. The fireman said they can lift any children with mobility issues. 

Description: We will visit the fire station for about an hour on Burnett Avenue where we will have a tour of the fire station and learn about their equipment. The first floor is apparatus bays and gear areas, offices and kitchen. The second floor is the training/dayroom space, dormitories, and fitness area.

Fees: None

Event Date and Time

• Registration deadline: Monday, November 3

• Event Date: Friday, November 14 

• Check-in time: 15 minutes before the time you choose 

• Time: 10:00-11:00

Event Location

Fire Station (#1) Headquarters

1300 Burnett Avenue

Ames, Iowa

Parking Requests from the Fire Department:

• Please do NOT park in the church parking lot.

• We have parked a few blocks down from the fire station on Burnett Avenue. There is no room in their parking lot.

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with questions.

This extra session is for waitlist people.

Iowa State University Engineering Ambassadors

Event Details

Grades: 4th-8th grade-(Can be dropped off). 

Description:  The session will begin with a short slideshow, followed by a hands-on activity where the kids will build small boats using cardboard, duct tape, and foam. We’ll then test the boats in water to see how much weight they can hold. College students will be leading this. 

Fees: None

Event Date & Time

• • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 10, 2025

• Friday, November 14, 2025 

• Check-in Time: 12:45 PM

• Time: 1:00-2:30 PM

Event Location

Ames Center

1323 Northwestern Ave. 

Ames, Iowa 

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us if you have any questions.

Registration open October 1.

Brunnier Art Museum(Scheman Building) 

Event Details

Grades: I am trying to encourage younger families to go to the 10:00 session, but if you have both age groups go to either one. If you prefer the 1:00 session then bring your younger students along with your older students. 

Description: Welcome to the Brunnier Art Museum and University Museums! We are currently celebrating our 50th anniversary with 50 Years of Collecting and Preserving the Past. Following a brief tour, enjoy art activities for families related to the exhibitions.

Activities depending on the ages of the particiapants: 

• Make your own button station

• Collection themed paper collages

• Make your own mini museum and art collection

• Decorating a small container to house your own mini collection. 

Fees: None

Event Date and Time

• Registration deadline: Monday, November 24 @ 5:00 PM-(Brunnier requested numbers by this date.) 

• Date: Friday, December 5

• Check-in time: 15 minutes before the start of the session. 

• Time: 10:00-11:00 (is now full) and 1:00-2:00-7 spaces left  (4th grade and up.) 

• Choose time on registration form. 

Location:

Scheman Building, Second Floor

1805 Center Drive

Ames, Iowa 

Check-in location: Outside the doors of the Brunnier Art Museum on second floor.

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with questions. 

Registration is now closed. 

Ice Skating 

Event Details

Grades: Whole family

Description: Ice skating has become a yearly tradition. This is a great opportunity to enjoy old friends and meet new friends. It is also a great time to get some physical activity in! 

New this year: Instead of having the Ames Home School Assistance Program skate during the public skate we are renting the ice arena. The advantages of this is no competition for space and ice skates with the public. The ice floor has a capacity of 150. 

Only the HSAP students and their families are invited. (If you have someone staying at your house that may be an exception.)

The skate time will be different from previous years. (New: 9:30-11:30 AM) 

Fees: No fees this year. 

• Students in grades 4 and younger must be accompanied by adults for the duration of the event. 

• Parents of older students should use their own discretion in determining whether or not their students should be left without their supervision. 

Registration: No pre-registration required. Show up at date and time. Check in with HSAP teacher at the table at the Ames Ice Arena. We will need parents and all students/children to register at the table. 

Event Date & Time

• Registration Deadline: Just show up. 

• Date: Friday, January 16, 2025 (No Ames Public School that day.) 

• Skating Time: 9:30-11:30 

Event Location

Ames/ISU Ice Arena

1507 Gateway Hills Park Dr.

Ames, IA

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us if you have any questions.

No need for registration. Just show up and check in at the table. 

First Aid

Event Details

Grades: 9th-12th grade

Description:  In the course we will plan to cover an introduction to/the basics of:

• Adult CPR

• Child CPR

• Infant CPR

• How to use an AED

• Choking

Note: 

• The students will not receive certification, but it will be a great introduction. 

• The Mary Greeley staff says they offer certification courses. 

• Red Cross also offers first courses online and in person. 

Mary Greeley Classes and Events Link: https://www.mgmc.org/healthy-living/calendar/

Red Cross: https://www.redcrosslearningcenter.org/s/become-certified

We are offering this program because the Ames School District requires their students to take a CPR/First aid course as part of their graduation requirements. Of course as a home school student you are not required, but we have families who like to follow the requirements of the school district. 

Fees: None

Event Date & Time

• Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026 by 5:00 PM 

• Date: Friday, February 6, 2026

• Check-in Time: 8:50-Mary Greeley-

• Event time: 9:00-10:30 AM

Clothing Suggestions: Wear clothing that is comfortable for being on the floor and moving around. Dresses may be awkward. 

Event Location

NEW LOCATION

Mary Greeley Medical Center-Check-in Atrium A -room directly across from the cafeteria.

1111 Duff Ave.

Ames, IA 

Detailed directions from Mary Greeley staff

• Enter through the main entrance, take a right and proceed down the main hallway to Elevator A. Take the elevator to the second floor. The Atrium Conference Room B will be down the hall to your right. If you come from the parking ramp, through the skywalk, you will walk around the curve and follow the hallway and Atrium A will be on your right.

• If you enter from the ramp, this will have you enter through the second floor. Continue to walk towards the cafeteria and the Atrium A classroom will be on your right. 

HSAP Staff

• We will have one HSAP staff at the main entrance and one in the classroom. 

Medical Center

1uff Avees, Iowa 

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with questions.

Open for Registration.

ISU Gaffer's Guild (Glassblowing Demo)

Event Details

Grades: Whole family

Description: The Gaffer's Guild is the artistic glassblowing club at Iowa State University. They will do a demo for us. 

On Your Own Additional Option: Check out the ISU Creamery Store before or after the demo. No tour. 

Here is the link to the store located in the Food Sciences Building near the Farm House. https://www.creamery.iastate.edu/isu-creamery-store

Fees: None unless you want to park in the parking garages and/or buy ice cream. 

Event Date and Time

• Registration deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026

• Date: Friday, February 27, 2026

• Check-in time: 15 minutes before event 

• Time: Sign up for time choice in registration form (11:00-11:45 OR 1:00-1:45 )

Event Location

Iowa State University

Student Innovation Center (Located on the ground level the west side of the building, right by the building entrance.) 

606 Bissell Rd (Right by the ISU Water Tower)

Ames, IA

Parking Options

• Memorial Union (parking fees)

• Lot 21 (parking fees - need ParkMobile app) 

• East Parking Deck (parking fees - need ParkMobile app) 

  • Link to Map of Paid Parking Locations

• CyRide Orange Route the commuter lot south of Hilton (free)

  • Link to CyRide information for this event

  • CyRide Information

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us with any questions.

Important! Iowa Arboretum Fee Update: 

• HSAP students: HSAP will pay the full admission price for students in the HSAP program.

• Adults and nonHSAP children will pay the full admission price at the counter with cash or credit card. 

• Please email me if you prefer to be taken off the field trip for the Iowa Arboretum after reading the new fees below. 

New Fees(full admission price):

• Adults: (Ages: 18 and older) $12.00

• Youth: (Ages: 13-17) $12.00

• Child: (Ages: 3- 12) $7.00

• Age 2 and under) Free 

• Read below for what the fees changed. 

Reasons for Field Trip Fee Changes

We have just learned that the Ames School District will not allow us to place whole families’ fees on the purchase order and then reimburse us after families have paid us with checks. 

What does this mean to you? 

• HSAP will pay the full HSAP student admission fees for every field trip which are generally discounted. 

• You will not be allowed to write checks to HSAP any longer. You will pay at the counter in some cases like the Science Center of Iowa or the Iowa Arboretum.

• Many field trip vendors will only allow discounts for the whole family if the school district allows the whole family to be on the purchase order and you pay us back with checks. Since the Ames School District does not allow us to place nonHSAP adults and students on the purchase order to get the discounts, nonHSAP and adults will have to pay full price for admission in the future. 

I am sorry if we have inconvenienced you, but we have to follow school policy. 

Let me know if there is something I could write better to make it more clear. 

The Fort Museum, Frontier Village & Opera House

Event Details

Grades: Whole Family 

Description: We are a privately owned non-profit museum showcasing the Fort Dodge, Iowa area's frontier roots in our amazing replica 19th century fort (fashioned after Fort Williams of northern Iowa). With a collection of thousands of artifacts ranging from military memorabilia to Native American art and tools, there's so much here to discover.

IMPORTANT: You can come all day to explore before or after a tour if you choose. (Hours are 10:00-5:00.) 

TOURS: 10:00 tour is full. 1:00 is still available. LInk: https://www.fortmuseumfv.com/

Lunch: There are places on the premises for eating a sack lunch in rain or shine. Or you can do fast food nearby. 

ON YOUR OWN:

• Blanden Memorial Art Museum (12:00-5:00 PM) https://www.blanden.org/visit

• Matt Cosgrove River's Edge Discovery Center(9:00 AM- 4:00 PM)  https://www.webstercountyia.gov/departments/conservation/nature_center.php

• The Fort Dodge Silo Mural by Guido Van Helton(close to nature center) 

https://www.dodgetheordinary.com/grain-silo-mural

Event Date & Time

• Registration Deadline:, March 27, 2026 by 5:00 PM  Always check with me in case we are not filled up or there are cancellations. 

• Friday, April 10, 2026

• Check-in Time: Check-in as you arrive. 

• Event time: Choose 1 tour time (10:00 AM) & (1:00 PM) on the Google form. 10:00 tour is full. Choose 1:00 tour. Can come all day before or after the tour. 

Location: 

The Fort Museum & Frontier Village

1 Museum Road

Fort Dodge, IA

Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 9 minutes from South Ames. 

Fee Changes: 

HSAP students-HSAP will pay full fees. 

Adults-$5.00

NonHSAP children-$5.00.

Children under 5 years old are free  

Clothing Requirements: Indoor and outdoor comfort.

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Event Details

Grades: Whole Family 

Description: The Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, a community-supported public garden inspiring curiosity, discovery, and appreciation of the natural landscape. Immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and botanical excellence as you explore beautiful gardens, open-planted tree groves, native woodland & prairie trails, as well as interactive natural areas that encourage families of all abilities to spend time together outdoors. 

Enjoy the treehouse and trails!

Program: There is an opportunity for self-guided scavenger hunts.

Important Notes :

• Bring a sack lunch if you desire to eat on site. There will be spaces reserved for lunch. 

 Fees: Changes in Fees

**If you decide the new fees are not a good fit for your budget please email me so I can take you off the list. 

• HSAP students: HSAP will pay the full admission price for students in the HSAP program.

• Adults and nonHSAP children willhave to pay at the counter with cash or cedit card. 

• Adults: (Ages: 18 and older) $12.00

• Youth: (Ages: 13-17) $12.00

• Child: (Ages: 3- 12) $7.00

• Age 2 and under) Free 

Event Date & Time

• Registration Deadline: April 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM (Registration button below): 

• Friday, April 24, 2026

• Check-in Time: 9:45 AM

• Event time: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM 

Location: 

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

1875 Peach Ave. 

Madrid, IA 

Fossil and Prairie Park Preserve - Rockford, IA

Event Details

Grades: Whole family with the understanding that students and guardians will be climbing into the clay/gravel pit/ravines to look for fossils after the presentation. Strollers will not work. (Students cannot be dropped off.) 

Description: The naturalist will give us a presentation in the nature center about the history of the area including the Brick & Tile Company and the Devonian fossils found there. Then the families are welcome to eat lunch and go look for Devonian fossils. You are also welcome to explore the prairie. https://fossilcenter.wordpress.com/

Link to fossils found at the preserve. https://fossilcenter.wordpress.com/fossils/

IMPORTANT:

• If the fossil field trip should have to be canceled I will let you know by 8:00 AM the day of the event. 

• Bring a sack lunch. 

• Bring something to put your fossils in. Suggestions include: egg cartons, plastic milk jugs or ice cream buckets. Plastic bags tend to rip and may blow away. Tools are not needed as the fossils are lying on the ground.

• Although collecting is allowed, we ask that you take only for a personal collection. Reselling is prohibited.

• Clothing: Wear clothing according to weather conditions and that can get dirty. Old tennis shoes or rubber boots(if wet) are suggestions. 

• Parents will be responsible for their children. 

• HSAP staff will be onsite until 3:00 PM.

Fees: 

HSAP Students: Free

Non-HSAP Students: $2.00 each. Can pay cash to the naturalist.  

Adults: Free

Event Date & Time

• Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 26, 2026 

• Date: Friday, May 1, 2026

• Check-in Time: 11:15 AM

• Presentation begins: 11:30 AM 

Event Location

1227 215th Street 

Rockford, IA

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us if you have any questions.

Not yet open for registration. 

Insectology

Event Details

Grades: Grades 2nd-5th- Parents must attend. The Story County Conservationists have requested that there be no younger students attending.  

Description: At this point this event will be at West Peterson Park. Story County Conservation expects all parents/adults to participate fully in all activities and keep children on task. 

Important Notes: 

• Portable bathroom. 

• Water needs: Everyone needs to bring marked water bottles. No water available on site. 

• Clothing requests: by Story County Conservation - Clothes that can get dirty, long pants, and comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking are best. 

• Bring bugs spray or wear long sleeves. Consider sunscreen. 

Fees: None

Event Date & Time

• • Registration Deadline: May 12, 2026 @ 5:00 PM

• Date: Friday, May 15, 2026

• Check-in Time: 12:45

• Time: 1:00-3:00 PM 

Event Location

West Peterson Park 

55310 180th St.

Ames, IA

Email Carrie @ carrie.pahl@ames.k12.ia.us if you have any questions.

Not open for registration.