Field Trips: Parks as Classrooms
What better place to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. than by visiting the National Historical Park dedicated to him? Take your students on a field trip to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park to tour the place Dr. King was born and raised the first 12 years of his life, his spiritual home, and his final resting place. In addition, explore the 3 museum exhibit halls dedicated to Dr. King and the Modern Civil Rights Movement.
Visiting the park is FREE and is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day) from 9 am to 5 pm in the heart of Atlanta's Sweet Auburn community.
Current Parks-as-Classrooms Offerings
Educational activities and programs are offered annually for a limited number of field trip groups by reservation only at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Review our current program offerings below. Check back regularly for an up-to-date schedule and to make your group's reservation on a first-come, first-served basis. Program offerings are limited to school groups and may not be reserved by private tour agencies or third parties.
Self-guided Field Trips:
Find resources below to help you plan your next field trip to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Check out our field trip planning packet to help prepare for your visit.
Your Life's Blueprint Program
Year Round: Wednesday/Thursday/Friday
Flexible Times between 10 am and 3 pm
Grades 3 – 9
Imagine Dr. King standing in front of your classroom talking to your students today - preparing them for the lifetime ahead, the trials and the triumphs. What words of wisdom or advice would he have to prepare them? Inspire students to create their life's "blueprint" utilizing the timeless words of Dr. King. Engage students in thinking about their plan in life, how they define success, and the steps they need to take to make their dreams a reality. The program is appropriate for grades 3 to 9. Program duration ranges between 30 minutes and 1 hour based on grade level and is ranger-led. Maximum capacity is 60 students. All materials provided.
Reserve your ranger-led blueprint program on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays year round by contacting the Education Coordinator at e-mail us. Make sure to include your requested date, name of program, grade level, number of students and contact information.
Pre-Trip Planning:
- Park Map & Itinerary: Check out this sample itinerary, map, and field trip planning packet to help prepare for your visit. Expect to spend between 2 and 4 hours to tour the site.
- Group Size & Safety: It is recommended to limit field trip groups to 125 students or less with a minimum chaperone to student ratio of 1:10 depending on the age group. Safety hazards onsite include high traffic areas with several street crossings and high volume shared public spaces.
- Accessibility: All park facilities are wheelchair accessible and visual displays are subtitled in English. Park brochures in Japanese may be requested at the Visitor Center.
- General Parking/Bus Parking: Free general parking and bus parking is located on John Wesley Dobbs Avenue between Boulevard and Jackson Street just north of the park's Visitor Center. See the map for more details.
- Picnic Area: Having lunch at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park? The outdoor amphitheater on the corner of Jackson Street and Auburn Avenue (across from Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church) is a great place to rest and take a leisurely lunch with your class.
Printable Activities:
Challenge your students (grade 4-8) by having them complete these activity sheets while visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park on a field trip.
We look forward to having your school visit Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. For more information or questions regarding your field trip visit, e-mail us or call (404) 331-5190 ext. 5037.
