FIELD TRIPS
FIELD TRIPS
Homeschool Families
We offer a dedicated Homeschool Day once each month, giving homeschool students the full Harn Homestead field trip experience. On these days, children are grouped together and enjoy the same hands‑on programs listed in this packet. There is no minimum number of paying students required to participate.
If your homeschool group has 25 or more paying students, you are also welcome to book an independent field trip on the date of your choice, pending availability.
Program Schedule and Pricing
Our three‑hour field trip program begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. The schedule includes a 30‑minute lunch break, enjoyed picnic‑style on our lawn. Schools are welcome to bring picnic blankets for students and chaperones.
In case of inclement weather, lunch will be moved indoors. During these weather‑adjusted days, the Shinn Dairy Barn rotation will be substituted for either the Harn House tour or the Dannie Bea Hightower Herb Curriculum. Program adjustments are made at the discretion of Harn staff to ensure a smooth and safe visit.
Fee:
$10 per child
$5 per adult sponsor
We can often adjust the timing of your visit to accommodate bus arrivals and school schedules.
A minimum of 25 paying students is required to book a field trip.
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards.
To schedule your visit, please contact Education Director David Sapper at dsapper@harnhomestead.com or call 405‑235‑4058.
1909 Farmhouse Exploration
Inside the 1909 Farmhouse, students explore a fully furnished territorial‑era home and learn about the objects that filled daily life in early Oklahoma. As they move through the historic rooms, students discover how families cooked, worked, played, and spent time together more than a century ago.
Students also get to handle period toys and kitchen utensils, giving them a chance to compare their own everyday experiences with those of children living at the turn of the century. This interactive visit helps students connect personally with the past through curiosity, play, and hands‑on discovery.
Shinn Dairy Barn & Farmyard Activities
Around the 1904 Shinn Dairy Barn, students step into the daily work of an early Oklahoma farm. They try their hand at real pioneer‑era chores—twisting their own rope, grinding field corn, and gathering eggs from around the farmyard. Students also learn about dairy farming and the important role barns like the Shinn played in feeding growing communities.
Out in the yard, students practice lassoing steer dummies, play a round of horseshoes, and wash and hang laundry using old‑fashioned wash tubs. These activities help students experience the hard work, problem‑solving, and teamwork that shaped life on a territorial farm.
In case of inclement weather, the barn rotation will be substituted for either the Harn House or Herb Curriculum.
Stoney Point Schoolhouse Experience
This program allows students to experience a day in a territorial one‑room schoolhouse. Inside Stoney Point School, students take part in lessons just as children did in the late 1800s—writing on slates, practicing penmanship, and reading from the McGuffey Reader. They learn how school rules, routines, and expectations shaped daily life for early Oklahoma students.
When the weather is nice, students head outdoors to play authentic playground games from the late 19th century. These activities help students connect with the past through movement, teamwork, and the simple joys of recess on the prairie.
Inclement weather substitutions
Harn House Tour
During your visit, students will step inside the Victorian home of William and Alice Harn and their niece, Florence Wilson. As they explore each room, students learn how this family helped shape the early growth of Oklahoma City and what daily life looked like during Oklahoma’s territorial years.
In the historic kitchen, students discover how a household ran at the turn of the 20th century. They’ll handle real kitchen gadgets from the era, compare old‑fashioned and modern food preparation, and see how much work went into cooking long before electricity and convenience appliances. This hands‑on experience helps students connect everyday tasks to the larger story of life in early Oklahoma.
Dannie Bea Hightower Herb Curriculum
The Dannie Bea Hightower Herb curriculum introduces students to the plants, scents, and skills that shaped daily life in territorial Oklahoma. Through guided exploration, students learn how herbs were grown, harvested, and used for cooking, cleaning, and simple home remedies. They discover the difference between culinary and medicinal herbs, practice identifying plants by sight and smell, and explore how families relied on gardens like this one for both flavor and wellness.
This curriculum encourages curiosity, observation, and hands‑on learning while honoring Dannie Bea Hightower’s commitment to education and the Harn Homestead.
FIELD TRIP FAQS
Please check the daily weather and dress students in appropriate outfits and outerwear. Much of the program takes place outdoors, so comfortable shoes and weather‑ready clothing are important.
Students will also need to bring a packed lunch. Lunch is enjoyed picnic‑style on our lawn, and coordinating with teachers or other parents to bring a few picnic blankets is a great way to make the midday break comfortable and fun.
The safety of students, teachers, and chaperones is our top priority. In the event of severe weather, the Harn Homestead will adjust the field trip schedule to ensure all activities remain safe and enjoyable.
If severe weather is expected or occurs during your visit:
All outdoor activities will be moved indoors or replaced with indoor‑appropriate rotations.
The Shinn Dairy Barn rotation will be substituted for either the Harn House tour or the Dannie Bea Hightower Herb Curriculum, depending on conditions and staff discretion.
Lunch will be moved indoors to a sheltered space.
Harn staff will guide groups through any schedule changes to keep the day running smoothly.
Our team monitors weather conditions closely and will communicate any adjustments upon your arrival.
Field trip programming is by reservation only. Most of our teaching staff are volunteers and are only on-site when a field trip has been scheduled. During your visit, you’ll have access to buildings and activities that are not included in our general admission tour. If your child’s school does not visit us as part of their rotation, please watch our Facebook page and for special programming dates open to the public.
Our front office staff is typically ready to check in teachers, students, and parents around 9:45 a.m., just before our 10:00 a.m. opening. We are often outside preparing the grounds for your visit, so the front gate will open when we are ready to welcome you. We are always very glad you are here.