Finding Local Activities

I'm often asked by other homeschooling parents how I learn about all the various homeschooling activities in which we are involved. Many of these parents have been at this longer than I have, so I must know something others don't, which mostly involves liberal use of the internet and telephone. While many of these programs are unique to Huntsville, Alabama, I suspect similar programming exists in towns throughout the country, so I'll share what I know:

- YMCA: Our local YMCA runs a physical education program for homeschooled students that includes team sports, games, and the Presidential Physical Fitness program. The program runs twice a week from 12-1 at the very economical cost of $25 a month. I'm sure many other YMCA centers have similar programs or would be willing to start them.

- Science: Homeschool Science is scheduled once per month at our local children's science museum. These programs run one hour for elementary age and two hours for middle school age with hands-on experiments and projects. Another program, which I don't participate in, is a life science program run at the Botanical Garden. Our science museum here in Huntsville is not the most elaborate out there, so similar opportunities may be present at a science center, botanical garden, or arboretum near you.

- Social Studies: Monthly 1-2 hour social science activities take place at various historical and children's museums in town. Some fabulous experiences that we have signed up for have included such activities as re-enacting an underground railroad experience, food preservation of the past, textile making, and others. Many museums and historical have programs in place for scouts of school field trips, and if they are aware of a level of interest in the homeschooling community, will gladly run such programs on slower days, which makes for a great intimate experience for smaller groups of homeschoolers.

- Visual and Performing Arts: Local arts centers, museums, dance studios, theater companies, and music schools that offer afternoon and evening lessons and classes are often slower during the morning and early afternoon hours. Homeschool classes are offered during these hours in order to profit from those time slots, and if there is sufficient interest, these classes can be a fantastic opportunity for your homeschooled student to benefit from fine and performing art exploration in a small class size.

- Travel: Keep an eye open for fantastic off-season educational travel opportunities geared towards families who homeschool. Walt Disney World features "Home School Days" in January and October, with discounted rates and educational programming. Homeschool cruises are advertised, and many homeschool groups organize great educational trips and programs at bargain prices.

- Homeschool Groups: Perhaps the single most component in finding information about these activities is to connect with other homeschooling families. If your state requires affiliation with a cover school or district homeschool program, this may be self-evident. Internet groups are also a great way to connect with local homeschoolers, such as Meetup.com or Yahoo Groups. Many of these groups are organized by philosophy as well such as by religious ideology or teaching style. Members can inform each other of local offerings or work together to organize group field trips and educational activities.