As unschoolers/homeschoolers we see opportunities to learn in real life all the time, even on vacation!

We spent a few weeks at the beach this summer and we had a great time enjoying nature, collecting treasures and connecting as a family.

Here are some ways we keep learning while traveling. 

What better way to learn about the ocean than with the experience of being there in person. It creates more meaningful learning when it’s happening in real time. We had many discussions about the weather, the animals, the sand, the tide, the moon, the sun, pollution, birds, crabs, fish, waves, ripe tides, hurricanes and much much more. 

Really this learning can happen anywhere and in any type of environment. Being in a different place and engaged with children creates meaningful learning that no book or video can offer. 

Sure we used our fair share of google to go deeper on a topic that we knew little about but then we all learned something new together! 

We also were able to use the real life skills of reading, writing and math throughout our days too. The kids were thrilled to write letters and post cards to their friends and family members. They also enjoyed shopping for small gifts for their friends which gave them the opportunity to use money. 

Going out to eat offered us the opportunity to discuss expectations in a restaurant, being respectful of other patrons, reading the menu, trying new foods that are local to the area, reading signs, prices and all the different jobs that are needed in a restaurant. 

Lastly, learning a new skill together is a great way to bond and exhibit to kids that learning never stops. We enjoyed trying out jet skiing, snorkeling and playing shuffleboard. 

Here are some other ways to keep kids engaged in learning while on vacation 

🔎 Visit local museums

📚 Bring books or watch videos about the environment you’re visiting (mountains, desert, beach)

🎨 Pack art materials such as water colors, colored pencils and markers. You never know when inspiration may hit! (our favorite this trip was painting shells!)

📝 Have paper, pens and activity books for down time 

🎲 Board games and puzzles for creating connection

📷 Camera(s) specifically for kids (we brought water proof ones for underwater pictures) 

🥏 Beach toys or outdoor toys such as, shovels and buckets, a ball, frisbee, kite or paddle game

We found that going to a new place opened all our minds to trying new things we wouldn’t otherwise. homeschooling while traveling isn’t just about keeping up with lessons on the road—it’s about learning through living. Every new place becomes a classroom, every person a teacher, and every moment a chance to grow together. The map may guide our route, but curiosity and connection lead the way. And that, more than anything, is the real journey.