Field Trips to Carolina Beach State Park

A park ranger addresses a group during a hike at Carolina Beach State Park
A park ranger leads a field trip group through the park. Photo by S. Higgins.

North Carolina state parks staff proudly offer numerous memorable field trip experiences for students and teachers. Explore science, history, social studies, and math through sampling stream life or climbing a mountain.

Field trips at Carolina Beach State Park range from exploring the coastal ecosystem and searching for rare plants to learning about wildlife and the historical significance of Sugarloaf Dune during the Civil War.

Field Trip Request Form (Fillable PDF)

Fill out this form and email it to the park to request a field trip to Carolina Beach State Park.

NC Friends of State Parks: Field Trip Funding

The Youth in Parks – Environmental Education (YIP-EE) project focuses on getting students outside the classroom into our state parks. If your school needs a grant to fund a field trip to Carolina Beach State Park, visit the Friends of State Park website.

Field Trip Programs

Tab/Accordion Items

We use signs to tell us where to go or to provide us with information we need. Animal signs do the same thing, allowing us to figure who has passed by before us and what they were doing. Students will join a ranger to learn how to look for animals signs and how to use them to learn about what animals are doing. You'll leave ready to solve the animal mysteries around your own home! This program takes place inside, but we can go outside and explore for animal signs, weather permitting.
 

Additional Information

Grades Pre-K to 12
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.P.1 Science – Forces and Motion Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
K.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand the interactions between humans and the environment.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand animal life cycles.
2.L.2 Science – Evolution and Genetics Remember that organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.
5.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand how structures and systems of organisms (to include the human body) performs functions necessary for life.
5.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.

 

Join a park ranger at the Flytrap Trail for a hike along the trails. Learn about different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home. Meet at the Flytrap Trail Parking Lot at the end of Nature Trail Lane.

This program is very similar to the Carnivorous Plant Hike. We substitute this during colder months when the carnivorous plants are dormant.

This is an outdoor program for groups of 20 or less. The trail is wheelchair-accessible.  The program is not recommended when outdoor temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 20
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather-dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.L.2 Science – Earth Systems, Structures and Processes Summarize the needs of living organisms for energy and growth.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
3.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand how plants survive in their environments.
4.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.
5.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
5.L.3 Science – Evolution and Genetics Understand why organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.
6.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.

 

You can be an environmentally friendly camper. Learn how to plan your camping trip, what to take, how to set up a tent, and how to build a campfire.
 

Additional Information

Grades Pre-K to 12
Length 1 hour
Class size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.

 

Take a hike along the Flytrap Trail and discover plants that "bite back". See the Venus flytrap, pitcher plants, and sundews. Also learn about the different plant communities found in this area and why they are so special.

This is an outdoor program for groups of 20 or less. The trail is wheelchair-accessible. This program is not recommended when the outdoor temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour

Class Size

 Minimum of 5
Maximum of 20
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.P.1 Science – Forces and Motion Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.L.2 Science – Earth Systems, Structures and Processes Summarize the needs of living organisms for energy and growth.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
3.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand how plants survive in their environments.
5.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
6.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.
6.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the flow of energy through ecosystems and the responses of populations to the biotic and abiotic factors in their environment.
7.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the processes, structures and functions of living organisms that enable them to survive, reproduce and carry out the basic functions of life.
8.L.3 Science – Ecosystems Understand how organisms interact with and respond to the biotic and abiotic components of their environment.
8.L.4 Science – Evolution and Genetics Understand the evolution of organisms and landforms based on evidence, theories and processes that impact the Earth over time.
Bio.2.1 Science – Ecosystems Analyze the interdependence of living organisms within their environments.
Bio.2.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the impact of human activities on the environment (one generation affects the next).

 

Many different animals call the unique barrier island ecosystem of Carolina Beach State Park home. Students will join a park ranger for a hands-on experience, meeting the creatures found here using mounts, skins, and skulls. Students will come away from the experience with a greater understanding of the diversity of life in this special place.
 

Additional Information

Grades Pre-K to 12
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 5
Maximum of 40
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress This is an inside program.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.P.1 Science – Forces and Motion Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
K.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
4.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.
5.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.

 

Learn how to catch, cook, and eat crab. Kids will catch blue crab using a baited string and net. Crabs caught will be cooked and the kids can eat their catch if they would like.

Please inform the ranger if anyone has an allergy to shellfish. Meet at the marina.

This is an outside program and offered during the summer months only. It is dependent on the tides.

The program lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, but it depends on the crabs. No more than 20 people in the group. This program is not recommended when the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 1.5 to 2 hours
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 20
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.

 

Sometimes it is fun to just walk through the woods off the trail. Join a ranger for a hike through the woods to discover what plants and animals can be found in the park off the trails.

Groups of 20 or less. This program is not recommended when the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Additional Information

Grades Pre-K to 12
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 20
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.P.1 Science – Forces and Motion Understand the positions and motions of objects and organisms observed in the environment.
K.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
3.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand how plants survive in their environments.
5.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.
6.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand the structures, processes and behaviors of plants that enable them to survive and reproduce.

 

Why do park rangers burn areas in the park? Learn why fire is used to help the animals and plants in the park. Also learn about the equipment used by rangers to control these fires.

This program can be held indoors or outdoors, depending on burning seasons.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.2 Science – Earth Systems, Structures and Processes Summarize the needs of living organisms for energy and growth.
2.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
3.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand how plants survive in their environments.

 

Park rangers are responsible for doing many different jobs in the park. Learn about the different jobs rangers do and all the many "hats" they have to wear.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

We have all seen deer in our woods and neighborhoods, but how do they survive in so many different habitats? Students will become white-tailed deer and try to collect food, water, shelter, and space needed for their habitat. They will also learn the importance of carrying capacity in determining how many deer can live in one place.

This is an outdoor activity with lots of running, so we do not recommend it when the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Additional Information

Grades 1 to 4
Length 30 minutes to 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 10
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
1.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment in different places and regions around the world.
2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
4.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.

 

Learn about the plants and animals that can be found in the park that are dangerous and should be avoided, like venomous snakes and spiders and poisonous plants and insects. Learn what they are and what to do if you come in contact with them.

Meet at the visitor center. This is an inside activity.
 

Additional Information

Grades K to 12
Length 1 hour
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 30
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress This is an indoor activity.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

K.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Compare characteristics of animals that make them alike and different from other animals and nonliving things.
K.G.2 Social Studies – Geography Understand interactions between humans and the environment.
1.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand characteristics of various environments and behaviors of humans that enable plants and animals to survive.
2.L.1 Science – Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Understand animal life cycles.
2.L.2 Science – Evolution and Genetics Remember that organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.
4.L.1 Science – Ecosystems Understand the effects of environmental changes, adaptations and behaviors that enable animals (including humans) to survive in changing habitats.

 

Take a walk through time back to the Sugarloaf Dune. This is a 2-mile hike through a variety of habitats of Carolina Beach State Park. Learn about the history of this area during the Civil War and about the plants and animals that live around this trail.

The hike will last approximately 2 hours. This program is not recommended when the temperature is 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
 

Additional Information

Grades 2 to 12
Length 1.5 to 2 hours
Class Size Minimum of 8
Maximum of 20
Larger groups can be accommodated by rotating activities.
Times Available Weekdays, year-round (weather dependent)
Required Dress Weather-appropriate clothing
All students are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes for walking.
Scheduling At least 3 weeks in advance

 

Correlations

2.G.1 Social Studies – Geography Understand how interaction between humans and the physical environment is impacted by movement and settlement.
3.L.2 Science – Ecosystems Understand how plants survive in their environments.