If Covid or life or just want-to has brought your family home for schooling, support exists to cheer you and the kids on in your education journey. Whether your students need a PE class, some historical context, or a boost with science, these spots have you covered, along with some (safe and socially-distanced) in-person time to boot. Of course, the program doesn’t have to say “Homeschool Program” for it to be an educational experience, but it’s nice when flexible times and a specific focus can meet homeschoolers where they’re at.

 Check out these 6 hot spots for homeschool programs.

 1. Discovery Center

It may not take a special program for a visit to Discovery Center to be educational, but focused field trips certainly pack a punch. Homeschoolers and distance learners from Kindergarten-5th grade can enjoy weekly themed homeschool learning podsfrom 3-4 p.m. Thursdays in September-December. Register now for the Animal Showcase, Engaging Engineers, Power Players, Amazing Anatomy Dissection Labs, and Wetland Wonders days, where kids will get hands-on experience in the subject with the DC pros. Cost is $8 per child with adult chaperone discounts.

Register at explorethedc.org/homeschool

2. Sam Davis Home

Homeschoolers can learn a new skill and experience history in person with tailored program days at Sam Davis Home this year including Heritage Days, Sheep to Shawl, Road to Union and Days on the Farm. Children will see the historic plantation comes to life and learn how families lived nearly 200 years ago. Don’t forget to also take advantage of monthly Toddler Tuesdays for PreK kids, Family Nights, and seasonal favorites like the Ghost Tours for spine-tingling take on history.

 Program links, ticket prices, and registration at samdavishome.org under the “Public Programs” and “Education” tabs.

3. Cannonsburgh Village

Thanks to new assistant program coordinator Mary Beth Nevills, Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village offers more ways to learn about local history than ever with guided tours, special pop-up programs, and age-specific events. This fall, homeschoolers can get a taste of old-school fun at the Outside Games and Toys event Sept. 14, and toddlers will love the Tractors day just for them on September 7. Look forward to art classes, special history tours, and volunteer opportunities as well as the popular Heritage Days returning Oct. 23. Want to bring a group or use a specific lesson plan? Contact Mary Beth directly about programs, events and educational resources at the village mbnevills@murfreesborotn.gov.

 A full listing of confirmed fall programs at Cannonsburgh are available here.  

 4. Lucky Ladd Farms

It might be one of the area’s best spots for family entertainment, so why not add an education angle and have even more fun with a purpose? Lucky Ladd’s Home School Day on Sept. 30 grants families admission to the working farm and seasonal corn maze with planned lessons and activities to help ages 5-12 develop an appreciation of the natural world and agriculture. Tickets are $12.99 and registration is required. Can’t make it Sept. 30? Homeschoolers and virtual learners in a group of 20 or more can take advantage of Self-Guided Tours this fall to make the most of their visit and get a discounted ticket.

 Register for tours and the Homeschool Day at luckyladdfarms.com/field-trips

5. Outdoor Murfreesboro

This hub of outdoors education is perfect for Covid-era learning, with most programs taking place, well, outdoors! Take advantage of special-themed homeschool days like this week’s Insects workshop or the monthly Fall Homeschool Archery Club. Look for pop-up and weekend programs like Little Nature Yogis, Animal Encounters, Wild Rumpus, Camping 101 and Mini-Rangers Fall Break camp for continued learning for school-aged kids.

 See the full calendar of Outdoor Murfreesboro events here.

6. Patterson Park Community Center

Looking for that PE credit that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Patterson Park offers homeschool PE and homeschool swim at convenient times for ages 8-16 to promote health, sportsmanship, and group participation for the low price of $3/class (or included with facility pass). While you’re at the center, don’t forget to take advantage of the MGL’s weekly FREE upSTREAM workshops from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays for ages 8-12 with activities to integrate science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

See the full calendar of offerings at Patterson Park here.

Know of a great place for homeschool programs? Share a link below!

Laura Beth Payne is a writer and now homeschooling mama who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two busy children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.