14 Field Trip Destinations That No Longer Exist
These 14 field trip destinations were once popular with schools but have since closed down or disappeared entirely.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Many schools once brought students to these destinations for learning, fun, and hands-on experiences. Over time, some of these places shut down due to financial problems, low attendance, or redevelopment. Today, they no longer exist and cannot be visited.
1. Discovery Zone
Dale Cruse on Wikimedia Commons
Discovery Zone was an indoor play center that became popular in the 1990s. It had tunnels, ball pits, slides, and obstacle courses for children. Many schools used it as a destination for physical activity and play. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1996, and all locations were eventually closed.
2. The World of Sid and Marty Krofft
WeWadsworth on Wikimedia Commons
This indoor theme park opened in 1976 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was based on television shows created by Sid and Marty Krofft. The park closed within six months due to high operating costs and low visitor numbers. The building was later used for other purposes, but the park itself was never reopened.
3. SeaWorld Ohio
Jeremy Thompson on Wikimedia Commons
SeaWorld Ohio opened in 1970 and offered marine life shows and exhibits. It was a popular trip for schools in the Great Lakes region. In 2001, it was sold to Six Flags, and the animal exhibits were removed. The site was eventually merged with another park and is no longer open as SeaWorld.
4. Six Flags AstroWorld
Chris Hagerman on Wikimedia Commons
AstroWorld was located in Houston, Texas, and operated from 1968 to 2005. It had roller coasters, water rides, and themed attractions. It was owned by Six Flags and served as a field trip destination for local schools. The park was closed and demolished to sell the land, which remains undeveloped.
5. Marineland of the Pacific
Gary B. Edstrom on Wikimedia Commons
This marine park opened in 1954 in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. It featured dolphins, sea lions, and a large aquarium. After being bought by SeaWorld in 1987, the animals were moved, and the park was closed. The site was later developed into a hotel and resort area.
6. Ghost Town in the Sky
Pal Parker Jr on Wikimedia Commons
This amusement park opened in 1961 in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. It was built on a mountain and included a Western-themed town and old-style performances. The park had several closures and reopenings but could not maintain regular operations. It has been closed since 2009 and is no longer active.
7. MGM Studios Backlot Tour (Walt Disney World)
Dual Freq on Wikimedia Commons
This attraction opened in 1989 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. It took guests behind the scenes of movie-making with props, sets, and effects. Over the years, parts of the tour were removed to make space for new attractions. The full tour was officially closed in 2014.
8. Libertyland
Thomas R Machnitzki on Wikimedia Commons
Libertyland was an amusement park in Memphis, Tennessee. It operated from 1976 to 2005 and featured classic rides and games. It was known for the Zippin Pippin, a historic wooden roller coaster. The park closed due to financial losses and was later demolished.
9. American Adventure Theme Park (UK)
Lio112 on Wikimedia Commons
This park opened in 1987 in Derbyshire, England, and had a Western and American theme. It included roller coasters, a log flume, and family attractions. Attendance began to fall in the 2000s, and the park closed in 2007. The land was cleared for housing development.
10. Boblo Island Amusement Park
mandj98 on Wikimedia Commons
Boblo Island Amusement Park was located on an island in the Detroit River. Visitors reached it by ferry from Michigan or Ontario. It operated for nearly 85 years before closing in 1993 due to declining attendance and business issues. The island is now privately owned and not open to the public.
11. Holy Land USA
GrammarEnthusiast on Wikimedia Commons
Holy Land USA was a religious park in Waterbury, Connecticut. It featured scenes and structures based on stories from the Bible. It closed in 1984 after the death of its founder and was left abandoned. Restoration efforts have taken place, but it remains closed to the general public.
12. Bell Labs Science Exhibit (New Jersey)
EgorovaSvetlana on Wikimedia Commons
This exhibit was part of the Bell Labs complex in Murray Hill, New Jersey. It allowed students to learn about telecommunications and science through interactive displays. The exhibit was discontinued after the labs underwent major changes and downsizing. The public no longer has access to the original exhibits.
13. Freestyle Music Park (South Carolina)
Jeremy Thompson on Wikimedia Commons
Originally opened in 2008 as Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it featured music-themed rides. The park faced financial problems and closed after one season. It reopened in 2009 under a new name but failed to attract enough visitors. It closed again the same year and has not reopened since.
14. Ontario Place Children’s Village (Canada)
Open Government Licence – Ontario on WIkimedia Commons
Ontario Place was a family entertainment complex in Toronto, Ontario. The Children’s Village section offered interactive play structures and water features for kids. It was closed in the early 2000s due to wear and rising maintenance costs. The entire Ontario Place site has been undergoing redevelopment.