There’s something about a class trip that never really leaves you. Maybe it’s the way the morning felt different from the moment you woke up. The cool air, the hum (and unmistakable smell) of the bus, matching shirts, brown bag lunches—it all becomes part of a shared experience. The excitement is almost tangible in the classroom as students buzz through the morning routine, knowing that soon they’ll board a bus with their friends for a day of fun.
For generations of students, that fun destination has been Storybook Land.
(Submitted by Jessica Panetta)
Storybook Land has been the backdrop for these moments since the 1960s. Each spring, as May turns into June, the park fills with the sounds of school trips in full swing—laughter, sneakers on pavement, and the delighted shouts of children seeing their favorite stories brought to life.
For many kids, it’s their first taste of independence—walking through the park with friends, deciding which ride to run to next, clutching a few dollars to spend on something memorable. Maybe it’s the thrill of riding a roller coaster for the first time, glancing over to see a teacher laughing right alongside you. Maybe it’s stepping inside a story you’ve only ever seen on a page, suddenly real and right in front of you.
These aren’t just moments—they’re the beginnings of stories that get told for years.
I remember when we went on our class trip…
I remember who I sat with on the bus…
I remember that ride…
More than 20,000 students visit each school season, each one creating their own version of those memories. And somewhere in the crowd, there’s often a teacher quietly smiling—not just at their students, but at the realization that they were once that same child, on that same trip, feeling that same excitement.
That’s the magic of a place like Storybook Land. It doesn’t just bring stories to life; it becomes part of your own.
Groups of all sizes are welcome, from schools and camps to scout troops and church outings. Because years from now, long after the school year ends, it’s these days—the laughter, the bus rides, the shared adventures—that will still be remembered.
If you’re interested in planning a group trip, please contact the Main Office at 609-646-0103 ext. 5.
