SARASOTA, FLORIDA, 09/22/2026 

"Field Trip Fridays" is a new way for homeschool families to access educational and enrichment opportunities throughout the Sarasota-Manatee area.  

Created by volunteer-led referral and collaboration group Youth Activity Collective (YAC), the series bridges the gap between the needs of local families and the services offered by locally-owned businesses. Each event offers hands-on experience of music, art, academics, drama, nature, dance, sewing, or physical activity.

“Field Trip Fridays give homeschool families an easy and affordable way to explore the incredible programs available in our community,” says  Jenny Townsend, founder of Music Compound. “It also gives locally owned businesses an opportunity to collaborate, support one another, and better serve the families who need these resources.” The idea was drummed up at one of our local meetings by Andrew, Drama Kids owner. 

The Field Trips begin October 2. Families may join in an individual field trip, or participate in the full series.

Field Trips run from 10 a.m. – noon or 1 – 3 p.m., depending on who is hosting. As capacity varies by location, advance registration is required for all experiences. 

Each Field Trips costs $35 per child (whether the student attends for one hour, or for the full two-hour experience). Many participating businesses are approved Step Up For Students direct-pay providers.

The "Field Trip Friday" schedule for Fall 2026:

October 2: Music Compound (1–3 p.m.)

Guitar, Prodigies, songwriting, and music production for elementary through high school students.

October 9: Drama Kids Studio (1–3 p.m.)

A behind-the-scenes theater experience featuring costumes, props, lights, sound, projections, speech, movement and scene work.

October 16: What I Learned Today (1–3 p.m.)

Learning games and creative academic activities for students of all ages.

October 23: Mathnasium and Children’s Art Classes (10 a.m.–noon)

Math-based games and geometry activities paired with creative art exploration.

October 30: Curious and Kind (1–3 p.m.)

A Forest School experience where children ages 5–12 can explore nature, practice wilderness skills, play, and connect with other students.

November 6: Stage Door Studios (10 a.m.–noon)

An interactive introduction to dance, movement, rhythm and musicality.

November 13: Sewista (10 a.m.–noon)

A fall sewing project for children ages 7 and older. Beginners are welcome.

November 20: Clark’s Self Defense (1–3 p.m.)

Practical self-defense and martial arts instruction focused on confidence, discipline, coordination and awareness.

Local businesses are also collaborating to host monthly Coffee & Connection events.  From 10 a.m. – noon, children can explore educational activities while their parents connect.

Parent conversations will be led by Dr. Stacia Herrera or Leanndra Yates of Exclusive Insights, and will focus on topics that matter to homeschool families. Discussions will include: selecting the right co-op, choosing an educational approach, budgeting for activities, and supporting neurodivergent children.

Upcoming Coffee & Connection events include:

October 9: Music Compound

November 13: Herrera Psychology

December 11: Curious and Kind

ABOUT THE YOUTH ACTIVITY COLLECTIVE

The Youth Activity Collective formed through Sarasota music school Music Compound in 2025, after area businesses expressed an interest in working together to support one another and strengthen the community. The Youth Activity Collective currently includes 16 participating businesses. The group meets monthly to serve children and families throughout the Sarasota-Manatee community through collaboration, referrals, special events and shared resources.

ABOUT MUSIC COMPOUND

Music Compound (775 Bell Road, Sarasota) provides an environment to inspire, collaborate and educate children and adults in pursuit of their love of music. The goal is to transform dreams into reality by providing a contemporary and influential environment for musicians of all ages. For more information, visit musiccompound.com.