Field trip alert! Replicas of Christopher Columbus' ships -- the Pinta and the Nina -- will dock in Little Rock Oct. 10-Oct. 20.

The ships tour together as a "sailing museum" to educate the public and school groups about the caravel, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers. The Nina was built completely by hand -- no modern power tools were used in the ship's construction. The Pinta is a larger version of the caravel that was built to accompany the Nina on her voyages.

The ships will be docked at The Julius Breckling Riverfront Park along the Arkansas River Trail in downtown Little Rock. The general public is invited to board the ships for self-guided tours. Admission is $8, seniors $7, children ages 5-16 $6, children 4 and under free.

Teachers or groups of 15 or more can schedule a guided, 30-minute tour by calling (787)672-2152 or emailing columfnd1492@gmail.com. Cost is $5 per person.

The ships will arrive Oct. 9 and will be open to the public 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 10-19. For more info, visit TheNina.com and check out their Facebook page here.