Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations?

Fill out and submit a Reservation Request and a museum representative will contact you to secure your reservation. You can also place a reservation by phone at (651) 221-9444 or (800) 221-9444. Call early as many dates and time slots fill quickly.

How can I make sure my students are focused and learning in the museum?

Educator guides, called "Explorations," are available at no charge. They help you integrate your curriculum into our museum visit and include tips for pre- and post-visit activities, guiding activities, and questions for your students. You may order them when you make your reservations or you may download them here.

How many chaperones will I need?

We require at least one chaperone for every 10 students. A chaperone is an adult over 21. However, smaller subgroups mean a more meaningful—and safer—experience for our students, so the museum admits up to two chaperones free for every 10 students. Chaperones must stay with their students at all times and are responsible for the conduct of the students they are accompanying. Download the Chaperone Guide

Can I pay at the museum?

No. Payment must be received two weeks in advance of the visit by credit card or single check. Remember, changes may be made prior to payment, but no later than two weeks before your visit.

Where can we eat lunch?

You must reserve lunch space when you reserve your field trip, even if you are bringing your own lunches. If you don't, there may not be a place for your group to sit. View Lunch Options

Is there a place to store coats and lunches?

We provide lunch storage for groups visiting the museum. Your lunches will be delivered to your reserved lunch space by our staff. However, storage for coats is limited so, if possible, please leave coats on the bus.

Where do buses drop-off and pick-up?

The bus drop-off is located outside the Education Entrance, off Chestnut Street at Eagle Parkway. Groups visiting after 2 p.m., on weekends, or during the summer must use our main Kellogg Boulevard entrance. View Bus Parking & Directions here.

What should we do with backpacks and cameras?

For security, backpacks are not allowed inside the museum. Please leave them at school. Photographs may be taken in the exhibit halls, but not in the Omnitheater, auditorium, or special exhibits.

Can students who are museum members use their memberships?

Yes. Museum members visit the Omnitheater and exhibit halls free of charge. Students who are members can use this benefit on their field trip. Confirm the number of members at least two weeks prior to your visit. Write the students' names and member numbers on the School Group Leader Check-in Sheet and call Reservations with the number of students qualifying for the museum membership rate no later than 2 weeks prior to your visit.