Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations?
By phone. Read the Field Trip Planning Guide and then call the museum at (651) 221-9444 or (800) 221-9444. Call early; 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

What about 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

Where do we put our 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.

What about buses?
The bus drop-off is located outside the Education Entrance, off Chestnut Street. View Bus Parking & Directions here.

What about 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.

What about my students who are members of the museum?
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.