Field Trips

The minimum size for a group reservation is 15 children. This applies to schools, moms’ groups, and homeschoolers. If you have a smaller number, we are still glad to know your plans, to talk with you about the best time to visit, and to share pre-visit materials. The maximum number of children permitted at one time varies depending on the date and time of your visit. Let us know your needs, and we’ll work together to plan a single visit—or multiple dates—to ensure the best experience for everyone.

For very large groups or a special occasion, a private evening rental of part or all of the museum is possible.

Outside picnic tables are available for groups—weather permitting—and we will provide unrefrigerated bins to store lunches or snacks while you visit. The museum does not have indoor eating facilities for group visitors.

Busses should drive through the parking lot and up the drive to the Museum entrance. Please remain on the bus when you arrive; we will come aboard to greet you. We ask that chaperones ride the bus or carpool, as our parking is limited. Buses will park off site and return 15 minutes before your departure time.

Yes. Discovery Museum welcomes children of all ability and mobility levels. When booking your visit, please let us know what accommodations you will need, such as noise reducing headphones, a step stool, our Museum Story Guide (available in 6 languages), or other accommodations so we can make arrangements for you ahead of time. Discovery Museum has three floors; each is accessible by elevator, and we have accessible entrances as well.

Engaged parent chaperones are essential for a successful visit to our hands-on museum. We require chaperone groups of five children with one adult. Many schools find it best for the parents/caregivers to lead these chaperone groups, leaving teachers free to float. For groups with younger children, or children with special needs, your numbers may vary; email ctroccolo [at] discoveryacton.org (Carly Troccolo) or call 978-264-4200 ext. 121.

The role of the chaperone here is to help the five students in the chaperone group to work and explore together in a safe and engaged manner throughout the visit. Sometimes adults worry that they will need to supply answers or give instructions on the content of the exhibits. We find that is not needed, or even desirable. What is helpful is to play alongside the students, share in the wonder of their discoveries, and help to point out what is happening in front of them! Please review the appropriate Chaperone Planner, linked above, which include a map of our spaces.

Children and adults should be prepared for both indoor and outdoor exploring. Bring coats, boots, hats, and gloves as necessary for the weather—for everyone, teachers and chaperones too! Discovery Woods, our outdoor nature playscape and treehouse, is open year-round, even in winter, and an important part of the museum experience. We have lots of coat hooks and cubbies in the Museum.

While there is flexibility in the planning stages of your visit, once you have a Field Trip time confirmed, it is not possible to arrive earlier or stay later. If there is a chance you may snack or picnic here, please include time for that in your original plan.

Once you have a confirmed group visit, it is rarely possible to change it. Please be in touch as soon as you are aware of a conflict.

In the case of inclement weather, you may confirm the Museum is open on the day of your visit by calling 978-264-4200 after 7:00AM. If your school is closed or delayed, please call our Field Trip Manager Jennie Yoo at ext. 102, and we will work with you to reschedule.

Payment is due two weeks in advance. You can pay over the phone with a credit card, or mail a check payable to Discovery Museum. Purchase Orders can be accepted with advance notice. A refund will be issued if you arrive with fewer than the estimated number of students or parents; we will collect your attendance numbers upon arrival.

Museum memberships, library passes, coupons, and other discounts cannot be used for group admission. All students and chaperones are a part of your group and will be included in your group’s attendance count and payment. Teachers are always free—just show your school ID or MTA card!

1. Share the appropriate Teacher Checklist and Chaperone Planner documents (linked above) with all the teachers in your group.
2. Print and fill out the Chaperone Planner, one for each chaperone. There is a section to list key information such as goals for the day, names of the students in the chaperone’s group, and the start/end times of the visit. There is also a map of the Museum and tips for learning together.
3. Check out photos and Exhibit descriptions on our website.

Yes! Our Field Trips are very popular—booking early will give you more options.

We are happy to help.

If you have questions about an upcoming scheduled Field Trip, please email jyoo [at] discoveryacton.org (Jennie Yoo), Field Trip Manager, or call her at 978-264-4200, ext. 102.

If you have questions about availability or scheduling, please email ctroccolo [at] discoveryacton.org (Carly Troccolo), Scheduling Manager, or call her at 978-264-4200 ext. 121.