basic info
TIME
All field trips have a standard time frame of 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Modifications can be requested for self-guided groups. Groups receive a custom schedule to follow for the length of their visit.
CHAPERONES
All field trips require one (1) adult chaperone (age 18+) per five (5) children. Chaperones (up to the required amount) receive free admission.
LUNCH
Every field trip includes a 30-minute lunch period. Groups get a reserved group lunch space. You can bring your own bagged lunches or reserve lunches with Bean Sprouts Cafe.
pricing
AUGUST 24, 2026 – MARCH 19, 2027
$14 per child
Chaperones: Free up to the required amount of 1 chaperone per 5 children; additional adults are $14 each.
An additional materials fee of $5 per child is required for the Sensory-Friendly Suminagashi field trip.
Title I schools receive Free Admission during this time period only.
To qualify, groups must be from a Pennsylvania K-12 public school and have either an approved and active Schoolwide Title I program or at least a 40% free/reduced lunch rate. Targeted Title I programs are not eligible. Free admission does not include program materials fees if applicable.
To learn more about this program, view our Field Trips/Groups FAQ page.
MARCH 22 – AUGUST 21, 2027
$14 per child
Chaperones: Free up to the required amount of 1 chaperone per 5 children; additional adults are $14 each.
An additional materials fee of $5 per child is required for the Sensory-Friendly Suminagashi field trip.
programs:
classic field trips
Children of all ages can try hands-on art and making techniques, lean into curiosity and wonder, and experience learning in new and joyful ways as they explore our hallmark educational exhibits such as the Art Studio, MAKESHOP, Kindness Gallery and Garage.
Groups of 15-39 participants will be self-guided. If groups desire a guided trip, they can request it on the form.
Groups of 40-200 participants will be guided. Guides are available from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm only; groups are self guided after 1:00 pm.
programs:
Engineering focus field trips
In this guided, hands-on experience, students explore museum exhibits and participate in an exciting, 1-hour STEM-focused workshop inspired by real-world engineering techniques and concepts. Programs are adapted for grades K-1 and 2-4.
All Engineering Focus Field Trips are for 15 – 160 students.
Choose from these three options:
Project Pittsburgh
How do big projects like bridges and tunnels happen? Working in groups, students build a better understanding of the challenges and problem solving faced by construction crews on a large project. Using environmental challenges found in Pittsburgh such as tight curves, dramatic slopes and waterways, students will use physics and coding concepts to create a functioning rail system using Intelino Smart Trains, and successfully move heavy construction materials from a depot to a project site.
Super-Strong Shapes
Why do bridges look the way they do and how do they stay up under heavy traffic? In this program, students learn about and test the strength of shapes used by engineers in real-world infrastructure. They’ll then use their new know-how and work in teams to plan and construct a functional bridge of their own using dowels and ties. Will your bridge support a vehicle across a gap?
A Place of Our Own
What if we built a community from scratch? In this program, students become city planners, working in teams to design and build a thriving mini-settlement out of recycled materials. With assigned roles and responsibilities, they’ll ask questions like “How will our citizens get around?” and “Where will our citizens live?” to aid them in their process. Final presentations will serve as a platform for exchange and advocacy for the new ideas about infrastructure and public services they’ve discovered.
Engineering Focus Field Trips are made possible through the generous support of Hatch.
programs: sensory-friendly field trips
We invite groups with sensory sensitivities for a memorable field trip experience, without the crowds. Students will participate in a 45-minute sensory-focused activity and explore a selection of museum exhibits, accompanied by a guide. Programs and environments can be adapted to participants’ needs and abilities.
Suminagashi (for 10-80 participants)
The ancient Japanese art of “floating ink” involves water and delicate drops of ink that magically swirl together to create unique marbled designs that students lift directly onto paper. This quiet, low-pressure activity is designed with sensory sensitivities in mind and great for life skills and autistic support classrooms.
Available on select Wednesdays when the Children’s Museum is closed to the public.
booking
All group visit requests must be made online.
Just follow these steps to start booking your field trip/group visit:
1. Determine your desired program and click the button below to view availability and submit your Group Visit request.
2. Within five business days, you’ll receive an email confirmation if your request is approved. If your request cannot be approved for any reason, you’ll receive an email notification with other potential dates or clarifying questions.
3. Complete the Group Scheduling form using the link provided in your confirmation email. This is a required step – be sure to watch our email after submitting your request.
4. Additional instructions and a schedule for the day will be emailed 1-2 weeks prior to your trip.
questions
If you have any questions regarding programs, pricing or booking a field trip or group visit:
sponsors
Field trips are sponsored in part by:
