Field Trips to the Academy
Field Trip fieldtrip class visit
Visits to the Academy offer a range of educational and entertaining experiences for school classes, summer camps, and other groups. They can take advantage of the reduced admission fees and, once inside, can sample a number of exhibits and programs. A large lunchroom space is also provided.
Groups wishing to use three of our most popular exhibits (Butterflies!, Outside-In and The Big Dig) will need to make reservations and pay special program fees.
Groups are encouraged to take advantage of our Discovery Lessons (grades Pre-K to 2, 3 to 6, and 6 and Up) or our new Science Explorations for grades 7-9. Discovery lessons cover a wide variety of topics and offer hands-on experience with live animals and/or museum specimens. The longer Science Explorations encourage further investigations and group problem solving skills. A Behind-the-Scenes Tour is another opportunity for groups with older children to consider.
Planning your Museum Visit
Group Admission & Special Program Fees
Groups with a minimum number of 10 individuals can take advantage of group discounts for the museum admission fees. To qualify for group rates, you must register in advance; group rates are not available at the door. You can either register online or contact the registrar at 215.299.1060.
| Grades | Group Admission | General Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-K - Grade 6 | $6.50 | $8.00 |
| Grades 7-12 | $7.50 | $10.00 |
| Adults* | $7.50 | $10.00 |
*At least one adult chaperone (over 18 years of age) is required for every 10 children. Admission is complementary for the first chaperone (per 10 children). The admission fee for additional chaperones is $7.50.
| program | fee | comments |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Lessons | $75/lesson | 30 students/lesson |
Science Explorations  |
$12/student | 35 students/session (includes admission to museum) Appropriate for grades 7-9 |
| Butterflies! | $1.50/participant | Maximum of 30 students/session |
| The Big Dig | $0.75/child | Maximum of 35 children/session |
| Outside-In | $1.00/participant | Maximum of 70 participants (children & chaperones)/session |
| Behind-the-Scenes Tours | $19/participant | Must be 7th Grade or higher; Minimum of ten people; Fees include Museum Admission. |
Please allow at least 1 hour of free time to explore Dinosaur Hall, the changing exhibits hall, Living Downstream, Science at the Academy, and the diorama halls of North America, Asia and Africa.
Visiting Details
- Entrance:
- Use the 19th Street Doors. A representative will meet with you at the scheduled time.
- Bus Parking:
- Buses can park at the Bus Parking Facility at 2nd and Callowhill Streets in Philadelphia. Download Bus Parking Directions (word doc, 28KB); Dowload Bus Parking Street Map (pdf, 648KB).
- Chaperones:
- Groups MUST provide one chaperone (complementary admission) for every 10 students (or campers) through Grade 12. Chaperones must be over 18 years old. Admission for each additional chaperone is $7.50.
- Lunchroom:
- A lunchroom is located in the Commons Room on the Ground Floor. Reservations are required and there is a 30 minute time limit.
- Ecology Café:
- Let the Café cater your group's Pizza Party. Order lunches in advance from the Ecology Café's Group Menu (pdf.).
- Museum Hours:
- The museum is open 10:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends and holidays. It's closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
If you have any questions contact the registrar, call 215.299.1060 or email .
