Plan Your Field Trip
Make a Reservation
Field Trips at the Exploratorium’s exciting new home on Pier 15 begin October 1, 2013. You can make a reservation beginning May 15, 2013.
Free Visits for Teachers
Once you’ve booked a field trip reservation, if you’re the lead teacher, you can preview the museum for free before the date of the trip. When you arrive, tell Guest Services that you are preparing for an upcoming field trip. Simply show a copy of the confirmation e-mail you received from us, and we’ll sign you in free of charge. For more information, please call (415) 528-4444.
What’s Going On
Plan your visit by learning about our galleries and finding out what demonstrations and events will be available during your field trip.
Getting Here
See Getting Here for information about public transportation and parking options, plus car and bike routes.
If you are coming by school bus or charter bus, please see Bus Routes for Field Trips and Other Groups. All buses must use approved routes to the Exploratorium. Don’t delay your visit by taking an inaccessible route!
On Arrival
If you’ve arrived by school bus or charter bus, please wait for an orange-vested Explainer to meet your bus before unloading students. If you’ve arrived by public transportation, please check in with an Explainer.
While the Explainer organizes your group in the plaza—the open area on the north side of Pier 15, just before the main entrance—the lead teacher from your group should check in at the Guest Services podium, also located in the plaza, to confirm the number of students and adults in your group. Guest Services will also receive any final payments or issue a chargeback, if appropriate.
Orientation
An Explainer will welcome your group to the museum, point out any special exhibits and demonstrations, and answer any questions you may have. The orientation will also cover logistical details and museum rules. The Explainer will then lead your group in exploring one exhibit. Please plan approximately 15 minutes for the orientation.
The Explainer will not stay with you throughout your visit. However, Explainers are available around the museum to answer your questions, discuss exhibits, and lead demonstrations.
If you would like your group to receive an orientation in a language other than English, please tell the Explainer when you check in. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Visiting the Exploratorium Store
The Exploratorium has two stores; we recommend that school groups use the store located in the center of the Exploratorium. This store has been designed with your students and their interests in mind. It’s located near the main entry/exit point in the heart of the museum. One adult chaperone is required for every ten students in the store. Ask for information about scheduling your store visit when you make your field trip reservation.
First Aid
Our First Aid station is located at the Information Desk (near the main museum exit). If you need emergency assistance, tell an Explainer, the nearest staff member, or go to the Information Desk.
Lost Student
An Explainer or the Information Desk staff can assist you in finding a lost student.
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found is located at the Information Desk.
