School Field Trips

School Field Trip Programs at Port Discovery
When it comes to Field Trips, Port Discovery provides amazing, one-of-a-kind experiences that get kids (and adults!) excited about learning. Our unique Explor-A-Tours are designed to align with Maryland State standards and curricula, and provide interactive, fun, and educational exploration into the world of machines, sensory, art, and more. Perfect for students in Pre-K through 5th Grade, Port Discovery Explor-A-Tours will spark curiosity and creativity – and provide everyone with an experience to remember.
MAKE A RESERVATION
Contact Us
Fill out the information request form to receive more information and to begin the process of scheduling your school group visit! Camps are encouraged to book their trip to Port Discovery at least four weeks in advance. Please call to inquire about any potential last-minute dates that may be available.
Group bookings are only available for groups with 10 or more children. Any less than 10 children is considered general admission. General admission tickets can be purchased here.
Reservations are required. Fill out the information request form or contact us for more information at 410.864.2727 or groupsales@portdiscovery.org.
Field trips for School Year 2022-2023 are almost sold out, so dates are extremely limited.
Free & Reduced Cost Field Trips for Select Maryland Schools & Childcare Programs
Qualified schools and child care programs may be able to use grant funding from the Maryland State Department of Education for free or reduced visits. Funding is limited and restrictions may apply. Fill out our information request form to learn more.
PRICES & INFORMATION
In-Person Field Trips
Rates begin at $13.00 per person (required school group chaperones enter for free). Additional discounts may be available for Maryland Students.
Non-Refundable Deposit
$100 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. The balance is due one (1) week prior to your visit date. Purchase orders and personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment.
Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy
To avoid forfeiture of any payments, you must contact Port Discovery Group Sales within one week of your original visit date to reschedule.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Port Discovery is committed to welcoming all guests to experience Port Discovery and provides a variety of accommodations for visitors with special needs. To discuss and arrange accommodations, please contact us at 410-864-2727 or email groupsales@portdiscovery.org. We offer grant funding and accessibility programs to reduce or completely eliminate the cost of admission for group visits to qualifying participants as funds are available. Port Discovery is ADA accessible.
FIELD TRIP FAQS
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Are reservations for School Field Trips, Summer Camp Visits, and/or Group Visits required? How do deposits work?
Yes, reservations are required for all group visits. Important: Groups of 10 children or more must reserve in advance. Groups without a reservation may be turned away at Box Office. Due to capacity restrictions, bulk general admission ticket purchases are not allowed.
For School Field Trips: A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at time of booking. The balance is due one (1) week prior to your scheduled visit date. All major credit cards are accepted and payment can be made using a secure, credit card link via email. Purchase orders and personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment. Please leave ample time for mailing delays when mailing a school check
For Summer Camp Field Trips: Full payment of the balance is due no later than one week after reservation is made. All payments are nonrefundable. All major credit cards are accepted and payment can be made using a secure, credit card link via email. Purchase orders and personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment. Please leave ample time for mailing delays when mailing a school check. Purchase orders and personal checks are not acceptable forms of payment.
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What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a School Field Trip, Summer Camp Visit, or Group Visit?
To avoid forfeiture of any payments, you must contact Group Sales within one (1) week of your original date of visit to reschedule. New rescheduled dates must occur within one calendar year to avoid forfeiture of payment.
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What is your attendance policy for School Field Trips, Summer Camp Visits, and Group Visits?
Refunds are not granted for any decrease in attendance. Only the attendance outlined in your contract is guaranteed museum entry. Additional people will not be allowed on the day of your visit. Please contact Group Sales as soon as your attendance increases to determine if the museum has available space to accommodate changes. Attendance substitutions are also prohibited.
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What is your policy regarding chaperones for School Field Trips, Summer Camp Visits, and Group Visits?
All chaperones must be 18 years of age or older and meet the required adult to child ratio. Inattentive chaperones and/or disorderly behavior from the group or staff could result in the group’s immediate dismissal from the museum.
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Are lunches allowed for School Field Trips and Group Visits? What other information should I know for the day of my visit?
Port Discovery’s 3-hour and 2-hour Explor-A-Tours include a scheduled block for bagged lunches. Classes are divided into smaller groups and assigned select lunch times and locations. Port Discovery provides carts for storage. Food and drinks are only allowed inside designated lunch areas.
Please note, for the 2-hour tour, the total tailored exhibit exploration and open exploration time in the museum is naturally shortened if your school requires lunch. To opt-out of lunch with the 2-Hour Explor-A-Tour, please let our Sales Team know in advance during your booking process.
The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible. For resources and information to help you prepare for your visit, explore our Field Trips & Groups Experiences Page.
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What is your inclement weather policy for School Field Trips, Summer Camp Visits, and Group Visits?
If Port Discovery Children’s Museum or your organization is closed or operating on a late schedule, please contact Group Sales immediately to reschedule to the next available date to avoid forfeiture of funds.
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Are my membership benefits applicable for School Field Trips, Summer Visits, Group Visits, and/or Birthday Parties?
Port Discovery does offer Members a 10% discount off the base price of our party packages. However, memberships cannot be used towards the admission of additional party guests. Memberships also cannot be used towards group visits.
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What is the Museum’s Photo & Video Policy?
Museum staff occasionally take photos and videos at Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Entrance to the premises of Port Discovery Children’s Museum constitutes your acknowledgment and agreement that you may be photographed, filmed, videotaped or otherwise recorded by Museum staff or contractors in connection with the activities taking place on the premises. All recordings are the sole property of Port Discovery Children’s Museum. Please read our full Photo & Video Policy for visitors, members, participants in birthday parties, scout adventures, field trips, group visits, and other Museum activities.