Review field trip pricing and policies below, then book your program online or by phone!
The Boonshoft Museum understands the needs of teachers in our area. Whether you are a public, private, or homeschool educator, the Museum’s programs are designed to provide a high-quality learning experience for students while maintaining the fun, hands-on atmosphere that makes out-of-the-classroom learning so enjoyable. All programs are aligned to Academic Content Standards and most include preliminary and post-visit activities.
Submit a field trip inquiry below or call 937.275.7431, ext. 125 to begin scheduling your visit today!
E-mail Education@BoonshoftMuseum.org or contact the Boonshoft Museum Education Department 937–275–7431, ext. 125 to speak directly to our friendly staff.
Transportation for field trips and group visits are available through a variety of providers including GOGO Charters, Total Charter Bus Company, and Columbus Charter Bus Company.
Our 2024 Booking Schedule:
Spring (January-May) – scheduling starts November 1
Summer (June-August) – scheduling starts January 1
Fall (September-December) – scheduling starts March 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Fees & Payment
How much does it cost to bring students to the museum?
Our group admission cost is $9.50/student at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery (minimum of 10 people), and $5.50/student at SunWatch (minimum of 10 people).
Do teachers and parents have to pay to come on a field trip?
We are able to allow 2 adults per 10 children to have free admission for field trips! Additional chaperones will be charged at the group admission rate (see above).
We require a minimum of 1 adult chaperone per 10 children to attend the field trip.
Do members get discounts on field trips?
We cannot apply DSNH memberships or reciprocal benefits to offset student fees for field trips. However, additional adults who hold DSNH memberships can use their passes to join the field trip without paying the group admission!
How do we pay for the field trip? Can we pay in advance?
Groups are required to pay a deposit at least two (2) weeks in advance of the field trip to secure their spot in our calendar (Boonshoft = $95; SunWatch = $55).
We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and purchase orders (POs) on the day of the field trip. Please make checks payable to the Dayton Society of Natural History. We can also send you an invoice after your visit!
Payments must be made in one lump sum; we are unable to process individual payments for groups.
Is there any financial assistance available?
We have scholarships available to help offset field trip costs for qualifying schools and organizations in Clark, Miami, Montgomery, and Greene counties! Please contact us to verify if your group will qualify to receive this assistance!
Group Accommodations
How many students can we bring on the field trip?
Our team strives to accommodate as many field trips as possible, and our capacity for group size varies depending on age group(s), number of reservations, and number of add-on experiences. Groups larger than 100 students may want to consider reserving multiple dates.
We often host multiple field trips on weekdays. If you are interested in making arrangements to block out your desired date, ask us about our exclusivity pricing! (This option does not restrict the general public from visiting Boonshoft or SunWatch while you are on your field trip.)
Do you have any place to eat at the museum?
Our EcoEatery Café is proud to offer a self-serve lunch package to visiting groups at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery! A catered lunch from the Café costs $7.50/person. Ask us about our menu!
The EcoEatery at Boonshoft is not able to accommodate visiting group purchases without prior reservations, so please plan accordingly. Groups should plan to pack their own lunches and snacks.
SunWatch Archaeological Park does not have any on-site dining options. Groups should plan to pack their own lunches and snacks.
Activities
What do we do while we're at the museum?
Our basic field trip is a self-guided experience, which means that you are in charge of your own itinerary! Some leaders develop their own activities to use during the field trip; others just let students and chaperones explore!
If you would like to add a structured activity to your field trip, ask us about our add-ons!
Can we do a behind-the-scenes tour?
Our backstage tours at Boonshoft Museum of Discovery cannot accommodate field trips. However, we offer many amazing workshops through our Education department that you can add to your experience! Check out our Program Guide for more information about our add-ons!
Can we see a show in the planetarium?
Groups within 10-30 people (adults and children) can access our public planetarium shows for no additional cost as part of their general admission. Our capacity to host your group during a public show depends on the amount of interest from other museum visitors. Seating is first come, first serve.
Large groups (30+ people) are required to reserve the planetarium at least three (3) weeks in advance of your visit. If you would like to book the planetarium for a private show, you can do so for $3/student! Ask us about our Space Science add-ons!
Can we meet your animals?
Yes! Our Discovery Zoo ambassadors would love to teach your group about native and non-native species, adaptations, and conservation. You can reserve our “Meet the Animals” workshop as an add-on for $3/student!
Ask us about our other STEM add-ons!
Ready to Book?
To schedule a weekday Field Trip, please call 937.275.7431, ext. 125 or submit an inquiry below.
