Group & Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
When are school trips offered?
The museum is open from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, 7 days a week. On weekdays in September through June, group tickets may be booked for any time of the day. On weekends and holidays, group visits can be reserved for time slots after 2:00 pm.
What is your minimum/maximum group size?
A minimum of 20 participants is required to book, and we can accommodate up to 100 guests at a time, plus their chaperones.
Are groups welcome to visit the store?
Yes, groups are welcome in Darwin & Co with a chaperone and a maximum of 10 students at a time.
What is included in museum admission?
Museum admission includes access to the main exhibit halls, Discovery Forest, Critter Cove, and attractions and programs hosted on the grounds and within the facility. The playground, nature trail, gift shop, cafe, and veranda are all open to the public as well as to museum visitors.
Please note that Darwin & Co. and Critter Cove have a limit of 10 students per chaperone at a time.
Do chaperones receive free admission?
One chaperone per 10 children receives free admission.
Does the museum provide any financial assistance for Title I schools?
Coming soon
How far in advance should I book a field trip?
There is a lot of interest from schools, daycares, camps, and community groups from across the tri-state area and beyond. We recommend booking as soon as you can.
Is there bus parking?
All parking at the museum is free. Buses may drop off at the front entrance, and can park in the overflow lot for the day.
What should students bring?
For the main museum exhibits we recommend you bring your sense of curiosity and comfortable walking shoes. For the quarry dig, each person should have a water bottle, closed toe shoes that are safe to get a little dirty, a hat, and sunscreen.
Is there a place to eat?
All groups are welcome to reserve a lunch space available in 30-minute increments. The space can accommodate 50 students at a time. If your group is larger than 50 students, you must reserve multiple time slots. Each time slot is $100.
Groups are allowed to bring their lunches, and we will store them while you are in the museum or quarry. No refrigeration or microwave is available for groups, so please pack appropriate lunches. Groups are also able to purchase food and drinks at our Quarry Grounds Cafe, located on the Upper Level of the Museum.
Are guided tours available?
At this time, the museum is mostly a self-guided experience. We do have facilitated activities with our Explorer Guides, like Curiosity Club, Storytime, and our Pop-Up Exploration Stations.
How many students can participate in the Quarry Dig Experience at the same time?
A maximum of 50 guests (plus chaperones) may dig in the quarry at one time. Quarry group digs must be scheduled in advance.
When is payment due?
On the day of the visit.
Is there a deposit?
A mandatory deposit of 50% shall be paid when you book the trip. If you cannot pay a deposit due to their district’s rules or policies, you must let the Education Manager know as soon as possible. If that is the case then, the signed contract and/or purchase order will suffice as a promise of payment.
How can we cancel or reschedule a trip?
Contact education@efm.org or call 856-284-DINO between 10:00 - 4:00 to discuss making changes to your reservation.
Do your field trips align with any educational standards (like NGSS)?
Yes, a field trip at Edelman Fossil Park aligns with the state science standards and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Standards Alignment Documents are available upon request.