Field Trips and Tours
Fall 2024 programs run from August 27 to December 20, Tuesday-Friday.
The Wagner Free Institute of Science provides free field trips, tours, and educational programming to schools, colleges, and interest groups. Registration for Spring 2025 Group Visits is now open! Click the button below to register. Reservations are required for all groups of 10 or more people.
Children’s Group Visits
Free lessons can be booked for groups of at least 15 students. Field trips for students in Pre-K to 12th grade are NGSS-aligned. The maximum group size for students in Pre-K to 1st grade is 35 students. The maximum for 2nd through 12th grade is 70 students.
Field trip lessons for students in Pre-K to 1st grade are 60 minutes and start with a short, interactive science lesson in the gallery before moving on to a scavenger hunt. Lessons for students in 2nd grade and above are 90 minutes and begin with an interactive science lesson in the lecture hall, followed by a touch table and themed museum scavenger hunt.
Lesson topics span geology, biology, ecology, chemistry, and more. Check out all our lesson offerings here!
Field trip lessons are free, but donations are encouraged! The suggested donation is $5 per student.
College Groups
These programs are intended for classes and clubs of between 15 and 100 people:
Short Historical Introduction: This is a 15-minute talk about the history of the Wagner Free Institute, its collections, and contemporary programmatic offerings. After this, students are free to explore the building and work on assignments as given. This is ideal for art classes. (Please note: only pencils and sketchbooks will be permitted in the gallery.)
History of the Wagner: This 45-minute presentation goes more in-depth about who William Wagner was, the founding of his Institute, history of science, and architecture. Additionally, key pieces of the collection will be highlighted on a short tour of the gallery.
Custom Lesson: If there's something your class is learning about within the history of science, natural sciences, museum studies, or education, please reach out about a custom lesson. We have an extensive teaching collection and library. Please reach out to us at reservations@wagnerfreeinstitute.org to discuss this.
A few important things to keep in mind for your visit:
The gift shop will be closed to groups. Students may order $3 or $5 grab bags in advance. The order form will be sent in the group visit confirmation email.
The Wagner does not have accessible entrances or an elevator. The main gallery is located on the 2nd floor.
There is no eating or drinking at the museum, but sealable water bottles are permitted. They can be refilled during the trip.
Questions? Email reservations@wagnerfreeinstitute.org for more information!
Museum Tours and Adult Groups
Museum tours are available for groups of 10 or more. Tours can have a variety of themes depending on the interest of the group, including Wagner history, the history of science, museum or library collection highlights, or architecture.
Donations are recommended. Fees may apply for tours outside of typical museum hours and depending on the content and length of the program. Reach out to reservations@wagnerfreeinstitute.org with 3 possible dates and times, group size, and topics of interest to book.