Field Trips & Tours


Spring 2025 programs run from January 7 to June 13

The Wagner Free Institute of Science provides FREE field trips, tours, and educational programming to schools, colleges, and interest groups. Reservations are required for all groups of 10 or more people. Registration for Spring 2025 Group Visits is now open! Click the button below to register.

Pre-K — 12th Grade 

All field trips for students in Pre-K to 12th grade are NGSS-aligned

  • Minimum group size: 15 students

  • Maximum group size: 35 students for Pre-K — 1st grade and 70 students for 2nd — 12th grade

Field trip lessons for students in Pre-K — 12th grade are 90 minutes and start with an interactive science lesson in the lecture hall, followed by a touch table, and themed specimen scavenger hunt in the museum gallery.

Lesson topics span geology, biology, ecology, chemistry, and more. Check out all our lesson offerings here!

For Pre-K — 1st grade groups, one chaperone is required for every 5 students. For 2nd — 12th grade groups, one chaperone is required for every 10 students.

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. Available programs include:

Short Historical Introduction
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 professor-lead programming in the gallery and art classes. (Please note: only pencils and sketchbooks will be permitted in the gallery.) 

History of the Wagner
45-minute presentation 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. Inquire at reservations@wagnerfreeinstitute.org. 

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. To inquire please reach out to reservations@wagnerfreeinstitute.org with 3 possible dates and times, group size, and topics of interest to book.

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.