Frequently Asked Questions

Who can book a program? To get the group rate and book educational programs, ASC requires a minimum of 15 or more students from a K-12 educational institution. Home school groups are invited to form a group of 15 students in order to book a program and receive the group rate. If less than 15 show up on the field trip date, you must pay the regular admission rates.
How many chaperones do we need? For the safety and benefit of all visitors, we require one adult chaperone for every five students. Chaperones and teachers are responsible for the behavior and safety of their students. They must stay with their groups at all times. Disruptive or unsafe behavior may result in the termination of the visit.
What if parents are members? ASC memberships and reciprocal memberships do not apply to school group visits. Our members pay the same rate as the students in your group (advance only). Coupons, special offers, or discounts do not apply to school group visits.
How do I prepare the chaperones for the visit? Chaperones play a vital role in the quality of your field trip experience. They need to know their responsibilities, schedules, expectations, and roles. This can all be done before the field trip date using the forms available at the website.
How do I prepare the students for the visit? You can access lots of information at the website and guides will be mailed to the teacher making the initial reservation. Make sure students dress appropriately for the field trip and that they leave personal items at home. Review all rules and expectations before the field trip day. Being organized and informed is the best way for students to have a quality experience.
Can parents that are not designated as chaperones come with our group? You can include additional adults at the group rates in the initial booking as long as they pay their admission fees to you in advance. If they are added on the day of the field trip and have not been included in your payment, they pay the regular daily admission price plus planetarium and program fees. They cannot be guaranteed a place in programs with the students. They will also have to be processed after the school group checks in. It is the responsibility of the school and teachers to make parents aware of this policy.
Do you have a lunchroom? The lunchroom is available by reservation and seats 96 people. Each 30-minute slot is $15. Groups are asked to bring lunches in marked boxes or rolling containers and to clean up after themselves when through.
What if my group size changes? Get accurate counts at least two weeks before the date of your visit. If numbers change, call (615) 862-5177 as soon as possible. We cannot guarantee space in a program if your group size changes within two weeks of the date of the field trip. Adult additions to the original estimate that arrive the day of the field trip pay the regular public admission rate plus program fees (including planetarium shows) and cannot be guaranteed a space in programs.
What if our group has to cancel? Call (615) 862-5177 as soon as possible. If you booked a Lab, call no later than three days before the field trip date or you will be charged a $50 cancellation fee.
What if we are running late? Call (615) 862-5177 to notify us. It may be necessary to cancel or shorten programs, or rearrange your schedule, if possible. Lab fees are non-refundable.
How do we enter and exit? Look for ASC greeters that will do orientations on your buses or help your group disembark. Each group will receive paper bracelets and chaperone stickers upon arrival. Enter in single file lines through the front entrance doors. Verify the schedule with the front desk in case of room changes. We recommend using the School Roundup area next to the Front Desk as your designated waiting area when gathering groups for departure.
Where do we park? Buses use the one-way single lane in front of the Center to load and unload students before moving to the lower lot to park. Groups arriving in cars may park in any available spaces in the upper and lower lot.
How do we pay? Pay by check, cash, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). On arrival, one school representative checks in at the front desk with exact counts of all children and adults. The front desk staff calculates the number of free chaperones based on actual totals. Coupons, memberships, reciprocal memberships, special offers, or discounts do not apply to school group visits.
Where are the restrooms? Download a map to find the locations of exhibits, emergency exits, and restrooms. The high capacity restrooms are located on the first floor close to the front desk and on the second floor next to Eureka Corner. All restrooms have ADA approved stalls and diaper-changing stations.
What kinds of structured floor activities are available for my students? See our list of downloadable scavenger hunts and other self-guided activities to copy and provide to chaperones and students. Gallery guides, Treks, and Scavenger Hunts will be available at designated locations in the building.
What do I do if a child gets lost or we have lost something?
- Go to the Front Desk on the first floor to report a lost child. Stay at this location while staff begins a lost child search.
- Go to the Front Desk on the first floor to report lost or missing items.
How does ASC ensure student safety?
- We require a 1:5 adult to student ratio.
- Each school signs a Code of Conduct.
- Groups are identified using bracelets and stickers.
- All exterior doors are alarmed.
- All adults in building are identified as staff, guest or vendors.
What if there is an emergency? In cases of weather and fire emergencies, staff is trained to implement a plan to evacuate or move visitors to designated areas, depending on the emergency.

Expedition Guide

Learning Expedition Guide

Frequently Asked Questions