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FIELD TRIPS at the INDIANA STATE MUSEUM

Plan A Field Trip

Plan your field trip at the Indiana State Museum

Experience hands-on learning, guided and self-led exploration and interactive adventures that bring art, science and history to life in downtown Indianapolis.

At the Indiana State Museum, we create engaging experiences for students and teachers.

Not sure what the museum has to offer? Try us out first—for FREE!

Admission is complimentary for all pre-registered, accredited Indiana school groups of 10+ K-12 students and teachers with proper identification. Adult members of the Indiana Association of Homeschool Educators receive free general admission with proof of membership. IAHE membership cannot be applied to field trips or group reservations.

WHAT to EXPECT

At the Indiana State Museum, we create unforgettable educational experiences for school groups. Our field trips are designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning through interactive exhibits, expert-led tours and hands-on activities.

  • Before You Visit

    Receive a tailored program outline, pre-visit briefing and planning tips from our education team.

  • During Your Visit

    Enjoy self-guided tours, interactive experiences and your selected add-ons—all designed for immersive, hands-on learning.

  • After Your Visit

    Access follow-up resources and feedback opportunities to extend the classroom experience beyond the museum walls.

  • Parking

    Adult chaperones visiting the museum will receive a discount voucher for the White River State Park garage. Free parking is available with the purchase of an IMAX® ticket. During the field trip reservation process, we will provide you with the location of bus parking.

  • Lunches

    Reserve your complimentary lunchroom space at the museum ahead of time. Reservations are available in 30-minute blocks and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 317.232.1637.

  • Chaperones

    A chaperone-to-student ratio of 1 adult per 5 students is required. Required chaperones are free, and additional chaperones pay the group admission rate.

FIELD TRIP Guides

young girl playing with animal toys
a young boy painting in firefly landing
a group playing in firefly landing
firefly landing

Early Childhood Field Trips

Ignite young minds with playful exploration. Whether it’s a self-guided adventure through our galleries, an interactive STEAM journey, or our outreach bringing the museum experience to your school, little explorers discover, create and learn in a safe, engaging environment.

For more information email [email protected].

Admission

  • $6/student and chaperone
  • One adult per five students
  • Teachers and teacher assistants are free for preregistered, licensed childcare centers/preschool groups (10+ students).
Schedule Field Trip

Enhance Your Visit

  • Experience a STEAM-based program with story time, sensory activities and hands-on play—or have us bring the journey directly to your classroom.
Explore Programs
kids projecting shadows on the wall for an exhibit
girl interacting with an exhibit on a field trip
students pointing at artifact in exhibit
students interacting in gallery one

K–12 Field Trips

Transform classroom lessons into immersive adventures with self-led tours and hands-on experiences that bring science, art and history to life for public school groups.

Registration is due one week prior; programming fees and IMAX® admission prices may apply. For more information email [email protected] or call 317.232.1637.

Admission

  • Free for pre-registered, accredited Indiana school groups of 10+ K-12 students (with one free adult per 5 students).
  • Free for teachers and bus drivers.
  • Additional adults are charged at
group rates.
  • Museum memberships and other discounts do not apply to field trips.
Schedule Field Trip

Enhance Your Visit

  • Add a performance, an IMAX® screening, or one of our programs tailored for K-12 students to enhance your field trip.
a family visiting an exhibit
a family looking at fred the mastodon
a group of teens exploring an experiece

Homeschool Field Trips

Tailored for independent learners, our homeschool field trips and homeschool programming offer a flexible, interactive experience that aligns with your unique educational goals—all while providing free museum admission for groups of 10+ students.

Registration is due one week prior; programming fees and IMAX® admission prices may apply.

For more information email [email protected].

Admission

  • Free for pre-registered, accredited Indiana school groups of 10+ K-12 students (with one free adult per 5 students).
  • Kindergarten students must be 5 years-old by Aug. 1 at the start of the school year.
  • Additional adults are charged at group rates, and youth (ages 3–4) pay the youth group rate.
  • Museum memberships and other discounts do not apply to field trips.
Schedule Field Trip

Enhance Your Visit

  • Add a performance, an IMAX® screening, or one of our programs tailored for homeschool groups to enhance your field trip.
LEARN MORE
group exploring gallery one
girls exploring butterfly exhibit
hand pressing on exhibit

Out-of-School Time Groups

From after-school discoveries to summer adventures, our out-of-school time programs combine fun with learning. Enjoy custom-designed sessions that captivate and inspire, extending the classroom experience beyond school hours.

For more information email [email protected].

Admission

  • $6/student (ages 3–17), with one free adult per 10 students.
  • Additional chaperones are $11 each.
Schedule Field Trip

Enhance Your Visit

  • We offer one-time visits, multi-week sessions, or weekly programs that can be tailored to your group’s needs in STEM, art, history or culture.
Explore Programs

ENHANCE your VISIT

Elevate your field trip experience with interactive options designed to bring learning to life. These enhancement opportunities let you customize your visit, creating a truly immersive, hands-on adventure that complements your classroom curriculum.

sounds of freedom performers
Immerse your students in dynamic, engaging performances
LEARN MORE
boys playing in exhibit
Add a custom program designed for your group's age and curriculum goals
Explore Programs
poster art for the movie alpha at IMAX® theatre
Bring the wonder of large-format films into your field trip
Visit IMAX®

SUPPORTED by OUR COMMUNITY

We’re proud to partner with local schools, community organizations and educational sponsors that help make these field trips possible.