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FIELD TRIPS at the INDIANA STATE MUSEUM

Plan A Field Trip

Plan your *FREE field trip at the Indiana State Museum

Experience hands-on learning, 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.

*Admission is FREE for all pre-registered Indiana school groups of 10+ K-12 students and teachers with proper identification.

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, self-led tours and hands-on activities.

  • Before You Visit

    Not sure what the museum has to offer? Educators can try us out first—for FREE! Admission is complimentary for all Indiana early childhood-grade 12 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.

  • During Your Visit

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

  • After Your Visit

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

  • Parking

    Adult chaperones visiting the museum will receive a $4 discount voucher for the White River State Park garage. IMAX® ticket purchases receive free parking for adult chaperones. During the field trip reservation process, we will provide you with the location of bus parking.

  • Lunches

    Reserve your lunchroom space at the museum during the field trip reservation process. Reservations are available in 30-minute blocks and are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternative lunch space is available in public spaces or outside for overflow.

  • 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 Tools

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

  • $4/student and chaperone
  • One adult per five students
  • Teachers and teacher assistants are free for preregistered, licensed childcare centers/preschool groups (8+ 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 Early Childhood 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 school groups.

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

For more information call Visitor Services at 317.232.1637.

Admission

  • Free for pre-registered 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 group rate of $20/person.
  • Out-of-state schools are charged a group rate of $6/K-12 student and $11/adult with 10+ students.
  • Museum memberships and other discounts do not apply to field trips.
Schedule Field Trip

Enhance Your Visit

Explore K-12 Programs
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 vary.

For more information call Visitor Services at 317.232.1637.

Admission

  • Free for pre-registered homeschool 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 and youth are charged group rates of $20/adult and $14/youth (ages 3–4).
  • Museum memberships and other discounts do not apply to field trips.
Schedule Field Trip

Enhance Your Visit

Explore K-12 Programs
group exploring gallery one
girls exploring butterfly exhibit
hand pressing on exhibit

Out-of-School Time Groups

Bring your students to the museum on a field trip after school hours, on summer break or during school breaks. Need us to come to you? We can do that! 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.

For more information call Visitor Services at 317.232.1637.

Admission

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

Outreach Programs

  • $200/60-minute session (max 25 students)
  • Travel Fees: 30-60 miles=$20, 60-90 miles=$40, 90+ miles=$60
  • Topics: Engineering, Art, Science or custom program
Explore K-8 Outreach 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.

kids dancing
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.

  • Cortevatm Agriscience logo
  • One America Logo mark