School Visit FAQs

How are the tours structured?

Orientation – Arrive 15 minutes before your visit. Tardy groups do not receive extended visit time.   

  • Field trip orientation will happen on the bus! Do not have students disembark until after your group receives your stickers and orientation from a NCM staff member.  
  • Teacher or group leader must go to the Welcome Desk for check-in (see Main Entrance on map) 15 minutes before visit to notify staff of arrival, report attendance, and settle payment. Do not use the Union Street entrance.   
  • Visits are limited only to scheduled time – there is no post-visit Museum access. 

Self-Guided Museum Tour – Your 2-hour tour will consist of a self-guided visit throughout the Museum. During your orientation, you will receive a Play Guide to support your experience and provide information about the installations to explore and visit. For safety and experience reasons, not all areas of the Museum may be accessible to self-guided groups. 

 Note: This type of tour is encouraged for groups that want to explore at their own pace.  

Guided Art + Play Visit – This 2-hour tour is led by a Teaching Artist and consists of a 1-hour highlights tour of the Museum installations with a chance to engage in discussion and play with the various artworks as well as 1-hour of artmaking. Students will create their own open-ended art projects inspired by installations in the Museum! 

Note: Tour groups are limited to their 2-hour session time and may not return to the installations after tour time is completed 

What if my group has special needs or a specific language requirement?

We require one chaperone for every five students. A 1:1 ratio is acceptable for groups with special needs or Head Start programs. A Teaching Artist is on hand in guided tours to provide a tour of the spaces, but chaperones and classroom teachers are responsible for the behavior of their group and any necessary discipline or class management. Chaperones are expected to support the School Visit and assist students in remaining attentive and engaged. Please add any accommodations or language needs when registering your class. We have Spanish Play Guides and Maps upon request.  

How do I pay?

At check-in, Museum staff will calculate your fee based on attendance and will collect payments via cash, check, or credit card. If you cannot pay the day of the visit, please request an invoice ahead of time. We don’t accept guest passes, memberships, or coupons.   

Payment is due by or within 7 days after the visit. We do not issue refunds. Extra funds paid in advance will go towards supporting the many programs offered by the museum. 

 Checks should be made payable to The New Children’s Museum.  

You may also pay ahead of time by contacting our Education Team at eduaction@thinkplaycreate.org. 

What is your cancellation policy?

If you must cancel your tour, please do so at least 14 days in advance. No shows and last-minute cancellations may be denied future visit requests. 

Is there a space for groups to eat their lunches while at the Museum?

Yes, groups may eat in the park across the street from the Museum. The park includes a swing and grassy area. If students bring their lunch to eat after the tour, we will collect them to store while your group is on the tour. We ask that you do not send your students with money. 

Can you tell me about parking and bus drop-off?

School bus drop-off: Direct your bus driver to drop off students on Island Avenue in front of the Museum before the cross walk and the Museum entrance. This is the only designated bus parking location. 

Chaperone car parking: The Museum’s on-site parking garage has a daily rate of $20 per vehicle. It is located on Front Street just south of Market Street. Proceeding south on Front Street, after crossing Market Street you will see Richard Walkers Pancake House on the right hand side; turn immediately into the driveway past the restaurant and turn right again into the underground parking garage. Metered parking is also encouraged as the garage is subject to reach capacity. 

Follow links for more information on additional parking in the area, public transportation via San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and detailed directions.

How do I prepare my class for an in-person tour?

Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of a free pre-visit to the Museum to become familiar with the Museum’s layout, visit our website to view our current installations.

The New Children’s Museum is always offering something new! During your visit, the Museum may close specific installations for construction or maintenance. Tours will not be refunded for such closures. Guided and Self-Guided visitors will be advised on alternative options for play.