FAQ for Field Trips (Self-Guided)
If you have any questions please call our group booking office Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 480-644-3553 or email azmnhgroups@mesaaz.gov
FAQ
How long do average field trips last?
Most school groups come for around 1.5-2 hours.
What are your hours of operation?
The Museum opening hours are 10 am to 5 pm. The Explore More program is held an hour before opening; from 9am to 10am (Please see special criteria for Explore More Programs under Field Trips).
Is there a place to eat lunch?
Not inside the museum. We allow water bottles, but do not have a lunch facility, and there is no food or other drinks allowed in the galleries. Water fountains are available throughout the museum. Pioneer Park is a city park ½ mile away with bus parking and large ramadas.
Can I leave the museum once my students are inside?
Teachers and chaperones must stay on museum premises for the duration of the filed trip.
How far in advance do we need to book a field trip?
We do book up, so we recommend at least 2 weeks before your field trip. Please note that April and May are very busy.
Do teachers and chaperones pay admission?
Yes, admission is paid for all visitors attending the field trip.
Can field trips be paid by credit card over the phone?
No, credit card payments must be handled in person. Both credit card and credit card owner must be physically present at the time of use.
Can parents pay separately?
Yes, however, to receive the school field trip rate, payment must be included with the school payment. The contact teacher is responsible for gathering chaperone payment and totaling the head count.
Where do we drop the children off on arrival?
Your confirmation packet will contain a map showing bus drop off location. The students and chaperones are unloaded under the Dinosaur busting out of the museum. (Look for the bus pull out on Pepper Street near the cross street of MacDonald.)
Where can the buses park?
Buses can park near the Museum and on site at Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki. Your confirmation packet will include a map that shows parking and nearby parks to picnic.
Can we use a Purchase Order?
Yes, please send a scanned copy to AZMNHGroups@MesaAZ.gov and bring a hard copy the day of the field trip. Purchase orders are for admission only and cannot be used for Museum Store purchases.
What is the student to chaperone ratio?
The mandatory ratio is 1:10, however we strongly recommend 1:5.
To maintain this ratio teachers and chaperones must stay on museum premises for the duration of the field trip.
Are there any educator resources?
Yes please visit the For Educators page
How far is the Museum from Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki?
Around 3 miles. There is bus parking at both locations so transition time between the two is minimal
Any advice for the program at Sce:dagĭ Mu:val Va’aki?
This is an outdoor archaeological experience so please let your chaperones know to come in comfortable clothes, hat, and appropriate shoes. Also bring a water bottle.
Are there additional charges for exhibits or activities in the museum?
No, your admission price includes all of our galleries and activities.
Do you ever do off site programs?
Yes, off site programs are $150 per hour. Educators bring artifacts, fossils and casts to interpret the prehistory of Arizona. Off sites are limited, please request at least 2 months prior to the program
For any further questions or to book your field trip please contact the group booking office at 480-644-3553, email azmnhgroups@mesaaz.org or complete the Field Trip Booking Request form