A banner titled "Field Trips" featuring a montage of children playing in the musuem: a girl in airflow alley, kinds in teh vet clinic, a family in gilbert grill, a family doing crafts in Parrish house, and a family building with large blue blocks.

Spark Wonder. Ignite Learning. Experience Fun! Field Trips at Gilbert House Children's Museum.

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Teacher Quick Facts Guide

Ignite curiosity and foster a love for science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through hands-on exploration! Gilbert House Children's Museum offers a unique and engaging environment, perfect for schools seeking inspiring educational experiences.

A group of children and a teacher standing on the lawn in front of the official Gilbert House Children's Museum sign, which features a blue girl blowing bubbles logo.
A group of students standing on the porch of a bright purple historic building with pink trim. A yellow school bus is reflected in the front windows.
A large group of elementary students sitting and standing in front of the Outdoor Discovery Area entrance gate, which features a colorful "Discover" sign made of artistic letters and shapes.

  • Welcome & Orientation: Your group will be greeted upon arrival and provided a quick orientation to help you start your visit smoothly.

  • Easy Entry: We'll guide your group to our special group entrance (field trip gate on water street), getting you quickly into the heart of our exhibits.

  • Freedom to Explore: Your students will have the freedom to explore our 20+ interactive exhibits and engage with activities at their own pace.

  • Staff Support: Our friendly museum staff will be available to answer questions throughout your visit and assist with gathering your group for departure.

What To Expect:

A colorful graphic of the word "STEAM" (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) where each letter is made of icons like a microscope, robot, crane, drama masks, and a calculator.

  • Who: Our field trips are for PreK-2nd grade students (recommended for ages 3-7).

  • Visit: Enjoy up to a 2.5-hour maximum visit filled with hands-on exploration.

  • Cost: Admission is just $14 per student. Good news — chaperones and teachers are free!

  • Lunch: An outdoor lunch area is available if your group wants to bring packed lunches.

  • Group Size: Our minimum group size for field trips is 15 students.

  • Ratio: To ensure a great experience, a 4:1 student to chaperone ratio is required.

  • Booking: Please make your reservations a minimum of two weeks prior to your visit.

  • Payment: All attendees must be paid for in one transaction upon arrival.

Quick Info for Booking:

A group of children in green "Knight Elementary Dragons" t-shirts sitting on the ground outside. One girl is holding a handmade paper and craft-stick project.
Five smiling children standing on the historic wooden staircase inside the museum. An "Upstairs" exhibit sign is visible on the wall behind them.
A wide shot of dozens of students and museum staff gathered in the Outdoor Discovery Area around a circular green spinning play structure and a vibrant mural done by Amy Charnholm.

Ratio Compliance: Gilbert House Children's Museum reserves the right to turn away groups that do not comply with the minimum 1:4 adult to child ratio.

  1. Memberships: Free admission and discounts for members do not apply to group visits/field trips.

  2. Entry: Groups must enter the museum together upon arrival.

  3. Chaperone Requirements: Chaperones must be 18+ years old and have no additional children in their care during the visit

Important Policies:

Transportation & Parking:

Bus Arrival & Unloading:

  • Buses may circle the roundabout on Water Street to unload students into the grassy area between the green and yellow houses.

  • Per City ordinance, bus parking is not permitted in Salem Riverfront Park.

  • Buses may park at the soccer field at Wallace Marine Park.

Car Arrival & Parking:

  • Free parking is available under the bridge in front of our entrance, along Water Street, and in the east half of the Salem Riverfront Parking lot.

  • Please have students gather in the grassy area between the green and yellow houses.

Colorful sign with a yellow border featuring 'Field Trips'. Below, purple and blue directional signs say 'Let's Go' and 'Adventure'.