How To Get The Most From Your Visit

Planning Your Field Trip

Scheduling Tips

Learning Labs and OMNIMAX® films are more easily scheduled early in the school year when it is less crowded. Visiting early in the week may also help. For visits in March, April and May, groups should schedule early and be prepared for crowds.

Be clear about your educational objectives for the trip and visit the attractions that help meet those objectives. Teachers are welcome to preview permanent exhibits and the current OMNIMAX feature free of charge.

Groups must adhere to the ratio of chaperones to students (see Chaperone information). The person who schedules the field trip is REQUIRED to share all necessary information with those adults who visit Cincinnati Museum Center. It is also important for chaperones to understand their role in the field trip. Supervising students closely ensures their appreciation of the exhibits and allows all visitors to enjoy the museum.

One person must check in and pay for the entire group. Chaperones who check in separately will be charged regular fees.

Please ask about accommodating special needs or scheduling requests; we will do everything we can to ensure a great visit.

Scheduling Policies

• Advance reservations are required for all groups.
• Changing your scheduled activities when you check in will incur cancellation penalties! Call us in advance if your plans change.
• Book groups as far in advance as possible. Reservations for museum programs close two weeks out.
• Payment or a purchase order is required for check-in on the day of your visit.
• Please note that to qualify for group rates, payment must be made for a minimum of 15 guests.

Chaperones

We require one (1) adult for every five (5) students in grades five and under. A ratio of one to ten (10) is required for grades six and up. This rule must be followed in order for school groups to visit Cincinnati Museum Center. Persons 18 and under may not serve as chaperones.

All adults are required to pay admission—including teachers, chaperones, assistants, bus drivers and other staff. Remembering that a museum visit should be an educational one, all adults must be sure students understand the Museum Rules prior to entering the museum so that students are able to get the most from their visit. It is very important that all others who visit Cincinnati Museum Center also enjoy what is offered. No one individual or group may take away the enjoyment of another visitor through unruly behavior and language.

Food Service

All groups planning to eat at Cincinnati Museum Center must reserve cafeteria table space in the Rotunda for a specific time. This is necessary to avoid overcrowding and to keep programs on schedule.

Students may purchase food at the Gateway Cafe or Pizza Hut. However, to expedite service within designated dining times, we strongly recommend pre-ordering purchased food service prior to your visit. Remember to reserve table space even if you are not purchasing lunch.

Order forms for pre-ordered lunches can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to you upon request by calling Information & Reservations at (513) 287-7021. Or download the form by clicking here.

Gift Shops

Adults must accompany and supervise students in all Cincinnati Museum Center gift shops. Shops reserve the right to limit the number of students at any given time.

Gift shop grab bags with pre-selected items can be ordered ahead of time to be picked up on the day of your visit. Order forms for grab bags can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to you upon request by calling Information & Reservations at (513) 287-7021. Or download the form by clicking here.