FIELD TRIPS

Where learning meets play - outside of the classroom!

Field trips at TCMU-Spartanburg are for 3K to 2nd grade students.

Self-Guided Field Trips at TCMU

Self-guided field trips at TCMU offer a unique way for students to discover and learn, through hands-on museum exploration and STEAM-based, experiential learning.

FIELD TRIPS INCLUDE

Reduced admission

Digital museum guide

Digital chaperone map

15% discount in The TCMU Store

Welcome video & letter for students

Enrichment Activities

Choose between a self-guided field trip experience, or, for an additional fee, add an enrichment activity.

steamWORKS jr.

$2/child

Up to 20 students per session, with up to three sessions per group.

Enjoy private access to our popular steamWORKS classroom. This organic play experience is developed by experts in the field of STEAM.

Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis.

Lesson Plans

$4/child

Up to 20 students per session, with up to three sessions per group.

Choose from STEAM-based lesson plans taught through creative hands-on applications. Developed by certified educators, our enrichment aligns with state standards.

Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis.

Available lesson plans include:

S

Science

Oh No H2O!: 
Join us on an adventure downstream with TCMU's friend Freddie the Fish to discover how important it is to take care of our natural resources! 

T

Technology

Circuit of Life: 
Learn what keeps the electricity flowing and make a working circuit! 
 
Coding Bee Bots: 
Create and code a simple computer program that leads a robot on the right path! 

E

Engineering

Enchanted Engineering: 
This class takes classic fairytales and applies concepts to engage young children in the principles of engineering! 
 
Six Simple Machines: 
Engage in teamwork to create structures using real building materials. 
 
And more! 

A

Art

The Art of Emotion:
Discover how feelings can be expressed through art. Students will have the opportunity to create an art piece of their own to take home.

M

Math

Making Change: 
Learn how to handle money and how to make change when making a purchase using cash. 
 
How Much Does It Grow?: 
Explore size comparison and various tools of measurement in this hands-on class.

Learn more about our list of enrichment activities.

PRICING

Child

$7/student

Adult

FREE

$2-$4/student

Before you Book

Required ratio of students to adults is 7:1.

Payment is not due at booking!

For safety reasons, if 7:1 ratio is not met, your group will not be permitted to enter.

All field trips are 2-hours long

TCMU Visits Your Classroom

Field trip programming can take place in your classroom!

This programming is designed to span all STEAM subjects through hands-on challenges and creative applications.
Lessons correlate with South Carolina State Standards and are made to support your in-classroom instruction through engaging lessons led by TCMU facilitators.

PRICING

Student

$15/student

Minimum Total Price

$200

CURRICULUM OPTIONS

Science

Technology

Engineering

Art

Math

Testimonials

Programming

Want museum programming at your event?

Want museum programming at your school?

Field Trip FAQs

What is the payment and cancellation policy?
  • Payments must be made no later than two weeks prior to your visit. Your field trip is subject to cancellation if payment is not received by this deadline.   
  • No refunds are given for students unable to attend.  
  • If school is canceled on the day of your visit, you may reschedule your visit within the same school year.  
  • Arriving late to your visit may result in your add-on program being shortened or canceled. Refunds will not be given to groups arriving late.
Is there a chaperone to student ratio?

One adult for every seven students is required. Adults include teachers, teacher’s aides, parents, caregivers, etc. Any chaperones that exceed the 7:1 ratio will be charged the general admission fee.

I'm an adult chaperone. What are my responsibilities?
  • Adults are responsible for the behavior of all students during school visits.   
  • Adults should encourage children to interact with the exhibits respectfully and responsibly. TCMU reserves the right to ask disorderly groups to leave the museum without refunds.   
  • Adults are encouraged to silence their cellphones or use them only when urgent.  
  • No food, drinks, candy, or gum are permitted in the museum besides in the Café.
What are the students' responsibilities?
  • Students must stay with an adult at all times.  

  • Students should practice respectful and responsible play.  

  • Students should be kind to the museum and others.   

  • Students should have on wristbands provided by TCMU staff at all times in the museum.  

  • No food, drinks, candy, or gum are permitted in the museum besides in our café area.

Where should our group park?
  • Buses should follow the instructions on the bus parking map to enter Magnolia Street correctly and drop off and pick up students in front of the museum. Buses should then follow instructions to park in the bus parking lot until the field trip is complete. 
  • Personal vehicles may park in the Magnolia Street parking garage across the street from the museum.
What should my group expect upon arrival?
  • Buses will drop off and pick up students in the bus lane in front of TCMU. 
  • Once parked, the booking teacher should check in at Admissions. 
  • Please arrive on time! Arriving late for your visit may result in your add-on program being shortened or canceled. Refunds will not be given to groups arriving late.  
  • Once the booking teacher has checked in, TCMU staff will greet your group on the bus to speak with chaperones and students about TCMU rules and expectations.
Can our group eat lunch at the museum?
  • TCMU-Spartanburg does not have a large enough space to accommodate on-site lunches. If your group is small, you are welcome to use the picnic tables in front of the museum, weather permitting.

Does TCMU provide scholarships for field trips?
  • Schools listed on the SC Dept of Education Poverty Index greater than 50% may be eligible to receive a need-based field trip while funds last. 
  • If you think your group may be eligible for a scholarship, please contact [email protected] prior to booking your trip.  
  • Please be prepared to provide the number of students in your group who receive free and/or reduced lunch.
Do TCMU memberships apply to field trips?
  • Memberships cannot be applied to student admission on field trips.  
  • Adults who have a membership at TCMU will be allowed into the museum without paying admission. 
  • Schools and districts can also apply for school or district memberships for reduced pricing.  Please contact Catie Davis at [email protected] for more information.
What are the safety measures at TCMU regarding COVID-19?
  • Face coverings are optional for museum entry. Per CDC guidelines, it is strongly recommended that guests wear masks when Covid-19 community levels are high regardless of vaccination status. Anyone with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask regardless of community levels.

Will my students be photographed?
  • It is possible! Museum staff are often on the floor taking photos and videos for marketing purposes. TCMU reserves the right to photograph or video visitors.  
  • If you have a student who cannot be photographed, please notify TCMU staff upon arrival.
General
  • What is the payment and cancellation policy?
    • Payments must be made no later than two weeks prior to your visit. Your field trip is subject to cancellation if payment is not received by this deadline.
    • No refunds are given for students unable to attend.
    • If school is canceled on the day of your visit, you may reschedule your visit within the same school year.
    • Arriving late to your visit may result in your add-on program being shortened or canceled. Refunds will not be given to groups arriving late.
  • Do TCMU memberships apply to field trips?
    • Memberships cannot be applied to student admission on field trips.
    • Adults who have a membership at TCMU will be allowed into the museum without paying admission.
Special Accommodations
  • Do you accommodate ADA students?
    • Yes, we do! If your class has need of special accommodations, our staff will be happy to help you schedule a special ADA day especially for your students. Email [email protected] for more information on how to book this option.
  • Does TCMU provide scholarships for field trips?
    • All scholarship awards are determined based on funding that TCMU receives.
    • Only Title I Schools may receive scholarship awards at this time. Please note, qualification does not guarantee funding. If you think your group may be eligible for a scholarship, please contact [email protected] prior to booking your trip.
Parking
  • Where should our group park?
    • Buses can park in the bus lane located in front of the museum on College Street. Buses should pull as far forward as possible to accommodate other buses. Once students have exited the bus, the driver is welcome to park on West Elford Street across from the Greek Orthodox Church. Click here for a digital map.
    • Personal vehicles may park in the Heritage Green Parking deck located behind Heritage Green. It is a county parking deck with a maximum fee of $4.00 per day.
Chaperones
  • Is there a chaperone to student ratio?
    • One adult for every five students is required. Adults include teachers, teacher’s aides, parents, caregivers, etc.
    • For safety reasons, if the 5:1 ratio is not met, your group may be asked to leave. Your trips can be split into different days or can be rescheduled to another day.
    • All adults are free of charge.
    • Chaperones should be at least 16+ years old
  • I’m an adult chaperone. What are my responsibilities?
    • Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of all children during the field trip.
    • Chaperones should encourage children to interact with the exhibits respectfully and responsibly. TCMU reserves the right to ask disorderly groups to leave the museum without refunds.
    • Chaperones are encouraged to silence their cellphones or use them only when urgent.
    • No food, drinks, candy, or gum are permitted in the museum besides in the Café.
Enrichment Activities
  • What is an enrichment activity?
    • TCMU offers a variety of program and lesson options that can be added to your field trip for an additional fee. All enrichment activities explore STEAM concepts through hands-on and creative applications. If you are interested, a TCMU Staff member will help you decide the best offering for your classroom upon booking.
  • Do your enrichment activities follow state standards?
    • Our lesson plans are based on the current South Carolina state standards and explore STEAM concepts through creative hands-on applications.
Lunch
  • Can our group eat lunch at the museum?
    • Yes! If your group would like to eat lunch during your field trip, The TCMU Café is available. Upon booking, you will be asked to confirm if you will be using Café for lunch. 
    • Groups are welcome to bring their own lunches.  
    • Additionally, The TCMU Café has kiosks that offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and refreshments. Vending machines accept credit cards only. 
    • TCMU staff members are not responsible for handling or facilitating lunches in the Café space. Please be respectful and clean up all trash and wipe down eating areas.
COVID-19
  • What are the safety measures at TCMU regarding COVID-19?
    • Face coverings are optional for museum entry. Per CDC guidelines, it is strongly recommended that guests wear masks when Covid-19 community levels are high regardless of vaccination status. Anyone with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask regardless of community levels.
  • Will my students be photographed?
    • It is possible! Museum staff are often on the floor taking photos and videos for marketing purposes. TCMU reserves the right to photograph or video visitors.  
    • If a student cannot be photographed, the adult booking the field trip is responsible for informing the Field Trip Coordinator.
What is the payment and cancellation policy?
  • Payments must be made no later than two weeks prior to your visit. Your field trip is subject to cancellation if payment is not received by this deadline.   

  • No refunds are given for students unable to attend.  

  • If school is canceled on the day of your visit, you may reschedule your visit within the same school year.  

  • Arriving late to your visit may result in your add-on program being shortened or canceled . Refunds will not be given to groups arriving late.

Is there a chaperone to student ratio?
  • One adult for every five students is required. Adults include teachers, teacher’s aides, parents, caregivers, etc.  

  • All adults are free of charge.

What is an enrichment activity?
  • TCMU offers a variety of program and lesson options that can be added to your field trip for an additional fee. All enrichment activities explore STEAM concepts through hands-on and creative applications. If you are interested, a TCMU Staff member will help you decide the best offering for your classroom upon booking.
I'm an adult chaperone. What are my responsibilities?
  • Adults are responsible for the behavior of all students during school visits.   

  • Adults should encourage children to interact with the exhibits respectfully and responsibly. TCMU reserves the right to ask disorderly groups to leave the museum without refunds.   

  • Adults are encouraged to silence their cellphones or use them only when urgent.  

  • No food, drinks, candy, or gum are permitted in the museum besides in the Café. 

What are the students' responsibilities?
  • Students must stay with an adult at all times.  

  • Students should practice respectful and responsible play.  

  • Students should be kind to the museum and others.   

  • Students should have on wristbands provided by TCMU staff at all times in the museum.  

  • No food, drinks, candy, or gum are permitted in the museum besides in our café area.

I have 75+ individuals in my group. Can we all check-in at the same time?
  • 75 individuals at check-in is TCMU’s capacity.  

  • If you have more than 75 individuals in your group, TCMU staff will ask, upon booking, that you split into two (or more) separate groups, with consecutive time slots.  

  • Please plan, prior to booking your trip, how you will split up your group and select the number of individuals for your check-in slots accordingly. 

Where should our group park?
  • Buses can park in the bus lane located in front of the museum on College Street. Buses should pull as far forward as possible to accommodate other buses. Once students have exited the bus, the driver is welcome to park on West Elford Street across from the Greek Orthodox Church. Click here for a digital map.

  • Personal vehicles may park in the Heritage Green Parking deck located behind Heritage Green. It is a county parking deck with a maximum fee of $4.00 per day.

Can our group eat lunch at the museum?
  • Yes! If your group would like to eat lunch during your field trip, The TCMU Café is available. Upon booking, you will be asked to confirm if you will be using Café for lunch. 

  • Groups are welcome to bring their own lunches.  

  • Additionally, The TCMU Café has kiosks that offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and refreshments. Vending machines accept credit cards only. 

  • TCMU staff members are not responsible for handling or facilitating lunches in the Café space. Please be respectful and clean up all trash and wipe down eating areas.

Does TCMU provide scholarships for field trips?
  • All scholarship awards are determined based on funding that TCMU receives.  
  • Only Title I Schools may receive scholarship awards at this time. Please note, qualification does not guarantee funding. If you think your group may be eligible for a scholarship, please contact [email protected] prior to booking your trip.
Do TCMU memberships apply to field trips?
  • Memberships cannot be applied to student admission on field trips.  

  • Adults who have a membership at TCMU will be allowed into the museum without paying admission.

What are the safety measures at TCMU regarding COVID-19?
  • Face coverings are optional for museum entry. Per CDC guidelines, it is strongly recommended that guests wear masks when Covid-19 community levels are high regardless of vaccination status. Anyone with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask regardless of community levels.

Will my students be photographed?
  • It is possible! Museum staff are often on the floor taking photos and videos for marketing purposes. TCMU reserves the right to photograph or video visitors.  

  • If a student cannot be photographed, the educator booking the field trip is responsible for informing the Field Trip Coordinator. 

Would you rather TCMU visit your classroom? Learn more about TCMU’s On-the-Go educational programming opportunities!