school field trips
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry provides enriching learning experiences and has been a favorite field trip destination for students and teachers for years. Field trips to CML are best suited for preschool through fifth grade. Please allow for two hours to learn through PLAY at CML. If a program is requested, please add 30 – 45 minutes.
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry features eight hands-on interactives, including a two-story Medieval Castle, a life-sized Lowcountry Pirate Ship and a dedicated Art Room. Made just for children, The Publix Market is always bustling with shoppers and children hone their math skills as they weigh the amount of fruit they want to purchase or count currency to pay their grocery bills. Everyone’s curiosity will be stimulated in Boeing BrightLab!
Ready to plan your field trip?
1
Complete our application form.
2
Once your request is received, a CML staff member will contact you within one week to confirm your reservation date and send you a field trip contract.
3
A $75 deposit is required with your signed contract to complete your field trip reservation.
To enhance your field trip experience, add a CML Educator-led program to your trip designed to complement your curriculum for an extra fee! A team of professional educators design Museum experiences around South Carolina’s academic standards and the national standards in science, math, social studies, language arts and the visual and performing arts to expand the Museum visit into a cross-curricular experience. Programs must be scheduled in advance. Choose from one of the following or contact us to create a custom program.
Magnetic Attraction – Explore the magnetic properties of various objects and then use the magnetic materials to complete a work of art. Recommended for grades pre-K, K and 2; SC Science Standards K.P.4A.1 and 2.P.3B.
Playground Architects – Imaginations run wild as children use loose parts to construct a model of their ideal playground and develop their own narrative story. Recommended for grades K, 1 and 2; SC College- and Career-Ready ELA Standard 3.
Freaky Furniture – Using upcycled materials, students will construct a piece of furniture that transforms into something else or serves more than one function. STEM Challenges enhance children’s 21st Century Skills, a set of abilities that are necessary to succeed in today’s world. These skills include teamwork, communication, critical and creative thinking, flexibility, problem solving and imagination. Recommended for grades K – 5. SC Science Standards S.1.
Space Lander – Design and build a shock-absorbing lander that will keep two astronauts safe upon impact. STEM Challenges enhance children’s 21st Century Skills, a set of abilities that are necessary to succeed in today’s world. These skills include teamwork, communication, critical and creative thinking, flexibility, problem solving and imagination. Recommended for grades K – 5.
If your class is interested in having CML come to YOU, learn more about our Enrichment on the Go and Pop Up Tinker Shop!
field trip faq
How many people constitute a group?
A minimum of 15 students is required to receive the group rate.
What happens during the field trip?
CML staff will greet the group, review the Museum rules and provide a rotation schedule for the chaperones. During the field trip, children utilize their creativity, collaboration, problem solving and communication skills as they explore each Museum interactive.
You may add a CML Educator-led program designed to complement your curriculum for an extra fee. Programs must be scheduled in advance.
How long are the field trips?
Groups should plan to explore the Museum for approximately two hours. Add 30 minutes if a CML Educator-led program is added to the schedule.
What ages are appropriate to visit CML?
Field trips are designed for children ages 3 through 5th grade.
Do I need a reservation to receive the discounted group rate?
Advanced registration is required to receive the discounted group rate. Groups that do not register prior to arrival will be charged general admission rates.
How far in advance should I schedule a field trip?
We recommend booking at least one month in advance. For spring dates, book as early as possible to ensure you get the date you want.
How do I make my group’s reservation?
Fill out the Field Trip Request Form. Once your request is received, a CML staff member will contact you within one week to confirm your reservation date and send you a field trip contract. A $75 deposit is required to complete your field trip reservation.
How many chaperones should we have?
A 1:5 grown-up to child ratio is required. Grown-ups within this ratio receive complimentary admission. Additional grown-ups receive a discounted admission rate of $8 per SC Residents ($10/Non-SC Residents).
Do teachers count as chaperones?
Yes, teachers count as chaperones and will be counted towards the 1:5 ratio. Additional grown-ups receive a discounted admission rate of $8 per SC Residents ($10/Non-SC Residents).
How much do field trips cost?
- Field Trip Pricing (Non-Title 1):
- $8 per student
- $8 for Adults beyond the 5:1 child:adult ratio
- $2 per student for 30-minute Program add on (room capacity 36 students)
- $2 per student for Classroom rental add on (room capacity 36 students)
- Field Trip Pricing (Title 1):
- $4 per student
- $4 for Adults beyond the 5:1 child:adult ratio
- $1 per student for 30-minute Program add on (room capacity 36 students)
- $1 per student for Classroom rental add on (room capacity 36 students)
please note: groups that are not part of a school are not considered a school field trip and receive $1 off admission if they reserve their space in advance with katrina, at 843.853.8962 x231.
Are there discounts for Title One schools?
A 50% discount is available for Title One schools. Please indicate free & reduced lunch percentages on the Field Trip Request Form.
When is the payment due?
A $75 deposit is required to complete your reservation and is applied to your balance. The remaining amount is due upon arrival for your field trip. Checks and credit cards are accepted.
Can memberships be applied to field trips?
Memberships and other discounts/passes cannot be used towards group admissions.
Can we eat lunch at CML?
We have picnic tables in the Kids’ Garden that groups may use for lunch. Please know that this area is open to all Museum visitors. Our classroom space may be reserved for an additional fee,$2 per student for classroom rental add on (room capacity 36 students). Marion Square and Washington Park are nearby and can be used for picnic space, as well.
Is there a place to store our lunches?
We can store lunches behind the Front Desk. Please consolidate as much as possible as space is limited.
Where can we park?
The City provides a number of metered parking spaces around CML for $0.75/hour for up to two hours. The Visitor’s Center Parking Garage and the Camden/Exchange Parking Garage are located near the Museum. The garages cost $2.00/hour and accept cash and credit cards. Buses can park in the Visitor’s Center Parking Garage via the Bus Entrance. Bus parking is also available along Concord Street and near the SC Aquarium.
What if we need to cancel or re-schedule?
Please notify CML at 843.853.8962 as soon as possible if you need to cancel or re-schedule your trip. When canceling or re-scheduling, we will give you a CML credit for your $75 deposit that can be transferred to a future field trip date. No-show groups will not receive a credit for their deposit.
Do students need to wear name tags?
Every student should wear a name tag with his/her name, teacher or school name and school’s phone number.
