field trips
PLEASE NOTE: CML has postponed all field trips until further notice. Please check our website again in January 2021 for updates on when the program will resume.
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. 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. 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 will discover the wonder of water as they navigate boats through the Charleston Harbor in WaterWise!
Ready to plan your field trip?
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For a discounted rate of $7 per child ($9/Non-SC Residents), complete our Field Trip Request Form. PLEASE NOTE: CML has postponed all field trips through the end of Summer 2020. CML will revisit all field trip requests for Fall 2020 at the end of summer.
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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.
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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! Choose from one of the following or contact us to create a custom program.
Use the Force (and Motion) – Students participate in a variety of activities in which they explore the affects of pushes, pulls, gravity and friction on objects. Recommended for grades 2 and 5; SC Science Standards 2.P.4A and 5.P.5A.
Lettuce Learn: Plants & the Water Cycle – Students explore the needs of plants, the water cycle and water as a natural resource. Recommended for grades 1 and 4; SC Science Standards 1.L.5, 1.E.4B and 4.E.2A.
Light & Shadows – Inspired by the story Moonbear’s Shadow, students explore light, shadows and the movement of the sun. Recommended for grade 1; SC Science Standards 1.P.2A.
Sun & Moon – Observe the sun and moon’s movements in the sky and demonstrate the moon’s phases. Recommended for grade 1; SC Science Standards 1.E.3A.
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.
Super Hero Science – Students are introduced to scientific tools and learn to make predictions and observations of a chemical reaction. Recommended for early childhood, pre-K and K.
Float Your Boat – Students investigate floating and sinking. Recommended for early childhood, pre-K and K.
Tinkering with Trees + Math – Students use fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and mathematical thinking to create patterns, match colors and create artwork. Recommended for early childhood and pre-K.
The following programs may be offered as individual sessions or as an Enrichment Residency in which CML will visit on a regularly scheduled basis to offer a series of sessions.
Full STEAM Ahead – Integrating the arts into science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities encourage creativity and foster a deeper understanding of the content. Recommended for grades pre-K – 5; activities address SC Science Standards.
Mini Masterpieces – Students are introduced to artists, their work and their methods to inspire the next generation of artists and creative thinkers. Children create their own works of art using the learned techniques. Recommended for grades pre-K – 5; activities address SC Visual Arts Standard 3.
If your class is interested in having CML come to YOU, learn more about our Enrichment on the Go!
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 may 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 our field trip reservation request form here. 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 $7 per SC Residents ($9/Non-SC Residents).
Do teachers count as chaperones?
Yes, teachers count as chaperones and will be counted towards the 1:5 ratio.
Are there discounts for Title One schools?
Discounts are 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. 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.
