Step-by-Step Field Trip Planning Guide

You'll need to make many decisions as you set up your Aquarium field trip. Use this step-by-step field trip planning guide to make sure that you have covered everything. For your convenience, we also have a field trip checklist (pdf) and a printable version of this guide for download (pdf).

What Do You Want Your Class to Experience?

Please allow at least two and a half hours to visit all of the galleries, the IMAX Theatre, Gift Shop and Harbor View Café. Here are some options for your field trip:

Aquarium/IMAX combo package
Onsite classroom programs
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Guided tours
Whale Watch
Daily scheduled presentations and shows
Pre-trip activities
Scavenger hunts or other activities while exploring the Aquarium
Gift shop

When Do You Want to Visit?

We recommend having a first and second choice of dates. The Aquarium is at its busiest at the end of the week from 9 a.m.-12 noon. Please make your arrangements at least two weeks in advance.

The Aquarium opens at 9 a.m., and the Simons IMAX Theatre’s first film is at 10 a.m.

Please allow at least two and a half hours to visit all of the galleries, the IMAX Theatre, Gift Shop and Harbor View Café.

Who Will Be Attending?

How many students?
The number of chaperones needed is determined by the age and number of students. Chaperones are required to stay with their group at all times.
Assign a group leader. This person is in charge of all communication between the Aquarium and your school.

What about Lunch?

Lunch options include vouchers for our Harbor View Café, bringing and storing lunches or having lunch offsite.

Making the Case for Your Field Trip

We can help you tell your community foundation, school administration, principal or parent-teacher organization why an Aquarium field trip would be beneficial for your students.

Making the Reservation

Please make your reservation at least two weeks in advance to qualify for the group rate. Book your field trip or program with Central Reservations at 617-973-5206, email groupsales@neaq.org or complete a group inquiry form.
Some programs require a deposit. See our pricing and payment policies for more information.

Confirming the Reservation

You will be mailed a confirmation packet. Please review this packet carefully. Make sure the date, time and program match your records.
You will receive a reservation confirmation number. This number is important. Please refer to it when calling the Aquarium.

Preparations to Get the Most Out of Your Trip

Classroom activities prepare your students to learn from their experience at the Aquarium.
Our guided tour for teachers and various teacher workshops help you maximize their learning.
Kits, educational films and other materials, including live animals, are available for loan from our Teacher Resource Center.

Make Sure You Have Everything You Need

Do you have your Reservation Confirmation Letter with your confirmation number?
Do you have directions to the Aquarium?
Do you have a map of the Aquarium?
Have you printed out the daily schedule?
Do you have the bus parking permit from your confirmation package?
Do you have the bus parking directions and pricing?
Do you have materials for field trip activities (scavenger hunts, etc.)? Do you have pens, pencils and a hard writing surface for every student?
Do you have your signed student behavior contract? If you do not bring this contract with you on the date of your visit, we will give you one at the time of check-in and ask that you read and sign it before your group enters.
Have you made your deposit? Final payment will be due upon arrival.