The Museum is under construction to build two new exhibits. Construction will be ongoing through 2024 while we remain open to the public, and the new exhibits will open in early 2025. To help accommodate construction work, the Post Office, Vet Clinic, and Raceways exhibits will be modified and relocated to different areas around the museum. The Dino Detective exhibit will not be available. So things will look a little different this Fall when you visit.

When you book a Field Trip for a date in October, November or December, 2024, we'll give you 20% off your visit! Does not apply to discounted visits for Title 1 Schools.

School-Year Self-Guided Visits

Perfect for teachers or organizations looking to explore the Museum on their own.

These visits must be scheduled in advance and must have one adult chaperone for every five children. Any additional chaperones will need to pay regular museum admission, separate from the group.

Number of Children: 12-65 (maximum)

Time: 9:30-11:30am, Tuesday - Friday

Not available during NH, MA, & ME school vacation weeks.

If you are looking for Summer Self-Guided Group Visits look here >>

Cost: tiered flat rates based on number of participants.

12-20 Students + 4 Adults: $160
21-30 Students + 6 Adults: $240
31-40 Students + 8 Adults: $320
41-50 Students + 10 Adults: $400
51-65 Students + 13 Adults: $520

To Book: $50 deposit is required. If you need to pay your deposit by check, or need an invoice sent to you, please email ezaleski@childrens-museum.org. The full balance is due at least two weeks before your visit.

Book Online Here >>

Eating Arrangements: The Museum does not offer a space for group snacks or lunches. Groups are encouraged to enjoy snacks or bag lunches on the bus before or after their scheduled visit, or during the warmer weather months, at the outdoor picnic tables, playground or amphitheater in Henry Law Park.

Chaperones: All groups are required to have one adult chaperone for every five children. Adult chaperones are any adult, including teachers, who will accompany the students during the field trip. Any additional chaperones beyond this ratio will be charged regular admission to the museum. (They may use discount programs if applicable but there is not a discount for attending with the group).

Bus Parking: After you have unloaded your students by parking along Washington Street, buses can park in Maglaras Park (down Henry Law Ave on the left). 

Drop-in Programs: Due to the discounted rate of group visits and capacity limits, special drop-in activities that are available for regular visitors, are not available for groups. If you would like a special activity during your visit, consider booking an educator-led STEAM Workshop visit for your group instead.

Accessibility: Ensuring accessibility to museum experiences for all is a central part of our mission. Please visit our accessibility page for more information.

Cancellations: If your plans have changed, please cancel at least two weeks in advance. We will make every effort to reschedule visits canceled due to poor weather conditions. The $50 deposit is not refundable.

Orientation: Prepare your group for their visit by watching this short 3 minute orientation video. Please note that we no longer offer lunch or snack space for visiting groups inside the museum.

TITLE 1 SCHOOLS: If you are from a school-wide Title 1 NH School, you can schedule a FREE Self-Guided Group Visit when visiting between October and March. We also reimburse 50% of bus costs for these visits, up to a maximum of $200.
To Book: Choose the "MIR Self-Guided Group Visit" price type when booking to reserve a date/time for $0. Once we receive your reservation, we will confirm your Title 1 status. Please answer the questions about the number of participants, etc. Must be scheduled to happen between October - March each year.

What is Play Based Learning?

Play Based Learning is essentially exactly what the name suggests - children learning through play. We know children learn through play, but it can be hard to know which activities will target specific skills or learning. We can help! Check out this collection of Play Based Learning Tips >>