Group Visit: Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions about group visits, please contact our Operator and Registration Coordinator at (415) 339-3931.

What should we expect during our group visit?

A group greeter will meet you at the front gate of the Museum. You will be provided with a brief introduction to the museum and some general guidelines for your visit. This introduction typically lasts between 10-20 minutes. For the remainder of your visit, your children will explore, discover, immerse, imagine, and connect with our exhibitions throughout the Museum. If you are interested in a description of our exhibitions and how they correlate with the California Curriculum Standards, please download this PDF: Description of Exhibitions.

Which exhibitions may groups visit?

All groups may enjoy Bay Hall, Wave Workshop, Lookout Cove, the special exhibition space in Discovery Hall, and the Art Studios. The only space we do not allow groups to visit is Tot Spot. Tot Spot is designed specifically for our infant and toddler visitors; we enforce a height limit at this exhibition space to help keep this area safe for our youngest visitors.

Can the Museum accommodate special needs?

Please let us know prior to your visit if a child or a chaperone has any special needs. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. Entrances to all of the Museum's exhibit halls are wheelchair accessible.

How many chaperones should I bring on this field trip?

The Museum requires a ratio of one chaperone for every five children; these chaperones are admitted free. Often having extra chaperones helps facilitate in breaking the group into smaller units while they are exploring the Museum. Additional chaperones, over the 1:5 ratio, are charged the same price as the students' rate. All chaperones must be at least 18 years of age.

How do I pay?

Payments can be made in full before your visit or upon arrival on your visit date. 20% of your total fee is due at the time of reservation. Please have an exact head count of children and adults so you are charged the proper amount. If changes to your total number occur prior to your visit, please contact us. Payments can be made by check, cash, or credit card. We do not accept Discover card or purchase orders. Membership cards and admit passes cannot be used as part of the payment for group visits.

When should my group arrive?

We recommend you arrive approximately 10 minutes prior to your scheduled time in order to maximize your visit at the Museum. If you are running late, please call the Operator and Registration Coordinator at (415) 339-3931. To assist in your group's transportation, please download these Driving Directions.

Where do we park?

All parking is free at the Museum. If you are carpooling, you may park anywhere in the main visitor lots. If you are arriving on a bus, please unload your group in the bus turnaround at the main entrance to the Museum. When the group greeter comes to meet your group, they will give the driver directions to the bus parking.

Where do we meet the group greeter for our visit?

Upon arrival, have your group gather in front of the Museum and send one adult to the front desk to announce your arrival. Please be conscientious that your group is not blocking the walkway and the entrance to the Museum. Your coordinator will come out and greet your group and begin your introduction. Please have your children and chaperones pre-arranged into small groups that can split up to explore the Museum after the introduction.

How should I prepare my chaperones for the visit?

Before arriving at the Museum, make sure your chaperones know the small group they are responsible for while in the Museum.  A PDF of Chaperones Tips can be downloaded. These tips give chaperones idea on how to engage with children during their visit, as well as basic guidelines for the Museum's site.  Please discourage chaperones from using cell phones while in charge of their small groups.

Is there a lunch area at your Museum?

The Museum has an outdoor picnic area. Feel free to utilize this space. If you choose to use the picnic tables inside the Museum's site, lunch must occur during your 2.5 hour visit time. Rolling bins can be provided to store lunches on-site until the group is ready to eat. The Education Programs Coordinator will let you know where the bins will be stored, so the bins can be easily retrieved by a group leader or chaperone when you are ready to have lunch.
In the event of rain, an indoor lunch room may be available for your group. Indoor lunch spaces can only be provided during periods of active rain, due to space constraints. On rainy days your lunchtime will be assigned and your group must eat lunch within this timeslot. Rainy day lunch schedules will be booked at the time of reservation. Groups larger than 40 people total will need to book two rainy day lunch timeslots.

To maximize your time, you may also choose to have lunch before or after your visit outside of the Museum's grounds. Please note there are no places outside the Museum's grounds with picnic benches. If choosing this lunch option, you might want to bring blankets to sit on and a large bag for your trash. Some suggested picnic areas include the waterfront, Battery Yates, or the parade grounds.

Are there other things in the area that we may visit?

If you have extra time, we suggest eating lunch in one of Fort Baker's surrounding open spaces, taking a walk to historic Battery Yates, exploring the beaches in Horseshoe Cove, visiting the Coast Guard station, or enjoying the Vista Point at the Golden Gate Bridge. The Operator and Registration Coordinator can provide you with directions and information if you are interested in any of these options.

What kind of weather should I prepare my group for?

Due to the Museum's close proximity to the mouth of the bay, we are often colder and windier than the surrounding areas. The weather can change rapidly from sunny and warm to cold and foggy or vice versa. Our exhibition spaces are outdoors as well as indoors and walking outside is required to transition from one exhibition space to another. Dressing in multiple layers is a good solution to staying comfortable while visiting the Museum.