Group Visit FAQs

Why did you change your Field Trip offerings?

In order to allow more students the opportunity to enjoy the Museum we’re combining our Group Visit and Field Trips programs.

What ages are appropriate for group visits?

Group visits to the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County are appropriate for children in 2nd grade or younger.

How many children can I bring on a group visit?

Group size allowances are as follows:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday | 48 students (2 classes)

• Saturday & Sunday | 24 students (1 class)

• Tuesday (select dates) | 144 students (6 classes)

*Please note: The Museum requires a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 4 children on a group visit (1:4 ratio).  Chaperones and teachers in a 1:4 ratio are included in the cost of the visit.

How far in advance should we schedule a group visit?

Group visits are available throughout the year. We encourage you to contact us as soon as you know you are interested to have the best choice of dates.

Do we need a reservation for our group visit?

All groups requesting the group visit discount are REQUIRED to register with us ahead of time. If you do not register ahead of your visit: you will be expected to pay full price, or may be turned away at the door due to capacity limits.

Can we use memberships to pay for our group visit?

Memberships and other discounts/passes cannot be used to pay for group visits. However, chaperones who are members may use their membership to check themselves in at the Front Desk.

How many chaperones should we bring?

The Museum requires a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 4 children on a group visit (1:4 ratio). Chaperones and teachers in a 1:4 ratio are included in the cost of the visit. Additional chaperones pay the same admission rate as students. All chaperones must be over the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18 is considered a child.

Do teachers count as chaperones?

Yes, teachers count as chaperones and will be counted towards the 1:4 ratio.

How do we pay for our group visit?

You may for your visit with cash, check or credit card. We ask that you pay on the day of your visit, we do not offer refunds for over-payment

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask that if you decide to cancel your group visit that you let us know at least 2 weeks in advance.

Can we extend our group visit beyond 2.5 hours?

We cannot extend the length of the group visit. In our experience, groups find 2.5 hours is the perfect amount of time to visit the Museum.

What happens on a rainy day?

Groups are encouraged to visit us and explore our indoor spaces on rainy days.  However, our eating space is very limited on rainy days since all of our picnic tables are outside. Please take this into consideration when making your plans.

Where should our buses drop-off/pick-up?

Buses must drop-off and pick-up in the Museum’s parking lot. Buses may NOT park in the Museum parking lot, they will need to park at the Coddingtown Mall if they are waiting for students.

Do you have somewhere we can eat lunch?

Weather permitting, your group may eat lunch in our picnic areas. Please be advised that these areas are open to all Museum visitors.  Aside from water, no other food or drinks are allowed in the Museum exhibits.

Do you have somewhere we can store our lunches/belongings?

Yes, your group will be assigned bins in which to store your lunches and other belongings. Please do not leave valuable items in the group bins; the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is not responsible for items left in the bins.

Does our group need to wear identifying clothing?

It is helpful to the Museum staff to know which students are with your group. If you are able to, please have your students wear matching t-shirts, bandanas, stickers, name tags, etc. in order to quickly identify the students in your group.

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Do you have a question that we didn’t answer?  

Please contact our Programs Coordinator with additional questions at schoolprograms@cmosc.org or call 707-546-4069