Once you register online, fax or mail the printable form, we will process your request. You will then receive an e-mail that will serve as your confirmation sheet. This sheet will include all the pertinent details of your upcoming visit. We encourage you to review and contact the registration office immediately if anything needs to be changed. Please bring the confirmation sheet with you on the day of your visit.

To prepare for your field trip, use our Field Trip Guide to familiarize yourself with our exhibitions. This guide also suggests themes that tie the Museum's exhibitions together and provides graphic organizers and pre and post visit activity suggestions for your class. 

When you arrive at the Museum, the leaders listed on the confirmation sheet will receive an itinerary that includes an outline of the trip as well as specific times for lunches and workshops.

Please note that an educator and chaperone should check in before the students enter the Museum.

Important Registration Information

• Your reservation is not complete until you receive a copy of your confirmation form with the confirmed date and time of your field trip.
• Please allow two weeks for processing.
• Registration forms are processed in the order they are received and according to availability of date, entrance, and workshop times.
• Lunch times will be provided on your itinerary the day of your field trip.
• Payment can be made via school/personal check, money order, or credit card.
• Full payment for workshops is due 30 days in advance of your visit unless you have made special arrangements.
• Your workshop/lab reservation will be cancelled if full payment is not made 30 days in advance of your visit.
• If your workshop is scheduled less than 30 days in advance, full payment for the workshop will be required for your reservation.

Cancellation Policy

• All cancellations are subject to processing fees.
• All cancellations must be in writing: phone cancellations will not be accepted.
• To cancel your trip, please e-mail the Museum at cancel@naturemuseum.org or fax your cancellation on school letterhead to 773-549-0607.
• Groups that do not cancel before the two-week deadline or do not show up on the date of their visit will not be refunded.

Chaperone Policy

• All school groups with children grades PreK through 3rd grade must have at least one responsible adult chaperone for every five students in attendance.
• For grades four to six, junior high, and high school, one responsible adult chaperone must accompany every ten students in attendance.
• Every adult over the recommended number to accompany a group will be charged the group rate admission fee of $7 per adult; this policy includes Thursdays.

Lunch Policy

• If you anticipate needing the Nature Museum lunchroom please be sure to request a lunch reservation when scheduling your field trip.
• Lunch reservations are scheduled on the half hour between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and according to availability.
• Please note any food allergies on your registration form in the space provided. 
• Please put all bag lunches in one box before arriving at the Museum.
• Be sure to include the group name and chaperone's name on the outside of the box.
• Lunches will be delivered to the designated lunch area at your assigned time.

Fees

• Illinois students and their adult chaperones on a registered field trip are free every day.
• Workshops and Adopt-a-Butterfly enhancements require a fee.
• Some classes may have additional materials fee.
• Out-of-state students on a field trip have a $4.00 entrance fee.
• Workshops and Adopt-a-Butterfly enhancements require a fee.
• Some classes may have additional materials fee.

All teachers enjoy free admission to the Museum year-round.  Just bring your valid teacher identification card.  We encourage you to visit the Museum before your scheduled field trip!