Group Visit Frequently Asked Questions
How do I receive a group rate?
- Organized groups are encouraged to make reservations in order to receive a “group rate.” Advanced reservations are the only way to enjoy the $6.50 per person discounted rate. Groups without reservations pay regular admission.
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What is the minimum number of participants required for a group visit? The maximum?
- The minimum number of program participants is 15. The maximum is 70.
- One adult is required for every seven children.
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What happens if my group comes without a reservation?
- Unplanned group visits are welcome but will be charged regular admission, and your visit will be self-guided.
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How much does it cost for a group visit?
- Admission fee is $6.50 per person.
- One chaperone for every seven children visits FREE. Additional chaperones are $6.50 per person.
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What do I have to do to guarantee my space?
- A $50 deposit is required within two weeks of your group visit registration to guarantee space and availability. This deposit will be credited toward the total admission fees due.
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What programs are available to my group?
- A group may choose to take advantage of one of the many field trip programs available.
- These visits must be scheduled and must take place within the established program times (9am–11, 11–1pm, 1–3) Tuesday through Friday.
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How do I make reservations?
- Call 803 400 1151 to schedule your field trip. Please allow three working days for your voice mail to be returned.
- OR – Schedule your field trip online.
- Registration will be confirmed by mail or email.
- You are responsible for confirming the number of guests 48 hours prior to arrival. If you do not confirm the number of participants with EdVenture, the party is responsible for paying for all reserved spots, regardless of actual attendance. Call 803 400 1151 to leave a message with confirmed attendance.
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When is the balance due?
- The balance must be paid on the day of your visit.
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How will I receive confirmation for my visit?
- You will receive confirmation of your visit in the mail or by email. It will include your reservation number.
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What is your cancellation policy?
- There will be a $50 fee for all cancellations made less than seven days before your scheduled visit.
- If your museum trip is cancelled due to the official closing of schools, you will be able to reschedule your trip for another time.
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What payment methods are accepted?
- Payment can be made by check, Visa or MasterCard. Purchase orders will be accepted as a form of deposit if written for the full balance due.
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What are your drop-off/pickup policies?
- Enter as a group to the right of the main museum entrance.
- Plan to arrive 15 minutes early in order to meet with a museum staff member. If your group arrives more than 15 minutes late, part of your experience will be eliminated.
- Groups are to be picked up at the museum’s main entrance at the front of the building.
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Where can we eat lunch?
- EdVenture has a designated area called the Clubhouse Café where groups can enjoy a delicious meal from McDonald’s. Tables in the Clubhouse Café are available to groups on a first come, first serve basis.
- No outside lunches are allowed in the museum. All lunch food is provided by McDonald’s. Lunches must be ordered in advance by contacting EdVenture at 803 400 1151.
- Groups are invited to purchase their lunches at EdVenture for $4.50 plus tax for a McDonald’s Kids Meal. All lunches must be pre-ordered 15 days in advance of the visit. Children must choose either a hamburger, cheeseburger or chicken nuggets. All Kids Meals are served with a drink and Apple Dippers. Adults can choose between a Chicken Caesar Salad or a Quarter Pounder with french fries. Adult lunches are $6.00 plus tax. To order, call 803 400 1151 to place your group’s order. To-go lunches are also available.
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How do I order meals for the group visit?
- Meals must be ordered and the Clubhouse Café reserved 15 days in advance of your visit. Orders can be changed up to three days prior to your visit. Open and print the Lunch Order Form (PDF) here. To order by phone please call 803 400 1151.
- Don’t forget to include teacher and chaperone meals when you order the student meals.
- Be prepared to pay for all pre-ordered lunches, including those of sick/absent children.
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What are EDDIE Activity Boxes?
- Would you like each child to bring a little bit of EdVenture home with them? EDDIE Activity Boxes are plastic, box-style totes that are available to purchase at a cost of $5 for each child. These cool boxes have handles for the kids to hold on to, and are filled with great souvenirs from EdCetera®, the EdVenture store.
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