School Group FAQs
Registration
What days and times are field trips offered?
We offer 90-minute, in-person Design Field Trips on Tuesdays from 10:30-noon, Wednesdays from 10:30-noon, and Thursdays from 10:30-noon.
How much do field trips cost?
Nothing! Design Field Trip programs are free of charge.
How many students can you accommodate?
Each class session can accommodate a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 30 students. We require that at least 1 classroom teacher be present and a minimum of 1 chaperone per every 10 students, with no more than 5 total chaperones. If your group exceeds the maximum number of 30 students, you must register for a second class using a different email address.
Can I register more than one class?
Please limit field trips to a maximum of four per school.
How far in advance should I register?
Registration must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of your trip date. Available dates will be visible on the calendar.
What happens after I make my reservation request?
You will receive an automated confirmation email with your program date, start time, and important details about your trip. Please look for an email two to three days before your trip with contact information for your assigned design educator.
What to Expect on your Field Trip
How long is the field trip?
Field trips are 90 minutes long: 45 minutes is designated for an in-gallery tour and 45 minutes is dedicated to a hands-on workshop in the design studio (not necessarily in that order).
When should we plan to arrive?
Please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your field trip.
What should students bring with them on the field trip?
Students do not need to bring any additional items with them on the field trip. All necessary supplies will be provided. Should students have additional belongings with them when they arrive (i.e., backpacks, coats, lunchboxes, etc.), they will be stored in designated bins throughout the duration of the trip.
Will there be a place for students to eat lunch after?
There is no guaranteed space within the museum to accommodate the class group for eating lunch. However, on days in which the garden is open to the public, classes are welcome to eat their lunch in that space, weather permitting and at the discretion of the teacher. Should classes choose to remain in the garden, Cooper Hewitt educators are not responsible for students after the designated field trip time ends.
Accessibility
Is the field trip wheelchair accessible?
Yes. All of the onsite facilities at Cooper Hewitt are wheelchair accessible. Please inform us in advance of any physical accommodations that your students might need so that we can be prepared to provide them with the best possible experience.
What if my students require other special accommodations?
On your reservation request, please indicate special accommodations and information about your group/students in your group so we can provide the most successful experience for all participants. Sensory environments experienced on field trips are labeled on our Sensory Map. Learn more about Cooper Hewitt’s accessibility services.
How can I prepare my students for their visit?
You can read our Know Before You Go guide for step-by-step information about visiting the Museum. Our Design Pre-Visit Video prepares students before their Design Field Trip with a basic understanding of how Cooper Hewitt Educators talk about design. We encourage educators to show this video to their classes prior to their visit to encourage discussion and spark creativity.
