•	DOODLE BUGS!: Fun activities, games, and crafts that spark creativity and curiosity.			•	SPECIAL SATURDAYS: Programs for children that explore natural history through games, crafts, and fun-filled activities.
	•	HOMESCHOOL WEDNESDAYS: Special programming for homeschool students.			•	BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Celebrate your next birthday at the museum!
	•	VMNH SLEEPOVERS: Spend the night at the museum for the adventure of a lifetime!			•	JAMMY JAMS: Click to learn more about our night at the museum for children ages 3-5.

Planning Your Visit

The Museum staff aspires to make natural history a stimulating and memorable experience. Groups will be guided through the exhibits by education staff and trained volunteers highlighting key elements relevant to your group's needs. To extend the learning experience, groups may request a natural history program led by a Museum educator. Home school groups are welcome.

Guided tours and programs led by education staff are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reservations

Reservations are required and must be made at least two weeks in advance. Groups must have a minimum of 10 students to qualify for the group rate. One chaperone is required for every 10 students.

For information or to schedule a visit, please call 276-634-4185 or e-mail us and have the following information available:

• School or organization name
• Name of contact person or group leader
• Contact information
• Number of students, chaperones, and teachers
• Grade level and number of classes
• Special accommodations
• Potential dates
• Arrival and departure times
• Program selection
• Student souvenir bags or Museum store visit

You may also download and fill out a reservation form.  Please complete the form and fax it to 276-634-4199 or mail it to:

Virginia Museum of Natural History
21 Starling Avenue
Martinsville, Virginia 24112

Group Rates

The group admission rate is $3 per student. Groups must have a minimum of 10 students to qualify. One chaperone is required for every 10 students. Additional chaperones are $3 each. Admission for teachers, required chaperones, and bus drivers is complementary. Programs are available for a nominal fee (please below). Because groups enjoy a discounted admission rate, individual membership passes and other discounts and coupons are not valid toward group admission fees. Payment is due at check-in on your visit day. Acceptable payments include business checks payable to the Virginia Museum of Natural History, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, VISA, and cash.

Enhance your Museum experience by adding a standards-based (all programs are correlated to Virginia and North Carolina educational standards) program. Programs are 20 to 60 minutes depending on what other activities are requested, and are offered for $2 per student.

Confirmation

Once your group is registered, a pre-visit information packet will be mailed to the contact person or group leader. The packet will include a confirmation letter, museum directions, exhibit map and descriptions, correlated standards, and pre-visit and post-visit classroom activities.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

• Teachers may preview the exhibits free of charge before your scheduled visit.
• Wearing distinctive name tags or school t-shirts help keep a group together.
• Encourage your group to bring cameras.
• Read the directions included in the pre-visit packet.
• To avoid delays, check-in immediately upon your arrival. Provide the Museum Box Office an exact count of all students and adults in your group.
• Remember: payment is due at check-in.
• Good behavior is expected. Remind your group that they may be sharing the exhibits with other groups or visitors.
• Chaperones must accompany students throughout the Museum. Chaperones can enhance the Museum experience by reading exhibit information aloud and keeping the group orderly.