Student Group Visits
At Discovery Park of America, we’re proud that our mission includes providing support for teachers and administrators in taking STEAM and history teaching out of the classroom and applying it in a hands-on, state-of-the-art experience.
By contributing to an interdisciplinary and applied approach, integrated into cohesive learning programs, we are helping teachers ignite and inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers and innovators. A field trip to Discovery Park of America will be the perfect addition to any educational experience. With the wide variety of galleries in our three-level Discovery Center and the 50-acre outdoor heritage park, your field trip can complement any subject at any grade level from kindergarten to continuing education.
For more information, please email our education department at [email protected].
PARENTS AND EDUCATORS: Sign up here for an occasional e-newsletter featuring programs, classes and educational opportunities from our education department.
Schedule a Field Trip
To schedule a field trip, please click here to fill out an online form, email [email protected] or call 731-599-1115. Our education specialists are ready to make certain your students have a transformative day of inspiration at Discovery Park of America.
Thanks to the Kirkland Scholarship, students from all K-12 schools with 50% of the students qualifying for free or reduced lunches qualify for scholarships that pay for *100% of the ticket price to visit Discovery Park of America. Use this form to apply.
To learn more about the variety of exhibits you can explore at Discovery Park of America, click here.
Pricing Information
Ticket Rates
Student General Admission | $10 per student
Teachers, Administrators, School Nurses, Bus Drivers and Anyone Else Employed by the School | Free – Please bring ID
Additional Adult Chaperones Booking with Group | $18 per adult
Additional Adult Chaperones Accompanying the Group and Paying Upon Arrival | $18 per adult
Extra Rates
Special Attractions | $6.99 per person, or pick two for $10.99 per person. Find more information about Attractions here.
Lunch Room Rental | $30 for a half-hour slot.
Educational Lessons | $1 per person.
Other Educational Opportunities
Homeschool Options
Discovery Park is the perfect place for unlimited learning opportunities. With exhibits and interactive, hands-on experiences focused on science, transportation, technology, history, art and more, you literally never know what inspiration you’ll discover around every corner. Every month, we offer a homeschool day for students. For more information about this program, click here.
Foster Family Tickets
In addition to student groups, the Kirkland Scholarship also covers 100% of the ticket price for foster families. Foster family general admission tickets are available at the front ticket counter only.
Kirkland Scholarship
The Kirkland Scholarship Fund offers free general admission to schools that have 50% or more students on a reduced lunch program or participate in the CEP program. To approve your request for the Kirkland Scholarship, we will need you to email or upload proof of your 50% Free or Reduced Lunch to [email protected].
This scholarship covers general admission for students, one lesson and the lunch room rental.
Scheduling Information
School Groups are welcome to arrive early at 9:30am on weekdays.
Spring & Summer Hours | March-July
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Monday-Saturday
- 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sundays
Fall & Winter Hours | August-February
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Tuesday -Saturday
- 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sundays
Closed on Mondays during August-February
Lunch at Discovery Park
We know that your group will have limited time to experience everything that Discovery Park has to offer. Therefore we are happy to provide options to allow your group to eat lunch here at the park during your visit.
You have three ways to provide lunch for your students during your trip to Discovery Park:
Pre-Ordered Group Meals
$8 per meal, orders can be placed up to two weeks before your visit. Choose between our Grill Option (Hamburger or Hotdog, served with chips, a 12 oz water and a cookie) or Pizza Option (choice of pepperoni or cheese pizza served with a 12 oz water and a cookie). Lunch must be eaten in an assigned room at a designated time.
Bring Packed Lunches from school or from home
Packed lunches can be brought from home or from your school’s cafeteria. Please pack lunches in coolers or boxes for easy transportation. Carts are available to help bring in your lunches. Lunch must be eaten in an assigned room at a designated time. Room rental is available at $30 for a half-hour time slot. Outside purchased food (pizza, fast food, catering etc.) is not allowed during field trips at Discovery Park.
Purchase Lunch at Sabin’s Cafe
Sabin’s Cafe is a small diner located conveniently in the entrance of the Discovery Park. This option is recommended only for small groups 8th grade or above. Due to limited seating in the public dining area, students will need to visit the cafe at different times. Chaperones are required in the dining area. View food menu here.
From here, you can return to the Visit page, find information about purchasing tickets and saving 10%, hours and location, group admission, lodging and visiting Northwest Tennessee. Curious about what you’ll find at Discovery Park? You’ll find photos and more information about our museum and heritage park on our Explore page and in the FAQ.
Explore more when you purchase the Discovery Park of America Guidebook on Amazon.
