Two Locations, Countless Incredible Experiences

Our field trips are free, available year round, and welcome learners of all ages. 

In Washington, DC on the National Mall

National Air and Space Museum

Visit one of the most popular museums in the world to explore the history of aviation in space, from the first airplane, to the first people to walk on the Moon, and beyond.

Reserved Free Timed-Entry Passes (Required)
Reserve a Free Group Program (Optional)

Passes Required

Field trip groups are required to reserve free timed-entry passes to visit the museum. 

If you reserve a group program, passes will be automatically reserved for your group. 

Up to two reservations of 55 people per group can be submitted for one day. If you require more than 110 timed entry passes, we suggest that you have a different group point of contact (with a different email address) make any additional reservations.

Food and Drink

Outside food and drink are not permitted in the Museum. Bottled water is allowed. 

The Mars Café is located at the lower level and open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The café has limited seating for patrons and food options. Outside food and drink are not allowed in the cafe. 

Parking

Bus parking is not available at the Museum. Buses can drop off and pick up at the Independence Avenue entrance.

In Chantilly, VA near Dulles Airport

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

View thousands of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and a Concorde, in two large hangars.

Reserve a Free Group Program (Optional)

No reservations or passes are required to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. If your field trip group is 250 people or more, please email our Tours and Reservations Office. 

 

No Passes

Passes are not required to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. 

Food and Drink

Outside food and drink are not permitted in the object display areas of the Museum. Bottled water is allowed. 

Shake Shack is open from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays, 5:00 pm on weekends. Please contact Smithsonian Enterprises Group Sales to set up group orders. Outside food and drink are not allowed in Shake Shack. 

For eating outside food and drink, a small indoor eating area is available on a first come, first served basis that seats a maximum of 75 people. 

Parking

Free parking is available for buses and 16 passenger vans in the Udvar-Hazy Center parking lot. 

Daily parking for other vehicles is available for $15 (free after 4:00 pm). There is a 30-minute grace period if you are just dropping off passengers.

Groups are welcome to leave and return. One paid parking ticket is good for the day.

Take Your Field Trip to the Next Level

Free Programs Available by Reservation

You can enhance the field trip experience for your students by adding one of our free reservable programs. 

From story times for young learners, to hands on labs and science demonstrations for learners from kindergarten through high school—there is something for any group. 

These experiences are sure to create lifelong memories and inspirations for visitors. 

Reserve a Group Program for Your Field Trip

Holt Scholars Program

Free Field Trip and Classroom Visits for DC Public Schools

This unique field trip experience is available for 6th grade students in Washington, DC public schools. 

DC students will enjoy a free field trip to the Museum or visits by a museum educator to explore topics in aviation and space that align with DC curriculum and standards. 

Learn More about the Holt Scholars Program

Know Before You Go

Chaperones

Students must be supervised at all times. The required student-chaperone ratios are:

  • Pre-K through 3rd Grade: 1 adult for every 5 students
  • 4th through 6th Grade: 1 adult for every 10 students
  • 7th through 12th Grade: 1 adult for every 15 students

Guidelines

Visit tips, guidelines, and policies for on-site programs.

Questions?

Please contact the Tours and Reservations Office by email. 

Can't Make it to the Museum?

We also offer a variety of virtual experiences for groups, connecting you to Museum resources and experts in unique ways. 

 Learn More