Field Trips at CMoW: What Teachers, Homeschool Leaders, and Childcare Centers Need to Know
- CMOW
- Oct 3
- 4 min read
At the Children’s Museum of Wilmington (CMoW), field trips are more than just a day out, they’re a chance for kids to explore, create, and learn in an environment built for discovery.
Designed for traditional classrooms, childcare centers, and homeschool field trips in Wilmington, NC, our programs combine hands-on play with standards-based learning.
Whether you’re planning a two-hour visit or looking for guided educational programming, CMoW offers flexible options that inspire curiosity and connection.
The Classic: Two Hours of Self-Guided Exploration
Sometimes the best way to learn is by letting kids follow their own curiosity. That’s exactly what our Classic package provides.
Full access to all four levels of exhibits for two hours
Perfect for younger students or mixed-age groups who thrive on unstructured exploration
Students move at their own pace, making it ideal for different learning styles
Cost: $7 per child; required chaperones (1 per 5 children) are free, additional adults $7 each
Teachers and homeschool leaders often choose this option for its flexibility. Students can spend more time in exhibits like Port CMoW or Animal Alley, while others dive into art, science, or pretend play spaces.
Find everything included in the Classic field trip package.
The Deluxe: Guided, Standards-Aligned Learning + Play
For groups that want structure alongside exploration, our Deluxe package is a favorite.
Led by CMoW Educators, activities align with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (NCSCOS)
Each program includes a 20-minute lesson plus two hours of self-guided exploration
Activities are adaptable for different grade levels and student needs, ensuring inclusivity
Cost: $8.50 per child; $9.50 for specialty science programs like geodes or owl pellet dissection
Deluxe packages are especially popular with upper elementary groups studying science. For example, the owl pellet dissection program allows students to examine real pellets and learn about predator-prey relationships, food chains, and ecosystems—making life science concepts come alive.
Learn more about how Deluxe programs meet North Carolina education standards. You can also explore our Deluxe field trip packages.
Deluxe Activity Highlight: Owl Pellet Dissection
$9.50 per child for an in-depth science activity that brings biology concepts to life.
Students dissect real owl pellets to study animal characteristics, predator-prey relationships, food chains, and ecosystems.
Works especially well for upper elementary students studying life sciences.
Hands-on STEM activities like owl pellet dissection are backed by research. The National Informal STEM Education Network highlights how interactive experiences create lasting science connections.
Group Requirements and Seasonal Guidelines
To help trips run smoothly, CMoW sets group requirements and seasonal policies:
Minimum group size: 15 children
Booking timeline: Requests must be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance (earlier is recommended for popular seasons)
Childcare centers welcome: Many childcare providers choose CMoW for preschool and pre-K groups, as our exhibits support play-based learning
Off-season (Labor Day–Memorial Day): Groups larger than 50 may book on Mondays when the museum is closed to the public
Summer season (Memorial Day–Labor Day): Maximum group size of 30 children due to camp programming and increased attendance
Chaperones: One required adult per 5 children (free at required ratio; $7 per additional adult)
Lunch option: For a $30 flat fee, groups may add 30 minutes and a reserved space for packed lunches
For complete details, visit our field trip planning page.
Why Teachers, Homeschool Leaders, and Childcare Centers Choose CMoW
Educators across Wilmington and beyond bring students to the museum because our field trips combine educational value with joyful play.
Hands-on STEAM learning: Exhibits encourage exploration in science, technology, engineering, art, and math
Early learning focus: Perfect for childcare centers serving preschool and pre-K students
Opportunities for play: Teachers tell us kindergarteners especially benefit from open-ended playtime, which is often missing in the classroom
Safe, child-centered spaces: The museum is designed for independent and collaborative play in a secure environment
Customizable programming: Activities can be tailored for age range, class size, and learning goals
Inclusive access: The museum is wheelchair accessible and supports groups such as middle and high school EC classes
To see what your group can explore, browse our current exhibits.
Educators agree: field trips leave a lasting mark on student learning. As Edutopia notes in their report on field trips, connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences helps children retain knowledge and build curiosity.
Tips for a Smooth Field Trip
Our Education team has hosted thousands of school groups, and we’ve learned a few tips that make visits even better:
Book early to secure your preferred date, especially for spring trips (We recommend booking in late summer or early fall the year prior for any spring trips)
Share chaperone guidelines ahead of time to set expectations
Encourage active play clothing and sturdy shoes
Prepare students with a pre-visit discussion about exhibits and rules
Pack labeled water bottles and snacks if needed
Review bus parking and downtown parking FAQs for cars and buses
How to Book Your Trip
Booking a CMoW field trip is simple:
Submit your request form online
Have your group size, age range, preferred date, and program ready
Add optional activities like owl pellet dissection for a customized experience
From there, our team will confirm details and guide you through the next steps.
A Day of Play and Discovery
Children’s Museum of Wilmington field trips are a chance to step outside the classroom and into a space where imagination and learning thrive together.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for school group activities in Wilmington, a childcare provider seeking play-based enrichment, or a homeschool leader planning a day of discovery, CMoW has a field trip option that works for you.
Ready to book? Click here to download our field trip flyer with more information or send in a field trip request form here.
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