Field Trips

The National Museum of the Pacific War is an exciting and educational experience for students and teachers. The Education Department at the Museum will help you explore the history and lessons of the Pacific Theater.

Important Update for Spring 2025 Field Trips

Please note that the George Bush Gallery will be closed during May 2025 as part of our ongoing renovations to enhance our museum experience. To ensure your students have a meaningful visit, we strongly recommend scheduling field trips in April, when the gallery will be partially open for viewing.

We understand this change may be inconvenient, but it allows us to prepare for exciting new features that will enhance the experience for future visitors.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming your group to the museum this spring. For any questions or to reschedule your visit, please contact our Education Department at education@nimitzfoundation.org.

When your online request is received, it will be processed and a field trip confirmation or e-mail saying requested date is not availble with some alternative open dates will be sent. If you do not hear from us within 3-4 business days, please check your spam or junk e-mail box and reach out to us if our e-mail is not located.

The National Museum of the Pacific War Field Trip Policies:

  • All field trips must be booked out at least two weeks in advance with a minimum group size of 12 students. We are closed on TUESDAYS! In Spring 2025, the George H.W. Gallery will be partially closed in April and fully closed in May while we undergo renovations.
  • Field trips are free of charge!
  • All trips require a minimum of 12 students and a maximum of 120 students. If you have a larger group than 120, please reach out to Al Spangler at education@nimitzfoundation.org to help plan for your group.
  • For grades K-5th, we require a ratio of 1 chaperone per every 5 student. For grades 6th-12th, we require a ratio of 1 chaperon per 10 students. Any additional chaperones beyond the required amount will be charged a discounted ticket of $14. If the school is not paying for extra chaperones, ensure that chaperones know they will need to purchase a discounted ticket.
  • Due to limited indoor space, we do NOT have an indoor area available for field trips to eat lunch. Out outdoor lunch space is located at the Pacific Combat Zone (one block away from the main site) and must be reserved. Be aware that our space is not covered. If you are looking for a covered lunch space, we recommend you travel to Marketplatz which is two blocks west of the museum.

Arrival at the Museum:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. Buses will park in front of the main museum at 311 E. Austin Street where a museum staff member will then greet you on the bus before getting off. NOTE: We do not provide school bus or motor coach parking in front of the main museum. Bus parking can be located at the Visitor Center's parking lot across the street or down at the Pacific Combat Zone, one block east of the museum. Chaperone parking can be found along E. Austin Street as well as the Visitor Center and Pacific Combat Zone.
  • Upon arrival, the lead teacher will give the museum staff a final count of students, educators, and chaperones. The lead teacher will then split the group into appropriate smaller groups as needed.
  • If you reserved a lunch space, you must have the bus drop off the lunches at the Pacific Combat Zone (508 E. Austin Street). A museum staff member will let them in the gate.
  • If you are running late for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. If you are calling between the hours of 7am-3pm please call 830-997-8600 ext. 241. If you are calling after 3pm please call 830-997-8600 ext. 250.

During your Visit:

  • If you are late getting to the museum due to unexpected delays, some portion of your trip may be cut short to allow maximum time to spend at the museum.
  • Chaperones must remain with their students throughout the entirety of the visit and are responsible for their group's behavior at all times.
  • For everyone's safety, no running, climbing, or jumping is permitted. Please emphasize the importance of using inside voices within the museum.
  • If your group visits the museum store, please note that a maximum of 10 students accompanied by a chaperone are allowed at a time.

We want our visitors to enjoy their experience at the National Museum of the Pacific War and expect all groups to respect other visitors. If these guidelines are not followed, you may be asked to leave the museum. If this occurs, you may not be allowed to visit in the future.

Field Trip Options:

  • Self-Guided Tour of the Museum (this tour is best for groups with 100 students or less)
    • You will have access to the George H.W. Bush Gallery, Japanese Garden of Peace, Plaza of Presidents, and the Memorial Courtyard. We also have scavenger hunts and activity pages geared towards elementary, middle, and high school that you can also partake in. We recommend at least 2 hours for this option.
  • Self-Guided Tour of the Museum w/ Pacific Combat Zone Up Close guided tour (this tour is best for groups of 100 students or more)
    • You will have access to the George H.W. Bush Gallery, Japanese Garden of Peace, Plaza of Presidents, Memorial Courtyard and the Pacific Combat Zone. We will split your group into two large groups where one group will begin at the George H.W. Bush Gallery and the other group will start at the Pacific Combat Zone and then switch. We also have scavenger hunts and activity pages geared towards elementary, middle, and high school that you can also partake in. We recommend at least 3 hours for this option.
    • If your group is under 50, you will begin at either the Pacific Combat Zone or the George H.W. Bush Gallery based on your reservation. Our Education Specialist will work with you on the planning process.

How to plan your visit!