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.

For any questions or to reschedule your visit, please contact our Education Department at education@nimitzfoundation.org.

Once your online request is received, it will be reviewed by our Education team. You will receive either a field trip confirmation or an email notifying you that your requested date is unavailable, along with alternative dates. If you do not hear from us within 3–4 business days, please check your spam or junk folder and contact us if our email is not found.

The National Museum of the Pacific War

Field Trip Policies:

  • Field trips must be booked at least two weeks in advance and require a minimum of 12 students.
  • The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Field trips are free of charge for students and required chaperones.
    • Group size minimum: 12 students
    • Group size maximum: 120 students

Chaperone Requirements

  • Grades K–5: 1 chaperone or educator per 5 students

  • Grades 6–12: 1 chaperone or educator per 10 students

    • Additional chaperones beyond the required ratio will be charged a discounted admission of $12. If the school is not covering this cost, please ensure chaperones are aware they will need to purchase a ticket upon arrival.

Lunch Information

  • Due to limited indoor space, the museum does not provide indoor lunch accommodations.

  • Outdoor lunch space is available at the Pacific Combat Zone (one block from the main campus) and must be reserved in advance.

  • This space is not covered. For covered seating, we recommend Marktplatz, located two blocks west of the museum.

The Rescue: A Submersive Experience

  • The Rescue immersive experience is not included with field trips.

  • Timed tickets may be purchased separately in advance, based on availability.

Arrival at the Museum:

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled start time.
    • For field trips beginning at the George H.W. Bush Gallery, buses should drop off students in front of the main museum at 311 E. Austin Street.
    • For field trips arriving at the Pacific Combat Zone first, buses should drop off students in front of the museum at 508 E Austin Street.

Bus & Vehicle Parking

  • The museum does not provide bus or motor coach parking in front of the main building.

  • Bus parking is available at:

    • The Visitor Center parking lot (across the street of the George H.W. Bush Gallery), or

    • The Pacific Combat Zone, one block east of the museum.

  • Chaperone parking is available along E. Austin Street, at the Visitor Center, and at the Pacific Combat Zone.

Check-In Procedures

  • Upon arrival, the lead teacher must provide museum staff with a final count of students, educators, and chaperones.

  • The lead teacher will then divide students into smaller groups as needed for the visit.

Lunch Drop-Off (if applicable)

  • If you have reserved a lunch space, buses must drop off lunches at the Pacific Combat Zone (508 E. Austin Street).

  • A museum staff member will meet the bus and open the gate.

Late Arrival

  • If you are running late for any reason, please notify us as soon as possible.

    • Between 7:00 AM–3:00 PM please call 830-997-8600 ext. 241

    • After 3:00 PM please call 830-997-8600 ext. 250

During your Visit:

  • If your group arrives late due to unexpected delays, portions of your visit may be shortened in order to maintain the overall schedule and ensure the best experience for all groups.
  • Chaperones must remain with their assigned students at all times and are responsible for student behavior throughout the visit.
  • For everyone’s safety, running, climbing, or jumping is not permitted. Please remind students to use inside voices while inside museum spaces.
  • If your group visits the Museum Store, a maximum of 10 students may enter at one time and must be accompanied by a chaperone.

We expect all groups to respect museum staff, other visitors, and the historic nature of the site. Groups that do not follow these guidelines may be asked to leave and may be restricted from future visits.

Field Trip Options:

Self-Guided Tour of the Museum (Recommended for groups of 100 students or less)

  • Access to:
    • The newly renovated George H.W. Bush Gallery
    • Japanese Garden of Peace
    • Plaza of Presidents
    • Memorial Courtyard
  • Recommended time: Minimum of 2 hours
    • Scavenger hunts and activity pages available upon request (please note your interest in the field trip form)
Self-Guided Tour of the Museum w/ Pacific Combat Zone Guided Tour (Recommended for groups of more than 100 students)
  • Access to:
    • George H.W. Bush Gallery
    • Japanese Garden of Peace
    • Plaza of Presidents
    • Memorial Courtyard
    • Pacific Combat Zone
  • Large groups will be divided into two groups:
    • One group beginning at the George H.W. Bush Gallery
    • One group beginning at the Pacific Combat Zone
    • Groups will switch halfway through visit
  • Recommended time: Minimum of 3 hours
    • Scavenger hunts and activity pages available upon request (please note your interest in the field trip form)
Groups of fewer than 50 students will begin at either the Pacific Combat Zone or the George H.W. Bush Gallery based on availability. An Education Specialist will assist with planning.

How to plan your visit!

  • Complete the Field Trip Request Form to schedule your visit.
  • Explore the campus in advance HERE
  • Discover virtual exhibits HERE
  • View site map HERE
  • Download field trip activities HERE
  • Ensure you have the required number of chaperones and make a plan to split students in advance:
    • Grades K-5: 1 per 5 students
    • Grade 6-12: 1 per 10 students
  • Pack a lunch if needed, lunch spaces at the Pacific Combat Zone must be reserved in advance.
  • Come ready to have fun and explore!

If you have any questions about field trips or our campus, contact us at education@nimitzfoundation.org