Group Visits & Field Trips

All children (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. When accompanying children, one (1) adult can chaperone up to a maximum of ten (10) children. 

The museum's Atrium Café and Ocean Terrace Café are available for groups to purchase food during their visit. The most up-to-date information on the operating status, hours, and offerings can be found on the Dining & Shopping page.  

Café seating is reserved for visitors who purchase food and brown bag lunches may not be eaten within the museum.  

We do not offer storage or eating facilities for brown bag lunches inside the museum, and all food and drink must be in sealed containers if being brought into the museum. We recommend picnicking on the National Mall.

Group meal vouchers are available for advance purchase. For more information contact Smithsonian Enterprises Group Sales.

• Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed anywhere in the museum and must be kept in sealed containers. Water bottles, nursing, and bottle feeding are fine. 
• Walking and talking are appropriate, while running and shouting are not. 
• One chaperone is required for every 10 students.
• Chaperones must stay with their students for the duration of their visit.
• Running or playing on the escalators is not permitted.

The museum's entrances, exhibitions, and restrooms are fully accessible. See our accessibility page for specific amenities.

• All groups must enter the museum through the general entry line.
• To speed entry into the building, carry as little as possible (backpacks, bags, etc.).  Security checks are required of museum visitors. More information on permissible items can be found at our Visitor Tips page.