Field Trip Policies

Transportation

Each group visiting the Fleet Science Center is responsible for making travel arrangements to and from our location. Please be sure to schedule a bus for your group immediately after making your reservation with us.

If you need assistance, we recommend contacting the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). MTS provides discounts for advance group bookings. Visit MTS at www.sdmts.com for more information.

Chaperones

We require one adult chaperone per 10 students for 2nd grade and up, and one adult chaperone per five students for pre-K through 1st grade. Required adults are free. Adults beyond the required number must pay admission.

Chaperone Policy: Adult chaperones must properly supervise students in the group at all times during their visit to the Fleet and are responsible for the safety of the students and the exhibits they visit. Inadequately supervised groups or groups causing disturbances will be asked to leave the Science Center. No refunds will be extended. No member vouchers will be accepted for educational programs.

Please refer to the Chaperone Guide for additional information.

Check-In & Orientation

Groups are required to check in no later than 15 minutes before their first scheduled program and must pay in full at that time. If arrival is more than 15 minutes after the program start time without notice, the workshop will be cancelled. No other discounts, coupons, vouchers, or passes may be used in conjunction with the education program prices.

Your group will be given an orientation upon arrival. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone visiting the Fleet, we kindly ask that your group follow the rules. We reserve the right to remove any individual or group not in compliance with reasonable standards of behavior. Groups that repeatedly violate behavior expectations and/or are not properly chaperoned will be asked to exit the museum with no refund.

Lunches

Food, beverages, candy, and gum are not to be consumed in the Exhibit Galleries or Heikoff Dome Theater. The Fleet Science Center provides indoor shelving for the storage of lunch sacks and backpacks. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Use of these shelves is at your own risk. Shelf storage is not available on Free Tuesdays. We recommended that students not bring electronics or other items that will be left unattended.

There are no facilities located inside the museum for students to eat their lunch. Schools should plan to enjoy their lunch in Balboa Park. Please note that the Craveology Café located in the Fleet Science Center will be closed for
renovations until Spring 2026.

Reservations

Reserve early! Programs often fill to capacity, and there is a limit to daily school group admissions. Most programs require at least two weeks' notice in advance.

Your reservation will be confirmed via email by one of our Education Coordinators. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Allow for 3-5 business days before contacting them to follow up. They will provide you with an order confirmation number—only then is your program booked and on our calendar.

If you have any additional questions, contact the Education Coordinator or call 619-238-1233 x 806.

Payment Options

Payment for most education programs is due on the day of the visit. If you would like to pay before your visit, please call 619-238-1233 x 806. Payments for Education Outreach programs and Family Science Nights are due two weeks before the event date. If booked with less than two weeks' notice, immediate payment by credit card is required upon booking.

The Fleet accepts the following payment methods:

School, School District, or personal checks made out to the Fleet Science Center. (Please provide ONE check per transaction. If you wish to pay separately for each class, then please schedule an individual reservation for each of them.
Credit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)
Cash (one lump sum, large bills only please)
Purchase Orders: A mailed PO or fax copy referencing the entire balance must be received by the Fleet at least 2 weeks before the trip date. We will send out an invoice for payment once the trip has occurred.

Attendance Guarantee

Your numbers become final 2 weeks (14 days) before your scheduled field trip. You may only increase your numbers at this time, provided space is available.

Cancellations

A minimum of two weeks' notice is required for rescheduling or canceling your reservation. Cancellations made with less than two weeks' notice will result in a cancellation fee. "No Shows" will also be charged in full. You must receive written confirmation from us to verify your cancellation.