Planning Resources
This page provides information that will help you plan your field from start to finish. Please review your Booking Notice to ensure the details are accurate. This document details your itinerary for the day, as well as the cost breakdown your trip.
Read your itinerary closely
Make sure that you are scheduled for the activities you requested, and that you have split your groups accordingly into each of the activities. If anything needs to be corrected, contact the Reservation Center.
If you are coming with a large group, we recommend splitting into smaller groups of 8-12 people to ease your navigation through the galleries. Fill out the chaperone worksheet to help organize your mini groups.
Want to visit for FREE to pre-plan your visit?
Once your trip has been scheduled, contact the reservation center to arrange a visit for yourself and other staff members that will be attending your group trip.
Parking Information
The Connecticut Science Center does not own nor operate the parking garage. We recommend bus parking at an open lot down the street – it costs $12 per bus, which can be paid in cash or credit card at the automated pay station. We will provide directions to your bus driver when you arrive.
If you have chaperones that choose to drive themselves, there is a parking garage underneath our building available for an hourly rate of $3 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour.
Wait for us to come greet you
Upon arrival to the Science Center, please pull into the bus drop-off area in front of the building. Remain on your buses until a staff member comes out to greet you. Tip: For ease of check-in, have an updated headcount (students, chaperones, and teachers) prepared for our staff.
- Our team will review your schedule for the day, as well as distribute chaperone tags. Students must remain with their chaperones for the duration of the visit.
- Running late? Call us on the Reservations Hotline: 860-520-2151. If you are late due to traffic or transportation issues, and miss a scheduled activity, we will do our best to schedule you for another activity, pending availability.
- Backpacks, coats, and other personal belongings should be left on the bus, as there is no storage for these items at the Science Center. If your group chooses not to leave their belongings on the bus, they will need to be worn or carried throughout the day. The Connecticut Science Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
During your visit
- Our team will review your schedule for the day, as well as distribute chaperone tags. Students must remain with their chaperones for the duration of the visit.
- If you have reserved lunch space, please note that seating is limited and often shared with other groups. Please arrive on time to your scheduled lunch slot to ensure your group is able to utilize the full 20 minute lunch wave.
- If you visit the Gift Shop during your trip, please plan to visit in smaller groups.
Boxed Lunches Available Onsite
- Reserving a lunch room is recommended at the time of booking, pending space availability.
- If your group does not have a lunch reservation, lunch can be eaten on the Riverfront Plaza, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the Science Center cannot guarantee availability for on-site lunch reservations.
- Boxed lunches may be ordered from our on-site SUBWAY at least 7-10 days before your visit date.
Enhance Your Visit
Butterfly Encounter Lab
Add a 20-minute Butterfly Encounter Program to your trip experience, where you can join free-flying butterflies at the most glorious stage of their fascinating lifecycle in a tropical greenhouse as a group.
Just $8 per student
Movies
Our movies transport students into captivating worlds, offering a unique way to explore the science that shapes our everyday lives—all carefully selected to align with curriculum standards and enhance classroom learning. Some films are offered in 3D.
Just $6 per student
Stage Shows
Take learning even further with our dynamic live stage shows! These larger-than-life performances combine energetic, facilitator-led demonstrations with stunning videos and animations on the big screen. Each show delivers unforgettable moments of scientific discovery.
Just $7 per student
Departures
- Please be sure that your entire group is ready and waiting at the main entrance of the street level (Columbus Boulevard) at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
- Buses may not park or idle in the bus cut-out area to wait for groups. Buses may be asked to circle the block if their group is not ready for pick up.
Payment Policies
- Full payment is due in advance of your trip. We accept organizational checks, credit cards, and cash.
- If you need to make alternate payment arrangements, please contact the Reservation Center.
- Refunds will not be issued for overpayments.
- Additional tickets may be purchased at the group rate, subject to availability. Please note: Science Center and Corporate memberships cannot be used for group admission for students or chaperones.
- If you must cancel or reschedule your trip, please call the Reservation Center at least one week in advance.
- For full list of policies, Click Here.
Reservation Center
Monday-Friday, 9AM-4PM
(860) 520-2150
reservations@ctsciencecenter.org
Contact Us
Planning a group visit to the Connecticut Science Center or interested in bringing our programs to your location? We’re here to help make it easy and exciting. For questions about onsite and offsite group bookings — including pricing, availability, custom experiences, and logistical support — please reach out to our team. We look forward to helping you create an unforgettable group experience rooted in discovery and fun.