Information and Reservations

About Your Visit

• Limited lunchroom space is available for "brown-bag" lunches.
• Weather-permitting; outside picnic areas are available on Wade Oval.
• Vending machines are available for drinks and snacks. 
• The Museum Store stocks natural history-related toys, games, books and other gifts
• Please note that the number of students in the store at one time may be regulated.
• We require one adult for every 10 students to assure adequate supervision.
• We require a minimum of two adults per class for all Live Animal and Hands-On Workshops. Teachers must remain in the classroom while the program is presented.

Bus Parking
Bus drivers will be directed to parking nearby.

Scheduling and Reservations

• All groups must make advance reservations.
• Make reservations as far in advance as possible to ensure your first choice of topics and dates.

To schedule a Natural History or Health Education program at the Museum or via Distance Learning please call (216) 231-8002.
Please have the following information ready:

• Current school year calendar
• Contact Information
  • Teacher's name
  • School name & address
  • Phone and FAX numbers
  • E-mail address
• Student Information
  • Grade level(s)
  • Number of students
  • Number of adult chaperones (one adult per 10 children minimum required)
• Payment method (purchase order, Visa/MC, counted cash)

Note:
Teachers and chaperones are admitted without charge, up to one adult for every five students (teachers are included in the adult number). Additional adults will be charged admission.
Museum memberships and other discounts are not valid for instructed or self-guided visits.

To schedule a Science-to-Go!™ or Health on Wheels program at your school please call (216) 231-8002.

• Maximum of 30 students (K-12) or 20 students (Preschool) per presentation
• Classroom teacher must remain in the room during the presentation.
• Teachers receive a teachers' guide and confirmation about two weeks prior to visit.
• Presented in Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties.
• Schools outside Cuyahoga County must schedule a minimum of two presentations per day.

To schedule a Live Animal Assembly at your school please call (216) 231-8002.

To schedule a program at Mentor Marsh:
Please contact the Carol H. Sweet Mentor Marsh Nature Center: (440) 257-0777 or rdonalds@cmnh.org.

Cancellation Policy
To avoid the cancellation fee, all cancellations must be made at least one full calendar week prior to the scheduled appointment. The cancellation fee will not be charged if the class is canceled due to weather.

Grant Funding Available
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History continually seeks funding to cover Museum fees for instructed programs, self-conducted visits outreach and Distance Learning programs. Classes are scheduled for visits on a first-come, first-served basis until the limits of the funds are reached. Teachers must make their own transportation arrangements. Call (216) 231-8002 to inquire about fund availability for your school district.

Some of the funding for the 2011-2012 school year is provided by:

• United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland, Inc. (Cleveland Metropolitan School District)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (Cleveland Metropolitan School District)
• Parma Hospital Health Care Foundation (Parma City and Brooklyn City Schools for Health on Wheels)
• Newell Rubbermaid, Inc (Summit County for Science-to-Go! and Health on Wheels)
• Community Foundation of Lorain County (rural Lorain County for Science-to-Go!,  Health on Wheels, and Distance Learning)
• Medical Mutual of Ohio (Cleveland Metropolitan School District)
• Roberta R. Calderwood Endowment (study visits to the Museum for disadvantaged students)

Program Fees

Get the best lunch on Earth at The Blue Planet!

The Blue Planet is the Museum’s café, operated by A Taste of Excellence Catering. Let them provide your students with a nutritious lunch at a great value. Best of all, up to two teachers eat free from the full lunch menu!

All lunches are $4.00 per student. For more details or to place your order, call (216) 231-4600, ext. 3372, or e-mail blueplanetcafe@taste-food.com 

Hot Buffet Options (includes vegetable sticks with ranch dip, cookie or snack, and milk or fruit drink)

• Penne pasta with marinara
• Macaroni and cheese
• Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes
• Chicken tenders with ranch dressing

Boxed Lunch Options (includes vegetable sticks, cookie or snack and milk or fruit drink)

• PB&J
• Ham and Swiss cheese sandwich
• Bologna and American cheese sandwich