The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is excited to offer a wide variety of on-site field trip opportunities for students PreK – 12th grade. Book your winter and spring field trips now and be among some of the first to check out our brand new 21,000 sq. ft. Welcome and Education Center, which features brand-new, hands-on, STEAM-centered exhibits, a dedicated classroom, event rental space, and an even bigger and better museum store!

Can’t make it here in person? No problem! We also offer off-site educational programs. All programs align with Pennsylvania Core Standards.

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum encourages requests from schools, after-school groups, preschools, homeschool groups, libraries, youth organizations, or other educational groups such as Scouts or summer camps.

How long does a typical field trip take? 

A regular field trip takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. This includes time to view the museum’s Welcome and Education Center’s hands-on exhibits and displays, an interactive guided tour of our Trolley Display Barn, and a ride on one of our historic streetcars! STEAM Modules are also available for an additional cost – these modules add either 30 or 60 minutes of hands-on, student-centered classroom activities to your field trip.

 

How many students can attend a field trip?

We require a 15-student minimum for on-site field trips. A single trolley can seat approximately 50 people. For larger groups, we can schedule multiple trolleys and will split your group accordingly.

Off-site educational programs are designed for a single classroom of students, or approximately a maximum of about 30-35 students.

 

How many chaperones should we plan on? 

We require a 1:10 adult-to-student ratio for all groups. Chaperones must remain with the group at all times. Please model and encourage good behavior and engage with students and staff to provide guidance and encouragement throughout the visit. We ask you to please silence your cell phones and keep calls and texting to a minimum, as they serve as distractions and detract from the overall group experience. 

 

What availability is there for field trips? 

Field trips are available Monday through Friday, starting at 9:00 AM. We offer regular field trips January – November.

Please note that there are several times during the year when special events may be happening, during which time regular field trips will not be available. However, we do offer special event-themed field trips! More information about these special field trips can be found directly on the in-person field trips page.

Field trips are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will do our best to accommodate your requested date and time. When making a request, please submit your preferred date as well as a back-up date.

 

When is payment due?

A $150 nonrefundable deposit is required to confirm all field trip reservations. Reservations will not be held without a deposit. The remaining balance is due by the day of your field trip. 

 

What kind of payment is accepted?

We can accept cash, check, or online and in-person payment with a credit card. Field trip group payment must be paid in a single payment, and participants cannot pay the Museum individually.

 

Do we need to make a reservation? 

Yes! Field trip packages are not available unless your group registers with us. Our museum is also closed to the public during much of the school year. 

 

How do I register my group for a field trip?

Fill out our Field Trip Request Form! You can also call the museum at 724-228-9256 ext. 6011. 

 

How far ahead should I submit my field trip request?

We request that you submit your request at least four weeks before your intended trip. Spots fill up fast, and dates and times are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

 

Are there any scholarships available to help cover the costs of a field trip? 

We do have some scholarships available for school districts in need. For more information and to find out if you qualify, please contact us directly.

 

What if we need to cancel our field trip? 

If you are unable to keep your field trip reservation, please contact the Educator at 724-228-9256 ext. 6011 or by emailing education@patrolley.org as soon as possible. We will be happy to work with you to try and reschedule your field trip, if possible. Please note that the $100 deposit is nonrefundable.

 

What happens in the event of inclement weather? 

We may need to cancel your field trip due to hazardous weather. In the event that this happens, we will reach out to you ASAP with that decision. We will do our best to reschedule your field trip to an alternative date, but in the event that we cannot reschedule, you will receive a full refund for any payment made.

How much does a field trip cost?

A field trip to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is $10.00 per student and $10.00 per chaperone. STEAM Module add-ons are an additional $2.00 per student. Deluxe STEAM Module add-ons are an additional $4.00 per student.

 

Is food/drink permitted during a field trip?

While we do permit outside food to be brought to the museum, no food or drink is allowed inside of the Trolley Display Barn or on any of our trolleys. Please wait until after your field trip has concluded to enjoy any snacks, food, or beverages.

 

Are there lunch accommodations available? 

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum does not provide any food or drink to education groups. Groups are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch and eat at the museum’s outdoor picnic area. Indoor seating may be available upon request at an additional cost; however, please note that this space may not be available on the date of your field trip. Refrigerators and microwaves are not available. 

 

Is food available for purchase at your museum?

We currently do not have a cafeteria or any other food options available at our museum. Small snack items available are also available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop. If you are interested in a ordering food or setting up a catered lunch for your group, please email education@patrolley.org to hear what options are available to museum groups. 

 

Is storage available?

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum does not have anywhere for items to be stored during field trips. All personal items (hats, coats, backpacks, etc.), lunchboxes, and valuables should be kept with your group at all times. The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

 

What should we expect when our group arrives? 

If arriving by school bus or large group transportation, please keep students and adults on the vehicle until greeted by PTM Staff. We will welcome your group and provide instructions about the visit. If arriving in individual vehicles, please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your group’s starting time.

 

What if we’re running late? 

Please try your best to be on time. Late arrivals can disrupt both your schedule and ours. However, we understand that sometimes things happen that are out of your control. If you are running late, please contact the museum at 724-228-9256 and let us know what your approximate arrival time will be. The museum cannot guarantee the full experience for late arrivals.

 

Are there restrooms available?

Restrooms are located in the Welcome and Education Center. We also have a Family Restroom available as well. Time will be allotted upon arrival for the use of restrooms prior to the start of the program. 

Can we receive a raincheck or refund for anyone who is absent on the day of the field trip?

Unfortunately, refunds will not be issued for absent students, chaperones, or other group members who do not attend on the scheduled day. We are unable to offer rainchecks or passes for a future visit. Please confirm your group numbers before your final payment is submitted, which can be paid the day of your visit.

 

Are field trips accessible? 

Yes! All field trip programs are fully adaptable for persons with disabilities. When booking a field trip, please note any accessibility requests or contact us directly in order to work together to ensure a great experience for all. For more information on accessibility, please visit our Accessibility page.

 

How should we dress for our upcoming field trip?

All field trip participants, both students and adults, should dress for comfort and for weather. Some portions of the field trip will be outside. Field trips are an active experience. Our antique trolleys have high steps. We strongly recommend comfortable, closed-toed shoes and discourage flip-flops, high heels, or dress shoes. 

 

Will the Museum Gift Shop be open during our visit? 

The Museum Gift Shop is available during the school year (September – May) by advanced request only. If interested in having the store open for your group, please ask when making your reservation and we will be happy to have the gift shop open.