Fall Field Trips

Make your fall field trip plans extra special this year with a visit to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum! From interactive exhibits to scenic trolley rides through the colorful fall foliage, we offer a one-of-a-kind field trip experience for students of all ages. Teachers and parents alike will love the way that we combine hands-on learning, STEAM-focused activities, and interactive history to connect students to the past. This unique opportunity is sure to become a favorite for students and adults alike!

How Much Does A Field Trip Cost?

• $8 per student
• $8 per chaperone
  • One teacher per class receives free admission
  • Bus drivers are always free!

A nonrefundable $35 deposit is required to confirm your field trip and hold your date. Reservations will not be held without a deposit. The remaining balance is due the day of your planned visit.

Additional STEAM Module add-ons are available as well! Please see below for more information these programs.

What Grades Are Field Trips Designed For?

The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum is excited to offer a wide variety of on-site field trip opportunities for students PreK – 12th grade! We are uniquely positioned to give students vivid insight into one of the most transformative periods of American history. All programs align with Pennsylvania Core Standards.

What Does A Field Trip Include?

A base field trip includes:

• A 4-mile roundtrip ride on a historic, fully-restored, antique streetcar
• Guided, interactive tour of the Trolley Display Building, which houses most of our streetcar collection
• Time to explore the interactive exhibits in the 21,000 sq. ft. Welcome & Education Center
• Time to explore the playground at the J. Barry Stout Park (optional / weather permitting)

Group Size?

We require a 1:10 adult-to-student ratio for all field trip groups. Our streetcars can accommodate about 50 passengers. If your group is larger than 50 people, we will need to split you into two separate groups upon arrival. If your group is larger than 150 people, please reach out so that we can work together to plan for your visit.

There is also a 15 person minimum, or a $120 minimum required to book a field trip.

Steam Module Add-Ons

Take your field trip to the next level by adding a STEAM Module! These modules integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math into your visit. Through hands-on activities and student-centered lessons, these modules provide engaging and immersive opportunities for students to work together, think critically, and spark new interests in a fun and interactive environment.

All programs align with Pennsylvania Core Standards.

STEAM Modules cost an additional $2 per student and adds approximately 30 minutes to a field trip.

Deluxe STEAM Modules cost an additional $4 per student and adds approximately 60 minutes to a field trip.

Check out some of our brand new STEAM Modules, as well as some favorites, below!

NEW: Trolley Tracks & Towns! (Preschool, Kindergarten)

Work together to lay down tracks and build a trolley town with the help of LEGO® DUPLO® Coding Express. Students will explore cause and effect relationships, early coding concepts such as loops and sequencing, and become problem-solvers who enhance their creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.

• Program Length: 60 minutes
• Grade Levels: Preschool, Kindergarten
• Content Themes: Engineering, Math, Science and Technology, Coding, Social and Emotional Development, Language and Literacy

T Is For Trolley (Preschool, Kindergarten)

T is for Trolley, Transportation, and Ticket! Explore different kinds of streetcars in the Trolley Display Building, hear the amazing story of a special trolley’s journey, and make a craft to take home. 

• Program Length: 30 minutes
• Grade Levels: Preschool, Kindergarten
• Content Themes: Learning Through Play, History, Art, Reading, English, Transportation
• PA Standards: 1.3 PK.i, 1.3 PJK, 1.4 PK.W, AL.1 PK.A, 2.3 PK.A.1, 5.3 PK.C, 1.2 K.B, 1.2 K.F, 1.3 K.J, 8.2 K.B, 9.1.V K.E, 10.5 K.C

New: Streetcar Slime (1st – 5th)

It’s icky, it’s sticky – it’s slime! Discover some of the many brightly colored trolleys and streetcars in our collection, explore the states of matter, then use the scientific method to create your very own streetcar-inspired slime to take home!

• Program Length: 30 minutes
• Grade Level: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Content Themes: Art, Science, Chemistry, Math, History, Social Studies, Pennsylvania History

Circuits 101 (3rd – 5th)

In this electrifying program, students will investigate the electricity that powers a streetcar! Test the conductivity of various materials, compare insulators and conductors, then build a functional simple circuit using conductive dough.

• Program Length: 30 minutes
• Grade Levels: 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Content Themes: Electricity, Science, Pennsylvania History, Technology, Transportation Technology, Society & the Development of Technology

NEW: Future City Planners (6th – 12th)

What makes a city a city? What do cities of the past teach us about urban planning moving forward? Students will have a chance to work collaboratively and apply science and math concepts to come up with innovative ways to create their vision of a perfect futuristic city.

• Program Length: 60 minutes
• Grade Levels: 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10, 11th, 12th
• Content Themes: History, Social Studies, City Planning, Science, Math, Engineering, Transportation Technology, Historical Analysis & Skills Development

Brick Station

Next stop, Brick Station! Complete LEGO® themed building challenges while exploring geometry, investigating transportation, and designing unique brick masterpieces. 

• Program Length: 60 minutes
• Grade Levels: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
• Content Themes: Engineering, Math, Art, History, Transportation, Problem-Solving

Seasonal Field Trips

We also offer limited-time Special Event themed field trips throughout the year! These field trips are only available on the weekdays leading up to an event. They are not available for booking on an event day. Each field trip event has its own special pricing.

Pumpkin Trolley 

Experience a festive 4-mile round trip ride and tour of the decorated Trolley Display Barn. Enjoy festive games and activities, fall themed refreshments, and a craft! This field trip also includes one small pumpkin for each student. Additional pumpkins are available for purchase for $3 per pumpkin. Stop by the museum store and view exhibits about the Trolley Era as well.