Schedule a Program!
Program Reservations
- Reservations are accepted by email
- Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and can be scheduled through June of the same school year. Please note that our calendar typically fills for the year around the middle of April.
- Programs are approximately 60 minutes (with the exception of Early Childhood and Preschool programs)
- Minimum group size is 10 students, with the exception of Special Education classes
- Maximum group size for most K and up programs is 25. Some of our live animal programs can accommodate up to 50 students. Maximum group size for Preschool programs is 20 students.
- Planetarium and Astronomy programming will be available starting on November 18, 2025. New programs will be added as the year progresses. Our planetarium programs can seat 96 people (students, teachers, and chaperones included) per showing. We are still working on timing but anticipate 2-3 showings available for schools on weekday mornings.
- We can usually accommodate most special requests or circumstances, please ask!
We are no longer requiring reservation forms. To make a reservation, please email Lisa at lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org with the following information:
- School name & Address
- Desired program(s)
- Number & Grade of students
- Number of teachers and chaperones
- Program start time(s) (we recommend choosing a time at least 15 minutes after your arrival)
- Desired date of program (we recommend including a few dates in case your first choice is full)
- Will your group be using a picnic area for lunch?
- Any accessibility needs that your group may have
- Any questions you may have
Confirmation
Program Fees
For 2025, we have changed our fee structure to a per-student entry fee. For education programs, this will include both entry and programs. All of our environmental education and astronomy programs fall under the same fee structure. Fees are for the number of programs each individual student will participate in, not the total number of programs a school schedules. There are still no fees for attending teachers or chaperones, except for planetarium programs. Any chaperones attending a planetarium show with the group must be included in the head count of attendees and will be charged the respective per-student fee for 1 program. Siblings of any age not within the registering class(es) are not allowed to attend field trips.
On-site Program Fees
| School/Org. Group |
Per student fee 1 program |
Per student fee 2 programs |
Per student fee 3 programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stamford Public Schools PreK-12 | $4 | $7 | $9 |
| Stamford private schools and private preschools, all non-profit organizations | $7 | $9 | $11 |
| All Other Schools | $8 | $10 | $12 |
| Home School Groups (min. of 10 children) | $10 | $13 | n/a |
SM&NC in the School Program Fees
| School/Org. Group | Program Fee | Travel Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Stamford Public Schools PreK-12 | $100 | None |
| Stamford private schools and private preschools | $100 | None |
| All Other Schools | $100 | $35/day if beyond 10 miles of the SM&NC |
Scholarships and Program Discounts
The SM&NC has limited funding for scholarships and transportation for Title I Schools. Funds can vary each year and can be limited to certain target cities or programs. Please inquire as to whether your school would be eligible.
Schools booking multiple visits with a grade throughout the year or schools that book programs with three (3) or more grades are also eligible for program discounts. For more information, contact Director of Education Lisa Monachelli at lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org.
Cancellations
Weather-related Cancellations
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center programs are aligned with Stamford Public Schools weather-related closings and delays. You may call the museum at 203.322.1646 and follow the prompts for delay and cancellation information. Schools can also contact Director of Education Lisa Monachelli at lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org or 203.977.6568 to discuss cancellations and reschedules.
Other Cancellations
If a scheduled field trip or in-school program date needs to be changed, please contact Director of Education Lisa Monachelli at lmonachelli@stamfordmuseum.org or 203.977.6568 as soon as possible. We will try to arrange a new date for you. Schools not showing for scheduled programs, without previous notice, will be billed for their program.
Supervision
We request that groups provide a minimum of one adult for every ten students. We request a maximum of 1 chaperone per child. Please advise chaperones that siblings are not permitted on field trips.
Hours
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center is open 9 am-5pm Monday-Sunday. On-site programs are scheduled beginning at 9 am. We are closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
Location
The SM&NC is located 3/4 of a mile north of the Merritt Parkway, Exit 10 (old Exit 35) and six miles north of the Connecticut Turnpike (I-95) Exit 7, following signs for Route 137. Please note that buses and commercial vehicles cannot use the Merritt Parkway.