MUSEUM HOURS:
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Field Trips
Join the list of school, preschool, camp and daycare groups that explore our museum offerings every year!
Our state-of-the-art science studios foster hands-on and inquiry-based learning, supporting your STEM curriculum.
Want to enhance your students’ experiences? Try a museum tour or a hands-on workshop! We can also customize tours or workshops to suit your needs. If you don’t see the topics or activities you are looking for, please contact us! at 716.896.5200 x323.
2025-26 Program Fees (Per student/individual)
- Group Admission- $16
- add Hands-on Workshop (Maximum size: Pre-K: 20; K-12: 30) +$4/student
- add 30-minute Zygmunt Planetarium Experience (Maximum 20 students) +$5/student
- add a 60-minute Museum Science Festival (Minimum 50 students, maximum 150 students)
- add 60-minute Science on Stage show in the auditorium (Minimum 50 students, maximum 250 students) +$3/student
- add Enhanced STEM Theme Day (per student) +$3
- Group pricing for individuals with disabilities- $5
- Group pricing for chaperones accompanying individuals with disabilities- Free
Enhanced School Theme Days
Step up your school visit! Enoy a self-guided visit with added theme-focused FUN activities for your students to build on their science knowledge in a memorable way on specific scheduled days. Due to popular demand, we are offering additional days this year. Come for the day that works best for you, but spots are limited- book these special experiences early!
2025-2026 ENHANCED SCHOOL THEME DAYS
November 12-14, 2025 : Explore You/Science of You
February 25-27, 2026: Engineering Explorations
June 2-3, 2026: Science Favorites
Workshops
Get the most out of your field trip to the Museum with special inquiry-based activities led by our team of knowledgeable and fun Facilitators. Our variety of programs that highlight the Museum’s unique resources are aligned with grade levels and the NYS P-12 Science Learning Standards. Workshops are 30 minutes for pre-K and 60 minutes for all other grades. Content is adjusted to suit each grade level.
SCIENCE BELOW ZERO (ALL GRADES)
Chill out during this super cool workshop! Using liquid nitrogen and dry ice, participants will explore the phases of matter and energy in amazing ways. A $25 materials fee applies per workshop session.
NYSP12SL Standards: 4-PS3-2, 5-PS1-3, MS-PS1-4
HABITAT EXPLORERS (SUGGESTED GRADES PRE-K)
Embark on a journey to explore the diverse habitats of exotic animals with biofacts from the Museum’s collection. Learn about the movement of animals with an interactive game.
NYSP12SL Standards: K-LS1-1, K-ESS3-1
BUBBLE BLAST (SUGGESTED GRADES K-2)
Explore the science of soap and water! Participants will experiment with bubble solution and tools and learn all about bubble science. A $10 materials fee is required.
*Seasonal Workshop (April—August).
NYSP12SL Standards: K-2-ETS1-1, K-2-ETS1-2, 2-PS1-2
FANTASTIC FOSSILS (SUGGESTED GRADES K-2)
Become a paleontologist and unearth animals that lived long ago! Participants will examine various fossils from near and far to make connections between extinct creatures and those that live today.
NYSP12SL Standards: 2-LS4-1, (3-LS4-1)
INSECTIGATIONS (SUGGESTED GRADES K-5)
Get up close to some incredible (and friendly) insects! Examine live insects and other arthropods, observing their anatomy and behavior while developing an understanding and appreciation of these amazing animals and their unique characteristics.
NYSP12SL Standards: K-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1
WILD ADAPTATIONS (SUGGESTED GRADES 1-5)
Investigate the adaptations that allow plants and animals to survive in their natural habitats. Using biofact specimens from the Museum’s Collection, explore how changing environments affect living things.
NYSP12SL Standards: K-ESS3-1, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2
DYNAMIC EARTH (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-5)
Get to know the rocks and minerals under our feet and decode clues about the history of Earth’s surface. Examine the geologic processes that shape our planet including the rock cycle, creation of landforms, geography, and more.
NYSP12SL Standards: 4-ESS1-1, 4-ESS2-1
OUR PLACE IN SPACE (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-5)
Help build a mega model of our solar system! Along the way, participants will explore the many shapes, sizes, similarities and differences of celestial bodies near and far. Be a star and expand your learning horizons!
NYSP12SL Standards: 2-ESS2-3, 3-PS2-2, 4-ESS2-2, 5-ESS1-1
CHEM QUEST (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-8)
Inspire the inner chemist in your students! Discover chemical properties by experimenting with acids and bases, making mini explosions, and more in this hands-on program. A $10 materials fee applies per workshop session.
NYSP12SL Standards: 5-PS1-2, 5-PS1-4, MS-PS1-2
ENGINEER-IT CHALLENGE (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-8)
Are you up to the challenge? Participants will become civil engineers and work in teams to design, build and test their creations to solve a real-world challenge. This workshop includes time to evaluate the item’s performance, just how the professionals do it!
NYSP12SL Standards: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3
DISSECTIONS (SUGGESTED GRADES 4-12)
Dissect a cow eye, flower, or squid with the Buffalo Museum of Science! This workshop allows participants to investigate body systems or plant physiology and helps students visualize how structure relates to function. A lab/materials fee applies depending on specimen chosen. See pricing list below.
NYSP12SL Standards: MS-LS1-3, HS-LS1-2, HS-LS4-4 56
- FLOWER | $15 materials fee per program
- COW EYE | $50 materials fee per program
- SQUID | $50 materials fee per program
Zygmunt Planetarium
Step into our inflatable, digital Zygmunt Planetarium for a 20–30 minute facilitated experience that will allow your students to explore the night sky like never before. Limited capacity of 20 students and 2 chaperones per session. Content is adjusted to suit each grade level.
*Also available as an outreach program to your site. See information under Science on Wheels.
DAY TO NIGHT, MONTH TO MONTH (SUGGESTED GRADES K-2)
Where does the Sun go at night? Why does the sky move? Get your pointer fingers ready as we map out the day-to-day patterns of our closest neighbors in space.
NYSP12SL Standards: 1-ESS1-1, 1-ESS1-2
CYCLES AND SEASONS (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-5)
What really makes the summer so much warmer than winter? Why is it sometimes dark by dinnertime and still light at bedtime? Earth’s path around the Sun may be less perfect than you expect, and we’re about to see how lucky we are because of it.
NYSP12SL Standards: 3-PS2-2, 3-ESS2-2, 5-ESS1-2
OUR AMAZING EARTH (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-8)
Our home planet is a unique and fascinating place in space! Let’s explore the many extreme and beautiful features of Earth from the ground upward.
NYSP12SL Standards: 3-ESS2-2, MS-ESS2-2
SOLAR AND LUNAR ECLIPSES (SUGGESTED GRADES 6-8)
When the stars (and the Moon, and Earth) align! Learn more about when pieces of our solar system line up perfectly, and the seriously mysterious sights of eclipses.
NYSP12SL Standards: MS-ESS1-1, MS-ESS2-1
CLASSES’ CHOICE (ALL GRADES)
Are you being bombarded by curiosity left and right? Are the little kids asking BIG questions? Congratulations: you’re in the company of future scientists! Come to the planetarium with a few things to ask our astronomer and let the group lead this fully interactive show. A memorable experience for your group!
Science on Stage
Gather your class in the Museum’s Auditorium for an interactive and engaging program bringing science and theatre together in dynamic ways! Programs are 60 minutes. A minimum of 50 students is required, maximum capacity is 250 students. Content is adjusted to suit each grade level.
SCIENCE BELOW ZERO (ALL GRADES)
Chill out during this super cool stage show! Using liquid nitrogen and dry ice, participants will explore the phases of matter and energy in amazing ways. A $25 materials fee applies to this program.
NYSP12SL Standards: 4-PS3-2, 5-PS1-3, MS-PS1-4
LET'S MAKE WAVES! LIGHT & SOUND (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-6)
Explore how energy travels through waves we can see and hear. Students investigate key concepts including vibration, pitch, frequency, reflection, refraction and the Doppler effect though fun, interactive demonstrations.
NYSP12SL Standards: 3-PS2-2, 4-PS3-2, 4-PS4-1-3, NS-PS4-1-3
CheMESStry! (SUGGESTED GRADES 3-8)
Available exclusively at the Museum, ChemMESStry brings science to life with experiments exploring the building blocks of matter. Investigate chemical reactions, acids and bases, pH and more through activities that make chemistry exciting, safe and unforgettable. We can’t wait to see your reaction!
NYSP12SL Standards: 3-PS2-1,4-PS3-2-3,5-PS1-1-4, MS-PS1-1-2, MS-PS1-4-6
Museum Science Festivals
Can’t choose a specific program? Lots of classes? Bringing multiple grade levels? Want to do ALL the things? Reserve exclusive science exploration and discovery activities for a unique day at the Museum for any grade level. Choose four engaging stations from our greatest hits. Content is adjusted to suit each grade level.
Call (716) 896-5200 x323 or email [email protected] for more details.
SCIENCE FESTIVAL STATIONS
- Electricity
- Color Mixing
- Science Below Zero (materials fee will apply)
- Ancient Languages
- Biofacts/Arctic Animals
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Alternative Energy
- Insects
- Dinosaurs
Group Visit FAQ to Help you Plan your Day
How can I create the best experience for my students?
- Choose your program based on grade level, content and/or process skills
- Decide on the level of engagement from self-guided discovery to facilitated workshops
- Teachers with Educator IDs are welcome to preview (most) exhibits, galleries, and programs at no charge
How many chaperones do you require?
We require at least one adult for every 10 students. Teachers and chaperones are admitted free of charge, up to 1 adult for every 10 students. Additional adults are $16 each. Discounts are not valid for group visits.
Can I adjust my reservation? What's your policy?
- Final group numbers or changes to your reservation must be provided to the Museum a minimum of 48 hours prior to the scheduled visit. Groups that arrive with fewer people and fail to provide updated numbers 48 hours in advance will be charged the full total due on their initial reservation or the number of attendees the day of, whichever is higher.
- If your program requires an extra supply fee, the number of supplies to be ordered must be finalized three weeks prior to the program. Even if the number of attendants changes, you will still be responsible for the full number of supplies ordered for your program.
How do I book a group visit?
To expedite your reservation, please have the following information ready when you call:
- The complete name and mailing address of your school, the school phone number, fax number, and your e-mail address
- Grade level of your students
- Student total, teacher total, and chaperone total
- The date and time you are interested in booking
- Specific exhibits you wish to see or any programs in which you wish to participate
- Lunch reservations
How early should I make a reservation?
Make your reservation at least four (4) week s in advance.
- Reservations are recommended for groups of 10 or more and are required to receive the group rate
- You will receive your confirmation and pre-visit materials by mail, fax, or email
- If you need to cancel your visit, please call 716.896.5200 x338 to let us know as soon as possible
Anything I should know about my visit day-of?
- Take a head count of students, chaperones, and teachers as you will need that number when you check in *The balance of the payment is due on the day of your visit and can be paid by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard
- Any updates to head counts should be communicated to our Reservations Team 48 hours prior to your visit.
- Payment for all students, teachers, and chaperones should be made by the contact person upon arrival in a single payment
- You will receive your confirmation and pre-visit materials by mail, fax, or email
- Coupons or guest passes cannot be accepted with group admissions
What about visits to Tifft Nature Preserve?
Combination fees are available for more than one experience at either the Museum, Tifft Nature Preserve or both.
What about lunch?
- Make a lunchroom reservation when you book your visit and bring your lunch
- If you are having lunch with us, make sure all students have written their names on their lunch bags and/or class lunches are stored together in a bag, bin, or box for easy location and identification
- In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint we are encouraging all of our visitors to bring reusable lunch bags and other items that do not find their way into a landfill
- Upon arrival bring your lunches into the museum where a bin will be available for storage
Family STEM Engagement Night at the Buffalo Museum of Science
Wouldn’t it be fun for your students and their families to take over the Museum for an evening? Host a STEM Family Engagement Night for your students’ families at the Buffalo Museum of Science. All four floors of the Museum will be open for your guests to explore at their own pace. Pricing starts at $3,000 for up to 200 guests.
Contact our Group Reservation line for more information or to reserve a date for your group. (716) 896-5200 x323 or [email protected].
