All educational activities are free, but there are some costs if you’d like to purchase meals while onsite.
If you have any questions not answered here, feel free to email us at gro.y1735258700rotav1735258700resbo1735258700bg@sn1735258700oitav1735258700reser1735258700.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Green Bank Observatory Science Center is open to all public! However, we do offer special rates and activities for educational groups, which can include:
- Sanctioned school groups with adult chaperones
- Sanctioned university or college groups
- Church youth groups with adult chaperones
- Homeschool associations, clubs, or families with adult chaperones or parents
- Scout, 4-H, Civil Air Patrol, and other after-school clubs or groups
- Camp groups from other organizations or museums
Tours are free for all students, faculty, and staff, and up to one parent/chaperone for every four students. For example, if you bring 20 students for a tour, we will include five parent/chaperone tickets, and an unlimited number of faculty/staff tickets. If you want to bring a sixth parent or chaperone on the tour with this group, you must purchase a ticket for them upon arrival.
For educational groups, our staff can offer the activities found on Page 3 of our Field Trip Guide. When you’ve chosen what activities you’d like, make sure to put them in the description of your GBORS request.
You can take a field trip the Green Bank Observatory any time of the year! We suggest staying at least two hours in order to visit the exhibit hall, gift shop, and take a tour. If you’d like to do other activities, or eat onsite, please allow for more time.
The Starlight Café can provide meals for day trips. Group rates are available (2023 group rate menu coming soon).
If you would like the Starlight Café to provide meals, please select “Meal Services” when creating your GBORS request.
Our educators get busy during field trip season, so get your requests in as early as possible!
Use the Green Bank Observatory Reservation System (GBORS) to request a reservation. Make sure to select “Science Center & Educational Activities” when creating your request.