Field Trips (Day visits)

Tours and programs are free for organized student and youth groups, but advance reservations are required. We strongly recommend making reservation requests at least 2 weeks in advance to ensure sufficient time to process and confirm your request. All requests are subject to availability.

Here is a pdf of some of our field trip activities. If you have any questions not answered here, feel free to email us at gro.y1740141864rotav1740141864resbo1740141864bg@ti1740141864siv1740141864.

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:

  • Organized school groups with adult chaperones
  • Organized groups of university or college students
  • Church youth groups with adult chaperones
  • Homeschool associations or clubs with adult chaperones
  • 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.

Any groups of 10 or more who are just visiting for the day are eligible to order from our group rate menu. Options include a pizza party, boxed lunches, or a soup and/or sandwich buffet. If you are interested in this option, please ask for pricing and ordering details when you make your reservation. 2 week notice required.

We are also happy to provide indoor space for students to eat packed lunches. Please just let us know your needs. Outdoor tables are also available as weather permits.

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.