Group Visits
Every year, the museum welcomes thousands of schoolchildren, youth groups, university groups and groups of adults to the museum. We also offer School Programs, Behind the Scenes Tours, events and more.
We ask that all groups planning a self-guided visit contact the KU Natural History Museum's Visitor Services at 785-864-4450 three weeks in advance to schedule their visit.
Group Visit Trip Tips
Please contact Visitor Services at 785-864-4450 at least 3 weeks in advance so that we may schedule your group visit to the museum.
The museum has an optional suggested contribution of $7 for adults and $4 for children. Funds can be given directly to Visitor Services at the main entrance and can be paid by cash, check or credit card. Checks for contributions should be made out to the KU Natural History Museum/KUEA. Admission contributions are separate from School Program fees or other program fees.
Buses may unload in front of the museum.
Bus parking is at the football stadium, lot #94. Cars may park in the parking garage, one block north of the museum at 13th Street and Jayhawk Blvd., across from the KU Alumni Association and next to the Kansas Union.
Parking in the garage is $1.75 for the first hour and $1.50 per hour thereafter. Patrons must prepay for parking, much like you would with a parking meter, by using one of the kiosks located in the parking garage stairwell. A downloadable KU Parking Map (PDF) is available
Some school groups may be eligible to apply for Bus Funds for their trip.
Consumption of food and drink in the museum is prohibited. If sack lunches cannot be left on your bus during your visit, see Visitor Services when you arrive for information on a designated area where lunches may be stored. Lunches should be consolidated into boxes or other storage containers for this purpose.
If your group plans to eat lunch at the Kansas Memorial Union, next to the museum, contact 785-864-4651 or eventservices@ku.edu.
If you'd like to eat outdoors, Marvin Grove, a grassy, shaded area behind the museum, is a wonderful location.
We want to ensure all visiting groups have an enjoyable and safe visit. Please note the following:
Adults/chaperones must remain with children at all times. Museum staff cannot supervise children. This includes the Gift Shop area. Please only 5 children from your group at a time in the Gift Shop.
Be kind. Disrespect to museum staff or other visitors will not be tolerated and may result in being asked to leave the museum.
Please be sure everyone in your group understands the behavior you expect and the schedule for your visit.
We have a variety of resources to add layers of fun and learning for your group's visit.
Discovery Guides provide opportunities for groups to explore the museum together. Several options are available including Scavenger Hunts that explore specific exhibits, and Museum Checklists, which have a more open-ended format.
For suggestions on how they can be used see the Discovery Guide Chaperone Guide. Answer keys are available at the Visitor Services desk.
For a more in-depth independent exploration of the galleries with your group, a series of exhibit related activities suitable for upper elementary/middle school and above can be found under Educator Resources.