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Booking Programs

All programs are booked on a first come, first serve basis. You can book your program by emailing the museum at [email protected] (902) 424-6512.

Group Size

School programs can accommodate two classes, at a maximum of 60 students.

Admission Payment

The cost for each program is $3.55 per student (tax included). Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or invoice. Invoicing must be arranged at the beginning of the booking process. Cheques should be made payable to the “Minister of Finance”. Please ensure only one transaction/payment per school, regardless of the number of classes participating in the program. We request that you enter the museum and pay for the program before students unload from the bus. 

*Note that family passes and free admission coupons do not apply for education programs. 

Chaperones

Teachers are admitted free as well as one chaperone for every five students (1:5 ratio). Teaching assistants for special needs students are admitted free of charge and are not included in the total count of chaperones. Extra chaperones beyond this ratio are charged $5.25.

How can chaperones assist?

• Teachers are asked to advise the chaperones that they must stay with the group of students assigned to them at all times.
• Chaperones and teachers are responsible for the safety and/or behaviour of students during their visit.
• There is no food or drink in the museum galleries.
• Running is not permitted in the museum.
• Remind students to use “indoor voices”.
• Be attentive and show interest but remember the activities are designed for the students.
• The live animals are always a favourite with visitors. It is understandable the students want to get close and observe but it is important that they do not bang on or tap the tanks. 

Lunch

Our multi-purpose room may be available for your students to have lunch, however this is only by prior arrangement. Children should not bring meals that require heating. Please ensure students remove all garbage and personal belongings before departure. In fine weather our backyard may also be available. 

Bathrooms

Male, female and accessible/family washrooms are located on the lower level of the museum.

Gift Shop

The museum gift shop is located near the reception area, to the right as you enter the museum. Students should not enter the gift shop prior to their program. It is at the teacher’s discretion whether students will be allowed entry after their program has ended. If so, the museum enforces a limit of 5 students at a time in the gift shop and they must be accompanied by their designated chaperone. 

Extending Your Visit

We would love for your group to stay and explore our permanent galleries and travelling exhibitions after your program ends. There is no additional charge for this but we do request that you inform us when booking.  

Programs

Programs are generally 60 – 90 minutes long. Although they vary in structure a typical program is composed of the following:

• 5-10 minute introduction
• 60 minutes at two or more activities (usually in small groups)
• 5-10 minute conclusion 

What to Expect

Prior to Your Visit

Confirmation of education program booking will be forwarded by email, along with pre and post visit activities (when available).

Teachers should divide their students into smaller groups as indicated in their confirmation form. This should be done prior to arrival.
Students should eat recess snacks either at the school or on the bus before arrival. Programs cannot be stopped once they have begun. Food is not permitted in the museum galleries.

On Arrival

You will be met on arrival (inside museum) by museum interpretation staff and volunteers who will facilitate your program.

Please have an accurate head count of all teachers, EPAs, chaperones and students. Admissions staff will require this information to process your payment.
Coats, backpacks and lunches should be left in the coatroom or education program room as indicated by museum staff.
Please note that the museum galleries remain open to the public, even during education programs. We cannot close off gallery areas. We do advise other visitors that a program is in progress and request they keep their voices low in those areas.

Self-touring the Museum

Explore the wonders of Nova Scotia at the Museum of Natural History. See stunning Mi'kmaq artifacts, sea creatures, live frogs, and more! Interact with the Netukulimk exhibit and learn the sights and sounds of Nova Scotia's forests or explore space with Science on a Sphere. No visit is complete without stopping by to see Gus the Gopher Tortoise, who has been delighting Museum visitors for more than 70 years.

Suggested length of a self-tour: 1 hour+

Scavenger hunts of the Museum’s permanent exhibits are available. Please enquire when booking your self-tour. Self-tour groups are welcome to take part in any public programming. Visit our Daily Events page for program information.

Group Size

Groups can be any size but must be 10 or more individuals for a group rate to apply.

Group Rates & Student Rates

Groups pay in a single transaction to receive the group rate.

To prebook your visit, please contact Liz Spence at [email protected] or call (902) 424-6512.

Payment

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or invoice. Invoicing must be arranged at the beginning of the booking process. Cheques should be made payable to the “Minister of Finance”. Please ensure only one transaction/payment per school or group. We request that you enter the museum and pay before unloading from the bus. 

Guidelines

• Teachers are asked to advise the chaperones that they must stay with the group of students assigned to them at all times.
• Chaperones and teachers are responsible for the safety and/or behaviour of students during their visit.
• There is no food or drink in the museum galleries.
• Running is not permitted in the museum.
• Our live animals are always a favourite! Get up close but please no tapping or banging on the tanks.  
• Please no flash photography of the live animals.

Lunch

Our multi-purpose room may be available for your group to have lunch, however this is only by prior arrangement. Visitors should not bring meals that require heating. Please ensure all garbage and personal belongings are removed before departure. In fine weather our fenced in backyard is a great option. 

Bathrooms

Male, female and accessible/family washrooms are located on the lower level of the museum.

Gift Shop

The museum gift shop is located near the reception area, to the right as you enter the museum.

For schools, the museum enforces a limit of 5 students at a time in the gift shop and they must be accompanied by their designated chaperone. 

Parking

The Museum of Natural History has a pay and display lot on site which is administered by the QEII Health Science Centre. This is a public lot and is frequently used by Museum visitors and those visiting the area.

Parking is $1.50 per hour and the machine accepts coins and credit cards. Tickets must be clearly displayed on the dashboard area prior to entering the Museum.

In addition to the Museum's parking lot, there are numerous parking meters surrounding the Museum.

On Arrival

Museum staff will greet you at the admissions desk upon your arrival.

Please have an accurate head count of the group (including adults, teachers, EPAs, chaperones and students). This information will be required to process your payment.

Coats, backpacks and lunches should be left in the coatroom or as indicated by museum staff.

Booking

To prebook your organization’s visit, please contact Liz with your organization’s name and visit details, at [email protected] or call 902-424-6512.