Carnegie Science Center is adopting a new group reservation policy effective September 1, 2007. Click here for more details

How many chaperones do I need?
Carnegie Science Center requires adults (teachers or volunteers you provide) to chaperone your students at a ratio of one per five students for grades Pre-K – 1 and one per 10 students for grades 2 – 12. These adults are admitted at the “Required Adults” rate. Chaperones beyond these requirements are charged the “Additional Adults” rate. All chaperones must be at least 18 years old and must stay with the group at all times. Click here for a summary of pricing

How do I change or cancel my visit?
Your confirmation packet includes a reply card that you can use to change the number of attendees. This is very important if you have reserved a demonstration, planetarium show or IMAX® film. While we will make every effort to accommodate your requests, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate increased group numbers. To cancel your visit or change your show selections, call the Group Reservations office at 412.237.3410. You do not need to call if you only need to adjust the number attending; use the reply card instead.

How do I pay for my group visit?
Group Leaders should bring a single payment on the day of the visit to the Group Reception window in the form of a single check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), or cash (large bills). We do not accept purchase orders. If you have additional adults coming with your group, they must be included in your head count and payment to receive the group rate.

Where do I go when I arrive?
To make check-in run as smoothly as possible, all groups should first report to Group Reception on the Science Center Ground Floor. You will receive a short orientation on your bus. All attendees except the Group Leader should stay on the bus until they are directed to exit by Science Center staff.

What about lunch?
Many groups choose to bring their own lunches. When you make your reservation, just specify that your group is bringing bag lunches. We offer non-refrigerated lunch storage facilities. Lunch times are assigned the day of your visit based on your visit schedule and the other groups that are visiting us that day. Group reservationists do not assign lunch times. If you have special considerations, such as a child who needs to take medication with food at a particular time, please let us know when you make your reservation.

The River View Café is available for groups who would like to purchase lunches. You can also order box lunches from the River View Café in advance by calling our catering department at 412.237.3422. View menu choices online at our Groups Dining page.

What should we bring?
All groups should wear nametags with the name of the group. Name tags should not specify children’s names. T-shirts that bear the group’s name can substitute for nametags. Also, please remember that Carnegie Science Center and Highmark SportsWorks^® have many activities and exhibitions that require some degree of physical participation. We strongly recommend comfortable, casual attire with sensible shoes.

Can I preorder concessions for my Omnimax film?
Absolutely! When you preorder concessions, snacks are ready for you when you arrive and there’s no waiting in the concessions line. No one in your group is left out if they forgot pocket money. Best of all, preordered concessions are a great deal. Click here for more information.

What about pocket money?
Students who bring pocket money can purchase souvenirs at the XPLOR Stores, tickets for the T6 simulator and food at the River View Café. Your students will not need to have pocket money to experience the Science Center, so long as you have planned for bag lunches.

Can I use my Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh membership privileges?
Because we offer special discounts to groups, membership privileges cannot be applied. Members attending with a group pay the group rate.