Field Trip Planning

Field trip groups have been visiting Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for more than 60 years. Morehead knows how to bring science to life, with exciting and inspiring planetarium shows, Science Stage programs and Discovery Classes.

Our programming aligns with North Carolina Essential Standards, ensuring that your field trip will enhance your classroom instruction. Our Guest Relations team works closely with you, so your field trip will be easy, fun and a great value.

Reservation Process

Reservations are required for ALL groups of 10 or more people.

  • Start your reservation by completing the online reservation form or request a form by email at fieldtrip@unc.edu. For summer field trip requests (May 25-August 25), please fill out our Summer Field Trip Request Form instead.
  • Provide as much information about your field trip requirements as you can on the form and send it to the Morehead Guest Relations team.
  • Allow Morehead’s team to put together the best field-trip experience possible and to contact you at your convenience to discuss your options or to complete the reservation.

You are always welcome to call Morehead Guest Relations at 919-962-1236, but the fastest and most effective way to make a reservation for most trip planners will start with the online form.

Recommendations for Your Field Trip

Let Morehead recommend planetarium shows, Science Stage programs and Discovery Classes that pair well together.

Our recommendations include full descriptions, North Carolina Essential Standards correlations, educator resources and curriculum guides -- everything you need!

Group Pricing

  • First Program (planetarium show, Science Stage program or class):
    Students, $5.25; Adults, $6.25.
  • Multiple Program Discount:
    Pay only $3 per person for each additional program on the same day.
Every student and adult (educators, parents and bus drivers) in your group requires a ticket. We gladly provide your group with one free adult ticket for every 10 students.

All adults (including parents) should be counted in your group reservation numbers. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center cannot guarantee seating for adults for whom you have not reserved seats.

Venue Capacity

Seating is limited in our venues:

  • 220 seats are available for planetarium shows.
  • 75 seats are available for Science LIVE! demonstration shows.
  • 30 seats per classroom are available for Discovery Class experiences. Two classrooms are available to accommodate a maximum of 60 students per hour.

Important Information for Charter Operators and Other Third Parties

When making field trip reservations, it is Morehead Planetarium and Science Center's policy to communicate directly with an official representative of the school or group visiting.

If a third party arranges a field trip visit, that third party will bear financial responsibility for the visit, and payment for the visit must be received by Morehead two weeks in advance of the visit. "Third party" is defined as a company or organization representative (such as a charter operator, travel agent, or other paid or unpaid trip planner) or other individual who is not a regular employee or official of the school or group.

Helpful Links

If you are unable to download PDFs, please email fieldtrip@unc.edu to request a copy.