Field Trip Policies
Basic Information
Group Size
To book a field trip, there is a 10 student minimum. The maximum number of students allowed on a field trip depends on the tour option you choose, and ranges from 40-200 students.
We will assign one docent for each group of 20 students.
If you have more than the maximum number of students allowed on a field trip, we will try to schedule you for multiple time slots or visit days. Please fill out a tour request form for each field trip you would like to schedule. We will do our best to accommodate your class.
Age Limit
Field trips are available for 3rd-12th grade classes.
The Museum deals with mature subject matter. The Karkomi Permanent Exhibition is suitable for visitors in 7th grade and above. Students in 3rd-6th grade will visit Make a Difference: The Miller Family Youth Exhibition, which is designed for youth ages 8-11. For more details on all the exhibitions your students will experience in IHMEC, please take a look at our tour options page.
Chaperone Policy
IHMEC requires one chaperone/teacher for every 10 students. Chaperones must be 18 or older.
Logistics
Selecting a Visit Date
Please have three dates available in case your first choice is unavailable.
For quicker processing of weekday field trip requests, please check our lists of available dates, which are subject to change:
Length of Visit
When you register, you will have a variety of field trip options to choose from, depending on the age and size of your class. Basic field trips take from two to three hours.
Lunch
Lunchroom facilities are available for all grades. If you wish to use the Museum's lunchroom, be sure to pick a tour option that includes lunch. Please note that due to tour timing, 6th grade students are required to eat lunch in the Museum.
Students must bring brown bag lunches, which will be stored during your tour. Boxed lunch options are not currently available.
Parking
The Museum maintains bus parking spaces and a parking lot, both available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee to park in these spaces.
Fees, Payment, and Cancellations
Fees
| Students, Grades 3-12 | $5 |
| Chaperones up to 10:1 Ratio | Free |
| Medically Necessary Aides | Free |
| Adults above 10:1 Ratio |
$10 |
Our goal is to provide all students with the opportunity to visit the Museum. If you need help covering your costs, please apply for IHMEC Opportunity Grant funding.
Deposits
IHMEC requires a $50 deposit (or payment in full, if your total amount due is less than $50) to hold your scheduled field trip. This deposit will be applied toward the cost of your trip. Payment by credit card is preferred. If paying by check, IHMEC will hold your tour spot for 15 business days. If payment is not received within that time frame, the tour spot will be released for other school groups. Deposits can be mailed to Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie, IL 60077, Attn: Field Trips.
Refunds for field trip cancellations will be based upon our Cancellation Policy, outlined below.
Paying the Balance
While pre-payment is preferred to simplify your group’s entry, the balance of your field trip payment is due upon arrival. Please organize payment in full for the entire school group – one lump sum – in the form of credit card, check, or cash (large bills only).
Because the Museum is in high demand for visiting groups, we must limit the number of groups scheduled on any given day. Therefore, if your plans change, we ask that you cancel or reschedule well in advance of your visit.
- More than 21 days in advance: Full refund of deposit ($50)
- 14-21 days in advance: Partial refund of deposit ($25)
- Fewer than 14 days in advance: No refund of deposit
Please note that we require payment for all registered visitors and do not offer refunds for absentees or reduced numbers once your request is confirmed. Field trip fees are applied to all scheduled visitors, including Museum members.
Skokie, IL