Admission Rate:
Student groups (minimum 10/maximum 120): $5/student
Teachers and chaperones (1 per 10 students required): Free
Additional adults: $8/each
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance. Dates fill quickly—make your arrangements early to avoid disappointment. Contact our education department at 813-675-8981 for details and to book a field trip. After your date is confirmed, we will send a packet with pre-visit information and resources.
Grade Levels/Capacity
School group tours are designed for grades 4 to 12. We can accommodate up to 120 students at one time; a minimum of 10 students is required. Depending on the number of students, we may ask that teachers divide students into even, compatible groups.
Tour Details
Please allow 1½ to 2 hours for your tour. Museum staff/volunteers will guide groups through exhibit and film stations and an optional classroom activity. Tours focus on three broad areas: Florida’s first people and European contact in the 1500s; the Seminole Indians and the Second Seminole War; and the Cigar industry of Ybor and West Tampa. In addition, groups will be allotted time to explore exhibits not included in the guided tour.
Cancellations/Changes
If you need to cancel or make changes to your reservation, contact the education department at 813.675.8981 no later than five business days prior to your visit.
Payment
Your group’s admission fee is due on the day of your field trip, and must be paid in one lump sum. Please do not send payment in advance. Cash, credit cards, and checks are accepted. Purchase orders are not accepted.
Buses/Parking
Buses should pull up to the History Center’s entrance to unload students, and can remain parked on Old Water Street at no charge. Parking for personal vehicles is available in the St. Pete Times Forum East Lot next to the History Center. Prices may vary at this lot due to Forum events.
Lunch
Groups may enjoy a picnic lunch in Cotanchobee-Fort Brooke Park, located in front of the History Center. Situated on Tampa’s Riverwalk, the park has plenty of green space, two picnic tables, restrooms and two playgrounds. We’re sorry, there is no indoor eating space or lunch storage in the History Center. Please note: the Columbia Cafe can not accommodate student groups inside the Cafe or on their outdoor patio.
For your convenience, the Columbia Cafe provides boxed lunches for students and chaperones. Boxed lunches must be pre-ordered at least two weeks prior to your visit. Contact the Education Department at 813.675.8981 for a menu and to place your order.
Museum store/souvenir bags
The Museum Store offers a wide and unique selection of books, CDs, toys, games, historic prints and posters, and more. Souvenir “grab bags” are available for student groups, and must be pre-ordered at least two weeks prior to your visit. Contact the store manager at 813.675.8973 for details and ordering information.
Request a Field Trip Reservation