Adventure Collective
School & Youth Group Adventures at Pima Air & Space Museum - Tucson

School & Youth Group Adventures at Pima Air & Space Museum

Tucsoneasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2–4 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be able to comfortably walk for several hours with occasional breaks.

Overview

Take your school or youth group to the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson for an unforgettable learning adventure. Explore historic aircraft and aviation history with discounted group rates and tailored educational programs.

Tucson, Arizona

School/Youth Group Bookings

Chaperones required • Up to 150 students

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About This Adventure

Experience the wonders of aviation at the Pima Air and Space Museum, where school and youth groups can explore fascinating exhibits. Enjoy discounted admission for Pima County schools, with opportunities for self-guided tours or pre-arranged classes. Make unforgettable memories while learning about the history of flight!

School/Youth Groups Information:

Please Note that the Pima Air and Space Museum limits the amount of free/discounted admission per day to 150 students total and 6th -12th-grade students have been limited to 75 students per day. If your group has more than our limit of students you will need to book over multiple days or pay regular admission rates for your visit. If the time slot you want is unavailable, it means another school has booked it. You are welcome to check with us at schooltours@pimaair.org.

Groups will need to adhere to our minimum number of chaperones for their age group. Any extra adult chaperones outside of the ratio set by the museum will be charged the regular admission rates.

Scout groups must be in uniform to receive free or discounted admission rates.

Siblings of students/scouts are NOT eligible for free or discounted admission. Regular admission rates apply to siblings.

All groups are self-guided unless you have pre-arranged a private tour or a class, to learn more about these options click here.

Groups must book a minimum of 7 days in advance to qualify for the discounted/free admission rates. You may book up to 6 months in advance. There will be no school/youth group visit availability in March.

Admission Rates:

Pima County Schools/Scouts/Youth Groups

This offer is only valid for schools located within Pima County that do not charge tuition.

Students: Free Chaperones within ratio: Free Extra Chaperones: $18.25 (Pima County Rate)

Non-Pima County Schools/Scouts or Tuition Based Schools and Programs

Discounted admission is given to schools outside of Pima County or private tuition-based schools located inside Pima County. This includes daycares and camps that charge a fee.

Students: $5.00 Chaperons within ratio: $5.00 Extra Chaperones: $22.50 (Regular Admission Rates)

Chaperones Ratio:

Pre-K – 3rd grade 1 chaperone per 5 students 4th -12th Grade 1 Chaperone per 10 students. 1 additional teacher/group organizer per group.

Groups will need to adhere to our minimum number of chaperones for their age group. Any extra adult chaperones outside of the ratio set by the museum will be charged the regular admission rates.

All groups are allotted one adult outside the chaperone ratio to be the School/group organizer. This person is responsible for making sure their chaperones are successfully managing their groups and helping with behavior issues if needed. This person should also be the group contact for the museum on the day of the visit.

If you have a student who needs one on one assistance and that will push you over the chaperone ratio, please email schooltours@pimaair.org to discuss options.

Teachers are considered chaperones and must be included in the chaperone ratio count.

Lunch

Sack Lunches

  • Pima Air and Space Museum does not allow outside food on museum premises, however, there is an outside picnic area in our parking lot that groups can use.
  • We do not reserve this area; it is first come first serve. School groups will be allowed to reenter the museum if they leave to go eat lunch in the picnic area.
  • The schools are responsible for transporting their lunches to and from the picnic area.
  • Pima Air and Space Museum cannot store lunches for schools without prior arrangement.

Pre-ordered Lunch from The Flight Grill

  • Groups must complete the lunch form a minimum of 5 business days prior to your visit and booking must be done via our online booking system.
  • We offer a box lunch option for schools.

Lunch from the Flight Grill

  • If your group is planning on visiting the Flight Grill but not pre-ordering meals. Please indicate that on the booking form, to help expedite your food orders.
  • please make sure you look over the Flight Grill Rules on your Teacher Agreement forms and that the chaperones understand all rules.

Additional Information

  • Due to an increase in incidents involving theft and damage to museum property, students may not bring backpacks onto museum grounds. All student bags must be left on the bus; the museum will not store bags. Teachers and in-ratio chaperones are allowed one bag each. Adults outside the chaperone ratio are not permitted to bring a bag and must leave them on the bus.
  • Groups need to have their booking completed a minimum of 7 days prior to their visit. If you are trying to book a visit with less than 7 days notice, you will not be able to book via the online booking system and the regular admission rate will apply to your group.
  • All bookings must be done using this online system.
  • We do not offer free/discounted admission for schools during the month of March. You may book a visit, but regular admission rates will apply.
  • Please note that we do check each school group booking and will contact you if we find any discrepancy with your booking and fees.

Cancellation Policy

  • We have a strict 48-hour written cancellation policy. Groups who cancel a minimum of 48 hours in advance will be refunded their full admission cost. Groups that cancel less than 48 hours in advance will not be subject to a refund.
  • All cancellations must be in writing via email to schooltours@pimaair.org.

FOR QUESTIONS REGARDING SCHOOL BOOKINGS, PLEASE EMAIL SCHOOLTOURS@PIMAAIR.OR AND ALLOW UP TO 48 HOUR OF RESPONSE TIME.

Adventure Tips

Book in Advance

Reserve your group's visit weeks ahead to secure preferred dates and any special educational programs.

Wear Comfortable Footwear

Expect to walk extensively among large aircraft exhibits, so sturdy shoes are highly recommended.

Bring Water Bottles

Arizona’s dry climate means staying hydrated is important during your visit, especially in warmer months.

Plan for Outdoor Exhibits

Some aircraft displays are outside, so prepare for sun exposure or cooler temperatures depending on the season.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Roadrunners often seen near the museum grounds
  • Desert cottontail rabbits in surrounding desert areas

History

Established in 1976, the Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the world’s largest non-government funded aviation museums, showcasing more than 350 aircraft and spacecraft.

Conservation

The museum promotes sustainable practices by encouraging recycling, reducing waste, and preserving aviation heritage responsibly within the desert environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Tucson

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating the large museum grounds and outdoor exhibits.

Water Bottle

Essential

Helps maintain hydration during the hot Arizona months.

summer specific

Sun Hat and Sunscreen

Essential

Protect yourself from UV rays while exploring outdoor aircraft displays.

spring specific

Light Jacket

Useful for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in winter.

fall specific