Field Trip Policies and Procedures
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Registration Requirements: A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required for all registrations. NOTE: We do not process registrations on weekends.
ADMISSION RATES:
Teachers: One teacher per classroom, with a valid school ID, receives free admission. Additional teachers with a school ID will be admitted at the reduced rate of $5.50 each.
School Personnel: One-to-one support personnel receive free admission with their student. Bus drivers receive free admission during your visit.
Chaperone Admission Is Charged According to These Ratios:
| Groups arriving by car (any age) | 1:4 ratio | 1 chaperone for every 4 children is $5.50 |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten/Preschool age groups | 1:4 ratio | 1 chaperone for every 4 children is $5.50 |
| Groups arriving by bus | 1:6 ratio | 1 chaperone for every 6 children is $5.50 |
*Additional adults beyond the ratio, for any group, are welcome to attend and will be charged $14 each.
A minimum of one chaperone for every 10 students is required.
Child Admission for Guided Tours and Guided Programs is as follows:
| Number of Children | Admission Cost | Guided Tour | Guided Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fewer than 10 children | $55 group minimum | + $1 per child | + $20 ($2 per child for 10-child minimum) |
| 10 children or more | $5.50 per child | + $1 per child | + $2 per child |
Non-School Groups:
• Includes homeschool groups, summer camp groups, and other children’s groups.
• One organizer is considered the lead teacher. All other adults are considered chaperones (within ratio) or additional adults.
Scout Groups:
• No minimum number of group participants.
• Up to two Scout leaders per group: One is free, the other is considered a chaperone at the reduced $5.50 group admission rate.
• All other adults will be charged the $14 additional adult rate.
Memberships: Adults with a Meijer Gardens membership may show their membership card and ID for admission when accompanying students on a field trip as a chaperone. However, students on field trips may not use family memberships for admission fees. Admission for students on field trips is included in the group total.
Deposits: A $50 deposit is required for all guided tours, guided programs, tram programs, and room rental groups. Deposits are required two weeks after the date of confirmation.
Delays: Though we will make every effort to accommodate late arrivals, groups arriving more than 15 minutes after their scheduled activity time cannot be guaranteed participation in their scheduled activity. Please call 616-977-7683 or 616-974-5329 if a delay is expected.
Cancellations:
• Groups cancelling a field trip 3 or more business days prior to the scheduled date may apply their deposit to a rescheduled field trip date within the same school year. Rescheduled dates must be a minimum of two weeks from the date cancellation was received.
• Groups cancelling with less than 3 business days’ notice will forfeit their deposit.
• Deposits are non-refundable unless due to COVID-19 closures or restrictions or severe weather conditions as defined by school closures.
Weather: Field trips take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, participation in a Guided Tour or Guided Program is not guaranteed due to staff or volunteer attendance. All field trips will be cancelled in the event of Meijer Garden's closure.
Eating Areas: Eating is only allowed in designated areas. Learn about the options for approved eating and picnicking areas here.
Peter M. Wege Library: Groups entering the library are asked to provide one chaperone for every six children, and to limit the number of children to no more than twelve at t atime.
DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop: Groups entering the gift shop are asked to provide on chaperone for every six children, and to limit the number of children shopping to no more than twelve at time.