Field Trip Policies and Procedures
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (2023)
Registration Requirements: A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required for all registrations. NOTE: We do not process registrations on weekends.
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.
Chaperone Ratios: Chaperone payments must be included with the group’s payment. Groups must provide a minimum of one chaperone per every 10 students.
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.
Child Admission for Guided Tours and Guided Programs is charged as follows:
Child Admission for Guided Tours and Guided Programs:
| 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 |
Confirmation: Groups arriving without a confirmation email will be considered unscheduled and will be charged the General Admission rate.
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:
- If a group cancels their trip three business days or more prior to their scheduled field trip, they may apply their deposit to a rescheduled field trip date within the same school year. The rescheduled date must be a minimum of two weeks from the date of cancellation.
- If a group cancels their field trip due to COVID-19 restrictions or closures and is unable to reschedule, their deposit will be refunded.
- Groups cancelling with less than three business days’ notice will forfeit their deposit.
- All deposits are nonrefundable unless due to COVID-19 closures or restrictions, or severe weather conditions as defined by school closures.
Nonschool Groups:
HOMESCHOOL GROUPS
- One organizer is considered the lead teacher. All other adults are considered chaperones, within the ratio.
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.
SUMMER CAMP GROUPS
- One organizer is considered the lead teacher. All other adults are considered chaperones, within the ratio.
OTHER CHILDREN'S GROUPS
- One organizer is considered the lead teacher. All other adults are considered chaperones, within the ratio.
Memberships: To encourage chaperone attendance, adults with memberships to Meijer Gardens may use them when accompanying students on a field trip. NOTE: Field trips are not a member benefit and cannot be used for students.