Student Field Trips
a Focus on steam learning
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is offering engaging, authentic learning experiences that connect guests to the world of racing.
The new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) classroom – the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Innovation Workshop – allows a space for dedicated programming where learners of all ages can explore the key elements behind successful race cars and racing teams while empowering students with the technical knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the racing industry.
Contact the Education Department at 463.276.0526 or nslone@imsmuseum.org for any questions.
Field Trip Information
Explore the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum with your class and interact with our engaging and educational exhibits, plus enjoy self-guided activities in the Innovation Workshop (for specific activities, please view the Field Trip Add-Ons).
Field trips are reserved for K-12 schools, homeschool groups, or youth organizations (Girl/Boy Scouts, school clubs) of 15 or more students.
Cost: $8/student
Title 1 Schools: $2/student
School staff (teachers, aides, and bus drivers) are free. One adult is required for every 8 children. Additional adults must pay Museum admission.
Pre-K pricing is available. Contact us for more details.
Hours*: Monday through Friday
March – October: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
November – February: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
*Subject to change based on IMS gate admission days.
Student Limits:
April – May: 125
All other months: 175
Field Trip Add-Ons
STEM/Design Challenge: $3/student
Tour our facilities and participate in a guided STEM or design-based challenge.
Custom Plan: $5/student
Work with our Director of Education to customize an experience for your students.
Track Tours: View tour pricing
For more information, please contact our Education Department at nslone@imsmuseum.org or 463.276.0526.
Rules
Each group needs one (1) chaperone per eight (8) students. Chaperones must stay with the students.
Enjoy our interactives, but please don’t touch the cars or artifacts unless invited.
Please keep food and drinks out of the exhibit areas.
Be mindful and respectful of other visitors.
Help us protect the Museum by staying supervised and avoiding disruptive behavior.
Request a field trip
frequently asked questions
When should I book my field trip?
The Museum typically requires a two-week minimum and three-month maximum to schedule field trips; however, these times can be flexible based on projected general admission attendance or other groups scheduled to visit. Contact our education department for specific questions at education@imsmuseum.org.
How many chaperones do I need?
We require a minimum of one (1) adult chaperone for every eight (8) students. Chaperones must be at least 18 years old and cannot be current K-12 students. School staff (teachers, aides, and bus drivers) are free. Additional adults must pay Museum admission.
How large of a group can I bring?
Group size limits depend on the time of year. During the Indianapolis 500 season (from March – May), we ask that groups be limited to 125 visitors at a time. During the rest of the year, we can accommodate up to 175 visitors per group.
IMS hosts Month of May events that can help accommodate larger groups. Visit their website for more information.
What do I do if my group exceeds the maximum number of visitors?
If your group is larger than our capacity, we recommend scheduling additional experiences in the nearby area to create a rotation scheduled for students. This approach offers students a variety of enriching experiences while still including a visit to the Museum. Contact the Director of Education if you would like assistance planning a trip of this nature.
Can current IMS Museum members use their membership to get into the Museum?
Yes, current members can use their membership to access the Museum. Members will need to check in separately at the front desk as usual but are welcome to join their group after check-in.
How do I pay for a field trip?
Field trip payments will be due upon arrival on the day of your visit. Payments can be made via check or credit card.
Where do students enter?
Field trips should gather into their smaller, chaperone-led groups outside the Museum on the lawn. When ready, your group will enter using the ADA doors (not the revolving door) at the main entrance.
All groups should exit through the Gift Shop and may use the East lawn as a rally point before boarding buses.
Where do buses pick up and drop off our group?
Buses will pick-up and drop-off at the front of the Museum. Buses are encouraged to park along the backside of our lot along the fence, unless directed to an alternative location by the IMS Yellow Shirt team.
IMS event days may require a change to this practice. Please contact our education department with questions.
Can buses park at the Museum?
Yes, buses can park at the Museum. However, parking may be limited to no more than 15 total buses at a time.
Where can we eat lunch?
Due to limited space inside the Museum, we cannot accommodate indoor dining.
Groups are welcome to eat on their buses or on the outdoor grounds surrounding the Museum. We kindly ask that you respect the landscaping, statues, fountains, and other guests while using these areas.
How long should I plan to spend at the Museum?
We have found that most groups, on a typical day, will spend 1 ½ to 2 hours in the Museum itself. This does not include any scheduled tours or lunch time.
Do my students/chaperones need to bring money?
Students and adult chaperones do not need money for admission to the Museum. However, they will need money if they wish to purchase items from the gift shop or snacks from the “Grab-n-Go” snack bar located in the Track Tour Lounge on the lower level.
Does Museum admission include IMS access?
At this time, purchasing Museum admission only permits groups to enter the Museum and grounds immediately surrounding it. Garage access or access to other parts of the IMS venue (i.e. Pagoda, Gasoline Alley, etc…) is strictly prohibited.
Do you offer guided tours?
Yes, we offer guided tours of the track for an additional fee. You can schedule a “Kiss the Bricks” tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (subject to availability) through our Ticketing & Reservations team at tours@imsmuseum.org.
Can groups re-enter the Museum?
Once a group exits the Museum into the gift shop, re-entrance is not allowed. The exception to this rule includes groups who exit for lunch and then re-enter as a whole group.
Will there be cars on the track?
All track activity is scheduled through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. While there are specific event days throughout the year that cars will be testing or practicing on the track, and other events do occur where cars may utilize the oval or road course, the Museum may have little or no notice of track activity for any given day.
Our plans have changed, what do I need to do?
To cancel or reschedule your field trip, please call 463.244.2688 or email us at education@imsmuseum.org.
If I have questions about program options or logistics, who can I contact?
For questions about program options or day-of-visit logistics, please contact the Director of Education at 463.244.2956 or email education@imsmuseum.org.