Group Tours & Educators
School Field Trips & More!
Each year students from around the globe visit Carillon Historical Park. By combining a general Park tour with our hands-on educational workshops, visitors are offered a more focused field trip.
Interpretive staff are stationed throughout the Park, and tour groups may proceed at their own pace. Tours may be tailored to specific needs; focuses include transportation, invention, and settlement history.
Visitor and Tour Information
(937) 293-2841 Ext. 127
education1@daytonhistory.org
Admission
- $7 per adult (ages 18–59)
- $5 per child (ages 3–17)
Advanced reservations are required to receive these admission rates. Additional fees apply to carousel rides, train rides, educational workshops, and museum store goody bags.
Enhance Your Experience!
Carousel of Dayton Innovation
Let your students experience the fun of history on the Carousel of Dayton Innovation! For just $1 per ride, they can enjoy a spin on iconic pieces of Dayton heritage — from a pop can (the pop-top was invented in Dayton) and Iams dog food bag to the DH-4 airplane, cash register, and more. Carousel rides can be reserved when scheduling your field trip or purchased at the front desk upon arrival.
“Build for Tomorrow” Theater
Join your students in the “Build for Tomorrow” theater for an unforgettable 4-D experience! The story of Dayton comes to life through an animatronic cast of five legendary Daytonians — John H. Patterson, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Charles F. Kettering, and Colonel Edward A. Deeds. Each group will be assigned a specific time to visit the theater — an experience you won’t want to miss!
Carillon Park Railroad
All aboard the Carillon Park Railroad! For just $5, students can enjoy a mile-long narrated ride through the Park while discovering Dayton’s rich history. It’s a fun and educational experience you won’t want to miss! Train rides can be reserved when scheduling your field trip or purchased at the front desk upon arrival.
Educational Programs & Workshops
Personalize your field trip with one of our engaging educational programs! Each program aligns with Ohio learning standards, and our team is happy to work with you to meet your specific academic goals. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on the park schedule.
Programs are an additional $3 per student.
Treat Your Students to a Goody Bag
The Museum Store offers a convenient option for classes without time to shop. Goody bags featuring items related to Carillon Historical Park and Miami Valley history — pencils, erasers, postcards, small toys, and pencil sharpeners — can be pre-purchased. Prices range from $3 to $20, depending on contents, and requests must be made at least one week in advance.
Field Trip Check-In
Once you arrive at the park, buses should drive to the drop-off area in front of the Kettering Family Education Center. School buses can fit under the covered drop-off area. For your reference, the overhang is 12’6” tall.
Buses should proceed along the lane and turn right onto the main driveway. Follow this route around the perimeter of the Park to a lot where buses can turn around. After turning around, buses may park in the designated Bus Parking Lane on the right side of the main driveway (facing the Carillon). This position ensures buses are facing the correct direction for pick-up at the Kettering Family Education Center.
All groups must check in at the Kettering Family Education Center admission desk. Payment is due upon arrival. You may use cash, checks, major credit cards, invoices, or purchase orders to pay for your visit.
- If paying with cash, we ask that you collect your student and chaperone admission fees ahead of time and pay with the largest bills possible.
- If paying by purchase order or invoice, we will invoice you after your visit to ensure that you only pay for the number of students that come the day of your visit.
After checking in, teachers will receive:
- A guide map of Carillon Historical Park for each class with a suggested starting location.
- A 4-D “Build for Tomorrow” Theater ticket time.
- Educational Program Ticket with locations, times, and facilitator names for programs (when applicable).
- Evaluation Form
When check-In is completed, you will be directed by a staff member to your suggested starting location.
Location
1000 Carillon Blvd.
Dayton, Ohio 45409
Admission
- $7 per adult (ages 18-59)
- $5 per child (ages 3-17)
Advanced reservations are required to receive these admission rates. Additional fees apply to carousel rides, train rides, educational workshops, and museum store goody bags.
More Information
For more information, contact the education scheduling desk at (937) 293-2841 Ext. 127 or education1@daytonhistory.org.
Class Touring
Please stay together as a class unless otherwise directed. Breaking into small groups can disrupt the flow of visitors between exhibit buildings. Teachers are required to remain with their classes and play an essential role in maintaining respectful behavior among students.
Please encourage chaperones to take an active role in supervising students. Everyone’s participation helps ensure that students behave respectfully, stay safe, and get the most out of their visit. Chaperones and teachers are also encouraged to prompt students to ask questions and engage with interpreters inside the exhibit buildings.
Lunch
We provide lunch bins for groups upon arrival, or you may bring your own—please label them with your school and teachers’ names. Lunches are stored in the Kettering Family Education Center and may be eaten at the outdoor picnic pavilion, on the central green, or indoors during inclement weather.
Museum Store
Carillon Historical Park’s Museum Store offers hundreds of fun and educational items, including books, toys, candy, models, clothing, and magnets. A maximum of 10 students may enter at a time with an adult chaperone. If you plan to shop, please remind students about sales tax.
For classes without enough time to shop, consider purchasing our pre-packaged Goody Bags or Teacher Bags.
Weather
Carillon Historical Park operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately and wear the appropriate shoes. In the event of severe weather, staff will direct guests to designated shelter areas.
Emergencies
Carillon Historical Park staff and volunteers communicate via two-way radio or phone. If first aid is needed or a child becomes lost, please notify a Park staff member immediately.
Lost & Found
If you lose a personal belonging, please check with the Kettering Family Education Center guest services desk.