Before Your Field Trip

Preparing for your field trip to La Brea Tar Pits?

This video will show you and your students what to expect on your Ice Age adventure! You’ll see what makes La Brea Tar Pits such a special place, and get some tips on how to make the most of your visit.

A Field Guide For Field Trips

Ready for your field trip to La Brea Tar Pits? Use the checklist below to ensure you’ve got everything you need for a successful field trip!

BEFORE YOUR FIELD TRIP

  • Check that the information in your confirmation email is correct. Haven’t filled out a field trip request form yet? Book your visit.
  • Looking for a museum map, park guide, or tips for your visit? Our Field Trip Guide (also available in Spanish) has everything you need to stay organized. Print copies for all of your adults ahead of time.
  • Visit our Learning Resources library to download free, grade-appropriate lesson plans and activities for your visit.
  • Review the Museum Guidelines (listed below) with your students and chaperones prior to your visit. Chaperones should also review our Chaperone Guidelines to learn more about how they can be a helpful chaperone.
  • Use our Sensory Guide to help prepare your students for your visit, and check out our Museum Visit Social Narrative for additional sensory-friendly tips. You are also welcome to plan a Sensory Friendly Field Trip on the first day of every month, from October to June.
  • Provide parking directions to La Brea Tar Pits to your drivers.

ON YOUR WAY

  • Bus pick-up and drop-off occurs on the west side of Curson Avenue and buses may park for free along Curson.
  • Personal vehicle and van parking is available for $20/car in the Tar Pits Parking Lot on Curson Avenue.
  • Leave lunches on the bus, in vehicles, or securely zipped in backpacks. Because of the sensitive nature of our collections, we cannot store lunches in the Museum. Thanks for protecting our collections!
  • If you are running late, give us a call at 213.763.3466.

YOUR FIELD TRIP BEGINS!

  • When you arrive, gather your group in front of the museum and count the number of students per grade level, chaperones, and teachers.
  • Send one teacher inside with your final headcount to check in with a staff member at the Front Desk and ask students to wait with chaperones outside. On busy days, a staff member may meet you on outside to check-in your group remotely.
  • Free admission is provided to all students, teachers, school staff (including TAs, 1:1 aides, and administrators), and chaperones. We require at least one adult for every 10 students. We ask that the number of chaperones does not exceed the number of students in your group.
  • Review any reservation times and locations with chaperones and school staff. You can check your confirmation to see if your group is booked for any add-ons and visit our Field Trip Add-ons page to learn more about our add-ons and equity policy.
  • Remind your chaperones to help their students adhere to the Museum Guidelines available on their Field Trip Guide (also listed below). You can also print and distribute our Chaperone Guidelines to ensure chaperones are ready for your trip.
  • Once your group is checked in and admission stickers have been provided to all adults, use the doors on the left to enter the museum.

Museum Guidelines

Take a look at the important information below to help you and your students be prepared for their field trip experience. Questions? Contact us at info@tarpits.org!

  • How We Keep Each Other Safe
    • Students should stay within view of a teacher or chaperone at all times, regardless of age, including in Hancock Park and the Museum Store.
    • Please be mindful of your voice, space around you, and other visitors while exploring the Museum.
    • Keep an eye out for green traffic cones around Hancock Park that mark tar seeps. Tar is super sticky - be careful not to touch or step in it!
  • How We Protect the Collections
    • Help keep our Museum clean by consuming food and beverages outdoors. Food can attract pests that can damage our collections.
    • School groups may enjoy lunch at the picnic tables or anywhere in Hancock Park (see museum map). Visiting on a very rainy day? We've got you covered (literally)! Reserve your spot for indoor lunch during check-in on the day of your field trip.
    • Protect our fragile and very old objects in the Museum by looking closely (but not touching). There are many things in the museum you can touch! Look for a sign or staff member if you’re unsure.
  • How We Explore the Museum
    • Spaces marked with an 'R' on the Field Trip Guide require prior reservation. Check with your lead teacher to see if your group has anything scheduled. If you have reservations, plan ahead to arrive on time.
    • Encourage students to be curious and ask questions as they explore!
    • Museum staff are always available to help. Staff will have a green Museum shirt or badge.

QUESTIONS?

Check out our FAQs for more information!

school group next to sabertooth skeleton tar pits field trip
Lesson Plans and Activities

Not sure how to engage your students in the exhibit halls? Check out grade-appropriate, downloadable materials.

Field trip resources!