Field Trips
Real science. Real discovery. Right here in Harford County.
Bring Learning to Life
Curriculum-connected field trips that make science click
Give your students a day of discovery they won’t forget. The Discovery Center at Water’s Edge offers school field trips that bring classroom concepts to life through interactive exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, and real-world connections to science, technology, and history.
Our programs are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, making it easy to connect your visit to what students are already learning. From exploring cutting-edge technology to uncovering the remarkable scientific legacy of Aberdeen Proving Ground, every field trip is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding.
We welcome K–12 school groups of all sizes. To book your visit, complete our Group Reservation Form and a member of our team will follow up to confirm the details and answer any questions.
Planning Your Visit
Helpful information to make your field trip smooth & enjoyable.
Students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times during their visit. Chaperones are responsible for supervising their groups and ensuring appropriate behavior throughout the Discovery Center. Groups displaying inappropriate behavior may be asked to leave without a refund.
The Discovery Center also offers a complimentary room reservation where groups can eat lunch or hold small ceremonies following exhibit time and scheduled activities. Advance reservation is required.
Payment is due upon arrival and may be made by cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), or business check payable to the Discovery Center at Water’s Edge. Organizations needing a purchase order or invoice must request this during the reservation process.
Enrichment Experiences
Extend your field trip with deeper hands-on STEM learning.
Enhance your students’ experience by adding an engaging hands-on STEM workshop to your field trip. These sessions allow students to explore topics in greater depth while reinforcing classroom lessons through experimentation and collaborative problem-solving.
Educators may select from existing programs or work with our team to design a custom workshop tailored to their curriculum goals. Each session is designed to create a meaningful, memorable learning experience that inspires curiosity and creativity.
Advance reservation is required.
Cancellations & Weather
Flexible policies to keep your group safe and informed.
If you need to cancel your field trip, please notify the Discovery Center at least seven days prior to your scheduled visit. Late cancellations may incur a fee of $75 or 25% of the reservation cost, whichever is greater. There is no fee for rescheduling due to school closures or weather-related emergencies.
In the event of severe weather, a Discovery Center representative will contact your group’s primary organizer. Any closures or schedule changes will also be posted on the Discovery Center’s social media channels.
Group Rates
Affordable pricing designed for school & group visits.
Group rates are based on a two-hour visit to the Discovery Center at Water’s Edge. Pricing varies depending on group size:
- 6–17 children: $7 per child
- 18–39 children: $6 per child
- 40+ children: $5 per child
Accompanying adults are $5 each, and the group organizer receives free admission. Additional time may be added to your visit for $2 per child per hour, subject to availability.
Payment Information
Simple and flexible payment options for your group.
No advance deposit is required to reserve your visit. Payment is due on the day of arrival and may be made by cash, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express), or business check payable to the Discovery Center at Water’s Edge.
Organizations that require a purchase order or invoice must arrange this at the time of reservation, rather than on the day of the visit.