More information
Below, you can find more information about the field trips along with our transportation grants, maps and, other handouts. Click the links below.
FAQ’s
How do I schedule a field trip?
Please email contact@hamuseum.org
What is the cost?
All teachers and students are free.
Adults are $6.00.
Please have payment collected and ready upon arrival.
How many can we have in our group?
We have a maximum of 60 students. Please bring as many parents/chaperones as you’d like.
When is the tour and how long does it last?
Please arrive at 9:30 am, the tour and shopping will last around 2 hours. 10am-12pm
What if I don’t want my class to shop?
Shopping in the museum store is an important part of the student visit experience. It allows students to take home a tangible reminder of what they learned, helping to reinforce the educational value of the tour. Whether it's a book, a fossil replica, or a culturally inspired craft, these items spark curiosity and continue the conversation beyond the museum walls. For many students, it’s also a chance to practice real-life skills like budgeting, decision-making, and polite interaction. Plus, every purchase supports the museum’s programs and helps keep exhibits and activities available for future students. Items in our store are as low as .25 cents.
How should I prepare for the trip?
Please divide the students into 4 groups before arrival for 40 or more children, 3 groups for 25-35 children or 2 groups for 15-24 children.
Do you have any materials to share with the students?
We ask that you share our video of the Museum with students at: Intro video . Or by visiting our website at www.HeritageOfTheAmericasMuseum.com and scrolling to the bottom of our home page. We also have a vocabulary sheet and quiz you can share with them. During the trip, students will use a treasure hunt book they can work in and take home.
Where can I eat for lunch?
Many students like to eat on Cuyamaca’s Grand Lawn (between Buildings G & C). You can find a map here. We also have a covered patio available. In case of extreme weather, we have a conference room, however, it may not be available. Please ask before your trip.
Where can I park?
Parking is free in the Museum’s designated lot.
Is there a grant?
Yes, the Museum offers transportation grants of up to $200 per school, per year. Grants must be written and approved prior to any field trip event. Grant amounts are determined based on distance traveled and demonstrated financial need. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee funding. All applications are reviewed within seven business days of receipt, and notification of any award will be provided in writing prior to any field trip.
To receive reimbursement, the museum must receive an invoice within 30 days of the completed field trip. Invoices submitted after this period will not be eligible for payment. For full details and to access the required application, please visit our website
What should I expect?
The children will enter and be able to put lunches and backpacks on a side wall. They will then gather and sit for some instructions for the field trip. After the instructions, they will separate into their groups. One group goes to each wing. The docents will then begin their tour. Once the tour is completed, children will gather and sit for shopping instructions.
Anything else I should know?
Chaperones play a vital role in ensuring a successful and enriching museum visit. Your support in helping the docent maintain organized groups, encouraging students to stay with their assigned group, and reinforcing museum policies is greatly appreciated.
To minimize distractions, we ask that cell phone use be limited until after the tour concludes. In the event of an emergency, please step outside onto one of our patios to take or receive calls.
Upon arrival, we also ask for your help in guiding students to remain on designated cement paths and to avoid landscaped areas. Your cooperation helps preserve our grounds and ensures a safe, respectful environment for all visitors.
Afterwards…
If you’d like to send thank you cards, letters, or drawings, we would love to see them! Please send them to:
Heritage of the Americas Museum
12110 Cuyamaca College Dr. W.
El Cajon, CA 92019
Focus Field Trip FAQ’s
How do I prepare for this field trip?
Please have the children divided into groups before your arrival.
How long is this field trip?
We ask that you arrive between 9:30-9:45 a.m. Most tours are completed by Noon.
Will the students shop this trip?
Yes, absolutely! Please encourage students to bring spending money for the museum store. Purchases made in the store help support the cost of your field trip and contribute to keeping our educational programs running. Every sale makes a difference—thank you for your support!
What should I expect?
When students arrive for their museum tour, they will be greeted by a staff member or docent who will provide a brief welcome and overview of the visit, including museum rules and expectations. Students will then be divided into small groups, each led by a docent who will guide them through the museum’s exhibits. Chaperones will assist in keeping groups together and maintaining a respectful and safe environment. The tour is interactive and educational, with opportunities to ask questions, make observations, and participate in activities designed to enhance their learning experience.