Field Trips
Explore, engage, and play! Learn about the world through music at MIM.
How to Book a Field Trip
Planning your field trip to MIM is easy with our step-by-step guide.
1
Browse Tour Types
Browse MIM’s menu of field trip tour types and choose the best fit for your students.
2
Complete Request Form
Complete the Field Trip Request Form.
3
Look for Confirmation Email
Look for a return email from MIM.*
*If you have not received an email from us within 3–5 days of submitting a Field Trip Request Form, please check your spam and junk folders or email us at grouptours@MIM.org.
Every MIM Field Trip Includes
An orientation video
A museum tour
Free-choice learning
Music making in a hands-on gallery
Downloadable educator resources
Field Trip Options
Many interests, many choices! In MIM’s galleries, young learners see thousands of musical instruments and immerse themselves in music, history, STEM concepts, and cultures from all over the world. Most importantly, students have fun! MIM field trip participants explore music that is familiar and new and spend time playing instruments in the Experience Gallery.
Interested in a tour topic beyond those listed below? Field trip tours can be modified to emphasize a variety of content and curricular goals, such as Western civilizations, ecology, and more. Email our education team at grouptours@MIM.org to see how we can best modify our options based on your needs. Advance notice is required, and each request is considered on a case-by-case basis.
Sounds All Around Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts
Price: $8 per student
Learn, play, and move while exploring how people make music around the world. Enjoy video clips of musicians and ensembles, talk about instruments on display, and use touchable materials to discover how instruments are made and played. This tour visits MIM’s United States | Canada Gallery and Europe Gallery.
Trailblazer Teacher-Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Geography, Music, Science, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Design the perfect day for curious students! Using a gallery map made especially for field trips, teachers and group leaders facilitate a fun, safe exploration of the galleries, guiding students and chaperones through the museum and encouraging self-directed learning.
¡Fiestas! Latin America
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Explore musical instruments and objects that bring Latin American celebrations to life. Students will see, hear, and learn about music making from various festivals and cultural traditions, such as Trinidadian steel pans and Mexican mariachis. Students get creative and move as they participate in a musical story or drumming activity.
Musical Menagerie: Asia Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Discover musical instruments and practices in the Asia Gallery that symbolize animals or the animal world. See how Japanese dragons, Indian peacocks, Mongolian horses, and other animals play important roles in cultural histories. Students get creative and move as they participate in a musical story or drumming activity.
Trailblazer Teacher-Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Geography, Music, Science, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Design the perfect day for curious students! Using a gallery map made especially for field trips, teachers and group leaders facilitate a fun, safe exploration of the galleries, guiding students and chaperones through the museum and encouraging self-directed learning.
Discovery Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Geography, Music, Science, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Music plays an essential role in culture, and instruments reveal important stories about people and their environments. Discover how music crosses borders and boundaries and explore similarities and differences in sounds, instruments, and cultures while immersed in MIM’s Geographic Galleries
STEM: How Science Brings Music to Life Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Math, Science, Technology
Price: $8 per student
Students explore the physics of sound production and vibration and learn how musical instruments can be classified. Hands-on sound experiments help reinforce the concepts of sound waves and music technology. Discover connections between music and STEM throughout this field trip.
Celebrating Community Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Geography, Music, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Music fosters a sense of community and cultural identity by bringing people together. Whether through singing and playing instruments or telling stories and dancing, communities around the world make music in a variety of ways. Students explore diverse community ensembles by visiting MIM’s Geographic Galleries.
¡Fiestas! Latin America
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Celebrate the immense diversity of Latin American cultures and music! Trace the historical roots of instruments made iconic by the global spread of Latin jazz, salsa, cumbia, and other genres and rhythms. From national street festivals to community rituals, students will engage with Latin American music and dances in traditional contexts. Learn about international recording artists and local musicians who sustain regional heritage.
Trailblazer Teacher-Guided Tour
Curricular Areas: English Language Arts, Geography, Music, Science, Social Studies
Price: $8 per student
Design the perfect day for curious students! Using a gallery map made especially for field trips, teachers and group leaders facilitate a fun, safe exploration of the galleries, guiding students and chaperones through the museum and encouraging self-directed learning.
Drum and Dance Workshop (Select your focus: West Africa or Latin America)
Offered as an add-on to any field trip; customizable for various grade levels
Price: Additional $2 per student with any field trip
Get hands-on with musical traditions and have fun making music as a group! This immersive 50-minute workshop is led by a qualified teaching artist. Students will play along using a variety of drum types and shakers, incorporating rhythm, movement, and call-and-response into the experience. This workshop is presented in partnership with Arizona Rhythm Connection and uses the Roots of Rhythm world drumming curriculum. Reservation requested at least four weeks in advance.
Presenting Sponsor:
Artist Residency Program
Price: Additional $2 per student with Trailblazer Teacher-Guided Tour
Assembly 10–10:50 a.m.; tour 10:50 a.m.–noon
Professional musicians provide unique educational opportunities for students of all ages. Each two-hour experience includes an interactive theater performance and teacher-guided museum tour.
Fall 2025 Programs
- Tetra String Quartet (August 26): Hear works by a diverse range of composers and discover the ways music communicates emotion, sparks imagination and connects people across cultures and experiences.
- Máirtín de Cógáin (September 9): Máirtín de Cógáin offers a high energy extravaganza of Irish music and storytelling. (in partnership with Center for World Music)
- Fushicho Daiko (October 21 & 28): Learn about teamwork, cooperation, community, cultural awareness, musical excellence, and fun in this bombastic performance by Fushicho Daiko, Arizona’s longest running professional performing taiko group
- Clinton Davis (December 1): Listen to Appalachian fiddle and banjo playing, learn about square dancing, and discover musical approaches to melody and group participation. (in partnership with Center for World Music)
- North of Lonesome (December 8): Through traditional five-piece instrumentation, lively music, and a touch of popular fusion, students will clap and dance their way across Appalachia.
Spring 2026 Programs
- Furious Styles Crew (February 10 & 17): In collaboration with the artists, students will explore the instruments of hip hop, practice dance moves, learn about visual art, and tap into their inner emcee.
- Sandra Bassett (March 24 & 31): Students will discover the power of improvisation and personal expression, explore different jazz styles, learn about the African American roots of jazz, and engage in interactive elements that encourage listening, rhythm, and creativity.
- Arizona Opera (May 4 & 11): Take your students on an unforgettable underwater adventure! Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid is a magical, student-friendly opera about courage, transformation, and following your dreams. (Best for grades K–5.)
To apply for free or reduced student admission, please fill out our application. Free student admission is based on availability.
Educator and Classroom Resources
Bring the world of music to the classroom! MIM’s educator resources are meant to deepen and extend the learning that takes place on a field trip to the museum. K–12 educators can maximize their learning objectives with free supplemental materials for the classroom which include hands-on activities, lesson plans, video clips and photos, and gallery activity pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a typical field trip?
A typical field trip to MIM lasts two hours.
What is the cost of a field trip? Is financial assistance available?
Field trips cost $8 per student. To apply for free or reduced student admission, please fill out this PDF and submit it to grouptours@MIM.org. Free student admission is based on availability.
How many students can be accommodated?
A guided field trip can accommodate up to six classes, or approximately 150 to 180 students plus chaperones. The Trailblazer Teacher-Guided field trip is recommended for up to three classes, or up to 80 students plus chaperones.
How many chaperones can attend with a school group, and is there a cost?
Chaperones—who are all adults present on the field trip including teachers—ensure that every student has a fun and safe experience. MIM requires that schools provide one chaperone for every five elementary students and one for every 10 middle and high school students and will admit those chaperones at no additional cost. Admission for each additional chaperone is $8.
What days and times are available for field trips?
Field trips are available year-round, seven days a week. Most field trips arrive between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., but start times and tour lengths can be tailored to fit your group’s needs.
Do I need to make a reservation? How far in advance should I book a field trip?
Yes, reservations are required for all school groups visiting MIM. Make your reservation by submitting the Field Trip Request Form at least 15 days in advance.
How do I make a reservation for the Artist Residency Program?
Reservations for MIM’s Artist Residency Program can be made by submitting the Field Trip Request Form at least 15 days in advance. Space is limited and reservations are first come, first served.
I am a homeschool educator or a private music instructor. Can my students come on a field trip?
Absolutely! Please fill out the Field Trip Request Form and our education team would be happy to assist you with booking a field trip to MIM.
Do teachers need to prepare anything before the trip?
Before your field trip at MIM, please review the Field Trip Planning Guide, which you will receive in an email confirmation. This includes a checklist for before, during, and after your visit. Please discuss the visit plans with chaperones to ensure that the whole group has a great time! We also ask that students are grouped appropriately before you arrive at MIM to expedite check-in. If you have specific curricular goals, make sure those are prepared and ready to share with your museum guide!
What if I have special requests for my group?
MIM is happy to make accommodations so that your students have a fun, successful field trip experience. Please let a MIM representative know as soon as possible during the booking process if you require any accommodations.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule your field trip, please reach out to grouptours@MIM.org as soon as possible. If you are having any challenges with scheduling, please let us know—MIM is here to help!
What can I bring with me into the museum?
Teachers may bring backpacks or bags that contain student permission slips, medical forms, and other necessary documentation. Backpacks for anyone besides the responsible teachers are not permitted in the galleries. All food and drink (including water bottles) should be left on the bus. MIM has filtered water fountains throughout the galleries for students.
Can students bring lunches? Is there a place to eat?
MIM does not have a location on-site for field trip groups to each lunch. With advance notice and planning, MIM may be able to hold lunches stored in rolling containers (like a cooler). We recommend nearby parks and Desert Ridge Marketplace for lunch before or after your field trip.
Where should our buses drop off and pick up students?
For all guided field trips, buses will drop off and pick up students at the school group entrance on the south side of the building. Upon arrival, a MIM team member will meet you at the bus stop and designate the time at which your buses will pull up for pickup.
For all Trailblazer Teacher-Guided tours, buses will drop off and pick up students in front of the main entrance on the north side of the building. Upon arrival, a MIM team member will meet you in the bus spaces and designate the time at which your buses will pull up for pickup. Bus operators are welcome to come inside during your field trip time!
Is there a check-in process when we arrive?
Yes! When you arrive, a friendly MIM team member will coordinate your tour details with the lead teacher while all students and chaperones stay on the bus. A MIM representative will then board the bus for a short orientation presentation (one to two minutes). Further instructions will be provided at the time for unloading, grouping students, and, if applicable, pairing up your classes with their museum guide.
Can students visit the Museum Store?
The Museum Store is not a part of the field trip experience. Please email grouptours@MIM.org with further inquiries.
Are there pre- or post-visit activities available?
Yes! Your field trip confirmation email will include a link to a pre-visit video to prepare your students for their field trip. MIM’s virtual educator resources also provide additional content before your trip and help continue the learning in the classroom after your visit.
Does MIM offer any professional development opportunities for teachers?
Yes! MIM offers a variety of professional development opportunities for classroom teachers, music and homeschool educators, and curriculum specialists. Visit our educator resources webpage to learn more.
Does MIM offer virtual field trips?
Yes! MIM’s virtual field trip video collections are designed to support a dynamic learning experience for students to explore world cultures, discover MIM’s galleries, and create music through more than 50 minutes of tour videos and activities. Contact our education team at educationpartners@MIM.org to learn more about virtual field trip offerings.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Anonymous (4); APS; Arizona Private Charitable Foundation; Craig and Barbara Barrett Foundation; Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation; Miriam S. and Louis E. Brodian Education Fund; Arizona Buuck Family Fund; The Charro Foundation; Donald W. Collier Charitable Trust II; Robert & Vanne Cowie; Robin & Robert Craig; Jane & John Guild; Jim & Kathy Henderson; Bill & Cathy Hurtle (Campbell Foundation); Sarah James Music, LLC; John F. Long Foundation; Joseph W. & Edith L. Marotta; Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation; The MOCA Foundation; Otto & Edna Neely Foundation; Jack & JoAnn Pope; The Revada Foundation of the Logan Family; Theodore R. Stephan; Merle & Michael Tarnow; Twiford Foundation; UnitedHealthcare; Jolene and Harv Weisblat Philanthropic Fund of the Southwest Community Foundation; Rev. Steven & Christy Ziegler
APS
Molly Blank Fund
Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation
REVADA Foundation
To learn more and sponsor field trips at MIM, email philanthropy@MIM.org.
Contact Us
Questions? Contact our education team at grouptours@MIM.org or call 480.245.6919.