For your safety, we have modified our group tours to aid in social distancing. Group tours will include a self-guided, inquiry-based experience. Signage has been added to our exhibits in order to connect key vocabulary and STEAM concepts to curriculum standards.
To Make a Reservation:
Please email the following information to reservations@visithandson.org.
You will receive written confirmation of your reservation. Please verify that all of the information listed is correct and bring this letter with you on the day of your visit. If we do not have written confirmation of your reservation you may be charged the regular admission fee or denied entry based on capacity.
Upon arrival, please send only one representative from your organization to check-in, pay, and receive information on entry procedures for your group.
Please review our Play & Wellness Guidelines before your visit.
The group tour information below is for informational, future planning purposes only. We do not have a date when these programs will be reinstated as we are following the recommendations of our state and local governments.
*** Please note that due to social distancing requirements group tours, Tesla shows have a limited capacity and Paleo tours have been temporarily suspended. ***
You can make a reservation by phone (423-434-4263 ext. 808) or by submitting your information through e-mail at reservations@visithandson.org and someone will be in touch with you. We recommend you make reservations at least one to two months in advance. A reservation is required for all groups of ten or more. Groups of 25 or more are required to tour in a structured format, smaller groups may be self-guided, if desired. Reservations must be made in order to receive a group discount.
Please have the following information ready when you make a reservation:
You will receive written confirmation of your reservation. Please verify that all of the information listed is correct and bring this letter with you on the day of your visit. If we do not have written confirmation of your reservation you may be charged the regular admission fee or denied entry based on capacity.
To qualify for a group rate you must make a reservation and have at least 10 paying people in the group. The following prices are for adults/chaperones and children ages 4 and older:
You may pay using a check, credit card (VISA, MasterCard), or purchase order.
Please note: a child with a family membership must bring a copy of the family membership card to receive free admission.
Please make sure to bring the written confirmation of your reservation or you may be charged the regular admission rate.
Discount offers may be available, please ask when making your reservation.
Please review our Play & Wellness Guidelines before your visit.
When your group arrives, please send a representative inside to check-in and pay. Staff will then welcome your group and get you started on your tour.
Your group will be divided into smaller groups of 15-25 students each. We make every effort to separate students by class, but depending on class and overall group size, classes may be divided or combined as needed. Students will then rotate in their small groups around the different areas in 20-30 minute rotations depending on the duration of the stay. In each rotation area, they will receive a program led by our Discovery Guide staff and time for organized free exploration. All programs are tied to the Tennessee State Curriculum standards.
The Discovery Center’s lunch facilities are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please let us know when you make your reservation if you would like to eat here. There is an additional charge for this service.