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 PlayWiseKids is a hands-on learning and activity center providing fun and educational activities for schools, camps, preschools, Head Start and special needs groups. Discounted field trip admission rates are available for non-profit, tax-exempt education-based groups of 10 or more children. Science programs are available for Pre-K through 3rd Grade groups and lunch packages may be ordered from our cafe. Every field trip group must have at least 1 adult to actively chaperone every 5 children. Chaperones must be 16 years of age or older.
Field Trip Rates
$7 per child for Elementary/Preschools/Camps - (This is a 30% discount off our children's' general admission rates.)
$1 for each Adult - (This is a 75% discount off our adult general admission rates)
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Reservation policy
Reservations for field trips should be made in advance. We will accommodate "walk-in" field trips whenever possible; however, we cannot guarantee space for groups that have not made advance reservations. A group that meets the field trip criteria that does not have an advance reservation will receive a 10% discount off of our general admission rates.
Rates for Licensed Child Care Providers (LCCP)
LCCP providers that bring 10 or more children to PlayWiseKids, qualify for the Field Trip rates. Licensed child care providers with formal LCCP identification receive a discount of 10% off of our general admission rates for groups of 5 to 9 children. LCCP groups of less than 5 children do not qualify for a discount. The LCCP certification must be presented at time of check-in. |
Science Programs
PlayWiseKids offers exciting Science Programs for field trip groups from Pre-K through 3rd Grade! The programs meet NAEYC and MD state curriculum standards. Our 30 minute programs are integrated with other subject areas such as art, writing and math. Programs must be requested at least a week in advance. The available programs are:
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- Pre-K: Life and Environmental Science featuring Plant Life
- Kindergarten: Earth and Space Science featuring Weather
- 1st Grade: Earth and Space Science featuring Rocks and Fossils
- 2nd Grade: Life and Environmental Science featuring Butterflies
- 3rd Grade: Earth and Space Science featuring Outer Space
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The program rate is $3.50 per child in addition to the field trip rate. There is a minimum requirement of 10 children or $35 for science programs.
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Kinderman, a three time Emmy award winning children's entertainer, may be booked in conjunction with a PlayWiseKids field trip. Kinderman performs original songs, and gets children and adults involved in every number. His offerings range from "Kindercise" for Pre-K through first graders, to a "Ballroom Dancing" class for adults and children from second grade and up. Call 410-772-1540 for Kinderman rates and availability. For more information about Kinderman, go to www.Kinderman.us. |
Food Options for Field Trips
Field trip groups may purchase lunch or snacks from PlayWiseKids, or choose to bring their own food. Snacks and drinks are always available in vending machines.
Meals are available for $3.50 each. Orders must be made at least 3 days in advance. Groups will be charged for the number of meals pre-ordered.
Each meal includes:
- A slice of cheese pizza or a hot dog (Please choose either pizza or hot dogs for the entire group)
- Apple juice
- Potato chips
- Plates, cups, and napkins
When ordering meals, we suggest ordering additional food such as extra pizza or hot dogs for those individuals that might eat more than one slice of pizza or one hot dog.
Other food may be ordered in advance:
- Large cheese pizza (8 slices): $13.00
- Large pepperoni pizza (8 slices): $15.00
- Pitcher of drinks: $6.00 (Choose from Apple Juice, Fruit Punch, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Orange Soda)
- Hot Dogs: $2.00
- Cupcakes: $1.25
- Vanilla Ice Cream Cups: $1.25
- Peanut butter & jelly Uncrustables: $1.75
What to Expect From a PlayWiseKids Field Trip
When your group arrives at PlayWiseKids, you will be greeted by one of our team members who will give you a PlayWiseKids orientation. It is important that all children and chaperones (teachers, parents, aides, counselors, etc.) participate in the orientation. Some of the points discussed in the orientation are as follows…
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- Chaperones are responsible for the safety and well-being of the children while at PlayWiseKids.
- Chaperones must accompany children on the floor at all times.
- We ask that you pick up after yourself at PlayWiseKids so that all guests can enjoy themselves.
- No running!
- No jumping over walls, off of the fire engine, or off of any other areas!
- Always be mindful of other guests and always think about safe behavior!
- Our PlayWise Store is always open and stocked with creative toys, educational games, puzzles, workbooks, flashcards, musical instruments, disposable cameras, t-shirts, and more. Children are welcome to browse but must be accompanied by an adult.
- Even if your group has not ordered lunch in advance, we will do our best to accommodate special orders for food or drinks.
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Our vending machines are always stocked with snacks and drinks and available all the time.
If your group is staying for lunch or a snack, you will be provided with a room or area where your group can gather at the appropriate time.
Preparing for a PlayWiseKids Field Trip
Each field trip is welcome to stay at PlayWiseKids for up to three hours. During this time, the children can engage in self-directed play. Prior to arriving at PlayWiseKids, the field trip leader should plan out which chaperones will be responsible for which children. The chaperones can either guide the children through the exhibits, or the chaperones can take cues from the children and move through the exhibits accordingly. Chaperones must actively monitor the children at all times. |
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How Does PlayWiseKids Tie Into My Curriculum?
 The Science Programs described above were designed by an elementary school teacher to meet NAEYC and MD state curriculum standards. In addition, there are numerous activities within PlayWiseKids that can tie into curriculums in other ways. If you would like some assistance in making the link between your curriculum and a PlayWiseKids field trip, please contact us at 410-772-1540 ext. 0.
Parking for Field Trips
Free parking is available in the front, side, and rear of the PlayWiseKids building. Entrances are available through front and rear parking lots. Our Guests in wheelchairs should enter and exit through the front door. Space for buses is available in the rear parking lot only.
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Is PlayWiseKids wheelchair accessible?
Yes it is! Our front entrance is wheelchair accessible. All exhibits are on one level, connected through wide hallways, making it easy to navigate throughout the facility.
What Ages are Appropriate for a PlayWiseKids Field Trip?
The majority of children attending a field trip must be 8 years of age or younger. Children older than age 8 are welcome to participate in the field trip as long as they are actively chaperoned at all times. |
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