Field trips and curriculum

Location: The History Center is located at the beginning of the Tampa Riverwalk next to Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, right behind the Amalie Arena. Our address is 801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602. click here for a map.

Grade Levels: We welcome student groups of all ages.

Capacity: A minimum of 10 students is required for a field trip, and TBHC can accommodate a group size of 150 guests total, or approximately 135 students and 15 accompanying teachers/chaperones.

Field Trip Length: A standard tour takes approximately 100 minutes, but please plan for at least two hours as additional time to check in, organize students, and use the restrooms is required. If you arrive late, your tour will have to be abbreviated. Remember to schedule extra time if you plan to eat lunch in the park or visit the Museum Store.

Tour Highlights: Our gallery exhibit themes closely follow the Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards and meet numerous benchmarks tied to the Florida History curriculum. By exploring primary sources and hands-on objects throughout our galleries, students will make connections to Florida’s growth from its pre-historic past through the state’s modernization in the 21st century.

Field Trip Admission:
Student groups (min. 10/max. 150): $8/student
Teachers/chaperones (1 per 10 students): Free
Additional adults: $10/adult

Pre-registration is required. For more information, contact Group Sales at [email protected] or (813) 675-8960.

Scouts can explore the History Center’s galleries and learn about the life of a Florida pioneer in our rustic Cracker cabin, watch a Florida cattle drive, or learn how to use the stars to navigate the high seas in our Treasure Seekers gallery. For no additional charge, a knowledgeable docent can help your scouts learn about Florida’s early native people, the events that influenced Seminole culture, and the industries that put Tampa on the map.

• Scout Groups (min. 10 /max. 30): $8/scout
• Chaperones (one per five students): Free
• Additional Chaperone: $10/adult

*Badges are not provided by the History Center. Please get in touch with your troop leader regarding the purchase of badges and other scout materials. For more information, contact Group Sales at [email protected] or (813) 675-8960.

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Advanced Registration Required  Reservations are always handled in the order they are received, and dates can fill up quickly. Booking your tour in advance with at least a 4-week notice will give us the best opportunity to accommodate your group. If you have specific questions, email [email protected] or call (813) 675-8960.

Making Your Reservation Request The Field Trip Request Form can be found above on this page i the “History Center in-person field trip” section. Here, you’ll find the opportunity to communicate all the relevant details related to your visit, including your grade level, group size, arrival date and time, and tour options. Once your reservation request has been made, you’ll receive an email confirming the details for your field trip.

Deposit and Payment After receiving your Field Trip Acknowledgement confirming the details of your reservation request, the next step is to make a deposit payment to formally complete your reservation. This $50 deposit will be due within 30 days of receiving your acknowledgement and instructions for how to make your deposit will be found within your Field Trip Acknowledgment form. The remainder of your balance is to be paid in one transaction on the date of your visit.

Cancellations and Changes If you need to cancel or change your reservation for any reason, please contact the History Center with at least 10 days business notice before your scheduled visit. Providing 10+ days notice for any cancellation will ensure your deposit is refunded in full. If your group fails to cancel at least 10 business days prior to your visit or does not show up for your scheduled tour, your deposit will be forfeited to the Tampa Bay History Center.

Columbia Cafe Boxed Lunches Planning for a picnic lunch on the day of your field trip? Give your students a taste of Ybor City with delicious Columbia Cafe boxed lunches! Student and adult boxes are available and must be pre-ordered at least five days prior to your visit. The Cafe requires a minimum order of 10 boxed lunches.

Boxed Lunch Selections

Students $6.95
C1: Pressed Cuban sandwich (ham, salami, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickle, mustard)
C2: Peanut butter & jelly on white bread
C3: Ham & American cheese on a Cuban roll
All student lunches come with an apple, chocolate chip cookie, and bottled water.

Adults $15.95
A1: Pressed Cuban sandwich (ham, salami, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickle, mustard)
A2: Grilled eggplant w/ roasted red peppers, provolone, lettuce, tomato & pesto mayo on a ciabatta roll
A3: Grilled chicken w/ peppers, onions, black olives, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and feta in a flour tortilla with herbed cream cheese spread
All adult lunches come with fresh fruit salad, plantain chips, chocolate chip cookie, and bottled water.

The Fine Print

• Full payment is due on the day of your field trip and must be separate from your field trip admission payment.
• Cash, credit cards, and checks (payable to the Columbia Cafe) are accepted.
• If your school/organization is tax-exempt, you must submit a copy of your certificate of exemption with your payment.
• Your complete order must be received no later than 5 business days prior to your field trip date.
• Once your order has been submitted, boxed lunches are non-refundable.
• Boxed lunches are designed as a “to-go” option and may not be consumed at Cafe tables. Picnic space is available in Cotanchobee Park, in front of the History Center.

If you would like to order a Boxed Lunch, please complete the Boxed Lunch Order Form below.
If you have questions, please get in touch with the Columbia Cafe at (813) 229-5511.

• Field Trip Guide
• Pre-Visit Activity Guide