Group Activity Day FAQ
Do You Offer Discounts For Group Activity Days?
To receive a group rate, you must have a minimum of 10 paying participants and pay in one transaction. Group rates are not valid during special events. Group rates are subject to change. For questions, please contact Meghan DeLapp at 980-305-6298 or meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov.
NEW Group Activity Fee Rates (For groups booking dates that fall on or after July 1, 2025):
*Tax Included
- Students and Teachers
- Activity Fee Total (4 – $1 Activity Fees) + Train Ride: $8.28 per person*
- Activity Fee Only (4-$1 Activity Fees): $4.28 per person*
- Adult Chaperones
- Admission + Train Ride: $18.63 per person*
- Admission Only: $9.63 per person*
- Senior (65+)/Military
- Admission + Train Ride: $16.56 per person*
- Admission Only: $8.56 per person*
Train Ride Information
Groups may add a train ride (when available) to their museum visit for an additional fee.
Summer/Fall Train Ride Schedule
July-August: Thursday – Sunday
*September-October: Friday – Sunday and the following Thursdays
- Thursday, September 11 and 18
- Thursday, October 9, 16, and 23
A more detailed seasonal schedule of the train ride is available on the Hours & Admission and home pages of our website.
*PLEASE NOTE: General Museum Train Rides are not available during Day Out With Thomas Weekends (September 26-28 and October 3-5)
What Group Activity Stations Are Offered?
We offer three primary activity stations for all general group days. These primary activity stations meet various K-5 Social Studies and Science Standard Objectives.
*We also offer an additional activity for middle/high school aged students. This activity is available upon request. Please see below
Dugout Canoes/Build a Better Boat:
Students will have an opportunity to learn about early indigenous dugout canoes and how water-based transportation has evolved over time. Students will also learn about the boat making process and will participate in an activity that explores how various forces and factors affect the sailing/carrying process.
Wright Flyer and Wind Tunnels:
Students will discuss the history of aviation as it pertains to the Wright Brothers. Afterwards, students will participate in a hands-on wind tunnel activity to further explore how various forces and factors affect flight.
Steam Locomotive Science:
Students will discuss the history of steam power/steam locomotives. Students will have the opportunity to see inside the cab of a steam locomotive, learn about various working roles, and discuss the importance of natural resources such as coal for transportation.
*Morse Code/U.S. Army Hospital and RPO Rail Car Tour: Middle and high school students will discuss the history of the telegraph. Students will have the opportunity to tour a 1940s U.S. Army Hospital Car and a 1920s Railway Post Office Car, learn how to operate a telegraph while sending messages in Morse Code, and will learn about forms of pre-telegraph communication like lantern and hand signals.
Additional activities that are subject to availability include the following:
Transportation Jeopardy: A fun activity for students to test their transportation knowledge.
What Curriculum Standards/Objectives Do The Activity Stations Meet?
Are Group Activities Guided Or Self-Guided?
Most of our Group Activity Days consist of guided tours through 4 rotating activity stations where students will explore the history and development of the three primary forms of transportation: land, air, and water. Groups also have the option to ride the train ride for an additional cost (based on availability).
A week prior to the scheduled Group Activity Day, group coordinators will receive a specific schedule to follow during their group’s visit. This schedule will include designated times for a group’s arrival/departure, activity station sessions, train ride, and lunch (when applicable). Group coordinators will be asked to provide the following information when making their initial reservation:
- Arrival/Departure Time
- Student/Teacher/Chaperone Participant Totals
- Will your group be eating lunch on-site?
- Would you like to schedule your group for a train ride during your visit?
How Much Time Should We Allot For Our Visit?
- Activity Stations + Train Ride (Including Lunch/Free Time In Museum): 4-5 Hours
- Activity Stations Only (Including Lunch/Free Time): 3-4 Hours
2025 Polar Express School Groups Days
THE POLAR EXPRESS ™ Train Ride event will offer two stage performances and the train ride. The experience lasts approximately 70 minutes, and takes place entirely on the grounds of the N.C. Transportation Museum.
Dates:
- Monday, November 24th: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm
- Monday, December 8th: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm
Reservations and Tickets/Pricing:
2026 Wind and Wings
Join us for high-flying machines, speakers, demos, aviation groups, fun activities, and more!
School and Pre-formed Group Dates:
- Thursday, March 19th
- Friday, March 20th
Reservations and Tickets/Pricing:
- More Information Coming Soon!
2026 Tractors and Trains
Join us to see modern tractors, antique farm equipment, farm life demonstrations, and much more!
School and Pre-formed Group Dates:
- Friday, April 17th
Reservations and Tickets/Pricing:
- More Information Coming Soon
Additional Questions?
For all group information questions, please contact Meghan DeLapp at (980) 305-6298 or meghan.delapp@dncr.nc.gov or Matthew McCarthy at 980-305-6282 or matthew.mccarthy@dncr.nc.gov.