Field Trips at The Center for Wooden Boats

Our field trips are designed to make history and learning come to life through hands-on experience


  • This field trip is all about the water! Many students have never been on a boat before and our biggest goal is for them to have a positive experience getting on the water. Students will also get the opportunity to design and build their own toy boat to test out on the model boat pond.

    Cost: $15/per student

    Duration: 2.5 hours

    Capacity: 26 Students

    Availability: March - October, Tuesday - Friday between 9am-4pm

    Weather: On the water experiences are weather permitting, alternative activities will be provided upon inclement weather. Oftentimes we will go out if it is raining but not if the wind is over 8 mph.

    Clothing: We will be outside, please dress accordingly. It can be cold, windy and sometimes wet while paddling the Umiaqu. Even on warm days it can be windy on the docks so we recommend bringing hats and jackets. We do have rain gear to loan, but it’s best to come prepared.

    Chaperone Requirements: Chaperones should plan on being engaged participants in this field trip. Please prepare your chaperones in advance with a schedule & summary of the program. Some chaperones will also have the opportunity to join us on the umiaqu.

    • 4yrs - 3rd grade: 1 chaperone for every 6 students

    • 4th & 5th grade: 1 chaperone for every 8 students

    • 6th grade & older: 1 chaperone for every 10 students

  • Come learn how sailboats are designed and how they work. Students will build their own model boat and sail it on Lake Union Park’s model boat pond! Emphasis is placed on basic math, physics and boat design concepts.

    Cost: $15/per student

    Duration: 2.5 hours

    Capacity: 36 Students

    Ages: recommended 4th-9th grade

    Availability: Year-round, Tuesday - Friday between 9am-4pm

    Chaperone Requirements: Chaperones should plan on being engaged participants in this field trip. Please prepare your chaperones in advance with a schedule & summary of the program.

    • 4th & 5th grade: 1 chaperone for every 8 students

    • 6th grade & older: 1 chaperone for every 10 students

  • Come experience The Center for Wooden Boats and build your very own toy boat! Students will learn how to use hand tools, such as a hammer and hand drill. Perfect for students learning about buoyancy and water.

    Cost: $15/per student

    Duration: 2.5 hours

    Capacity: 36 Students

    Ages: 4+

    Availability: Year-round, Tuesday - Friday between 9am-4pm

    Chaperone Requirements: Chaperones should plan on being engaged participants in this field trip. Please prepare your chaperones in advance with a schedule & summary of the program.

    • 4yrs - 3rd grade: 1 chaperone for every 6 students

    • 4th & 5th grade: 1 chaperone for every 8 students

    • 6th grade & older: 1 chaperone for every 10 students

  • Come learn how sailboats are designed, how they work, and about many opportunities within the maritime world. Students will build their own model boat and sail it on Lake Union Park’s model boat pond! Students will also get the opportunity to talk with maritime professionals and learn about PNW history.

    Cost: Varies

    Ages: Middle School & High School Students

    Availability: Year-round, Tuesday - Friday between 9am-4pm

    Chaperone Requirements: Chaperones should plan on being engaged participants in this field trip. Please prepare your chaperones in advance with a schedule & summary of the program.

    • 1 chaperone for every 10 students

We welcome students from all financial backgrounds. If your program is in need of financial support to participate in our field trip programming visit our Young Mariners Initiative page or reach out to us at youth@cwb.org.


Lunch at CWB: 

  • The Center for Wooden Boats is located on beautiful Lake Union Park which is a great spot to enjoy with your group. Groups may also use the sail loft located on the second floor of the Wagner Education Building or the outdoor pavilion if the space is available. 

  • CWB is unable to store any bags, lunches, or personal belongings.

Chaperones:

Involved and active chaperones help make your visit fun and safe. Chaperones must remain with students and should be ready to actively enforce safety guidelines and support learning.

Cancellations:

Reservations are required for all youth students coming to the museum. Field trips must be booked 2 weeks in advance. ALL date changes and cancellation requests made within 14 days of your scheduled field trip date will incur a $50.00 fee.