Field Trips
Manassas National Battlefield Park offers guided education programs for students to learn about the American Civil War, particularly the First and Second Battles of Manassas which took place on lands now preserved within this national park. The park also offers environmental education field programs. All educational programming is free of charge.
We are currently unable to take additional requests for April and May 2023 as all available slots have been filled. You are still welcome to visit the park with your students in April and attend public tours offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily; and education staff will be happy to faciliate planning for your self-guided visit.
Below is a list of the field trip options typically offered at the park:
First Manassas Tour
This is a ranger-guided walking tour designed for school groups of any age. This 45-minute tour covers events and historical themes associated with the First Battle of Manassas. Groups are limited to 50 students. Tours are offered weekdays by advance reservation only. By request, our First Manassas Tour can be tailored to provide more information about the roles of women, African-Americans, and/or the civilian experience. Pairs well with the Scavenger Hunt and Orientation Film.
Scavenger Hunt
The park offers grade-level scavenger hunts that serve as a companion to our museum space are available for school groups from 2nd-12th grade. Plan on at least 30 minutes to complete this activity. Pairs well with the First Manassas Tour and Orientation Film.
Orientation Film, Manassas: End of Innocence
This 45 minute film covers both the First and Second Battles of Manassas through the eyes of those that witnessed them. Pairs well with the Scavenger Hunt and First Manassas Tour. This film depicts the violence of the Civil War. It is best suited for students in fourth grade and above.
Virtually Manassas!
Join a ranger coming to you from the Manassas Battlefield! Park staff will work with you to design a program that best meets your needs. Past program topics include, being a Park Ranger and the history of the NPS; the First Battle of Manassas; and the civilian experience during the Civil War.
Classroom Visit
Let the Education Staff of Manassas National Battlefield Park come visit you, bringing the story of the Battles of Manassas, materials, and other hands-on items to your classroom. Availability of this option may be limited based on staffing.
To Make Reservations:
The park requires that all field trip requests be made at least one month in advance of visitng the park. We receive lots of requests from school groups and bus tours to visit the park, particularly in the spring. We want you to have a pleasant and enjoyable experience without having to compete with other large groups, so scheduling is the key. Please note that due to staffing, we are not able to accommodate groups on Tuesdays or Wednesdays at this time. If you are requesting a date more than four months out, we will plan to accommodate your request and add it to our calendar, but will not be able to confirm your reservation until a couple months out.
If you would like to request a field trip, classroom visit, or virtual field trip, please fill out our reservation request form and send it to mana_education@nps.gov. Please note that teachers should only fill out either section 2 (field trip),3 (classroom visit), or 4 (virtual field trip) depending on their preferred experience for their students. Also, section 5 which pertains to fee waivers does not need to be filled out because Manassas National Battlefield Park does not charge fees.
*All guided tours require a 1:10 adult to student ratio.
Non-Ranger Facilitated Programs:
While we offer formal educational programming, you are also welcome to visit the park on your own and park staff will be happy to help you curate a non-facilitated experience for your students. Please keep in mind if you plan to visit the park wit a large group, indoor space is limited in park buildings. We do not recommend having more than 35 students in our visitor center exhibits given the small size of the space. Our theater capacity is 130 for the park film which plays at the top of the hour throughout the day. Please note, if you plan to see the film and are running late, we cannot hold the film so make sure to arrive promptly at the scheduled show time.
If you would like a copy of our grade-level specific scavenger hunt for students to complete while in the museum, please email us. This scavenger hunt comes in three versions: upper elementary (4th-6th grade), middle School (7th-9th grade), and high school (10th-12th grade.)
While at the park, we strongly recommend you follow the latest state, local, and CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 including social distancing and the wearing of masks for the safety of your group, park visitors, and staff.
If you have any questions related to your visit or reserving a field trip, please contact the park's Education Office at:
Phone: (703) 361-1339 x1205
Email: email us