Indiana Dinosaur Museum offers free teacher preview days for Indiana and Michigan educators

The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is opening its doors to licensed PreK–12 teachers and school staff from Indiana and Michigan on three summer dates, giving educators free access to its exhibits and field trip information. The preview days are meant to help schools evaluate the South Bend museum for future class visits.

Why it matters: - The preview days give educators a no-cost way to assess the Indiana Dinosaur Museum as a field trip option. - The program could help more students reach the museum’s science, history and paleontology exhibits through school visits.

What happened: - The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is inviting licensed PreK–12 teachers and school staff from Indiana and Michigan to three Free Teacher Preview Days this summer. - The dates are Tuesday, July 7; Thursday, July 30; and Saturday, August 8. - Eligible educators receive free admission to the Indiana Dinosaur Museum and the South Bend Chocolate Company Museum. - Teachers and staff must show a valid school-issued ID at the admission kiosk. - No advance registration is required.

The details: - The museum says the preview days are designed to let educators explore educational exhibits, interactive learning experiences and hands-on activities. - Educators can gather information on field trip packages, educational programming and group visit options during the visit. - The museum offers field trips for preschool through high school students. - Family members and friends may accompany participating educators. - Additional admission tickets can be purchased online or at the museum’s Box Office. - The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is at 7102 Lincolnway West in South Bend, Indiana. - The museum says it welcomes more than 90,000 visitors annually from across the country. - More information is available on the museum’s website or by calling 574-233-2577.

Between the lines: - The teacher event doubles as outreach to schools and a marketing push for future group bookings. - The inclusion of the South Bend Chocolate Company Museum adds extra value for educators deciding whether to bring students or families back. - Mark Tarner said the goal is to provide memorable educational experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage scientific discovery and create lasting memories.

What's next: - Educators who attend the preview days can use the visit to plan future class field trips. - The museum is likely to continue promoting memberships, museum hours and school programming as the summer dates approach.

The bottom line: - The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is using free summer access to turn teachers into future field trip planners.