Know Before You Go
Lunch Space
Orange County
Discovery Cube Orange County is happy to offer two group dining spaces for school visits, based on availability. Dining areas are shared on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
Once your field trip group checks in, our team will do their best to coordinate a lunch time that works for your group while also considering space availability for other visiting schools.
Dining spaces are shared and subject to use by multiple groups simultaneously, based on group size and availability.
What to Bring
To make lunchtime easier, we recommend that students bring lunches packed in individual bags and placed in clearly labeled containers. Schools should label all containers with their school name for easy identification.
Schools are responsible for transporting their lunches throughout the visit. Wagons may be available to help move lunches when needed and based on availability, but we cannot guarantee one for every group.
Outdoor Dining Space
- Located just a short walk from the main exit
- Our largest dining area, seating approximately 100 students and staff
- Picnic table seating with some shaded areas
- As an outdoor space, it is subject to weather conditions
- Restrooms are available inside the building, a short walk away
- Located on the third floor and accessible by stairs or elevator
- Features seven picnic style tables, seating approximately 65 students and staff
- Shade availability varies by time of day and cannot be guaranteed
- As an outdoor space, it is subject to weather conditions
- Restrooms are available on the second floor, a short walk away
We kindly ask that groups:
- Dispose of all trash in the provided receptacles
- Leave the dining area clean and ready for the next group
- Take all lunches, containers, boxes, and personal items when finished
- School groups are responsible for making sure all belongings return to the bus at the end of their trip.
Inclement Weather
Lost and Found
While Discovery Cube is not responsible for lost items, any items found will be held for a period of time in case they are claimed. Unclaimed items will be donated to local organizations.
Lunch Lab
Our onsite café, Lunch Lab, has a dining area reserved for guests who are purchasing food. To ensure adequate seating for our daily visitors, we ask that groups do not use this area for outside lunches.
Los Angeles
Discovery Cube LA does not have a designated lunch area onsite. If you do bring lunches or snacks, please inform the staff member at check-in who will help coordinate a time for lunch in the park nearby, and facilitate food storage as availability permits.
Please note that there is no scheduled break for snacks or lunch during your field trip time. Lunch time, place, and storage is at the discretion of Discovery Cube staff and is subject to availability. Many groups often have lunch requests, and not all requests can be accommodated.
Code of Conduct
Chaperones
All Field Trip and Independent Discovery groups require chaperones be present with their students at all times. Unattended students are not permitted to explore Discovery Cube on their own. Chaperones must remain with their group at all times. Be respectful of each other, other school groups and visitors, staff, and volunteers. Be respectful of all exhibits and exhibit spaces. Several areas have special guidelines, please make sure your group is listening and follows instructions.
Chaperones are responsible for the conduct of their students during the visit. Groups assume responsibility for any damages incurred by their students or chaperones. Discovery Cube reserves the right to ask any group not adhering to the rules to vacate the premises.
Students
The following guidelines must be followed by all groups during their visit to Discovery Cube. Students must stay with their groups at all times. Use walking feet and food and drink are not permitted in exhibit areas. Be respectful of everyone in your group, and all other groups and visitors. Be respectful of all Discovery Cube staff, volunteers, and exhibits.
Students should view this fun video to ensure a seamless experience at Discovery Cube.
Lost and Found
Due to the frequency of lost items found, we recommend leaving important items and backpacks at school or on the bus. Items containing food will be cleared out before storing. Please email a description of the item and contact information to CustomerSupport@discoverycube.org. Once verified, Guest Services will hold the item at our Front Desk for pickup. Unclaimed items are either disposed of or donated after one week.
Exhibits
Orange County
Some of our exhibit spaces have special instructions.
Sea Lab: Sea Lab closes every day from 1:15pm – 2:00pm for animal feeding and rest.
Staff assigned to your Field Trip group will communicate details such as a designated time to visit the Sea Lab on the day of your visit to ensure animal and visitor safety.
Independent Discovery groups are welcome to visit Sea Lab anytime during their visit. Space is limited, and we highly recommend dividing into smaller, chaperoned groups to experience Sea Lab.
Dino Quest: Depending on the theme of your Field Trip, your group will visit Dino Quest for a certain amount of time. Staff assigned to your group will communicate details such as a designated time on the day of your visit. Access to the Dig Pit is not permitted for Field Trip groups.
Independent Discovery groups are welcome to visit Dino Quest at any time during their visit, including the Dig Pit. Please note there is often a line, and an adult chaperone must be present at all times.
Check-in & Parking
Check-in
Plan on arriving 10-15 minutes before your scheduled field trip start time for check-in and orientation. Your demonstrator, dressed in a white lab coat, will meet your group outside. Designate one head chaperone to check in your group and provide the total head count of all students, total head count of all adults, departure time, lunch needs, and final payment (if applicable).
Parking
Orange County
Buses should pull forward to the Ticket Booth and receive information from the parking attendant. After unloading, buses may park at the Main Place mall (see map below). Confirm your departure time with your bus driver. Cars are charged $10 each (price subject to change without notice) for onsite parking. Carpooling is recommended.
Directions: Exit Discovery Cube parking lot. Left on Main Street (at signal). Left on Main Place Drive. Right into parking area adjacent to Bank of America ATM vestibule.
Los Angeles
Please use the bus turn around to make a U-turn in front of Discovery Cube, so students can exit the buses on the Discovery Cube side of the street. Parents arriving in individual cars may park in the Discovery Cube free parking lot.
Shopping
Orange County
Discovery Cube OC is home to Launch Pad Science Store. All students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times. Only one small group of ten students per school is admitted at a time. The group is responsible for any damage or loss due to student/chaperone behavior. Shopping time is not guaranteed during a scheduled Field Trip as we prioritize our programming and learning experiences.
Los Angeles
Discovery Cube LA is home to the Elements Store, where educational toys, novelty items, and snacks are available for purchase. The gift store accepts both cash and card payment.
Dining
Orange County
Los Angeles
The Cube Café is open on museum operating days from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm. Hot pizza and nachos are available for purchase from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
View the Cube Café Menu. Please note that stock can vary based on demand.
If you would like to preorder sandwiches or hot pizza for your group, please reach out to RetailLA@discoverycube.org
Program Resources
If your Field Trip includes pre or post educational activities, you’ll find those links below.
Ignite Field Trips
Journey to the Ocean: Pre and Post
Puck Drop: Pre and Post-field trip resources for 5th-7th grade, 8th grade.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP)
Power Protectors: Pre and Post
Water Superheroes: Pre and Post
Orange County Waste and Recycling (OCWR)
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD)
