Visiting School Groups
Free tours and programs are suitable for students from kindergarten to college. We look forward to welcoming your group for an enjoyable and educational visit.
Let’s celebrate the Garden State! From state symbols to county flags we’ll explore the people, places, and things that make our state unique and discover how kids across New Jersey have turned their great ideas in action,
My State, My Community
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 35
Length: 40 minutes
These tours are designed to meet the civic curriculum needs for students learning about their government. Your class will visit the Senate and General Assembly chambers to learn how laws are made and the citizen’s role in the process. We strongly suggest adding a Make-A-Law! program where students assume the role of lawmakers and learn the process of bill passage by demonstrating the skills of debate, negotiation and compromise. Visiting school groups may receive funds to help offset their transportation costs through the State House Express program.
State House Tour
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 50
Length: 60 minutes
Make-A-Law! Program
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 35
Minimum attendance: 15
Length: 60 minutes
This program contributes to the following New Jersey Cumulative Progress Indicators:
6.1.4.A.7 Explain how the United States functions as a representative democracy, and describe the roles of elected representatives and how they interact with citizens at local, state, and national levels.
6.1.4. D.19 Explain how experiences and events may be interpreted differently by people with different cultural or individual perspectives.
6.3.4.A.1 Evaluate what makes a good rule or law.
6.3.8.A.1 Deliberate on a public issue affecting an upcoming election, consider opposing arguments and develop a reasoned conclusion.
6.3.8.D.1 Engage in simulated democratic processes (e.g., legislative hearings, judicial proceedings, elections) to understand how conflicting points of view are addressed in a democratic society
In addition to standard tour content, tour guides can expand upon legislative activity and organization. The Make-A-Law! program provides an opportunity for students to learn the process of bill passage by discussing an age-appropriate and topical bill currently pending in the Legislature. Visiting school groups may receive funds to help offset their transportation costs through the State House Express program.
State House Tour
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 50
Length: 60 minutes
Make-A-Law! Program
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 35
Minimum attendance: 15
Length: 60 minutes
Tour content can be tailored to satisfy a particular course of study or interest. Options include an in-depth exploration of legislative organization and the lawmaking process, art and architecture, and observing legislative activity including committee meetings and voting sessions.
State House Tour
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 50
Length: 60 minutes
Observing Legislative Activity
The State House Tour Office provides a tactile tour for students who are blind or visually impaired with a hands-on experience for learning how laws are made and the citizen’s role in the process. Students in grades 4th-12th may also partake in a Make-A-Law! program.
Tours for the Visually Impaired
Grades K-12
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 15
Length: 75 minutes
Make-A-Law! Program for the Visually Impaired
Grades 4-12
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 35
Minimum attendance: 15
Length: 60 minutes
The State House Tour office provides sign language interpreters for students who are deaf or with hearing impairments. Interpreters are available with a minimum of five business-days’ notice. Students in grades 4th-12th may also partake in a Make-A-Law! program.
Tours for the Hearing Impaired
Grades K-12
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 50
Length: 60 minutes
Make-A-Law! Program for the Hearing Impaired
Grades 4-12
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 35
Minimum attendance: 45
Length: 60 minutes
To make arrangements to meet your legislators, at the State House or in the classroom, please directly contact the legislator’s district office. Find your legislator here.
