School Group Lunches

26'-27' Lunch Protocols Effective 8/1/2026

Group lunches may be stored at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, located at 11 West Jones Street.
The NC Museum of Natural Sciences opens at 10:00 AM Tuesdays through Fridays and is closed to the public on Mondays except from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2026.
If you choose to store lunches at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, their front-line staff will provide directions upon arrival.
If your group arrives prior to 10:00 AM Tuesday – Friday, please note you will not be able to stow lunches at this site until they open.
Clearly label lunches (coolers, bags, and crates) with your class and school name.
For general assistance concerning storing lunches at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences call (919)707-9805.

If your group plans to visit on a Monday, lunches must remain on your mode of transportation; if this is not possible, please contact us at capitalarea.visitorservices@dncr.nc.gov.
If your bus parked at the Museum of Art, you must have a way to contact your bus driver to get your lunches.

The Daily Planet Cafe is only for visitors who plan to purchase a meal within the Cafe.
The Cafe is located in the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Nature Research Center Wing, you may contact at 919-707-8060

Raleigh's downtown sites do not have indoor dining facilities for groups
You may purchase brown-bag or box lunches to eat outside. Many restaurants can provide these lunches with a two-week advance notice. Contact them directly for menu options, prices, and arrangements.

On days with inclement weather, you will need to eat lunch on your buses or other mode of transportation.

Important: The designated locations for group lunches have changed. Groups should now eat at either Lunch Site 1 at 306 N. Wilmington St or Lunch Site 2 at the northeast corner of 109 E. Jones St.
Consider bringing wagons or rolling coolers to help transport your items. All lunch areas are outdoors, please plan accordingly.
Lunch Site 1 will have picnic tables and trash receptacles available.
Lunch Site 2 is an open grassy area, so we recommend bringing blankets and enjoying your lunch picnic-style on the ground.
You are responsible for clean-up; please bring extra trash bags.
Fire regulations prohibit groups from sitting inside the facilities while eating and do not allow waiting inside to escape the weather.
Tables may not be reserved