Visiting School Groups

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 into action.

My State, My Community

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Attendance limit: 35
Length: 40 minutes

These tours are designed to meet the civic curriculum needs of 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.

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.

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 to 12th may also partake in a Make-A-Law! program.

Tours for the Visually Impaired

• Grades K to 12
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
• Attendance limit: 15
• Length: 75 minutes

Make-A-Law! Program for the Visually Impaired

• Grades 4 to 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 to 12th may also partake in a Make-A-Law! program.

Tours for the Hearing Impaired

• Grades K to 12
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
• Attendance limit: 50
• Length: 60 minutes

Make-A-Law! Program for the Hearing Impaired

• Grades 4 to 12
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
• Attendance limit: 35
• Minimum attendance: 45
• Length: 60 minutes