Stellar Planetariums & Observatories for Los Angeles Kids

Gina I.:  Kids will love the view of the night sky at the George F. Beattie Planetarium! In fact, the projector can provide views from the North Pole to the South Pole, giving kids a real-life view of what it would be like to see the stars on a dark, clear night.

Ages: ALL

Cost: $3/adults; $1/age 10 & under

Gina I.:  For a truly immersive experience, check out the Randall Planetarium! Featuring the latest celestial shows, enhanced with surround sound, it's an experience that's truly out of this world! If your little stargazers want to learn more, the facility also features an observatory that is open to the public once a month.

Ages: ALL

Cost: $6/adults; $4/ages 6-13; $1/age 5 & under

Gina I.:  Discover the wonders of the universe and keep your kids up-to-date on the latest astronomical discoveries at Tessmann Planetarium. Shows are available 6 days a week and take you on an interactive journey through the solar system.

Ages: 9 & up (recommended)

Cost: Tickets are $7; $6/weekdays before 4pm. See show schedule and order tickets here.

Head over to the Gordon D. Crowell Astrophysical Observatory at Rio Hondo College on select Friday nights for some stargazing! Open to the public, young, aspiring astronomers will have the opportunity to see the night sky through a Meade LX200GPS, 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope. There is a little bit of a hike to the telescope, so wear comfortable shoes, and there is no restroom facility, so be sure to plan ahead!

Is your little astronomer interested in making their own telescope? Head over to Garvey Ranch Observatory on a Wednesday night for their telescope & mirror making and public observing. The observatory is home to an 8 inch refractor telescope, as well as an extensive library. Hosted by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, this even draws space enthusiasts from all over the L.A. area.

Gina I.:  With both 2D and 3D "live" digital star fields, surround sound, and a full dome theater, The GCC Planetarium is your window into the cosmos! All shows are presented by a live narrator, and your kiddos will have a chance to ask questions of the experts following the show. See calendar for show dates and info.

Ages: ALL

Cost: Call for details

Griffith Observatory and its surrounding grounds are open to the public for free, so kids and their grownups can enjoy the museum exhibits and spy the sky through a telescope. Special programs, including public talks and demonstrations, happen often. Break for lunch at the cafe or out on the grounds, then stick around for a planetarium show in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium!

Gina I.:  Open to the public when UCLA is in session, Wednesday Night Public Shows are conducted by current astronomy graduate students, and each week features a different celestial topic. So, whether your little astronomy lover is interested in neutron stars or black holes, they are sure to be entertained. Shows are 60 minutes long, but be sure to arrive on time. They cannot admit guests after the show starts. Telescope viewing and private shows are also available.

Ages: ALL

Cost: FREE

Gina I.:   John Drescher Planetarium features a Digistar II planetarium projectorwhich uses digital technology to transport viewers throughout the cosmos! Their Friday Evening Public Shows offer an interactive weekly update of the night sky and chance for your little astronomers to ask questions of the experts. After the 50 minute Night Sky Show is the Feature Show, which includes a guest lecture on an array of astronomical topics.

Ages: 6 & up

Cost: show prices start at $5/ages 12 and under; $6/adults. Tickets can be purchased 20 minutes prior to showtime at the SMC Theatre Arts Box Office (CASH ONLY)

Gina I.:  Bring the kids to experience the wonder of the night sky at CSUN's Planetarium. Sit back and relax as over 2,000 stars, the five visible planets, moving night sky comes to life overhead. Bi-weekly star shows are open to residents of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities. Be sure to arrive on time, as there is no admittance after the program begins.

Ages: 8 & up

Cost: $6/show or $10/for 2 shows