Stellar Planetariums & Observatories for Philadelphia Kids

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Neag Planetarium at the Reading Public Museum offers shows on astronomy and music for all ages. From the Universe to Sesame Street to Pink Floyd, every member of your family will enjoy a special show at this dynamic Planetarium. Their shows change about every two months so there will always be something new and exciting to see!

While you're there, be sure to see the many permanent and limited exhibits and arboretum!

Cost per planetarium show: $8/adults, $6/kids ages 4-17 and free/kids ages 3 and under.

Cost for Museum Admission: $10/adults, $6/ages 4-17 and free/kids ages 3 and under

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Mr. Cuba Astronomical Observatory offers the Spitz SciDome, an all-digital planetarium, lecture hall, library and computer room to provide public education and resources to learn about the universe, planets and more. They offer public viewing nights and family programs to view the stars, moon and planets, hear discussions, tour the facility and talk with astronomy experts. Mt. Cuba is educational and fun for the whole family!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  An exciting night of science and stars is featured at the Delaware Museum of Natural History. The night begins with live bird encounters, exploration of the Museum exhibits and Children's Nature Nook, games, science experiments, activities and crafts. Then the Delaware Astronomical Society will present to the guests and everyone will head outside to observe Fall and Winter constellations and maybe even some planets! Concessions will be available for purchase.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Mather Planetarium at West Chester University features a state-of-the-art SciDome XD Touch digital projector with a 32-foot nanoseam dome. They offer public programs and special events to educate people about outer space, stars, planets and more. Live shows and pre-recorded shows offer presentations, movies about space and information about the night sky. Visit the Mather Planetarium today!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Join the Delaware Valley Amateur Astronomers for public star gazing parties at different venues where you and your family can utilize provided telescopes, binoculars and other equipment to gaze at stars, planets, moon, galaxies, comets, nebulae, satellites, constellations and much more. Learn about outer space and the universe from their members and join in the fun of a night of science and exploration!

Cost: Free

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Mallon Planetarium at Arcola Intermediate School offers full dome digital presentations with Spitz SciDome HD, Starry Night Software, Layered Earth and Spitz player components. Their programs feature discussions about outer space and astronomy, stargazing events, evening planetarium shows and laser light shows to educate the school district students and public about all outer space topics such as planets, constellations, galaxies, stars and more.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society offers monthly Star Parties with Planetarium Shows, Educational Talks and the chance to do some real Star Gazing with the help of their talented members. On clear nights, you and your family will be able to look at the Moon, planets, star clusters or even a distant galaxy using one of their high-powered telescopes. These events are open to the community.

Tip: Seating is first come first served, and parking is limited.

Cost: $3 donation/per adult

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Widener University offers public stargazing sessions during the academic year with their professional astronomer professionals and student astronomers. They offer Monday Twilight Sessions to gaze at the planets, stars, nebulae, galaxies and clusters using the school's professional telescopes. They also have Friday evening sessions for your convenience.

Cost: Free

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Swartmore College hosts monthly public stargazing events in the Peter Van de Kamp Observatory. Their high-powered telescopes enable the public to view planets, stars and more throughout outer space. Located on the roof of the Science Center, the Observatory allows for pristine views on clear nights.

Cost: Free

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Villanova Public Observatory, located in the Mendel Science Center at Villanova University, is open to the public for star gazing, planet viewing and more with high-tech equipment such as the 14" Celestron CGE telescope with a Schmidt-Cassegrain optical design. Astronomy professors and talented astronomy students will be available to answer questions and discuss topics related to the night sky. Their AstroCat Cam allows you to see the Observatory from home.

Star-gazing nights are weather permitting and take place during the Spring and Fall Semesters. Click here for a campus map.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The public-friendly Strawbridge Observatory at Haverford College offers 12-inch and 16-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes for viewing the sky, planets, stars and universe. On select nights, the Observatory is made public with professors and teaching-assistants on-hand to answer questions and explain what is being viewed. Sign up for their mailing list to stay informed about all the exciting happenings!

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  In partnership with local astronomy associations, Montgomery County Community College hosts Community Observatory Nights. These are public stargazing events to view the sky, stars, planets and more on their observation deck.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Fels Planetarium at The Franklin Institute features a 60 foot diameter dome to view the night sky as it would look without weather or pollution interference. With high tech sound and video, they offer mesmerizing shows about space, cosmic exploration and more.

The Bloom Observatory and Ben's Starlight Lounge provide Night Skies on select nights to view the night sky, planets, stars and more with Chief Astronomer Derrick Pitts. There are also presentations, hands-on activities and more. Free star maps are provided.

Cost: $10/each (Night Skies). Museum admission includes the Planetarium.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The Edelman Planetarium at Rowan University offers educational and community programs featuring stargazing and 360-degree digital video shows. Their special events include telescope workshops and public shows offer themes of music, astronomy and family-focused events. Observatory Open House Nights feature free stargazing using research telescopes with faculty and staff from the Astronomy department.

Sign up for their monthly newsletter and check out their calendar featuring many fun and interactive events! Pricing and further details are online.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The New Jersey State Museum Planetarium features exciting shows for all ages on their state-of-the-art Full DomeVideo. The presenter will enlighten the audience by taking them on a journey through space and beyond. Shows are sky and laser programs to delight all audience members.

While you're there, check out special family events and exhibits! The Museum features fine art, natural history, archaeology and cultural history collections and exhibits.

Cost: Museum admission is Free. Planetarium shows are $7/adults and $5/kids ages 12 and under.