Stellar Planetariums & Observatories for Boston Kids

Erin P.:  The Alden Digital Planetarium was the first digital planetarium in the state. They feature a 40-foot dome on which they project images from NASA and the Hubble Space Telescope to create a 3-D solar system. They offer surround sound technology and a 360-degree, multi-sensory experience.

Cost: $5 per person (plus museum admission); $4 per person for EcoTarium members

Erin P.:  The Museum of Natural History and Planetarium offers a wide variety of shows in their dome theater. They use a Zeiss projector to project stars, planets and constellations to imitate the night sky. Shows are held on Saturday and Sundays at 2:00PM, and run about 30 minutes. Click here for their upcoming show schedule. They recommend that you arrive early to purchase your tickets.

Cost: $3/person (includes museum admission); Children under age 4 are not permitted in the planetarium.

Erin P.:  The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics hosts a variety of free events for the public. Events take place in both the Phillips Auditorium and on the observatory roof, if weather permits. In addition to Monthly Observatory Nights, they feature a variety of special events throughout the year. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Cost: Free.

Erin P.:  The Coit Observatory at Boston University is located on the roof of the College of Arts & Sciences. The Observatory is used for undergraduate and graduate courses, public open nights, and observing projects of the Boston University Astronomical Society.

The Public Open Night at the Observatory is a fantastic chance for people to view the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. Although the event is free, they do offer tickets. Ticketed guests will be given priority in entering the Observatory.

Cost: Free

Erin P.:  The Charles Hayden Planetarium is the home of the most technologically advanced digital theater in New England. Check out the fascinating and extensive variety of shows that they offer to learn about the universe and more! They present shows geared for all ages and interests, from Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky for the littlest astronomers to From Dream to Discovery: Inside NASA for slightly more advanced astronomers. Timed tickets are required and must be purchased in addition to museum admission.

Cost: Adult: $10; Child: $8; Member and add-on adult and child discounts available.

Erin P.:  Mendel Observatory at Merrimack College is available for use by students, faculty, the North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club and the general public. The Observatory has a a 20-inch Ritchey-Chretien reflector and a number of electronic imaging systems. The Mendel Observatory is on the 4th floor of the Mendel Science Center at Merrimack College. The Observatory is available for public access on Wednesdays at dusk or 7PM (whichever is later).

Cost: Free

Erin P.:  The Collins Observatory at Salem State University is home to a 12" Classical Cassegrain/Newtonian telescope. The North Shore Amateur Astronomy Club invites the public to free observing nights on clear Monday nights from September through April. You can reach the Observatory from the elevator at the rear of Meier Hall. Click here for current information about the Observatory's status.

Cost: Free

Amanda Banta:  Amateur stargazers have run the South Shore Astronomical Society since 1958. The Society opens observation nights at Norwell's Centennial Field to the public and encourages anyone interested in seeing the stars to join them.