5 Planetariums to Visit with Your Kids in D.C.

by | Aug 20, 2019 | Mommy Nearest

Our D.C. dwelling and savvy suburban Virginia and Maryland kids have so many resources at their fingertips, but one thing they do miss out on? A clear view of the stars. Light pollution puts a damper on organic star-gazing, but luckily our area is packed with planetariums and observatories. Here are our five favorites to take your little ones to infinity and beyond!

Best for preschoolers and early elementary: Rock Creek Park Planetarium

Where: 5200 Glover Road Northwest, Washington, DC

Rock Creek Park’s Planetarium is the only planetarium in the country’s National Park Service. It has a state-of-the-art digital projector, named Ms. Seymour, and curriculum-based children’s planetarium shows several times each week. Most Rock Creek planetarium shows provide families with a view of our solar system, galaxy and beyond! Programs at the planetarium are always free, but come early—once the doors to the theater close, no admittance or reentry is permitted. While waiting for the show to start, kids can visit the animals (both live and taxidermic), the bird observation deck and the garden of the Rock Creek Nature Center (a kid-friendly destination in its own right).

Best for D.C. day-trippers: Albert Einstein Planetarium at Smithsonian Air & Space

Where: Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC

After trekking around the vast Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, sitting down to watch a planetarium show is a welcome and relaxing break. The films are all specially designed for showing on the domed ceiling and will take your kids on a journey through time and space! Shows are geared for all ages, and you can even bring your stroller right inside the theater! Pro tip: parents recommend sitting in the back rows for the best views.

Best for telescope lovers: University of Maryland Observatory

Where: 3202 Metzerott Rd, College Park, MD

In addition to frequent special events, the University of Maryland Observatory Open Houses on the 5th and 20th of every month are amazing astronomy programs for families. The Open House program consists of a star and planet presentation followed by a tour of the observatory, as well as the chance to observe the night sky if the weather permits (the astronomers make the observing decision on the spot). From November to April the Open House event begins at around 6:45pm and from May to October it starts at 7:45pm.

Best for Virginian families: Arlington Public Schools’ David M. Brown Planetarium

Where: 1426 N. Quincy Street, Arlington , VA

This small public planetarium has been operating adjacent to Arlington’s Washington-Lee High School and in partnership with Arlington Public Schools for over 40 years. There are regular family programs open to everyone every Friday, Saturday and Sunday that school is in session, and special programs every third weekend of the month during school months (thanks to the Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium Program). The first Monday of each month during the school year is a Stars Tonight presentation about that season’s night sky. Talk about the little planetarium that could!

Best for the newest technology: Montgomery College Planetarium

Where: 7611 Fenton Street, Takoma Park, MD

While this planetarium on the Takoma Park campus of Montgomery County’s junior college is currently closed as the math and science area of the school is updated, we’re already excited for when it returns in 2022. Families can look forward to 100 movable seats, a tilted 30-foot dome and cutting-edge technology in the brand-new Catherine and Isiah Leggett Math and Science Building!

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Main image: Adobe Stock/Pavel

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  • Mommy Nearest

    Whether you want to discover where other local parents are taking their children or you’re traveling to a new city, Mommy Nearest is with you every step of the way.

Mommy Nearest
Mommy Nearest
Whether you want to discover where other local parents are taking their children or you’re traveling to a new city, Mommy Nearest is with you every step of the way.