If you are looking for a great time exploring the stars with the kids, odds are you are looking for one of the many planetariums in the DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia area. Here is a list of a few to get you started on your quest. Know of a planetarium that is not listed? Drop us a comment to let us know!
MARYLAND
William M. Brish Planetarium | Hagerstown, MD This Planetarium is operated by the Washington County Public Schools System. The William M. Brish Planetarium provides the community special shows on select days; visit them online to check out all of the programs offered. (Currently Closed due to Construction-Oct 2020)
Davis Planetarium | Baltimore, MD You can enjoy a look at the stars and sky beneath the 50-foot dome of the Davis Planetarium at the Maryland Science Center! Click here to see the wide variety of exhibits available. (Exhibits Only open at this time-Oct 2020)
Arthur Storer Planetarium | Frederick, MD Visitors of all ages can visit this Planetarium located at Calvert High School. During the school year, learn about the night sky during free informational and educational sessions.
Banneker Planetarium | Catonsville, MD Located on the campus of Community College of Baltimore County (Catonsville), the Banneker Planetarium also a wide variety of show and programs for students, families, and the community.
Howard B. Owens Science Center | Lanham, MD Operated by the Prince George’s County Public School System, the Howard B. Owens Science Center is the largest planetarium in Maryland offers a variety of shows for public viewing throughout the year.
Ausherman Planetarium | Frederick, MD Located at the Earth and Space Science Laboratory, the Ausherman Planetarium has a 35-foot dome built to amaze and educate stargazers young and old! Not only does this Chronos Hybrid planetarium system model the night sky, but it also displays 360-degree movies.
VIRGINIA
David M. Brown Planetarium | Arlington, VA During the school year, the David M. Brown Planetarium hosts weekend public programs. Plus, throughout the year they offer special seasonal opportunities, too; learn more and see the full schedule by visiting Friends of Arlington’s Planetarium here.
George Mason University Observatory | Fairfax, VA Located at George Mason University, this STEM destination gets visitors a little closer to the stars! Boasting many high-powered telescopes, including a 32″ one, the observatory offers public events and tours given by world-class astronomers, researchers, and educators.
Irene V. Hylton Planetarium | Woodbridge, VA Located on the campus of CD Hylton Senior High School, this planetarium is home to a star projector capable of displaying more than 1,300 stars, the five visible eye planets, moon phasing, and more on a thirty-foot curved dome! Special effect projectors also create solar and lunar eclipses, aurora displays, and meteor showers.
Observatory Park at Turner Farm | Great Falls, VA Permanently mounted telescopes allow for excellent sky gazing at the new Observatory Park at Turner Farm! This roll-top observatory includes an Observation Room complete with three telescopes and a retractable roof, and an Orientation Room for educational programs. For more information on future programs, visit the Analemma Society.
WASHING
TON, DC
Albert Einstein Planetarium Located in the National Air and Space Museum, the Albert Einstein Planetarium is one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in the country. This planetarium’s ultra-high-definition visuals are 16 times the resolution of your high-definition television! Guests are invited to enjoy shows and opportunities that get you a little closer to the stars and beyond!
Phoebe Waterman Haas Public Observatory Named for Phoebe Waterman Haas, an extraordinary woman of the early 20th-century (Haas was among the first women in the United States to achieve a Ph.D. in astronomy), this public observatory is located on the National Air and Space Museum’s southeast terrace. Guests are invited to visit and even participate in stargazing opportunities using the observatory’s 16-inch telescope that boasts its own rich history.
Rock Creek Park Planetarium Located within the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, the Rock Creek Park Planetarium uses high-tech Spitz software to project the night sky onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling while Rangers lead guests on a journey of exploration into our solar system, galaxy, and beyond! In addition to planetarium programs, stargazing opportunities are available, too.
Disclaimer/Terms: These opportunities are subject to last-minute cancellations; always confirm by calling/clicking.