Planetarium Education

Our corner of the Milky Way galaxy is full of amazing things!

NASA image

See the night sky during the day

The Nature Center's planetarium provides visitors with the opportunity to view the motion of the stars, constellations, moon, and planets in tonight's sky. As the only planetarium in the National Park Service, it enables visitors to compare a night sky with urban light pollution to the ideal viewing conditions of the country.

Want to make a reservation?

Programs are free but must be scheduled a minimum of two weeks in advance. Teachers and school administrators can contact us via e-mail to receive a reservation request form. Field trips cannot be scheduled over the phone. If you have any questions, please call us at 202-895-6070 Thursday through Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Field Trips in the planetarium are only available for Thursdays.

At this time, we are only accepting reservations for Thursdays through the end of December 2024.

The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium is closed Monday through Wednesday. Planetarium programs cannot be reserved on weekends.

 

A school field trip enjoying the planetarium.

NPS Photo

Curriculum-based programs

Curriculum based programs are conducted by a park ranger, who will guide students through an age appropriate program.

Students per group: maximum of 55
Chaperones per group: 5
Smaller groups are welcome to inquire about currently scheduled weekend shows.

The Young Planetarium (Grades Pre-K-2, 30 minutes) - Watch the sun set and reveal a star covered sky. Explore the solar system with a park ranger in this planetarium program.

The Stellar Star Show (Grades 3-6, 30 minutes) - Observe the movements the moon, stars, and other planets in relation to the Earth and sun. See the night sky as though you stayed up all night long during this planetarium program.

Planetarium films

See the night sky during the day! Schedule an educational film for your group on our dome screen. Planetarium films are high quality, informational productions created by planetariums and science centers.

Students per group: maximum of 30
Chaperones per group: 3

Zula Patrol: Down to Earth (Grades Pre-K-2, 30 minutes) - While looking for fossils, The Zula Patrol turns up evidence that the villainous Deliria Delight has been traveling back in time to Earth’s prehistoric past to illegally dump her company’s toxic trash. Our heroes learn all about the formation and development of Earth, as they try to stop her.

Oasis in Space (Grades 5-8, 30 minutes) - This film transports the audience on a voyage through our universe, galaxy, and solar system in search of liquid water, a key ingredient for life.

Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity (Grades 7-12, 30 minutes) - Discover the mysterious world of black holes and other space phenomena.

Two Small Pieces of Glass: The Amazing Telescope (Grades 3-12, 30 minutes) - Learn about the invention of the telescope and how different types of telescopes work.

Eclipse: The Sun Revealed (Grades 4-12, 30 minutes) - Learn about the historical, cultural, and scientific views of solar eclipses.

Know before you go

Parking

• Parking for cars, vans, and busses is available at the Nature Center.

Food

• There are no food facilities in the park. If you plan to visit the Nature Center, it is best to bring your lunch.
• There are limited uncovered picnic areas nearby.

Weather

During inclement weather, particularly snow storms and hurricanes, federal offices in the district may be closed. To check if we are open visit the OPM website. Also check local television and radio broadcasts for announcements.

Where to meet?

For field trips at the Nature Center and Planetarium, plan to meet the ranger at 5200 Glover Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20015.

Visit our Directions page for more information.

Running late? Need to change or cancel your reservation?

Call us at 202-895-6070. We're available Thursday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm.