![]() NASA image See the night sky during the dayThe 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 on Wednesday from 10:30am to 5pm or Thursday through Sunday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. ![]() NPS Photo Curriculum-based programsCurriculum 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 filmsSee 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 Max Goes to the Moon (Grades K-4, 35 minutes) - Max (the dog) and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era. Along the way, the story sets the stage for the more sophisticated science of the “Big Kid Box” sidebars, which cover topics including “Phases of the Moon,” “Wings in Space?,” and “Frisbees and Curve Balls on the Moon” — all thoughtfully explained so that grownups and children can learn together about science. Toward the end, Max and Tori’s trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony from which “the beautiful views of Earth from the Moon made everyone realize that we all share a small and precious planet.” Know before you goParking
Food
WeatherDuring 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 Wednesday from 10:30am to 5pm and Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 5pm. |
Last updated: September 7, 2025