Last updated: September 23, 2023
Thing to Do
Visit the Planetarium
NPS Photo/ R. Maher
Rock Creek Park is home to the only planetarium in the National Park Service.
A planetarium is a type of theater with the special purpose of showing educational or entertaining films and presentations about astronomy and the night sky. Located within the Nature Center, the Rock Creek Park Planetarium uses high-tech software to project the night sky onto a large, dome-shaped ceiling. Rangers lead you on a journey of exploration into our solar system, galaxy, and beyond.
The Rock Creek Park Planetarium has a seating capacity of 60. Space for wheelchairs is limited.
Programs in the planetarium vary in length and subject matter. Audience age limits are set to provide the best atmosphere for each program. These age requirements are enforced for all planetarium programs out of respect for all visitors.
For visitor safety, there is no admittance once planetarium doors close.
For a list of programs visit the Calendar page.
Details
Duration
20-45 Minutes
Young Planetarium (appropriate for audiences aged 4 years and up) runs for about 20 minutes.
Other programs last longer and are appropriate for older audiences.
Other programs last longer and are appropriate for older audiences.
Activity
Planetarium
The planetarium is a specially designed theater used for educational programs.
Age(s)
4 and Older
In order to provide the best experience for all audience members, age limits are enforced for each program.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed inside the Rock Creek Nature Center.
Activity Fee
No
Programs are free.
Location
Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
The Planetarium is located within the Rock Creek Park Nature Center at 5200 Glover Rd. NW.
Reservations
No
Though reservations are not required for the planetarium a ticketing system is used. These tickets are free and are used as place holders to ensure the facility is not over capacity.
Tickets are available beginning 30 minutes before each program and are given out on a first-come, first served basis.
Tickets are available beginning 30 minutes before each program and are given out on a first-come, first served basis.
Season
Year Round
Planetarium programs are offered year-round. Program themes may change to suit the seasons.
Time of Day
Day
The planetarium is a theater that allows rangers to conduct programs during daylight hours.
Accessibility Information
The planetarium is a small room with a specially designed domed ceiling on which images of the night sky are projected.
The projector is located in the center of the room. Three feet from the base of the projector are a curved set of bench seats with backs. Two more rows of curved benches fill the space between front row and rear wall on the left hand side while only two rows fill the space on the right. The benches on either side are separated by three feet gaps on either side of the room. One side allows entry from the main door while the other side opens on to an emergency exit on the opposite side. The emergency exit is not accessible as it leads to a short series of stairs that exit onto the Edge of the Woods Trail.
The main entry is accessible via a back door with a slight ramp. Visitors with mobility aids will need to use the paved Edge of the Woods Trail to walk around the building and access this rear door. A volunteer or staff member will allow them into the planetarium before the program begins.
The projector is located in the center of the room. Three feet from the base of the projector are a curved set of bench seats with backs. Two more rows of curved benches fill the space between front row and rear wall on the left hand side while only two rows fill the space on the right. The benches on either side are separated by three feet gaps on either side of the room. One side allows entry from the main door while the other side opens on to an emergency exit on the opposite side. The emergency exit is not accessible as it leads to a short series of stairs that exit onto the Edge of the Woods Trail.
The main entry is accessible via a back door with a slight ramp. Visitors with mobility aids will need to use the paved Edge of the Woods Trail to walk around the building and access this rear door. A volunteer or staff member will allow them into the planetarium before the program begins.