The Hudson River Museum offers planetarium shows for all ages, including the pre-K set.
Planetariums in Westchester
Kids in Westchester are lucky to have some of the best family-friendly planetariums nearby. Make a star-studded visit to one of these planetariums for a fun, and in addition, educational outing. Expand your world and see a planetarium show.
A Planetarium for Kids
The best planetariums for Westchester kids offer kid-friendly programs. The Hudson River Museum has a bounty of shows for every age level. For instance, for ages 5 to 10 see “Earth, Moon and Sun.” Kids can learn how the Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a team. However, for the pre-K set see “One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure.” Shows are about 30 minutes long with a question and answer session afterward. In addition, older kids can enjoy “The Victorian’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
These shows run from 45 minutes to one hour. Shows are offered on the weekends, on select holidays, and school breaks. See their website for a full calendar. Museum admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children plus Planetarium entrance: $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 3-18. Reservations are not required.
Hudson River Museum, 511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers. 914–963–4550. hrm.org
Starlab: Indoor Planetarium
Families can take a celestial adventure in the magical night sky via the StarLab inflatable planetarium. For instance, learn how to identify the major constellations and stars. In addition, hear Native American and Greek stories of how they were created. In addition, families with children ages 4 and up are invited to take a pillow or blanket to get comfy during the show. See their website for the planetarium’s schedule. Admission: $15. Reservations are required.
Hudson Highlands Nature Museum Outdoor Discovery Center, Muser Dr. across from 174 Angola Rd., Cornwall. 845–534–5506. hhnm.org
Planetariums in Connecticut
In addition, just a stone’s throw away there are other planetariums are available for Westchester families.
Astronomy Nights at the Farmhouse
You don’t need to be in a planetarium to stargaze. In other words, observe the skies from the Knobloch Family Farmhouse. Using portable telescopes, astronomers share the best happenings in the sky with visitors. This program, however, is best suited for ages 5 and up. For all ages. $5 adults, $3 children. Reservations not required.
However, there’s a solution if you prefer indoor gazing. Check out the small planetarium inside the Museum and Nature Center. Admission to the Museum and Nature Center: $12 for adults, $6 children ages 4-17, 3 and under free.
Stamford Museum and Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Rd. Stamford, Conn. 203–322–1646. stamfordmuseum.org
Mystic Seaport
Extend your day trip to Mystic with a visit to the Treworgy Planetarium. Learn about celestial navigation in daily half-hour programs at the Mystic Seaport Museum of America and the Sea. Above all, it adds a little education to your adventure.
Treworgy Planetarium, Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic, Conn., 860-572-5302. mysticseaport.org
The Big Planetarium
NYC’s Hayden Planetarium
In conclusion, Westchester kids are lucky to be near one of the most acclaimed planetariums. Located inside the American Museum of Natural History is the Hayden Planetarium. Above all, the planetarium’s mission is to continue to conduct research in astrophysics. As they say, their goal is, “to bring the universe down to Earth.”
Enjoy “Worlds Beyond the Earth,” a half-hour program that tells the story of the worlds that share our solar system. In addition, attend Astronomy Live presentations. There are also monthly lecture series and other special events.
See the website for further details. Admission: Admission to the American Museum of Natural History is a suggested donation. Admission to the Planetarium show requires a general admission plus one ticket, $28 adults, $16.50 children.
The Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West at 79th St., New York, NY. 212-769-5912. haydenplanetarium.org
Psst … For more science adventures consider making Inflatable Slime with the kids!
