Explore our solar system on a guided Planet Walk tour! Starting at our Sun marker, you'll step through the inner planets before venturing out to the gas giants and beyond. Each footstep represents 8.2 million miles, culminating in a 450-foot walk to Pluto. Join us for a cosmic journey through the solar system!

The planet walk is on grassy and slightly uneven terrain. Not suitable for most strollers or wheelchairs.

Tickets: $10 non-member/$5 kids/Free for Members

Walk-ins welcome!

Weekly Public Program

Astronomy Evening at the Cincinnati Observatory is the perfect program to get acquainted with all of the offerings of your local observatory. Located in picturesque Mount Lookout on the East Side of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest one of its kind in the country that still uses its original telescope from 1845, and now you too will get to participate.

This 90 minute long, family-friendly program features an Astronomy themed presentation on the different things you can experience in the night sky. Hands-on tour of our 1845 Mitchel telescope and viewing through the telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting).

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE For Members.  July dates are SOLD OUT.

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Embark on a romantic celestial journey with our "Late Night Date Night" at the Cincinnati Observatory. Couples will enjoy a star-filled evening complete with guided stargazing through historic telescopes (weather permitting), an intimate astronomy talk, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for making memories under the night sky. Whether it’s a first date or a special anniversary, this enchanting evening promises to bring the magic of the cosmos a little closer. Ticket price includes admission for two, mocktails, and dessert. 

Tickets: $80 per couple  18+ Only.  August is SOLD OUT. 

One of the biggest meteor showers of the year, the Perseids, peaks the night of August 12–13. This year the timing is about as good as it gets, with a new moon leaving the sky completely dark for the entire peak. Rates are already strong the night of our class, so come learn the science first, then step outside after for the show. We'll cover how comets and asteroids fuel these annual events, and why predicting a shower's performance is trickier than it sounds — with a preview of additional showers this fall and winter. 

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets:

Non-members $25/class

Members $20/class

Student (with valid ID) $10/class

This is a FREE event but preregistration is requested.

Parking Recommendations

Interstellar Adventures is a Saturday evening program at the Cincinnati Observatory, geared for families with children 5-12 years old. The evening includes adventures that take you around the Observatory and around the Cosmos. Pizza is included in the price of admission. We will view through the telescopes (if clear). Each adventure is around a different space-related theme.

Themes:   Astronaut Training

Tickets: $15/adult and $10/child 

Scheduled to launch in late August, NASA’s newest space telescope will tackle some of astronomy’s biggest open questions: the nature of dark energy and dark matter, and the search for new worlds beyond our Solar System. Named for Nancy Grace Roman, NASA’s first chief astronomer and the “mother of the Hubble telescope”, will survey the infrared sky with a field of view over 100 times larger than Hubble’s. Join us to learn about this next giant leap in astronomy.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets:

Non-members - $25/class

Members - $20/class

Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Join us at Madtree (Oakley) to gaze at the stars and learn through hands-on fun in this astronomy-themed pop up. There will be planetarium shows in an inflatable planetarium, celestial-themed crafts and activities for kids, and at the end of the night Drunk Astronomy with Astronomer, Dr. Wes Ryle. There is something for science lovers of all ages at this once a month pop-up!

Tickets: $10/person, $30/family (children under 4 free)

Walk-ins welcome!

Join us at the observatory for telescope views of a partial lunar eclipse! The visible portion of the eclipse begins at 10:33PM as the Moon enters the Earth's shadow. At 12:12AM, the Moon will be 96% eclipsed, turning a deep red color commonly referred to as a "blood Moon". No registration required.

A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. 

Check the website and social media for weather updates on the day of the event—this event requires clear skies!

Journey to the stars and indulge in an afternoon of refined elegance at our Afternoon Tea at the Cincinnati Observatory. Nestled amidst the historic domes and telescopes, you'll experience a truly unique tea party, blending the wonders of the cosmos with the comforting ritual of afternoon tea. A presentation on Victorian era tea and dress etiquette at the Cincinnati Observatory in the Victorian age will take you back in time and place you amongst the many distinguished guests that came to visit.

Our carefully curated menu features a selection of Bonbonerie Tea and Treats. Your ticket includes tea, light bites, and a celestial inspired goodie bag to take home.

Tickets: $60/person

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE for Observatory Members