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:   June - the Sun

                  July - Rockets

Tickets: $15/adult and $10/child

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

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.  

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Stars are rarely born alone. From the nearby Pleiades to the dense globular clusters orbiting the heart of our galaxy, star clusters come in stunning variety — and they hold some of astronomy's best secrets. In this class, we'll explore the two main types of clusters, what they tell us about stellar age and evolution, and how astronomers use them as cosmic measuring sticks. We'll also highlight clusters visible in June's night sky. 

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

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!

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 Churchill's teas and treats from Bonbonerie.
Your ticket includes tea, light bites, and a celestial inspired goodie bag to take home.

Tickets: $60/person

This is a FREE event.

Parking Recommendations

Take some time on the longest day of the year to come celebrate all things Sun! Join us to celebrate our closest stellar neighbor, eat some s’mores, and safely view the Sun through our 1845 telescope (weather permitting). This event includes talks about the Sun by our Astronomer, Wes Ryle, sundial demonstrations, face painting, and more! The program runs rain
or shine.

Tickets: $12/adult, $7/child or member

Join us at Madtree Brewing to gaze at the stars and learn through hands-on fun in this astronomy-themed pop up. 

The Cincinnati Observatory will present planetarium shows in their inflatable planetarium, provide Jupiter-themed crafts and activities for kids, and end the night with Drunk Astronomy with Astronomer, Dr. Wes Ryle. There is something for science lovers of all ages at this once a month pop-up!

Planetarium Shows ongoing 6-8pm

Drunk Astronomy 8-9pm

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

Walk-ins welcome!

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.  

Space Ethics Series

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

Tickets: 

Non-members - $20 per class or $50 for 3-class series

Members - $15 per class or $35 for 3-class series

Student (with valid ID) - $10 per class or $25 for 3-class series

To register for all three classes, click here.

Ethical Exploration into the Cosmos

Tuesday, July 14, 7-8:30PM

Space may be the final frontier, but who sets the rules? As we expand into the cosmos, we face unprecedented moral dilemmas. This class investigates the core of Space Ethics, beginning with the simple question: Should we explore space? By analyzing past exploration and applying ethical frameworks, we will debate the massive responsibilities that come with pioneering the universe. Register for this class here.

Space for Sale!

Tuesday, July 21, 7-8:30PM

Outer space is big business! Learn about the current business pursuits happening in space and the complications of a borderless universe for the regulation and responsible development of this uncharted expanse. Register for this class here.

Crowded Skies

Tuesday, July 28, 7-8:30PM

Decades of space exploration has crowded low Earth orbit. This class will explore the historical benefit of satellites in low Earth orbit, the race to launch more satellites, and dangers of space junk and the responsibilities we have to limit it. Register for this class here. Register for this class here.

Presenter: Nicole Capella, M.A.

Nicole Capella is the Program Manager at the Cincinnati Observatory and Adjunct Faculty Member at Thomas More University where she teaches philosophy. Nicole has a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of North Texas and developed the Space Ethics course during her 10-years of experience teaching at various colleges and universities. This course is a glimpse into the issues she discusses in her college-level course (without all the reading and homework!)

Since day one, the Cincinnati Observatory has been open to the public. This year we celebrate being open to ALL with our Pride celebration. The event includes activities by community partners, solar viewing, a glitter bar, and more! The event concludes with a special reading and Q&A with local author, Jake Hogue. We hope you join us because - Space is for everyone.

One lucky guest will win a Family Membership to the Cincinnati Observatory, gifted by one of our current members.

Tickets: $12/adults, $7/kids and members