A Comprehensive Tour of the Cincinnati Observatory

For 150 years the Cincinnati Observatory has explored the universe from our site in Mt. Lookout. But as the Birthplace of American Astronomy our history goes further back than that.

You’ll hear the fascinating history of the founding of the observatory and learn why 30 years earlier John Quincy Adams traveled to Cincinnati to lay the original cornerstone. We'll explore our two grand telescopes, tour the museum, and take a peek behind the scenes. Learn about the work of our astronomers including their contributions to time-keeping, weather forecasting, World War II and the early space race. Weather permitting we'll treat you to spectacular views of the Moon through the oldest continuously used telescope in the world.

Tickets: $20/person non-member, $15/person members 

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. Tours of our historic buildings and viewing through our 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.

Stories From Our History

This special program offers those seeking to learn more about the Observatory’s history a more detailed, in-depth guided tour at Noon or 1:30pm. All the wonderful details covered in a Daytime Tour are included - as well as more stories of how the Observatory came to be (and almost didn’t!). You'll also discover the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping as well as visit our interactive Sundial, original 1843 cornerstone, and more! Tours last approximately one hour with plenty of time for questions and some behind-the-scenes fun! Perfect for local history, astronomy and science buffs ages 12 and up.

Tickets are $10/adult, $5/kids (recommended for kids 12+), $5/senior, $5/veteran and free for Observatory members

Space is limited.  Advanced reservations are recommended.

Humanity is gearing up to return to the moon and the Cincinnati Observatory is celebrating with our Supermoon Rising event on Thursday, October 17th. Join us from 6-9pm to learn about plans for next year’s Artemis 2 mission to the moon, along with interactive activities and crafts related to our lunar neighbor. Weather permitting, we’ll watch the supermoon rise over the horizon with views from our historic telescopes. 

With lots of activities to keep everyone entertained, this event will happen rain or shine!

Tickets:  Adult - $12, Members & Children (5-17) - $7

Preregistration not required but appreciated! Walk-ins welcome!

Cosmic Kids

Inspire your kids to be future astronomers, physicists, scientists, and engineers with our monthly Cosmic Kids class at the Cincinnati Observatory! Participants will be engaged in an astronomically fun and interactive program each month. Parents are welcome to join in on the cosmic fun or drop off their kids for the program. Participants who join us for the entire 9 class series will receive a discount. 

• October 19 - Nebulas
• November 23 - Stars of Harry Potter
• December 21- Black Holes

(see registration link for entire list of dates and themes)

• Grades K, 1, 2 classes meet 9:30 - 10:30am
• Grades 3, 4, 5 classes meet 11:00am - 12:00pm

Single Class Tickets:

$12.00 per class non-member
$10.00 per class member

Series Class Tickets:

$90.00 for all 9 non-member
$75.00 for all 9 member

You may also decide to stay with your child for the class or drop them off and pick them up after, parents will not be charged as participants. Not sure which session would be best? Give us a call 513-321-5186.

Grab your gal pals and celebrate our new exhibit, "The Brightest Stars:  The Legacy of Cincinnati's Women Astronomers" with a ladies' night out focused on fashion in space. The event includes a presentation by Executive Director, Anna Hehman. She will discuss how the universe has been a source of inspiration throughout the history of fashion and design. Come hear all about how the breathtaking wonder of space and images of stars, galaxies, and planets have led to some incredible haute couture. We will also have local vendors onsite with relevant activities and products for sale including Tarot Card reading. Light bites and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Tickets: $30/person

Image: Sam is modeling some of her favorite space-themed attire! 

At the Cincinnati Observatory

Looking for a romantic night out and under the stars? Come see what the Observatory is like after hours. You'll get to use telescopes to view astronomical objects that are not visible until late at night (weather permitting). Get a sneak preview of the next season's planets and stars a month or two ahead of everyone else.

The program runs rain or shine. If the weather does not permit viewing, we'll have fun showing you around the universe and behind the scenes at the Observatory.

Tickets: $30 per person  Oct. 5 is SOLD OUT

Space is limited to no more than 40 people. Adults Only. Singles welcome.

Join us for our new early-morning event in 2024, Sights Before Sunrise. These are clear-only events so we will let you know the day before if the event is a go. We will only use your email for the purposes of communication about the Sights Before Sunrise event. See more details below:

We are turning the tables and offering some early morning stargazing this year. This program is for those who want to be the first to see objects that will be up later in the year at our typical viewing times. This event will include viewing through our historic Mitchel telescope at Venus and the Moon. Coffee and donuts will be available.

Please register for the email list here so that we can notify you if the event is go/no go.

Are there monsters hiding in the constellations? Aliens hiding amongst the stars? Join us for a night of spooky fun as we unmask the mysteries of space and give you dazzling views into the cosmos. This Halloween-themed event will include talks on aliens and constellations, kids’ activities, and trick-or-treating of candy and non-food items throughout the buildings and grounds. We will also be using the telescopes, weather permitting.

Everyone who wears a costume will be entered to win a Cincinnati Observatory Stargazers kit! Space-related costumes are encouraged. 

Great for all ages. The program runs rain or shine.

Tickets $15/adult, $10/child