Go Stargazing With The Whole Family At Lowell Observatory In Arizona, One Of The Best Kid-Friendly Destinations In The U.S.
Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, offers family-friendly and educational stargazing experiences, including the historic telescope used by Apollo 11 astronauts.
Grab the kids and pile into the car - it's time to visit one of the most family-friendly attractions in Arizona! Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is the place where Pluto was discovered nearly 100 years ago, and it's still a delight for all ages. From stargazing on an open-air deck to looking through the exact telescope the Apollo 11 crew used for training, there's so much to see and do here.
The best family-friendly activities are both fun and educational, which is why you should bring the kids to Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Founded in 1894, the observatory is among the oldest in the U.S. It's also where Pluto was discovered in 1930!
Your visit will be jam-packed with learning opportunities from start to finish.
In addition to the obvious (stargazing), there's also a museum that takes you on a fascinating journey through astronomical history.
Get up close and personal with a variety of different telescopes, quickly becoming an expert on their inner workings.
Pictured here is the Clark Telescope, which the astronauts of the Apollo 11 Moon actually used during their training!
When it comes to stargazing, there are several experiences available, and all of them are included with general admission.
Take a peek through the Clark Telescope yourself, or embark on a tour of the constellations. The sky is the limit (literally)!
The Giovale Open Deck Observatory is a family favorite, boasting six advanced telescopes you can gaze through at your leisure.
Experiment with all of them, comparing and contrasting how the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies look through each one.
Weather permitting, the deck is open nightly from dusk until close for stargazing.
If you arrive before sunset, you can also get an up-close look at the Sun through a special solar telescope!
General admission also grants you access to the museum, Clark Telescope, and tours of the facility.
Tickets are $25 for adults 18 and up, and $16 for children 5-17.
Visit the observatory's website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.
Have you ever been to Lowell Observatory? If so, how was your experience? Tell us in the comments! If you're looking for more family-friendly attractions in Arizona, check out this whimsical road trip.
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