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.

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. 

• February 22 - Coding
• March 15 - Aliens
• April 5 - 3D printing
• May 24 - Comets and Meteors

• 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

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.

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: February - light

                March - Weather

Join us for at least 5 Interstellar Adventures in 2025 to be entered to win a free Family Membership to the Cincinnati Observatory in 2026!

Tickets: $15/adult and $10/child

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, FREE for Observatory members

Space is limited.  Advanced reservations are recommended.

The cost is $30 per person and includes supplies and light bites. Recommended for ages 16+. 

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

Classes will be held in-person at the observatory. Pricing details are below:

Non-members -- $25/class, $65/class series (3 classes)

Members -- $20/class, $50/class series (3 classes)

Register for all 3 classes here!

Gravity and Orbits

March 4th, 7-8:30PM

This class explores how we went from Newton's laws of motion to exploring every major body in the Solar System. Gravity is the force that controls the motion of both natural and human-made objects in space. We'll explore the concept in depth and unmask some of the many misconceptions related to gravity's pull.

Register for Gravity and Orbits only here!

Light: The Astronomer's Tool

March 11th, 7-8:30PM

For almost all astronomical discoveries, astronomers rely on a faint glimmer of light from a distant body. Despite this challenge, we've been able to unveil many of the secrets of the cosmos. This class will overview the amazing amount of information that can be deciphered from light.

Register for Light: The Astronomer's Tool only here!

The Role of Heat and Pressure

March 18th, 7-8:30pm

Whether you're investigating the turbulent atmospheres of the gas giants or the convective currents in the Earth's interior, knowledge of the role of heat and pressure are key to your understanding. This class takes an introductory look into the thermal properties of planetary atmospheres and interiors, as well as the stars themselves.

Register for The Role of Heat and Pressure only here!

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

Ask the Archivist: Space Age Edition

This Astronomy Archives presentation will spotlight unique artifacts from our extensive historical collections, showcasing over 180 years of history. Many of these items, particularly those related to the Space Age, are rarely seen by the public, giving you an exclusive glimpse into the Observatory’s treasures. You'll also have the opportunity to ask about archives, collections, and conservation, and learn how to preserve your own personal history at home.

Tickets: Non-members $15 / $5 child / Free for Members

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  SOLD OUT Watch for April dates to be released in March.

18+ Only. 

Join us as we celebrate the magic of pi (π) with an evening of fun for all ages.

Uncover the secrets of pi: Explore how this incredible number has shaped our understanding of the universe through engaging presentations and interactive demonstrations. The Event will take you all around the Observatory with out-of-this-world prizes for those who finish our scavenger hunt. Weather permitting, gaze through our historic telescopes and witness the wonders of the cosmos.

Don't be a "square," come celebrate Pi Day with us!

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

Pi day just wouldn't be complete without a pie in the face!  

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: $30/person non-member, $25/person members 

Guest presenter: Emmy Bursk

How can we study the universe's earliest galaxies, billions of light-years away? The answer lies in using other galaxies as natural telescopes. By bending and magnifying light from distant objects, these natural lenses provide a glimpse into the formation of galaxies, the cosmic web, and the origins of the universe.

Class level: Intermediate - This class is recommended for guests that have some background of astronomical knowledge and are comfortable with mathematical material.

Classes will be held in-person at the observatory. Pricing details are below:

Non-members

$20/class

Members

$15/class