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. 

• November 23 - Stars of Harry Potter
• December 21- Black Holes
• January 18 - Living in Space

(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.

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.

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.

It’s a beautiful night under the stars! You take out your cell phone and shoot a photo - but it comes out nothing like you expect, or it’s totally disappointing! How can you do even better? In this class Program Educator Eric Harris will go over ways you can use the tools you already have at home to photograph the heavens. Weather permitting, we will then demonstrate how to use your phone to take a picture through a telescope eyepiece (weather permitting). Great for ages 10 and up! Participants under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

The Cincinnati Observatory welcomes in the holiday season with a special Mommy and Me Craft Day! The program will include everything you need for our starry night ornament craft, a take-and-make hot chocolate bar, tours, safe solar viewing (weather permitting), and holiday refreshments! And be sure to take a holiday photo by the Observatory’s special Galaxy Tree. Great for ages 4+.

Tickets: $20/adult + 1 child, $5/additional child