Scout Programs

Girl Scout and Cub Scout Programs at the Observatory

Looking for a unique place to visit with your scout troop? Looking for a program that fulfills your Space Science or other related badge requirements? Looking to, well... LOOK through a giant telescope? Your troop can earn a Cincinnati Observatory badge just for participating in a program. Programs are approximately an hour long and can be scheduled during the day, afterschool, or evening. Note: Viewing through telescopes is weather dependent.

Afterschool and Evening Programs

This private program at the Observatory is geared just for your troop and includes a presentation by an astronomer, and a hands-on tour of the historic buildings.  During the daytime, if it's sunny, we can also view the Sun safely using professional solar filters.  At nighttime you can view through the oldest telescope in the country (weather permitting).  These 1-hour programs run rain or shine and are available Monday-Thursday (start times vary by season).  

Costs: $150 for up to 15 people (kids and adults)

            $250 for between 16-25 people

Reservations are required, generally 1-2 months in advance. This is perfect for a group of up to 25 people. Some scholarships are available. Please ask if your group qualifies. To schedule use our Program Request Page

Outreach to You

If you can't visit the Observatory, the Observatory can visit you.  We can bring our stellar programs to your scout meetings by day or night.  And if the skies are clear we can bring telescopes to view the skies and create a real star party at your next meeting.

Afterschool costs: $150 for up to 25 people (kids and adults)

Evening programs: $250 for up to 25 people

                                 $300 for up to 40 people

Additional travel costs may apply depending on the distance.  Reservations are required, generally 1-2 months in advance. Request a Program Here

Other Youth Organizations

If you are a member of a youth organization with an astronomy program, please let us know. We can set up a program to meet the needs of your young astronomers. Give us the requirements ahead of time, and we’ll take care of the rest. Some scholarships are available. Please ask if your group qualifies.

For more information or to schedule any program use the Program Request Page or call 513-321-5186 x 5