Charles Hayden Planetarium

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Official Website: Charles Hayden Planetarium
Location: Science Park, Boston, MA, 617-723-25 directions
Phone:617-723-2500
Hours: Shows tend to run every hour on the half hour. Check schedule for specific showings.
Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor: Indoor
Cost: $$ see below

Others to Consider: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Old Statehouse Museum, Old Sturbridge Village, Concord Museum, Providence Children's Museum

Settle in to view the universe of the sky at the Museum of Science's high tech Hayden Planetarium. Opened in 1958, this now state-of-the-art planetarium features regularly scheduled shows of the celestial world and also special features.

The Planetarium conducts guided 'tours' of the New England sky and also has special shows. The big draw, as with most Planetariums, are the laser shows. Sound and light combine to provide one, incredible show. Laser shows are Thu-Sun evenings.

On Friday evenings the Gilliand Observatory has two telescopes that offer spectacular views of the real heavens above. Hours are 8:30pm-10pm. On Saturdays, from 11:30am-2pm, you and the kids can look at the sun through special filters that protect your eyes from harm.

View Entire Show Schedule.

Electricity!.

About the Boston Museum of Science:
The Boston Museum of Science offers a miltitude of ongoing and rotating exhibits.

Kids Discovery Center:
For little ones, the Boston Science Museum has a Discovery Center located directly across from the musical stairs offers a safe, enclosed play area specifically designed for children under five.

The water works in the Discovery Center offers your toddler plenty of toys to share in a three-level water course. Child-size waterproof smocks are available, as well as wall-mounted, warm-air blow dryers just in case the smocks don't do the trick.

Also, don't miss the tower, tunnels, puzzles, puppets, small ball pit and 'barred area' where kids can interact with museum staffers. Terrariums, some of which have transparent domes, allow toddlers to safely view little animals in their natural environment.

Main Museum Highlights:
In the main Museum of Science building, check out the natural animal habitats offering hands-on taxidermy, real chickens hatching from their eggs, a replica of the first space capsule and an archaeological dig with a sandbox of ground walnut shells where little hands can dig for hidden treasures.

Theater of Electricity
The Van de Graaff generator provides a risk-free opportunity to witness lightning at a close range. Lightning shows are daily at 12 noon and 2 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Friday show.

Free “Friday Night Stargazing”
The Gilliland Observatory, located atop the Museum’s garage roof, is open for free viewing on Friday evenings, first-come, first-served. Visitors are encouraged to attend the Friday 7 p.m. planetarium showing of “The Sky Tonight” as background for the viewing session. Call the Gilliland Observatory Hotline for viewing status and hours at 617/589-0267. Friday evenings, approx. 8:30-10 p.m., weather permitting, and safe solar viewing on Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Hours:
Saturday - Thursday 9am to 5pm,
Friday 9am to 9pm

Admission:
View All Rates

Exhibit Halls:
Adults/$17.50; Children/$15.00; Seniors/$16.00

Butterfly Garden - (requires Exhibit Halls ticket)
Adults/$4.00Children/ $3.00 Seniors/$3.50

Omni, Planetarium, and Laser:
Adults/$9.00; Children/$7.00; Seniors/$8.00

Exhibit Halls + 1 (Omni, Planetarium, Laser):
Adults/$20.00; Children/$16.00; Seniors/$17.50

Exhibit Halls + 2 (Omni, Planetarium, Laser):
Adults/$24.00; Children/$19.00; Seniors/$21.00

Children: ages 3 to 11
Seniors: 60 and over

Evening Discounts on Shows:
All Omni, Planetarium, and Laser shows 6 p.m. and later are just $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, and $4.00 for kids!

Parking:
Parking is available at the Boston Science Museum for 1,000 cars. Hourly rates apply. The garage fills up on busy days, and may close temporarily until spaces become available. Come early (before 11:00 a.m.) or late (after 4:00 p.m.) If you come late, be sure to order your tickets in advance. Take public transportation if you can: Green Line to Science Park.

Museum of Science is a Duck departure site . . . Boston Duck Tour tickets can be purchased in advance on their website or 617/267-DUCK (March 29 – November 28).

Cost

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Omni, Planetarium, or Laser show $9.00 $7.00 $8.00

Location

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Science Park, Boston, MA, 617-723-25 map

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