Itinerary for a Spring Break Visit to Lowell Observatory
Add a bit of cosmic flair to your spring break with a visit to Lowell Observatory! Don’t worry, we’ve already done the planning for you. This spring break itinerary highlights the top things to do at Lowell in the afternoon and evening to make the most of your visit.
(Psst…check out our Spring Visits page for even more information on how to make the most of your seasonal trip!)
⭐ = Additional ticket purchase required
Afternoon
12:00 PM – Check-in & Galleries
Start at the Stardust Lab Astronomy Gallery or the Origins Gallery to get your bearings. If you have kids, the Orbits Curiosity Zone is a great first stop!
1:30 PM: Solar Viewing
Location: Dark Sky Planetarium or Open Deck Observatory (inquire at front desk)
See everything up close safely through solar telescopes and filters. If it’s too cloudy for solar viewing, our fabulous educators will be happy to answer your burning (get it?) questions about the Sun, or any other astronomical topics!
⭐2:00 PM – We Are Stars Film
Location: Lowell Universe Theater (Astronomy Discovery Center 1F)
What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Join the Time Master (voiced by Andy Serkis) on a 13.8 billion-year journey to discover the secrets of our cosmic chemistry. This immersive film uses engaging visualizations to connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe.
Suitable for ages 6+.
⭐3:00 PM – Cosmic Highways Presentation
Location: Lowell Universe Theater (Astronomy Discovery Center 1F)
Celebrate 100 years of Route 66! Begin with an exclusive talk exploring how the Mother Road paved a path of astronomical discovery, then step inside a rarely seen private collections exhibit. See Percival Lowell’s restored 1911 Stevens-Duryea, nicknamed “Big Red,” and discover how science and history came together along America’s most iconic highway.
Late Afternoon
4:00 PM – Origins of Lowell Presentation
Location: Lowell Universe Theater (Astronomy Discovery Center 1F)
Attend the History Talk: Origins of Lowell presentation to learn about the observatory’s founding and Percival Lowell’s search for “Planet X,” followed by an up-close view of the iconic Clark Telescope.
5:00 PM – Meet the Planets! Presentation
Location: Lowell Universe Theater (Astronomy Discovery Center 1F)
Go on an immersive journey to each of the planets in our solar system during Meet the Planets! in the Universe Theater. Along the way, you’ll learn cool facts, see stunning visuals, and discover what makes each planet unique. This live presentation is a great way to spark curiosity and inspire future space explorers of all ages!
⭐6:00PM – One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars Film
Location: Lowell Universe Theater (Astronomy Discovery Center 1F)
Experience the next chapter of human exploration as we prepare to set foot on Mars. Witness the thrill of a NASA Artemis launch and the challenges of life in space in this award-winning, high-energy film narrated by Richard Armitage.
Suitable for ages 6+ (features loud sounds and intense visual effects)
6:35 PM – Dinner Break
Location: Astronomy Discovery Center 1F
Fuel up at Planet X Cafe, where the food is out of this world!
Evening
7:30 PM – Stargazing
Location: Giovale Open Deck Observatory and Historic Clark Dome
This is the best time to head outside for telescope viewing! Stargaze through cutting-edge telescope technology at the Open Deck Observatory, or enjoy a classic viewing experience through the historic 24-inch Clark Refractor.
This is also a great time to enjoy the Historic Pluto Astrograph open house. You can check out the Lawrence Lowell Telescope, a 13” astrograph that was built specifically to aid in the search for Percival Lowell’s fabled ‘Planet X,’ and was eventually used by Clyde Tombaugh to discover Pluto in February of 1930. The astrograph itself is not used for viewing, but an educator will be present to answer your questions about the mysterious dwarf planet and its discovery. This exhibit is a great alternative to stargazing in the case of cloudy weather!
⭐8pm – Passport to the Universe Film
Location: Lowell Universe Theater (Astronomy Discovery Center 1F)
Narrated by Tom Hanks, this captivating introduction to cosmology takes you from the rings of Saturn to the edge of the observable universe. Explore humanity’s place in the cosmos on an unforgettable journey developed by NASA, the American Museum of Natural History, and the California Academy of Sciences.
Suitable for ages 6+.
⭐9:15 PM – Strange New Worlds Presentation
Location: Dark Sky Planetarium (Astronomy Discovery Center 3F)
Head to the rooftop of the Astronomy Discovery Center for Strange New Worlds, a live, outdoor presentation in a planetarium unlike any other. Under Flagstaff’s breathtaking dark skies, we’ll tackle one of the universe’s most profound questions: Are we alone?
Quick Tips:
- Keep an Eye on the Weather: Stargazing is a weather-dependent business. But don’t worry — if clouds rain on your parade, the Astronomy Discovery Center has plenty of indoor activities for you to enjoy!
- Check the Calendar: If you are visiting on a Friday, look for the Worlds Revealed Speaker Series which usually happens at 7:00 PM.
- Remember: the observatory is closed on Tuesdays!
- Onsite ticket sales end at 9pm.