Lowell Observatory - Flagstaff, Arizona

Trish W.

I expected more. 🙈 It was good but I thought there would be a lot more to do. The best part was the theater that had multiple programs throughout the day. We only caught one and wish we saw more. The seats were comfortable and the content informational. They have two other rooms on the first floor (informational “museum” and kids exploratory zone). Second floor leads outside to the Pluto telescope and some other informative content (astronaut workshop and telescope viewing). The third floor holds the stargazing open air planetarium which holds nightly shows after dark. There is an additional fee for this. They have seat warmers which was a huge plus as it was chilly when we were there. The host talks about the constellations and points them out with a very bright laser. It was ok but nothing special that the naked eye couldn’t see itself. It wasn’t extremely educational but it was still fun being in the open seating area viewing the night sky.

John P.

Every time I visit Flagstaff I have meant to visit the Lowell Observatory, and this time I actually did. I’m glad that I did, but I’m not sure that I would necessarily visit it again. All of the exhibits were interesting, and the short films in the theater were pretty good. I was actually expecting something like a planetarium as well since I haven’t been to one since I was a kid. However, the interactive telescope activities were the real stars (ha!) of the show. There is plenty to see during daytime visits, but I think that you really should visit at night. The admission price is a little steep, so you should definitely take advantage of the nighttime viewing opportunities.

Mark B. I.

I had such a great time visiting Lowell Observatory! It's a super fun and engaging place that’s perfect for all ages. The setting is absolutely beautiful, and there's a really cool mix of indoor and outdoor activities to explore. From hands-on exhibits to fascinating shows and live presentations, there’s always something going on—and it changes often, so every visit feels fresh and new.

There are plenty of shows and mini plays to choose from, which makes the experience even more dynamic. It’s very interactive and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, which adds to the fun. I’d definitely recommend going on a clear day if possible, especially if you want to take full advantage of the stargazing opportunities.

All in all, a fantastic spot for science lovers, families, or anyone looking for a unique and inspiring experience!

Brandt P.

A Stellar Family Adventure at Lowell Observatory!

Lowell Observatory truly exceeded our expectations for a family outing! From the moment we arrived right at opening, we were impressed by how much there was to see and do. This observatory is incredibly informative, offering fascinating insights into astronomy that captivated both the adults and the kids in our group.

One of the biggest highlights for us as a family was the fantastic play area for children. It provided a much-needed space for our kids to burn off some energy, making the educational parts of our visit even more enjoyable for everyone. There's a real variety of activities and exhibits, ensuring there's always something engaging to discover.

We opted to buy tickets and visit in two segments, which worked out perfectly. We explored in the morning, left for lunch, and then returned for the incredible nighttime events. This allowed us to experience both the daytime exhibits and the magic of stargazing, making for a truly comprehensive and memorable visit.

We wholeheartedly recommend Lowell Observatory for a family trip. It's a place where learning and fun seamlessly intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience for all ages. We can't wait to go back!

Andrea A.

Absolutely incredible! I could have arrived at opening and stayed til closing and been very happy! Great staff, engaging/entertaining exhibits that were also interactive. Appreciated the heated seat in the outdoor planetarium. Stargazing was phenomenal and the staff really knew their stuff. Worth the entry fee, easily. Definitely recommend!

Sarah H.

I highly recommend visiting at night, there are telescopes available for viewing stars (weather permitting) and there are other buildings full of Pluto history. Staff were friendly and the experience was well worth the price of admission. Glow in the dark sidewalks light the way!

Luna H. (. M. N. B.

This was a fun place to stop & explore with my family. The first activity room is perfect for families with younger children, there are so many easy hands on activities for kids to do. Even adults might find a few of the activities fun to do such as building a small rocket to shoot through hoops. The second room has some hands on activities for older participants as well, that are fun to explore as well.

If you get tired and want to take in a show, they have a theatre that shows a number of short presentations that last anywhere from half an hour to an hour. Outside you can find a number of staff members who have telescopes set up to show you a number of different cool things to look at, answer questions and more. I also like the easy walking paths they have from building to building that allow you to enjoy the lovely weather. This is a cool spot that is worth checking out at least once.

Kelly C.

Fantastic! Be sure you are there just before dark and for another couple of hours to enjoy looking through the various telescopes on the observation platform. The museum has a great informational section with interactive displays. Interesting for all ages, and there is a separate area targeted specifically for younger visitors.