THE 10 BEST Texas Observatories & Planetariums (Updated 2024) (2024)

16 places sorted by traveler favorites

• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

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• Paula S

  Greensboro, NC30 contributions

  Amazing facility with great staff

  We did the talk about the sun and the tour. We were not able to see the live view of the sun due to winds but we saw a recent photo. The talk was fascinating and we learned a lot about the sun and other stars. We took the tour and got to see two telescopes which was awesome. It was so interesting to hear about the astronomers and all their research. It’s remote but totally worth the drive.

  Review of: McDonald Observatory

  Written January 19, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Ksh27

  Shallowater, TX236 contributions

  Pretty neat

  I have visited this museum before and loved it. This time jt was just ok. It seems like they aren’t keeping things clean and I’m working order. The Omni theatre was closed as were several exhibit areas. This place definitely appeals more to younger kids I would think. The planetarium was nice however. My kids enjoyed it for a hour or so. Probably worth a one time visit.

  Written June 15, 2023

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Kevin H

  Tyler, TX2 contributions

  Program and Viewing

  I attended a public star viewing and program about eclipses. I had a wonderful time. We got to see Saturn and Jupiter and Moon Craters through a telescope. Very knowledgeable people that worked with us to see things and explain

  Written December 9, 2021

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Dragonpower

  Foster City, CA16 contributions

  Decent place for an indoor activity with a kid

  We were visiting family in Arlington and needed some indoor activity for our 7 year old kid since it was 109 out there. There was public/paid parking right next to the building and the planetarium itself was pretty big. They had a short presentation prepared by a college student before the main show and both were good, although a little too scientific for my kid.

  Review of: Planetarium at the University of Texas at Arlington

  Written August 2, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• SidMonge

  Frisco, TX264 contributions

  Learn a Little Astronnomy

  Friendly and informative presentation by a real astronomer. He was willing to spend as long as you wanted and explain things simply for the uninitiated.

  Review of: Eagle Eye Observatory

  Written May 21, 2022

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• c685710

  Decatur, TX626 contributions

  Great place for the kids

  I love this place and so do the kids. Last spring, we took Mom with us and she had a blast. The planetarium is interesting and the show is fabulous. It only lasts about 40 minutes or so, but it is awesome.

  Review of: Noble Planetarium

  Written October 3, 2017

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• lovelyone8888

  San Antonio, TX77 contributions

  Very interesting!

  Bought tickets to the Starry Night Express. It was very interesting and informative. It's a short presentation but worth the price. I took two middle schoolers who were very interested and enjoyed the show. The only distraction was the constant scribbling of the red laser pointer on the screen. Maybe more smooth and slow movements would be less distracting from the presentation. Other than that it was great!

  Review of: Burke Baker Planetarium

  Written July 11, 2023

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• lucsimsthomas

  San Antonio, TX287 contributions

  Fun way to beat the heat

  This place offers unique entertainment. We saw Pink Floyd's The Wall and it was just fantastic. You get to lay back and relax and enjoy the music and the visual effects. It feels like you are moving a lot of the time and a lot of the time it's like you are right there in the scene. It's well worth the low admission price.

  Review of: TAMIU Planetarium

  Written June 1, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Paula S

  Greensboro, NC30 contributions

  Excellent and educational program!

  Bill provides an excellent program! Before it hit dark he showed us how the telescope works and the set up. We got to see the moon before it got dark and it was too bright. Bill has such a passion for astronomy and takes time to explain and answer questions. We saw Neptune and its moon as well as Saturn. If we lived closer we would definitely go again. Such a reasonable fee for a great experience!

  Review of: Dark Texas Skies

  Written January 19, 2024

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• DanEspy

  509 contributions

  Ok for a small planetarium

  This planetarium is a small one but it's a pretty good one with great seats. The planetarium shows different movie selections and astrological shows as well. Just keep an eye out for when the ASU student organizations show these shows and or movies. It's pretty neat & you can also bring outside food too to enjoy you.

  Review of: ASU Planetarium

  Written January 5, 2016

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• bcvoges

  Cedar Park, TX89 contributions

  Nice show

  Took the kids for their first trip to the planetarium. They loved all the space artifacts and movie on the dome.

  Review of: Scobee Planetarium

  Written June 19, 2019

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• BenandJess804

  Manhattan, KS55 contributions

  Great educational fun

  This hidden little gem is great for any space enthusiasts. The director is amazingly energetic and informed in his topics and the presentations are great.

  Review of: Morgan Jones Planetarium

  Written May 6, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• AmyLeeSmo

  Lake Jackson, TX4 contributions

  Impressive array of exhibits and shows!

  This is a small center but it has something for everyone.
  There is a small natural science museum with an extensive sea shell collection as well as fossils and minerals.
  It has an art museum with ever changing exhibits and art classes.
  It offers live theater and symphony.
  And it has a planetarium that offers shows every week!
  Definitely worth your time!

  Written May 23, 2022

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• little r

  11 contributions

  Could be fantastic - needs an upgrade

  At £14 per head I expected an experience at least on par with the local cinema. Unfortunately the overhead screen in the snow dome lacked any clarity and the second show put me to sleep. The time to upgrade the projectors is well overdue (by at least 7 years). This could be awesome but instead is incredibly disappointing.

  With tv shows regarding the planet now available in UltraHD, Dynamic Earth needs to take a really hard look at itself before it too becomes extinct.

  The 3D show was good but the glasses were not that great (maybe just needed a clean).

  Staff were all excellent.

  Review of: Planetarium

  Written May 25, 2018

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• Keith Aho

  11 contributions

  Worthwhile.

  If you haven't been in a planetarium, try this one. We have been in others, this one isn't the best; but, it is still nice.

  Review of: Moody Planetarium

  Written November 7, 2019

  This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.