By Karen Liszewski on Education, Guide, Places To Go, Things To Do
Kids tend to be curious about space, so it’s only natural to introduce them to one of the planetariums in New Jersey to make them feel out of this world. Whether it’s visiting the largest planetarium in America at the Liberty Science Center, rocking out to tunes and a sky show at the Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium, or taking in a Laser Show at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, your family will love spending the day or night taking a trip into space. Read on for information about where to go to space out—no rocket required. (featured photo credit: Liberty Science Center)
10 Planetariums in New Jersey to see the stars
Robert J. Novins Planetarium
With Sky Shows, Laser Shows, and Full Dome Movies, this planetarium in New Jersey is one you won’t want to miss. Located inside Ocean County Community College in Toms River, you can learn about the solar system, the stars, the Earth, and more in the 103-seat dome theater.
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium
Dubbed the largest planetarium in America, this stunning space is located inside the Liberty Science Center. The 89-foot full-dome view of the night sky and distant galaxies will leave you in absolute wonder as you look up and take it all in. Catch one of their laser shows, and be sure to visit the museum’s other exhibits after.
Liberty State Park, 222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305
New Jersey State Museum Planetarium
Enjoy space in high definition at this fully upgraded planetarium in NJ. Thanks to the recent facelift, spending time in this dome will make you feel like you actually took a trip to space. Get comfy in the reclining seats as the presenter takes you through customized star talks, and you watch the solar system from above.
205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625
Raritan Valley Community College Planetarium
This planetarium in New Jersey has something for everyone, from a 3M observatory to fun events, including sensory-friendly shows that tone down the lights and music for more sensitive viewers. Kids will love Astronaut Ice Cream in the gift shop, checking out the observatory, and looking through portable telescopes.
118 Lamington Road, Branchburg, NJ 08876
The Buzz Aldrin Astronomical Center
With hours only after dark, this observatory is the perfect place to see the night sky up close and personal. When you visit the observatory, you will first be taken on a tour of the facility before having the chance to look through the most extensive public telescope in New Jersey (weather permitting) to examine the beautiful night sky.
Observatory Road, High Bridge, NJ 08829
Sperry Observatory
Every Friday, this observatory invites the public to come and experience an informative talk followed by night sky views. It’s also home to two of the largest telescopes on the East Coast for amateur use, as well as an 18-foot dome and a 20-foot dome made of fiberglass.
1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016
Ric and Jean Edelman Planetarium
Sit back, relax, and look up at the sky in this planetarium’s 360-degree video digital sky at Rowan University. This planetarium offers public shows, private school trips, and special one-time events. During their open house hours, you can stargaze and view the real night sky through their telescopes.
Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028
County College of Morris Longo Planetarium
Located in the County College of Morris, this intimate venue has family programs for all ages to learn about planets and the galaxy. Check out the weekly calendar for programs like storytelling, star tours, and extreme events in space.
214 Center Grove Rd, Randolph, NJ 07869
Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium
The Alice and Leonard Dreyfuss Planetarium in The Newark Museum of Art is an extensive exhibit where you can learn about astronomy, space, and planetary science. The planetarium is located in the main building on the first floor, and plenty of events are happening all year.
49 Washington Street, Newark, NJ 07012
William D. McDowell Observatory
Climb 25 steps and access the Observatory telescope, featuring a research-grade, Classical-Cassegrain telescope housed within a six-meter retractable dome with a 20-inch mirror. It’s capable of viewing objects millions of light-years away. The Observatory is operated by astronomers from Bergen Community College and holds 15 people max.
1 De Korte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
What planetariums in New Jersey have you been to?
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