Grab the kids and pile into the car – it’s time to visit one of the most family-friendly attractions in Arizona! Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff is the place where Pluto was discovered nearly 100 years ago, and it’s still a delight for all ages. From stargazing on an open-air deck to looking through the exact telescope the Apollo 11 crew used for training, there’s so much to see and do here.
The best family-friendly activities are both fun and educational, which is why you should bring the kids to Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Google/Shahana Garner Founded in 1894, the observatory is among the oldest in the U.S. It’s also where Pluto was discovered in 1930!
Your visit will be jam-packed with learning opportunities from start to finish.
TripAdvisor Management In addition to the obvious (stargazing), there’s also a museum that takes you on a fascinating journey through astronomical history.
Get up close and personal with a variety of different telescopes, quickly becoming an expert on their inner workings.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory Pictured here is the Clark Telescope, which the astronauts of the Apollo 11 Moon actually used during their training!
When it comes to stargazing, there are several experiences available, and all of them are included with general admission.
TripAdvisor Management Take a peek through the Clark Telescope yourself, or embark on a tour of the constellations. The sky is the limit (literally)!
The Giovale Open Deck Observatory is a family favorite, boasting six advanced telescopes you can gaze through at your leisure.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory Experiment with all of them, comparing and contrasting how the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies look through each one.
Weather permitting, the deck is open nightly from dusk until close for stargazing.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory If you arrive before sunset, you can also get an up-close look at the Sun through a special solar telescope!
General admission also grants you access to the museum, Clark Telescope, and tours of the facility.
TripAdvisor Management Tickets are $25 for adults 18 and up, and $16 for children 5-17.
Visit the observatory’s website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.
Google/Shahana Garner
Founded in 1894, the observatory is among the oldest in the U.S. It’s also where Pluto was discovered in 1930!
TripAdvisor Management
In addition to the obvious (stargazing), there’s also a museum that takes you on a fascinating journey through astronomical history.
Facebook/Lowell Observatory
Pictured here is the Clark Telescope, which the astronauts of the Apollo 11 Moon actually used during their training!
Take a peek through the Clark Telescope yourself, or embark on a tour of the constellations. The sky is the limit (literally)!
Experiment with all of them, comparing and contrasting how the stars, planets, and other celestial bodies look through each one.
If you arrive before sunset, you can also get an up-close look at the Sun through a special solar telescope!
Tickets are $25 for adults 18 and up, and $16 for children 5-17.
Have you ever been to Lowell Observatory? If so, how was your experience? Tell us in the comments! If you’re looking for more family-friendly attractions in Arizona, check out this whimsical road trip.
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Address: Lowell Observatory, 1400 W Mars Hill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
