6 Best Planetariums in and Near NYC

Too Long, Didn’t Read

• Best for NYC families: Hayden Planetarium for a giant dome and a calm 3D universe show that feels real and easy for kids.
• Biggest dome: Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium with an 89-foot full dome and bright, clear views of stars and galaxies.
• Most kid-friendly: Hudson River Museum Planetarium with simple weekend shows made for younger kids.
• Best for Long Island families: Reichart Planetarium and Cradle of Aviation Sky Theater for seasonal programs, laser shows, and calm night sky talks.
• Best for New Jersey families: New Jersey State Museum Planetarium for an 8K dome, soft reclining seats, and weekend shows.
• For first-time visitors: Choose shorter shows for kids, prepare them for the dark room, arrive a little early, and check schedules before you go.

Each planetarium offers something special, whether it is the 89-foot full dome at the Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium or the hyper-realistic 3D universe inside the Hayden Planetarium’s 429-seat Space Theater. Below are the top planetariums in NYC that offer the best family-friendly sky shows, giant domes, and star viewing experiences.

The Reichart Planetarium: Seasonal Planetarium Featuring Family Programs

180 Little Neck Road, Centerport, Long Island

(631) 854-5579

The Vanderbilt Planetarium is one of the most loved planetariums in New York, especially for families. The Planetarium has diverse programming that includes full dome films, live star talks, laser shows, concerts, and special events.

Check the online schedule for details. The rooftop observatory is open every Friday night, weather permitting, where visitors can examine the night sky through the Vanderbilt’s 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope.

Hayden Planetarium: Planetarium featuring a hyper-realistic 3D universe experience

200 Central Park West at 79th St., Upper West Side, Manhattan

(212) 769-5100

The museum offers a variety of celestial programs and shows inside the planetarium.

The 429-seat Space Theater, which features a custom-made Zeiss Mark IX Star Projector and a Digital Dome Projection System to display a hyper realistic view of the planets, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies, uses a scientifically accurate 3D map of the observable universe based on millions of astronomical observations. Many visitors consider the Hayden Planetarium as one of the must-see planetariums in New York City because of its 3D universe experience.

Hudson River Museum Planetarium: Planetarium Featuring celestial shows for kids

511 Warburton Ave, Yonkers

(914) 963-4550

If you are looking for a smaller but family-friendly NYC planetarium, the Hudson River Museum Planetarium is a preferable choice. The planetarium at the Hudson River Museum has celestial shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30pm, 2pm and 3:30pm. Some shows are geared toward specific age groups; the schedule can be found on the website.

Cradle of Aviation Museum: Planetarium Featuring All-Digital Laser Shows

Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Garden City, Long Island

(516) 572-4111

Check the online schedule to see what shows are offered in the Sky Theater at the time you plan to visit this immersive, all-digital planetarium complete with with newly upgraded pure laser projectors. Prior to each show is a Your Night Sky presentation, taking viewers on a journey of the seasonal sky.

Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium: The biggest planetarium in America with a 89-foot full-dome view

222 Jersey City Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ

(201) 200-1000

Liberty Science Center’s Jennifer Chalsty Planetarium is touted as the biggest planetarium in America. The space boasts a resolution of 88 million pixels, a lighting system that can produce over 281 trillion colors, and speakers capable of producing 30,000 watts of digital sound.

Check out the 89-foot full-dome view of the night sky and distant galaxies, available as an add-on to your general admission ticket to the center.

New Jersey State Museum’s Planetarium: Planetarium with an 8K Resolution Projection System

205 West State Street, Trenton, NJ

(609) 292-6464

This planetarium is fully upgraded with an Ultra-High Resolution 8K projection system and specially designed reclining seats. Shows are offered to the public Saturday and Sunday from September-June.

Weekday shows are held for school or community groups with advanced reservations. During the summer months, winter break, and spring break, weekday shows are available to the public.

Psst… Check out our NYC Summer Bucket List for Families and Kids

Planetarium Comparison Guide for NYC Families

Tips for Visiting Planetariums in NYC with Kids

Visiting a planetarium with kids feels a little like taking them on a tiny space trip because everything inside feels calm, dark, and exciting in a very gentle way. Kids love the moment the lights fade, and the stars appear on the big round ceiling, and you can see them look up with quiet wonder. Parents enjoy it too because it gives everyone a chance to slow down and enjoy something peaceful together.

Planetariums make things simple for families because the seats feel comfortable, the room feels safe, and the shows move slowly enough for even young kids to follow without feeling overwhelmed. Below are these tips.

• Arrive a Little Early: Arriving a little early gives kids time to look around, settle into their seats, and feel relaxed before the lights go down. This quiet moment can help young visitors feel calm and excited instead of rushed.
• Pick the Right Show: Shows created for young kids usually move at a slower pace and use simple words. These programs are easier for families to enjoy because the content is gentle and never feels too long or too scary.
• Prepare Kids for Darkness: A quick reminder that the room will get dark during the show can help kids feel ready. Knowing what to expect makes the dim lights feel safe and normal.
• Check Schedules in Advance: Show schedules can change during weekends or busy days, so checking them ahead of time helps make the visit smoother. This small step can also prevent long waits.
• Bring a Small Comfort Item: A tiny toy or a soft item can help kids feel secure, especially during the darker moments of the show. Familiar objects often make new experiences feel easier.
• Ask Staff for Help: Planetarium staff can answer questions and guide families toward the most kid-friendly shows. Friendly experts can make it feel simple from the moment everyone arrives.

FAQs

Does New York City have a planetarium?
Yes. New York City has the well-known Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. Families can visit any day the museum is open and enjoy sky shows that feel simple, clear, and exciting for kids.

What is the most famous planetarium in NYC?
The most famous planetarium in NYC is the Hayden Planetarium. Many visitors know it for its giant dome, its clear star shows, and its detailed view of space that feels real and easy to understand.

Which is the best show in the NYC planetarium?
The best show can change based on your child’s age and comfort, but many families enjoy the main space show that plays in the big theater at the Hayden Planetarium. The show features bright stars, soft music, and clear stories that help kids learn about planets and the night sky simply and engagingly.

How long does a planetarium show usually last in NYC?
Most planetarium shows in NYC usually last around thirty to forty-five minutes, which feels just right for families with young kids. The shows move at a calm pace, use simple words, and give kids enough time to enjoy the stars without getting restless. This timing also helps parents plan their visit, choose good seats, and enjoy the full experience without feeling rushed.