Weekly Public Program

Astronomy Evening at the Cincinnati Observatory is the perfect program to get acquainted with all of the offerings of your local observatory. Located in picturesque Mount Lookout on the East Side of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest one of its kind in the country that still uses its original telescope from 1845, and now you too will get to participate.

This 90 minute long, family-friendly program features an Astronomy themed presentation on the different things you can experience in the night sky. Tours of our historic buildings and viewing through our telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting).

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE For Members.  November is SOLD OUT.

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Cosmic Kids

Inspire your kids to be future astronomers, physicists, scientists, and engineers with our monthly Cosmic Kids class at the Cincinnati Observatory! Participants will be engaged in an astronomically fun and interactive program each month. Parents are welcome to join in on the cosmic fun or drop off their kids for the program. Participants who join us for the entire 9 class series will receive a discount. 

• November 23 - Stars of Harry Potter
• December 21- Black Holes
• January 18 - Living in Space

(see registration link for entire list of dates and themes)

• Grades K, 1, 2 classes meet 9:30 - 10:30am
• Grades 3, 4, 5 classes meet 11:00am - 12:00pm

Single Class Tickets:

$12.00 per class non-member
$10.00 per class member

Series Class Tickets:

$90.00 for all 9 non-member
$75.00 for all 9 member

You may also decide to stay with your child for the class or drop them off and pick them up after, parents will not be charged as participants. Not sure which session would be best? Give us a call 513-321-5186.

Join us for our new early-morning event in 2024, Sights Before Sunrise. These are clear-only events so we will let you know the day before if the event is a go. We will only use your email for the purposes of communication about the Sights Before Sunrise event. See more details below:

We are turning the tables and offering some early morning stargazing this year. This program is for those who want to be the first to see objects that will be up later in the year at our typical viewing times. This event will include viewing through our historic Mitchel telescope at Venus and the Moon. Coffee and donuts will be available.

Please register for the email list here so that we can notify you if the event is go/no go.

Stories From Our History

This special program offers those seeking to learn more about the Observatory’s history a more detailed, in-depth guided tour at Noon or 1:30pm. All the wonderful details covered in a Daytime Tour are included - as well as more stories of how the Observatory came to be (and almost didn’t!). You'll also discover the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping as well as visit our interactive Sundial, original 1843 cornerstone, and more! Tours last approximately one hour with plenty of time for questions and some behind-the-scenes fun! Perfect for local history, astronomy and science buffs ages 12 and up.

Tickets are $10/adult, $5/kids (recommended for kids 12+), $5/senior, $5/veteran, FREE for Observatory members

Space is limited.  Advanced reservations are recommended.

Calling all space nerds and pop culture enthusiasts! Think you know your stuff? Grab your crew and join us on December 10, 7 pm for Trivia Night at the Cincinnati Observatory. We will have a special round that highlights the women in our next exhibit so consider visiting ahead of time to study up. The top three teams will win an out-of-this-world prize!

Trivia tickets include pizza and non-alcoholic beverages.

Tickets: $40/team, up to 6 people, $10/individual

21+ please

Ask an Archivist: Highlights From Our Collections

In this class, our Assistant Collections Manager, Mandy Askins will highlight artifacts from our vast historical collections spanning over 180 years of history. Many of these artifacts are not seen by the public, so you will get a sneak peek into the Observatory’s holdings and history! You will also get a chance to ask her anything about archives, collections and conservation or how to preserve your own history at home.

No registration needed. Walk-ins welcome!

Suggested donation at door $10.

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE for Observatory Members 

At the Cincinnati Observatory

Looking for a romantic night out and under the stars? Come see what the Observatory is like after hours. You'll get to use telescopes to view astronomical objects that are not visible until late at night (weather permitting). Get a sneak preview of the next season's planets and stars a month or two ahead of everyone else.

The program runs rain or shine. If the weather does not permit viewing, we'll have fun showing you around the universe and behind the scenes at the Observatory.

Tickets: $30 per person  November is SOLD OUT! 

21+ Only. Singles welcome.

It’s a beautiful night under the stars! You take out your cell phone and shoot a photo - but it comes out nothing like you expect, or it’s totally disappointing! How can you do even better? In this class Program Educator Eric Harris will go over ways you can use the tools you already have at home to photograph the heavens. Weather permitting, we will then demonstrate how to use your phone to take a picture through a telescope eyepiece (weather permitting). Great for ages 10 and up! Participants under the age of 16 should be accompanied by an adult.

The Cincinnati Observatory welcomes in the holiday season with a special Mommy and Me Craft Day! The program will include everything you need for our starry night ornament craft, a take-and-make hot chocolate bar, tours, safe solar viewing (weather permitting), and holiday refreshments! And be sure to take a holiday photo by the Observatory’s special Galaxy Tree. Great for ages 4+.

Tickets: $20/adult + 1 child, $5/additional child