If you are looking for a family outing that mixes science, storytelling, and a little bit of stargazing magic, Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium at Butler University is absolutely worth putting on your list. We recently went to their Weekend Public Tours, and it turned into one of those surprisingly memorable evenings that felt special without being complicated.
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A Heads Up About Parking
Before you go, I strongly recommend checking the schedules for Hinkle Fieldhouse and Clowes Memorial Hall. We visited on a night when there was a show at Clowes, and parking got hectic fast. Event parking pricing was in effect (up to $15 per car), the lots were packed, and we ended up finding street parking at the last minute to make it on time. A quick schedule check can save you that scramble.
Inside the Planetarium
The evening started in the planetarium with a 20-minute film about the Moon. The visuals were genuinely impressive, and the fulldome setup made it feel like we were surrounded by space instead of sitting in a theater. The planetarium has been renovated in recent years, and you can tell. It feels modern, comfortable, and immersive.
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After the movie, our presenter led a live star and constellation segment. When we went, the focus was Orion. He started with the myth behind the constellation, which immediately hooked my kids, and then shifted into the astronomy, including where to look in the current evening sky and how to find planets. It was the perfect balance of fun storytelling and real learning, and it never felt like a lecture.
I also love that this is the kind of local gem you can support without committing to an all-day trip. It feels good to spend a Friday night doing something fun that also invests back into our city’s institutions.
Up to the Telescope
After the planetarium portion, we headed up to the observatory to look through Indiana’s largest telescope. This part felt like an adventure because you are climbing up into the dome to see the telescope up close.
- Bundle up: If it is cold out, dress warmer than you think you need to. The dome is open to the sky, and you will feel the temperature.
- Plan for stairs: There are 66 steps to reach the telescope viewing area and there is no elevator.
- Check the forecast: Telescope viewing is weather permitting, and clouds can completely block the view.
We got unlucky with the weather. It was too cloudy to see anything through the telescope that night. It was still cool to see the telescope and learn how it works, but if your kids are going mainly for the “wow, I saw a planet” moment, I would check the forecast ahead of time to see if cloud cover is expected.
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Quick Info for Parents
- What you will do: A Moon movie, a live star and constellation show, then telescope viewing (weather permitting).
- Doors open: 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: $5 for children (under 18), $8 for adults. Butler IDs get in free.
- Tickets: Buy in advance or at the door if seats are available. Cash and credit accepted.
- Parking: Event parking pricing may apply during Butler games and nearby performances. Consider off-campus parking if you want to avoid event pricing.
Accessibility Notes
The lobby and restroom areas are wheelchair accessible, but the telescope viewing area requires climbing stairs (66 steps total) and there is no elevator. If someone in your group needs ground-level viewing, the observatory can arrange a portable telescope with advance notice. If you may need disability-related accommodations, reach out ahead of time so they can help you plan.
If It Fills Up
If the initial planetarium shows reach capacity, they may add additional shows for the evening. If you end up attending a later show, they may streamline the order of the night by starting with telescope viewing first so you are not waiting too long.
Why I’d Do It Again
Even with the cloudy skies, this outing felt different than our usual “dinner and a movie” routine. For a couple hours, it felt like we got to step into something bigger, and that’s my favorite kind of family night: fun first, learning sneaks in the side door.
My daughter left asking questions, pointing out stars on the drive home, and feeling proud that she knew what Orion’s Belt was. Next time, I’m checking the forecast like it’s a mission briefing and trying again on a clear night.
Getting There
Holcomb Observatory & Planetarium is located on the north end of Butler University’s campus. You can access the area by heading west on 46th or 49th Street from Meridian Street.
Tip: If the weekend timing does not work for your group, you can also look into scheduling a private group tour at another time.
