Step into the universe at Cincinnati Observatory’s 'Meet a Meteorite' event, where you can handle real meteorites and learn about cosmic impacts. A fascinating experience for all ages!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, just curiosity.
Wildlife
History
The Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest professional observatory west of the Appalachian Mountains and played a pivotal role in early American astronomy.
Conservation
The observatory promotes sustainable scientific practices and public education about preserving dark skies.
Cincinnati Observatory
Step into the universe at Cincinnati Observatory’s 'Meet a Meteorite' event, where you can handle real meteorites and learn about cosmic impacts. A fascinating experience for all ages!
Cincinnati Observatory in Cincinnati, Ohio is a historic public observatory and education center offering guided tours, family programs, classes, and telescope viewing. Established with an original 1845 telescope still in use, the Observatory preserves 19th-century astronomical instruments and continues community outreach through diverse events.
Programs include daytime history tours on Tuesdays and Thursdays that highlight the buildings, main telescopes, safe solar viewing, and a gift shop. Sunday History Tours delve into the Observatory’s role in weather forecasting and timekeeping, showcase the original 1843 cornerstone, and feature the interactive Sundial. Evening offerings combine presentations, telescope viewing, and guided tours; Astronomy Evenings emphasize the Observatory’s historic 1845 telescope.
Hands-on and family-focused experiences span Meet a Meteorite, Interstellar Adventures for families with children ages 5–12, Family Astronomy Night, and Planet Walk Tours that scale the solar system with a 450-foot trek to Pluto. Adult-focused programming includes the Adult Astronaut Academy training camp, Space Exploration class series that explores Voyager, Galileo, and Cassini missions, and special-topic nights such as Pluto Night and astronomy archives events.
The Observatory partners with regional collectors and expert speakers for meteorite showcases, lectures, and hands-on experiments. Visitors can expect educational, science-driven experiences suitable for families, students, and adults interested in astronomy, history, and space exploration. Programming schedules and ticketing information are available through the Observatory’s official channels.
Special events include Late Night Date Night and more. Interstellar Adventures runs Saturdays with telescope viewing and pizza; attend five adventures in 2025 to enter a drawing to win a Family Membership.
Location
Cincinnati, OH
Cincinnati, Ohio observatory location
Historic Telescope
1845 original
Original 1845 telescope still used
Tours Offered
21 experiences
Daytime and evening programs available
Family Friendly
Programs for all ages
Events for kids, teens, and adults
Book tours, classes, and family programs to experience historic telescopes, guided tours, and astronomy events in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Arrive Early for Best Engagement
Get there early to secure a good spot and maximize hands-on opportunities.
Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for indoor and outdoor activities.
Bring a Notebook
Take notes during talks and experiments to remember key insights.
Prepare for Family Fun
This event is great for kids and adults, so bring the whole family for an educational day.
Notebook and Pen
Useful for jotting down notes during talks and experiments.
Comfortable Shoes
Wear suitable footwear for walking around the observatory grounds.
Light Jacket
Keep comfortable during outdoor segments or cooler evenings.
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Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable moments and specimens.