Discover the wonders of the night sky at Cincinnati Observatory’s Astronomy Evening, a historic and engaging celestial experience. Perfect for star lovers and history buffs alike, it offers a rare opportunity to view through a 19th-century telescope and learn about astronomy’s past and present.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No fitness required, suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Established in 1842, Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest public observatory in the United States, playing a key role in early American astronomy.
Conservation
The observatory works to minimize light pollution and promote dark-sky practices in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati Observatory
Discover the wonders of the night sky at Cincinnati Observatory’s Astronomy Evening, a historic and engaging celestial experience. Perfect for star lovers and history buffs alike, it offers a rare opportunity to view through a 19th-century telescope and learn about astronomy’s past and present.
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 viewing
Getting there 30 minutes before sunset ensures optimal stargazing conditions.
Dress warmly
Evening temperatures can drop, so layer up for comfort during the outdoor telescope viewing.
Bring binoculars
Optional, but they can enhance your view of celestial objects.
Check weather forecast
Clear skies are ideal for stargazing; if clouds are expected, consider rescheduling.
Warm clothing
Necessary to stay comfortable during outdoor stargazing.
winter
Binoculars
Enhance your viewing experience of celestial objects.
Notebook
Perfect for jotting down observations or notes.
Flashlight
Helpful for navigating dark outdoor areas safely.