Scouts

Experience a live presentation that includes one of the show topics below and a tour of the night sky.

Fees & General Information

Fee:$175*
Duration:1 hour
Maximum Capacity:63 seats
Age Leves:4 years old and up
See Show Topics below for grade-appropriate shows
Chaperones:There is a minimum of 2 adults for groups with minors. If possible, there should be 1 chaperone per every 4 children for children aged 6 and under. For children aged 7-17 years old, there should be 1 chaperone per every 10 children.
Reservations:Booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance
*School visits are $75.

Reserve a Show for Scouts Today


Show Topics

  • Wonders of Night & Day | Ages 4–7
    Blast off to the International Space Station where we investigate what causes night and day. Experience what night and day are like on other planets such as Mars.
  • Solar System Expedition | Ages 6+
    Explore the solar system and marvel at the Sun’s powerful flares, Jupiter’s swirling storms, and Saturn’s intriguing moons. Travel to the icy worlds of the Kuiper Belt and behold the latest discoveries from Juno and New Horizons.
  • Life of a Star | Ages 10+
    Marvel at the dramatic changes of stars as they transform from stellar nurseries to exotic objects such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. Discover how stars fused the chemical elements in our bodies.
  • Moving to Mars | Ages 10+
    Explore what we have learned about Mars, especially the potential for life on the red planet and the obstacles we need to overcome to send humans to Mars in the 2040s.
  • Northern Lights | Ages 12+
    Enjoy the radiance of the night sky and colorful displays of dancing lights with a behind-the-scenes tour of the science behind one of nature’s most remarkable light shows.
  • Indigenous Voices | Ages 10+
    Experience the languages, star connections, traditional music, and cultural images of six Wisconsin Nations: Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ojibwe, Oneida, Potawatomi, and Stockbridge-Munsee.
  • Scale of the Universe | Ages 14+
    Our Earth belongs to the solar system, which is part of the Milky Way galaxy.  This galaxy is one of trillions of galaxies in the universe. Amazing visuals will help you grasp the size of the cosmos in an enlightening and accessible way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you open to the public? What kinds of shows do you do?

Our live public events are open to everyone! We offer a range of planetarium shows, stargazing with telescopes on select dates, and more. For a full list of events see our Calendar. We also book private reservations for schools and other groups.

What are your hours?

We do not have set open hours. We are only open during public events and by private reservation.

How long is a planetarium show?

Most of our planetarium shows, which include stargazing and questions, last approximately 60 minutes. We also have other events with shorter 15- to 30-minute planetarium shows. For a full list of events see our Calendar.

Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?

For ticketed events, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance as our shows often sell out. We also sell tickets at the door starting 30 minutes before the stated start time. If tickets are sold out, you can have your name added to a waitlist at the door. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee admission to waitlist attendees.

Free planetarium shows are first come first serve. Check in at the ticket table in the hallway outside of the Planetarium starting as early as 30 minutes before the show start time to reserve your free spot.

How much do your shows cost?

Ticketed events are usually $6 general admission and $5 for UWM students. Other events are free.

Where do I park?

Parking instructions and maps are available on our Plan Your Visit page.

Are your programs appropriate for children?

Yes! We recommend that your child is 4 years or older and comfortable to sit in their own chair in the dark.

Is the planetarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes! There is one wheelchair-accessible entrance via the path between the Physics building and EMS building off Cramer St. There is room for up to three wheelchairs in the planetarium theater. Visit the Plan Your Visit page to see maps and more information.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept checks, cash, and credit cards.

How can I stay updated on upcoming events?

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our most up-to-date news!

How do I purchase a membership?

You can purchase a membership online, by mail (PDF), or in person before a public show.

What is the seating capacity of your planetarium?

We can seat 63 people.

Where is stargazing with your telescope held?

Stargazing with our telescope is held on the 5th-floor observing deck of the UWM Physics building on select dates, weather permitting. For the schedule of dates, see Stargazing.

How do I contact you?

For general inquiries, email us at planetarium@uwm.edu. Visit Contact Us for other ways to reach us.

Can I leave in the middle of a show?

We ask that you stay seated until the end of the show because opening the door will ruin the beautiful dark sky for the rest of the visitors. Visitors are encouraged to use the restroom in advance.

What should I wear?

Our planetarium is indoors. We suggest that you dress in layers because sometimes the theater can be too warm or too cold. We also ask that you avoid light-up shoes.

Very engaging and professional presenter . . . The scouts asked a lot of good questions.


Erika

UWM resides on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, and Menominee homelands along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee, and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida, and Mohican nations remain present.