Planetarium shows in the Puget Sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

The following planetariums and observatories in the Puget Sound region and around Washington State have regularly scheduled public astronomy shows that have free or cheap admission of $15 or less.

Planetariums feature digital videos displayed on a dome-shaped screen with breathtaking images of the universe or interesting detail on related topics such as telescopes, space travel, and even earthly topics such as math and sea creatures.
Observatories offer viewing of the night sky through telescopes (weather permitting).

Some facilities offer both digital planetarium shows as well as live telescope viewing. Unlike outdoor stargazing parties, these indoor shows are usually held rain or shine and feature a variety of topics related to astronomy (such as stars, sun, moon, planets, space, galaxies, comets, gas, and cosmic dust) and atmospheric science (including weather forecasting, climate, meteorology).

Bellevue Planetarium Shows

Bellevue College Willard Geer Planetarium, 3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007. The planetarium is open for community groups with limited availability upon request. Note: They are currently refurbishing the planetarium operating system and anticipate public show offerings in the future (school year 2024-25 and beyond).

Lakewood Science Dome Shows

Pierce College Science Dome, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, 9401 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA USA 98498. Public shows are offered every Friday and Saturday and include a live sky talk and a full dome video. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or cash at the door.

Seattle Planetariums & Observatories

University of Washington Theodor Jacobsen Observatory, 4324 Memorial Way Northeast, Seattle, WA 98105. Built in 1895, the Observatory and its lovely brass 6-inch refracting telescope are presently committed to public viewing and exploration of the wonders of the Universe. If the sky is clear enough, the dome will be open for viewing celestial objects through the ancient telescope. Free talks are offered twice monthly from April-September, rain or shine. Admission is free; reservations are required.

University of Washington Planetarium, Physics-Astronomy Building, 3910 15th Ave NE, Room C319, Seattle WA 98195. The UW Seattle Planetarium features a 30-foot diameter fully digital dome for an interactive and immersive planetarium experience. The UW Planetarium offers a limited number of public shows each year (usually first Friday during the UW academic year). Admission is free, reservations are required; shows are very popular and book up quickly. Volunteer opportunities are available to those with a suitable working knowledge of astronomy.

Other Washington State Planetariums & Observatories

Spanel Planetarium (100 miles north of Seattle) at Western Washington University, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225. Located in Haggard Hall, the 24-foot dome has public shows on a quarterly basis. Each show includes a presentation about seasonal constellations, Q&A session when the audience is invited to ask questions, and a full-dome video. Admission is free; check their website for upcoming public shows.

Goldendale Observatory State Park is a 5-acre facility on a hilltop 2,100 feet above sea level and 2 miles north of downtown Goldendale, located near the Oregon border in south central Washington State. The site is famous for its dark skies and informative science programs. The park has one of America’s largest public telescopes and is a major center for viewing significant astronomical events. Due to high demand, Goldendale Observatory has an appointment-only policy for visiting the facility. Reservations required; unscheduled visitors will be turned away. Get tickets: FREE Night Sky Program at Goldendale Observatory Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite and FREE Afternoon Solar Program at Goldendale Observatory Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

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