Longway Planetarium: An Ideal Indoor Summer Destination

It’s Summer! The grass is green, the skies blue, and the days long. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting my family outside to enjoy Summer just as much as the next Michigander, but this indoor-loving momma is always on the hunt for an indoor {i.e. airconditioned} activity to get us out of the heat. Our family still wants to get out of the house and explore, but not so much while sweating buckets. Our solution? Longway Planetarium and their amazing Summer show offerings!

At Longway Planetarium we can check out one of their SEVEN exciting {and educational!} shows, let the kids explore the playroom, snap a few fun photos, and take in the amazing murals and constellation artwork throughout the building. Their variety of shows and showtimes provides something for everyone! Read below to read more about their Summer show schedule and plan your next visit today!

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Summer Show Schedule” main_heading_color=”#10c1ce” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”][/ultimate_heading]
[vc_custom_heading text=”The Accidental Astronauts” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23dd9933″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Faccidentalastronauts%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

Follow the adventures of Sy, Annie, and their dog Armstrong as they embark on an unexpected journey into space! Explore the Earth, Sun and Moon system with a wise-cracking starship computer. Follow an asteroid as it crashes into the Moon and bounces along the lunar surface. Get up close and personal with a solar storm, and gain a new appreciation of our home planet.
Recommended for ages 3-8.

Showing at 12:00 pm daily
No show on July 4th

[vc_custom_heading text=”Wonders of the Arctic” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2324cce2″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Farctic%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

The Inuit and their predecessors adapted and thrived for thousands of years in what is arguably the harshest environment on earth. Today, the Arctic is the focus of intense research. This show explores the state of the Arctic today, the crucial role that ice plays in the northern environment, and the changes that are quickly overtaking the people and animals who have adapted to this land of ice and snow.
Recommended for adults and kids 6 and older.

Showing at 1:00 pm daily
No show on July 4th

[vc_custom_heading text=”We Are Stars” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23dd9933″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Fwe-are-stars%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

What are we made of? Where did it all come from? Explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry and our explosive origins. Connect life on Earth to the evolution of the Universe by following the formation of Hydrogen atoms to the synthesis of Carbon, and the molecules for life. Narrated by Andy Serkis.
Great for ages 10 and older.

Showing at 2:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays

[vc_custom_heading text=”Skies Over Michigan” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2324cce2″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Fskies-over-michigan%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

Longway Planetarium’s astronomy experts take you on a tour of the night sky over Michigan in this live planetarium lecture. Learn about the rotation of the Earth, how to find the North Star, and which constellations and planets are visible in your backyard tonight. Come back to this show for seasonal updates and events.
Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Showing at 3:00 pm daily
No show on July 4th

[vc_custom_heading text=”Journey to Space” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23dd9933″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Fjourneytospace%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

Human missions to Mars are no longer science fiction. Discover how NASA’s space shuttle program has paved the way for humanity to travel deeper into space—to asteroids, Mars and beyond. Learn about the important role of the International Space Station, and gain an appreciation of the challenges NASA and the space industry must overcome to carry out audacious future missions. 

Showing at 4:00 pm daily and 7:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
No show on July 4th

[vc_custom_heading text=”Apollo: A Special Feature Presentation” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%23dd9933″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Fapolloshow%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

Don’t miss Apollo: A Special Feature Presentation; Longway Planetarium’s very own tribute to this historic achievement

 Showing Saturday, July 20th at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00 pm
Also showing at 5:00 pm on the following dates:
July 25th, July 26th, July 27th, August 1st, August 2nd, and August 3rd

[vc_custom_heading text=”Dark Side: The Light Show” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2324cce2″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fsloanlongway.org%2Fdark-side-the-light-show%2F||target:%20_blank|rel:nofollow”]

Experience Pink Floyd’s iconic Dark Side of the Moon album as never before in this one-of-a-kind show, featuring stunning 4k visuals, brilliant LED sequences, and incredibly clear 5.1 surround sound.

Please note: This show contains some adult language and dizzying visual effects. It is not recommended for individuals prone to motion sickness, seizures, or light sensitivity.

Showing at 8:00 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Additional Information” main_heading_color=”#10c1ce” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”][/ultimate_heading]

Admission

Genesee County Residents ~ $3 adults, $2 seniors 60+, $2 youth ages 2-11
Non-Residents ~ $6 adults, $4 seniors 60+, $4 youth ages 2-11
Children 1 and younger ~ Free
Additional Discounts ~ Free for ASTC, veterans, active duty military families, and teachers

Click here for more information on admission, hours, and show times.

 

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Location” main_heading_color=”#10c1ce” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”][/ultimate_heading]

1310 E. Kearsley St.
Flint, Michigan 48503
810-237-3400

[ultimate_heading main_heading=”Lobby Hours” main_heading_color=”#10c1ce” main_heading_style=”font-weight:bold;”][/ultimate_heading]

Monday-Wednesday ~ 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday & Friday ~ 10 am – 9 pm
Saturday ~ 11:30 am – 9 pm
Sunday ~ 11:30 am – 5 pm

Read more about Longway Planetarium and Sloan Museum’s many exhibits and shows here:

Wonders of the Arctic

Tips For Visiting Longway Planetarium With Kids

The Robot Zoo exhibit at The Courtland Center

Has your family visited Longway Planetarium? If not, what are you waiting for?

For more information please visit the Longway Planetarium website.

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Hey! I'm Lyndsey one of the co-owners of Mid-Michigan Moms. I was born and raised in Omaha, NE and in my life before becoming a work/homeschool/stay-at-home mom was a critical care nurse and nurse educator. After unforgettable adventures in California and Texas, our family moved to my husband’s home state of Michigan. My husband, three kids, and a naughty yellow lab are now loving our chaotic, rural living-life. I love traveling, balancing no less than 12 DIY projects at once, chocolate, cooking, daiquiris, and a sunny day in the 70s at the lake.