On a wet and rainy Saturday, my family of four checked out Longway Planetarium, a local gem in Flint, Michigan.
We had an amazing visit and learned a few quick tips and takeaways to make your trip a success!
1) Plan Ahead
Before we planned our afternoon I went on the website for the Planetarium to research the showtimes. I was happy with all the information on the website describing the different shows including the age ranges that are most appropriate for viewing each show offered. This was helpful because we were taking a 3-year old and 5-year old on their first visit to the planetarium. I was afraid it might be too long or over their comprehension level. Luckily they had a great show geared towards their age.
2) Arrive 15-20 Minutes Early
The website instructed patrons to get there a little early to get tickets and seated before the show began. Once the show starts they do not let late arrivals enter. Knowing we working on a toddler timeline, early was in our best interest. It was our first visit and I didn’t know what to expect for the waiting before the show. Recently on a family trip, we became the masters at distraction and waiting in line so we were ready for battle. Once we arrived we were thrilled to see the lobby was full of beautiful murals to look at, information, a photo opportunity area, and even a family playroom. The family playroom was the real winner of the waiting game because it had plenty of room for the kids to play and explore while we got our tickets and also waited to be called for the show.
3) Enjoy
This was a very cute cartoon of a family exploring the solar system for the perfect vacation spot. The show was great, moved quickly to keep the kid’s attention, not too long where there were bored or not engaged. The show moved along with quick solar system facts and upbeat music. My youngest even got up and danced during some of it.
As adults both my husband and I walked away learning new things and wanting to go back to check out some of the other shows, especially the Skies Over Michigan show on our next date night. We both had not been to a Planetarium since our days in elementary school for a field trip and really enjoyed our time too!
4) Just Do It!
Before we went I didn’t know if I would enjoy it; I am not a big science person. Also, I was concerned if the girls would get bored and be distracting to other patrons in the show. We have all planned an outing where it sounds like a perfect family afternoon and ends in tears, tantrums, and too much money spent at the gift shop. Thankfully that was not the case for this outing. The girls were glued to the screen the whole show and so was I. At the very end, they even showed a quick roller coaster video which in the setting with the giant dome-shaped screen…felt VERY realistic and was a fun way to end the outing.
5) Logistics
In case you are wondering about a few housekeeping items the parking was very close and convenient (even in the rain!) The lobby also had bathrooms for those last minute trips before the show started. They were very clean and convenient. As a parent clean and easy to use bathrooms are important for taking toddlers when the bathroom is often the first place they want to visit at any new place. (no one told me about toddlers and their fascination with bathrooms before becoming a mom). The staff was very nice and the planetarium very clean and modern.
Longway Planetarium Information
Journey to Space Showtimes: 4:00 pm daily and 7:00 pm Thursday, Friday & Saturday. No show Monday, May 27
Location: 1310 E Kearsley St, Flint, MI 48503
Tickets
Genesee County Resident Admission*: $3 adults, $2 seniors 60+, and $2 youth ages 2-11 – Purchase at the door or by phone to receive the discount.
Non-Resident Admission: $6 adults, $4 seniors 60+, and $4 youth ages 2-11
Member Admission: Free
