Home Group Field Trips Buhl Planetarium Group Offerings

Buhl Planetarium Group Offerings

Buhl Planetarium

The Buhl Planetarium takes students on unforgettable journeys through the cosmos, blending live star shows and immersive space adventures.

Additional fee applies for this add-on experience.

Contact us to find out which shows are available on your selected date. Please call 412.237.3400 to reserve your visit. Call Center hours: Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (year-round).

Story Time Under the Stars

Grades Pre-K–1; Great program for Early Learners.

Join us in the planetarium for a cozy, science-themed story time designed for early learners and their grown-ups. Enjoy tales of discovery beneath a glowing Moon and starry sky.

Content themes: Astronomy, space exploration

Expedition Earth

Grades 1–4

Join Quasi, our lovable robot explorer, on an adventure through our home planet. Fly with the birds and dive into the Great Barrier Reef in this cinematic journey of Earth. Quasi and students will learn how our planet is changing and how to protect it.

Content themes: Physical science, chemistry, Earth science, meteorology

Expedition Moon

Grades 1–4

Blast off with Quasi the robot to explore the moons of our Solar System! Students will journey through volcanic Io, icy Enceladus, and even retrace the steps of Apollo astronauts – all while investigating the possibility of life beyond Earth.

Content themes: Solar System, astronomy, robotics, Earth-Moon connections

Blueprints to Blastoff

Grades 3–5

Follow the engineering design process on a journey to the Moon and Mars. In this live, interactive experience, student decisions shape the success of our space mission.

Content themes: Engineering, space exploration

Stars Over Pittsburgh

Grades 3–12

Discover the night sky – live! Students will learn to spot planets, constellations, and Moon phases in their own backyard during this guided tour of the current night sky.

Content themes: Celestial patterns, stars, galaxies

Space Volcanoes

Grades 4–8

Travel from ancient Rome to the outer reaches of the Solar System! Students will explore volcanoes on Earth and in space – from Mt. Vesuvius to the icy eruptions of Pluto. This immersive planetarium tour blends history, mythology, and planetary science in a fiery celebration of Vulcan’s forge.

Content themes: Solar System, terrains

Beginner’s Guide to the Universe

Grades 5–12

Tour the universe – without leaving Pittsburgh! A live presenter guides students beyond the Milky Way to the farthest reaches of space in this immersive cosmic journey.

Content themes: Solar System, stars, galaxies

Big Astronomy

Grades 6–8 also available in Spanish

Explore the world-class observatories nestled in northern Chile and learn why the country’s beautiful mountain ranges and clear, cloudless skies create an ideal environment for studying the cosmos. It takes many people with diverse backgrounds, talents, and skills to run an outstanding observatory. Meet a few of these people as they share the wonder of the sky and the excitement of discovery.

Content themes: Solar System, telescopes, research

Two Small Pieces of Glass

Grades 3–5 also available in Spanish

Explore 400 years of astronomy through the lens of the telescope! From Galileo’s spyglass to NASA’s Hubble, students will discover how telescopes have transformed our understanding of the universe.

Content themes: Engineering, history, telescopes

Touch the Stars

Grades K–12

Experience the winter sky through touch and sound! Students explore constellations and nebulae using tactile star globes, verbal descriptions, and auditory enhancements – perfect for sensory learners and engaging for all.

Content themes: Astronomy, stars, galaxies