I first discovered the Planetarium during my second maternity leave.  I was looking for somewhere that would entertain both my boys (then a toddler and a baby) without being overwhelming, and this place ticked every box.  Everything is under one roof, so it felt manageable even when I was outnumbered by little ones!  We loved it so much that it’s become a bit of a family tradition.  Every year we go back, and every year the kids take something new from it. 

This year, we went on Monday 13 July for their Family Fun Day, which celebrated 230 years of continuous weather readings.  It’s amazing to think they’ve been recording weather data for over two centuries!  To mark the occasion, they held a live weather reading, and anyone attending got free entry to the Planetarium.  My youngest (now 3) didn’t get much from the weather talk (he was mostly interested in his snacks), but my oldest, who’s almost 7, was really intrigued. 

The Exhibitions – Wonder for All Ages 

After the weather reading, we went into the exhibition area, and both kids were completely captivated.  There’s something for every age: my youngest was happy pushing buttons and staring at the glowing planets, while my oldest was full of questions. 

The science exhibitions are full of little gems.  The boys were fascinated by the hot air balloon experiment, loved stepping into the child-sized bubble to see how it formed around them, and spent ages dressing up as astronauts (they love a good photo opportunity).  What I really love is that it’s all hands-on and doesn’t feel like “learning” in the boring sense.  It’s fun first, with science sneaking in naturally. 

For a calmer moment, there’s a quiet space upstairs with books and toys which is perfect for taking a breather, especially if you’ve got little ones who need to slow down after all the excitement. 

Family Highlights 

One of the best parts of visiting is the full-dome Digital Theatre.  This time, we caught one of their family shows which takes you on a trip through the Solar System.  The immersive screen had both kids sitting in complete awe.  It’s the perfect length for younger children, and it’s a brilliant way to bring space to life! 

The Astropark is another great addition.  It’s a huge garden filled with models of the planets, and my boys loved racing between them.  It’s a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air before heading home.  They also had a weather trail you could follow and the boys loved collecting the clues and filling in their sheet. 

Tips for Parents 

• Look out for special events like the Family Fun Day.  There’s often added activities or free entry offers. 
• Go at your own pace.  The Planetarium is compact enough to manage with little ones.  Everything is buggy-friendly but I found using a carrier was easier when also running round after a toddler. 
• Bring a picnic for the Astropark in good weather, or grab a bite in the café. 
• Plan to spend the day.  We’ve also spent a good few hours here - enough time for a show, exhibits, lunch and an outdoor wander.  On the way home we’ve stopped at Loughgall Forest Park which has nice orchard walks and a big playpark. 

Why We Keep Coming Back 

Every visit has been a little different, as the kids notice new things each time.  For us, it’s the mix of fun, science, and a manageable layout that makes Armagh Observatory and Planetarium such a winning day out.  Plus, it’s good value for money.  Summer days out can quickly add up, but here you get hours of entertainment without breaking the bank.  It’s not just for “space-mad” kids as there’s something for everyone.

Visit the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium website  

Dr Estelle Lowry

Research Fellow, School of Natural and Built Environment

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