Southworth Planetarium
Planetariums are great for curious kids, offering an educational experience that feels like a show. This is a good family-friendly indoor activity, especially on rainy days.
Southworth Planetarium is a family-friendly planetarium at the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus, where visitors can watch immersive astronomy shows under a full-dome sky. It’s a good choice for families because the experience is indoors, educational, and designed to make space science accessible and engaging for a wide range of ages. The setting is especially appealing on a rainy day or when you want a low-key outing that still feels memorable.
History
Southworth Planetarium is part of the University of Southern Maine in Portland and has long served as an educational astronomy venue for the university and the public. It is named for Southworth, reflecting the institution’s support for science education and public outreach in Maine. The planetarium has been used for shows, classes, and community programs that introduce audiences to the night sky and space science.
Expert notes
- Confirm whether the program is best suited to younger children before booking.
- Arrive a little early to get settled before the show starts.
- If you are sensitive to loud sound or very dark rooms, check the program format in advance.
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