Plan a Day at Longway Planetarium

Parking is free for all guests. Shows run throughout the day.

• During weekdays shows will start at noon during the summer when kids are out of school.
• Non-summer months the shows start in the afternoon, with extra evening shows on Friday & Saturday.
• On weekends, shows start at noon through 8pm.
• A sensory-friendly show runs at 11am on the 2nd Saturday of every month.

It’s good to get there 15 minutes early to pick the show you want and get tickets if you haven’t purchased them online in advance. Make sure to get to the planetarium at least a few minutes before your show time as there is no late seating once it begins.

Excluding the winter months, there is lots to enjoy on the outside of the planetarium.

• Browse the Little Free Library that was built by our great volunteers and pick out a fun book to read!
• Check out the free community garden where fresh veggies and beautiful flowers grow in the spring/summer months. Visitors are welcome to pick the produce when it’s ripe.

Once you walk inside, there is plenty more to discover.

• Grab pictures with some of the photo ops in the lobby such as an astronaut cut out or in front of the space-themed mural.
• Take a closer look at the mural designed and painted by Michael Carroll, 2001, and search for some of the hidden images incorporated.
• If you look up, you can see the original Spitz Model B projector, used to project the stars in 1958, the first to be in operation in North America and only one of three built in the world.
• Learn a little bit about our galaxy at the informative slideshow across from the mural.
• As you walk toward guest services, you can find the giftshop (Hint: this is also where you check-in/purchase tickets in person).
  • Get a cool souvenir like one of our many geodes or grab some astronaut ice cream and feel like a real space explorer.
• If you still have some time before your show, you can continue past the entrance of the planetarium and take a stroll around the ambulatory.
  • The ambulatory stretches around the entire planetarium and uses a black light to feature different constellations throughout the entire span of it.
  • If you enjoy star gazing, this is perfect for you, whether before or after your show.

You can purchase tickets beforehand here, or in person at guest services! Some great shows you are able to see are…

• Magic Globe - Family-friendly animated movie (great for kids).
• Skies Over Michigan - a live lecture on constellations and night sky navigation.
• Laser or holiday light shows during special seasons (e.g., Laser Holiday Magic).
• Music light shows featuring music like Queen and Pink Floyd. These shows typically run in the evenings.
• The planetarium offers Sensory Friendly shows on the 2^nd Saturday of every month at 11am During these shows we turn the lights up and the sound down to provide a safe, welcoming environment for our friends with special needs.
  • These shows now feature open captioning for the hearing-impaired community.

Grab your seats, sit back, and enjoy the show!

The fun doesn't have to end once your show is over.

• If you have combo-tickets or are a Genesee county resident (who receives free general admission to the Sloan Museum), head across the street and begin your interactive experience learning about science and Flint’s history. To purchase combo-tickets or learn more about Sloan Museum and all it has to offer follow this link.
• If you're a first-time visitor and not sure what to expect at Sloan Museum or would just like to have a prescheduled plan once you arrive, check out Sloan Museums suggested itinerary for how to spend a day!

The Coffee Beanery at Sloan Museum has great kid friendly snacks and delicious coffee, so stop there for a pick-me-up.

If you’re looking to round out your day, there are many great, nearby options to sit down for some lunch/dinner.

• Churchill’s Food and Spirits is a classic bar & grill that has something for everyone
• Sauce Italian American Kitchen is a sure hit if you’re looking for Italian comfort food
• Soggy Bottom Bar is a local favorite for burgers, bar food, and a casual meal

• This itinerary is to serve as a rough guide for your personal experience. The most efficient way to enjoy your day at Longway Planetarium is to plan your day around showtimes.
• Seating is first-come, first-serve, so arrive at least about 15 minutes before your shows scheduled time to get great seats.
• No late seating! Once the show begins, late seating is not allowed as to not interrupt the show, so give time to park and check-in.
• Live outside of Genesee County? Consider buying combo-tickets for a whole day of fun and more bang for your buck.