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Chabot Space & Science Center

Write a Review Oakland, California All ages Verified•Science Museum

Last reviewed June 2026 by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

About Chabot Space & Science Center

Peer through historic telescopes and journey across a 70-foot dome planetarium in the Oakland hills.

Chabot Space and Science Center makes space and earth science tangible, with observatories perched above the Bay.

What you'll see and do - Travel the cosmos under a 70-foot full-dome planetarium - View the night sky through historic telescopes at the observatories - Explore galleries including the NASA Ames Visitor Center - Catch live science demonstrations, festivals like BubbleFest, and overnight Cosmic Camp-ins

Attraction Details

Facilities

  • Toilets
  • Gift Shop
  • Baby Changing
  • Food Options
  • Parking
  • Pushchair Friendly
  • Wheelchair Friendly

Events at Chabot Space & Science Center

  • Sci-Fi Nights

    Now through August

    Explore Sci-Fi themed programs and events including a one-night-only screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadowcast on June 6th.

  • Free Telescope Viewings

    Ongoing Friday & Saturday Nights

    Explore the skies with historic telescopes, weather permitting, for a unique astronomical experience.

  • Cosmic Camp-in: Space Rocks!

    May 30-31

    A hands-on program where participants learn about the composition, classification, and observation of space rocks, create dry ice comets, and design asteroid-mining machines.

  • Hike & Sip: Immersive Trek & Nature Journaling Stroll

    June 6

    Explore the majestic Redwood forest guided by educators, learning about the ecosystem, Ohlone cultural heritage, and Oakland's history.

  • Sci-Fi Night: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

    June 6

    A one-night-only screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the 70-foot Planetarium dome featuring a live performance by The Bawdy Caste.

  • Introduction to Fabrication Shop | Session 1

    June 10-13

    A four-day, hands-on course for incoming 11th and 12th graders, introducing fundamentals of museum exhibit fabrication, shop safety, basic tools, and computer-assisted drafting.

  • BubbleFest

    June 13

    A festival featuring hands-on activities, bubble performances, face painting, and science demonstrations related to bubbles.

  • Cosmic Camp-in: Mars Lander Challenge

    June 13-14

    An overnight adventure designed for families and groups with children aged 9-14, focusing on building Mars landers and learning about space exploration.

  • Introduction to Understanding and Observing the Night Sky

    July 7-9

    A course for incoming 8th to 12th graders introducing backyard astronomy, history of astronomy, how to spot celestial objects, and an outdoor night observation using Chabot’s telescopes.

  • Family Nature Adventures

    Now - September

    Upgrade your experience with guided nature adventures.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at Chabot Space & Science Center.

Best time to visit

Arrive within the first hour of opening for the shortest queues and best photo light.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Onsite or nearby parking available at 10000 Skyline Blvd.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

Chabot Space & Science Center

10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619

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This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 6/23/2026

Chabot Space & Science Center Reviews

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