Is Chabot Space & Science Center worth visiting?

Chabot Space & Science Center is a non-profit science center offering an Observatory, Planetarium, and exhibition galleries, including the NASA Ames Visitor Center, dedicated to inspiring and educating all ages about the Universe and Planet Earth through hands-on learning experiences and special events.

What are the best things to see and do at Chabot Space & Science Center?

Visitors can explore a 70-foot full-dome planetarium, multiple observatories with historic telescopes for public viewing, and diverse exhibition galleries, including the NASA Ames Visitor Center. The center also offers workshops, programs, live science demonstrations, and free telescope viewings on select evenings.

How much do tickets to Chabot Space & Science Center cost?

Admission starts from 24 USD. Please check the official site for current pricing.

What are the opening hours at Chabot Space & Science Center?

Through May 31st, the center is open Friday-Sunday from 10 AM-5 PM. Summer hours, from June 3rd through August 16th, are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM-5 PM. Free Telescope Viewings are available Friday & Saturday nights from 7:30-10:30 PM. Please check the official site for date-specific hours.

Is Chabot Space & Science Center suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

Chabot Space & Science Center is suitable for all ages, with a mission to inspire and educate learners of all ages about the Universe and Planet Earth.

Chabot Space & Science Center

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

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Visit Website

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

Parking
Gift shop
Food court
Observatory
Planetarium

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.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

Chabot Space & Science Center is at 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

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

Get Directions Visit Website

This attraction has been claimed and verified.

Last updated 10/17/2026