An out-of-this-world anniversary is coming up this weekend. On July 20, 1969, the galaxy heard Neil Armstrong utter those now famous words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” What better way to celebrate and educate your kids about this monumental point in history than to blast off to one of these events or opportunities this weekend?
Go to the Moon (Day)
Prepare for a total moon celebration blowout at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on Saturday, July 19. Your tyke will learn about robotics, have close encounters with meteorites and recreate craters during Moon Day starting at 10am. Take off early; the first 250 kids will get goodies like stickers, activity books and posters. Admission starts at $5 and is free for kids ages 3 and younger.
Watch a Sky-Rocketing Planetarium Show
Dallas-Fort Worth is home to three public planetariums in Fort Worth, Arlington and Denton. Head to your nearest one and check out these entertaining and educational films.
At the Planetarium at UT Arlington, learn what it takes to become the next Buzz Aldrin during a showing of Astronaut at 2:30pm every Saturday. Big kids get in for $4, adults for $6 and kiddos 3 and younger get in free.
Inside the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Noble Planetarium, explore space with friends Big Bird and Elmo in the star-studded adventure One World, One Sky, showing several times every Saturday morning and early afternoon. Entrance is free with museum admission.
On Wednesdays, both planetariums are showing Back to the Moon for Good, a film narrated by Buzz Lightyear himself (Tim Allen) that follows teams of lunar explorers racing to return to the moon.
For kids more interested in the solar system, hop into a seat at The Sky Theater at UNT for Solar System Tours showing every Saturday in July at noon. You and your kiddo will get prime views of each planet — including our old friend Pluto. Tickets are $3 for children and $5 for adults.
Take a Trip to the Space Center
The Apollo 11 crew made it to the moon thanks in part to the powerful rocket that propelled them into space. The Saturn V stands at more than 36 stories tall, and its thrust creates more power than 85 Hoover Dams. Why not take advantage of the kids being out for summer and drive down to the Houston Space Center to see one of the last three Saturn V rockets in existence? (And there are plenty of amazing indoor attractions to keep the kids busy and escape the heat.)
Learn How To Stargaze
Get back to basics and celebrate in your backyard by learning the basics of stargazing. It’s easier than you think, and with the help of binoculars and smartphone apps, you and the kids will be spotting constellations and planets in no time.
