Plan Your Field Trip or Private Event at the WFP

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A universe of exploration and discovery awaits you and your guests when you plan an event at the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium! 

From school field trips to birthday parties to weddings, we educate and celebrate.

FAQs

  • How many seats are in the planetarium?

    48. Larger groups can arrange for multiple showings.

  • What programs do you offer for private groups?

    We can tailor the program for your group! In addition to astronomy topics presented by our Planetarium Educators, all of our current immersive fulldome and laser programs are available. We also offer programs specially designed for school field trips and scout groups. We are happy to discuss any special requests.

  • What is the cost of renting the planetarium?

    Our pricing structure is based on number of visitors and length/type of program. Please contact us with any questions!

    • School Weekday $5/person/hr    $150 minimum
    • School Weekend/Evening $6/person/hr    $175 minimum
    • Private Rental (up to 25 ppl) - 1hr = $150
    • Private Rental (up to 48 ppl) - 1hr = $200
    • Private Rental (49 - 96 ppl) - 1hr =$250
    • 3 hr Total Rental* incl. Extra Room / Atrium Use (up to 48 ppl) - single 1 hr show $350
    • 3 hr Total Rental* incl. Extra Room / Atrium Use (49 - 96 ppl) - single 1 hr show $400 
    • summer camps - please fill out the Reservation Request Form and we will contact you with that pricing

    * This total time includes set up and tear down of tables and chairs plus clean up, which the visiting group is responsible for.
     

    Please note that private laser shows are an additional $2 per person per hour and are not available on Sundays if theatrical haze is required.

    Start your reservation by filling out our Reservation Request Form. 

  • Are there discounts available for school visits?

    Yes! We have reduced costs for educational institutions and other non-profits. Thanks to our Planetarium for Everyone Fund, we can offer reduced admission costs and support for bus transportation. Contact us for more information.

  • Is there space outside the planetarium available for rental?

    Yes. We have a beautiful atrium which holds several hundred and also a classroom directly across from the planetarium. As part of their planetarium experience, many groups have used the atrium space for birthday parties, cocktail hours, and other activities.

  • Can I bring my own food or have food delivered?

    Please note that no food or beverages are allowed in the Planetarium at any time. However, reservations can be made to include time in our atrium space plus tables and chairs, and we encourage guests to bring their own food / cake for celebrations. Please note that there is no access to refrigeration or heating available, and visitors are responsible for their own clean up, so plan accordingly. Catering can be arranged through the campus, depending on availability.

  • Can I bring alcohol for the adults?

    Service/sales of alcoholic beverages can be arranged through our Events Management office. No BYOB allowed.

  • Can I have external vendors for decoration / catering?

    Unfortunately, we are unable to allow vendors access to our center during these events. Our private event packages are intended to be self-service events, wherein the host brings in decorations and food themselves and is wholly responsible for the set-up and clean-up of the rental space. We encourage hosts to plan their events accordingly.

  • How do I make a reservation request?

    Please submit your information through our Reservation Request Form.

  • Is there anything else I should know about the planetarium experience?

    Yes.  For more information, please see our Orientation and Expectations document.