Summer Group Programs
Planetarium Shows | Auditorium Programs | Auditorium Films | Galleries | Store | Online Registration
Please note:
- Children must be at least 3 years old to attend programs in the Pennington Planetarium, except for The Little Prince and The Little Star That Could, which children under 3 may attend.
- LASM requires at least ONE chaperone for every 10 children.
- Minimum number of children for a group is 15.
- Maximum group size for the planetarium is 171.
- Maximum group size for the auditorium is 190.
Planetarium Shows
$3.50 per person, allow 1 hour. Shows indicated in Red play through June 30. Shows indicated in Blue begin July 1.
| Showtimes | Tues. | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m.. | Earth's Wild Ride | Earth's Wild Ride | Earth's Wild Ride | Earth's Wild Ride |
| 10:00 a.m. | The Little Prince/The Little Star That Could | The Little Prince/The Little Star That Could | The Little Prince/The Little Star That Could | The Little Prince/The Little Star That Could |
| 11:00 p.m. | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea |
| 12:00 p.m. | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth |
| 1:00 p.m. | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs | Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs |
| 2:00 p.m. | Digital Universe | Digital Universe | Digital Universe | Digital Universe |
| 3:00 p.m. | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth | We Are Aliens!/Dynamic Earth |
| 4:00 p.m. | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea | The Life of Trees/Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea |
Earth's Wild Ride
While observing a solar eclipse from their moon colony, a grandfather tells his grandchildren stories about Earth, the amazing planet where he grew up. They learn about eclipses, the ice age, Earth’s water cycle, and the differences between the earth and the moon. The exciting visual imagery also includes a roller-coaster ride through flowing lava and canyons of raging rivers.Recommended ages: 6 and above
The Little Prince
Through June 30
Join the little prince on an extraordinary journey as he jumps between amazing planets on a quest to find his beloved Rose. You’ll meet his comical fox friend, wake the friendly stone giant, scale the music planet’s instruments, and dodge a ferocious dragon’s metal claws. Based on Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic story, this spectacular adventure is great for all ages.Recommended ages: 3 and above
The Little Star That Could
Begins July 1
What are stars made of? What’s in our galaxy? Your students meet the Milky Way Gang and find out how planets are born, why stars shine, and the difference between stars, planets, and moons.Recommended ages: 3 and above.
The Life of Trees
Through June 30
Told by two quirky insects, a ladybug called Dolores and a firefly called Mike, The Life of Trees takes you on an all digital journey that reveals the complex processes of what happens inside a tree. Both entertaining and educational, it is also a story about trees and their importance in the ecology of life here on Earth. This delightful animated film will show you nature from a completely different perspective. Recommended ages: 7 and above
Dinosaur Passage to Pangaea
Begins July 1
This delightful animated adventure explains one of the greatest geological events in the history of the earth: the separation of the supercontinent Pangaea. When two children embark on a geology field trip, they are thrown into a fantastic voyage where they witness incredible geological wonders and learn the mysterious process that created our present-day continents.Recommended ages: 7 and above.
We Are Aliens!
Through June 30
Are there aliens in our galaxy? If so, how would we find them? We are Aliens! takes you on a fascinating and immersive mission in search of these answers. This engaging journey for evidence of life elsewhere also presents how possible discoveries might impact an understanding of our own world.Recommended ages: 8 and above
Dynamic Earth
Begins July 1
Explore the complexities of Earth's climate system with visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations. While exploring this show,
follow a trail of energy that flows from the Sun into the interlocking systems that shape our climate: the atmosphere, oceans, and the biosphere. Audiences will ride along on swirling ocean and wind currents, dive into the heart of a monster hurricane, come face-to-face with sharks and gigantic whales and fly into roiling volcanoes. Narrated by Liam Neesom.Recommended ages: 8 and above.
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
The explorers and scientists in this digital program piece together archeological and genetic clues provided by their study of Egyptian mummies in order to reveal the mysterious world of the pharaohs. Through ambitious computer graphics and dramatic reconstruction, Mummies highlights one of the greatest finds in modern archeological history: the late 19th century discovery of a cache of 40 mummies, including 12 pharaohs, among them Rameses the Great. The movie is narrated by Christopher Lee.Recommended ages: 7 and above.
Digital Universe
Using the world’s most extensive, accurate three-dimensional mapping of the universe, Digital Universe brings astronomy information to life in a two-dimensional environment much like that of an immersive computer game. Youngsters can interact with the presenter while traveling from the stars of the Milky Way out to the edge of the observable universe.Recommended ages: 7 and above.
Auditorium Interactive Programs
$3.50 per person, allow 45 minutes.
These programs are interactive, instructor-led, multimedia presentations on topics that blend science, technology, and art.
Shake, Rattle, and Roll
Dr. Decibel, LASM’s wacky professor, leads youngsters in an interactive exploration of the world of sound. Junior scientists will learn about the anatomy of the ear, experiment with unique musical instruments, and become familiar with key vocabulary terms relating to sound.Recommended ages: 4–8
Miss Trudy's Traveling Trunk Show
Kids will be eager to join Miss Trudy for stories, songs, and games sprinkled with humor and fun! They’ll meet her special puppet friends, Sheldon the Sheepdog and Frederick the Mouse, and learn about the seasons of the year and all the surprises found in Miss Trudy’s Trunk.Recommended ages: 4–6
We Know NANO!
In this brand new Auditorium Interactive Program, key concepts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology are presented in a fun, creative format that encourages audience participation. Students will explore the meaning and purpose of nanoscience, including the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology, nano innovations, and the impact of nanoscience on society and the future. This presenter-led, multimedia program includes unique activities that promote scientific literacy and make the study of nanoscience relevant and relatable for groups of 35-190 students per session.Recommended ages: 9–14
Auditorium Films
$3.50 per person, allow 1 hour. Films are suitable for all ages.
Forces of Nature: Chasing After Mother Nature's Dark Side
National Geographic and Graphic Films deliver a project 10 years in the making—the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and tornadoes brought to the big screen! Peering over the brink of erupting volcanoes or barreling toward angry funnel clouds, your group will be amazed by the colossal powers that shape our world.The Pluto Files
Based on Neil deGrasse Tyson’s book of the same name, The Pluto Files is an exciting and entertaining look at the solar system’s best-loved non-planet.Whales: An Unforgettable Journey
This stunningly beautiful film will take your group to some of the wildest deep-sea locations on earth to witness the sights, sounds, and survival of the world's largest mammal.More information about this film is available at the official website of the large-format film Whales: An Unforgettable Journey.
Gallery Add-ons
$.50 each for individual galleries, allow 30 minutes.
Gallery Add-Ons must be booked in addition to a program above.
Art Gallery
Rhythm & Improvisation: John T. Scott & His Legacy
Through July 14
The rhythmic spirit of jazz is evoked in the vibrant paintings, layered prints and kinetic sculptures of one of the country's most highly acclaimed contemporary artists, John T. Scott (1940-2007). Shaped in part by African, Caribbean, and New Orleans musical traditions, Scott’s “optical jazz” reveals an improvisatory “make-do” aesthetic. Organized by LASM.Recommended ages: 6 and above
The Faith and the Fury: Noel Rockmore and his Patron
Starting July 20
The age-old story of an eccentric artist and his loyal patron is told in this exhibition featuring the paintings of Noel Rockmore, a prolific New Orleans artist. Throughout his turbulent struggle to achieve lasting fame, he was rewarded with the loyal patronage of Shirley Marvin, a longtime Baton Rouge resident. For more than 35 years, she provided Rockmore with unwavering encouragement while quietly acquiring a representative collection of his work to prove his talent. After Hurricane Katrina, more than 1,400 works by Rockmore were discovered by her children. Organized by LASM.Recommended ages: 6 and above
Ancient Egypt Gallery
LASM houses one of the few Egyptian tomb exhibits in the southern United States. Kids tour a re-creation of a Ptolemaic-era tomb, ca. 300 BC, that houses an authentic 2,300-year-old mummy. On view in the outer gallery is a collection of ancient artifacts, together with maps, interpretive materials related to ancient burial customs, and recent information about the LASM mummy.Recommended ages: 7 and above
Discovery Depot
This well-equipped educational play space for young visitors features toys and activities that focus on art and encourage creative play.Recommended ages: 7 and under
Science Station
This interactive gallery features hands-on exhibits in physical science, life science, earth science, and mathematics. Youngsters explore the worlds of motion, sound, logic, light, and color with activities that engage them in the process of learning and discovery. Featuring new exhibits on nanotechnology, visitors can even experience creating their own nanotubes!Recommended ages: 7 and above
Solar System
In the Solar System Gallery, on the first floor of the planetarium, campers can weigh themselves on the moon and planets, view images from the sun, meet four early astronomers, and marvel at the 40-foot orrery, among other education-packed exhibits. Along the back wall of the Solar System Gallery is a 28-foot-long, 4-foot-high photographic image of the Milky Way. The image contains over four million stars, nebulae, and star clusters. Using the interactive kiosk, kids will learn about and locate 12 different objects within the Milky Way. Adjacent to the gallery is the two-story Planet Tower, where they can compare sizes of the planets.Recommended ages: 6 and above
The Museum Store at LASM
LASM encourages summer groups to visit The Museum Store at LASM to find a large assortment of interesting, educational items starting at just $1. A summer camper with $5 can find many items to choose from!
Allowing campers to shop gives them a chance to make independent decisions, helps teach the concept of budget management, and improves math and social skills! And sales profits from The Museum Store help maintain museum exhibits and fund future programs for your campers. We appreciate your support!
