Is Clark Planetarium really free?

The three floors of interactive science exhibits are completely free -- no admission charge. Dome theater shows ($8-10/person) and IMAX films ($10-12/person) are separately ticketed. You can have a full 2-hour science experience spending nothing.

Can you touch a real moon rock at Clark Planetarium?

Yes. A touchable lunar sample is displayed in the first-floor lobby. It is one of only a handful of moon rocks in the world that visitors can touch. No additional charge -- it's part of the free exhibit floor.

What age is Clark Planetarium best for?

Ages 4-14 get the most from the exhibits. Dome theater shows are appropriate for ages 4+. Younger kids (2-4) enjoy the interactive stations but may not understand the science content. Teens interested in space science find the dome shows engaging.

Clark Planetarium

Name: Clark Planetarium
Address: 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT, 84101, US
Telephone: (385) 468-7827
Rating: 4.6

Rating

4.6(5,100)

Price

Free

Duration

2-3 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 4-14

About

Clark Planetarium is one of the best free science experiences in the American West. Located at The Gateway shopping center in downtown Salt Lake City, it offers three floors of interactive science exhibits at no charge -- you only pay if you choose to see a dome theater show or IMAX film.

The free exhibits span space science, earth science, and physics. On the first floor, a real moon rock (one of only a handful of touchable lunar samples in the world) sits in the lobby and kids can place their hands on a piece of the actual Moon. A Foucault pendulum demonstrates Earth's rotation. Interactive stations let kids explore the planets, design spacecraft, and simulate rocket launches.

The second and third floors continue with exhibits on gravity, magnetism, weather, and Earth's geology. A seismograph displays real-time earthquake data. Interactive touchscreens let kids manipulate solar system simulations. The quality and quantity of free exhibits is genuinely impressive -- many museums would charge $15-20 for this level of interactivity.

The Hansen Dome Theatre is the premium experience. A state-of-the-art digital projection system covers a 55-foot dome with immersive visualizations of space, taking audiences on virtual journeys through the solar system, to distant galaxies, and into black holes. Shows are narrated and appropriate for ages 4+. At $8-10/person, it is affordable and memorable.

The IMAX theater shows nature and science documentaries on a massive screen. Films rotate but typically include space, ocean, and nature themes.

Clark Planetarium is located at The Gateway, an open-air shopping and entertainment complex in downtown SLC. Discovery Gateway Children's Museum (a hands-on museum for younger kids) is across the plaza, making The Gateway a potential full-day family destination. Restaurants and shops surround both museums.

The planetarium is particularly valuable as a rainy day or winter activity -- fully indoor, climate-controlled, and engaging for a broad age range. Combined with the free admission for exhibits, it is one of the best value family attractions in Salt Lake City.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Indoor

Rainy Day

Great option!

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings are quietest. Saturday is busiest. Dome theater shows run on a schedule -- check showtimes online. Thursday and Friday evenings have extended hours with a different vibe.

Wait Times

Free exhibit floors: no waits. Dome theater: timed shows, buy tickets in advance for popular showings. IMAX: same.

Nearby Food

The Gateway shopping center has multiple restaurants: Settebello Pizzeria (excellent Neapolitan pizza), B&D Burger, and food court options. City Creek Center (10 min walk) has additional dining. For a local favorite, try Red Iguana (legendary Mexican food, 5 min drive -- expect a wait).

Why Kids Love It

Three floors of free interactive science exhibits -- they can touch a real moon rock, see a pendulum demonstrate Earth's rotation, launch rockets in a simulation, and explore the solar system through touchscreens. The Hansen Dome Theatre projects the night sky onto a curved ceiling and takes kids on virtual journeys through space. The IMAX screen shows nature and science documentaries.

And the best part? The exhibits are FREE.

Pro Tips from Parents

Three floors of exhibits are completely free -- one of the best free science experiences in the West
The real moon rock in the lobby is a must-touch -- kids can put their hands on a piece of the actual moon
The Hansen Dome Theatre is the premium experience -- immersive space shows projected on a curved dome ceiling. Budget $8-10/person.
Located at The Gateway shopping center -- combine with shopping, restaurants, and the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum (across the plaza)
Thursday-Saturday evenings have extended hours and are less crowded than weekday mornings when school groups visit

What to Bring

nothing special needed

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Exhibit floors are FREE.

Dome theater: $8-10/person.

IMAX: $10-12/person.

A family of 4 doing free exhibits + one show: $32-48.

Free exhibits only: $0.

Tips to Save

The exhibit floors (3 floors of interactive science exhibits) are completely free -- no admission charge.
You only pay for dome theater shows and IMAX films.
A family can have a 2-hour science experience spending nothing.
Shows are reasonably priced and worth doing if budget allows.