Activity Overview
Baton Rouge's Highland Park Road Observatory brings the wonders of the night sky to thousands of Louisiana natives every year. They have various large and smaller sized reflectors and telesscopes that are open to the public to use and learn from.
Things to Do
- Go along at 7:30 p.m. every Friday evening for a fascinating talk. The Observatory's Friday Night Lecture Series brings hour long talks free of charge to the people of Baton Rouge. The talks cover a broad range of subjects and are delivered by informative and interesting speakers. Once the talk is done they unlock one of the large telescopes and explore the skies until 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday nights have a longer viewing session since there is no lecture. Starting at 7:30 p.m you can gaze at the night sky taking directions from one of the Observatory's staff members to pick out certain specific targets in the night sky.
- Every third Saturday of the month is Evening Sky Viewing Plus night. These viewings include a few more activities to make the experience even more fun. This includes a marshmallow roast, science demonstrations and an unaided eye sky tour. With all the extra things to do this is the perfect session to bring younger kids along to.
Highland Park Road Observatory Insider Tips
- Remember that sky viewings throughout the year are weather-dependent.
- The Observatory regularly puts on different events an programs which are heavily influenced by the features of the night sky during that time of year. To check out what they have in store take a look at their calendar of events for fun upcoming showcases.
Fun games for the whole family
Making science into family fun
Giving the little ones a laugh
Fun, creative activities
Exercise for the mind
Entertainment for the whole family
Great fun when you're stuck at home