planetarium at the university of texas at arlington

This was a very cool experience! We did the Pink Floyd event. It was very "trippy". The one thing that I didn't like much was the feeling like you were spinning constantly. I might've enjoyed the rollercoaster one better. Maybe next time we are in town.

I have only gone to two planetariums in my life - both were situated on a school campus (one in Ohio and now one in Texas.) I found it to be a good value for what we saw. The 360 Rollercoaster on each of the planets was a lot of fun - I actually got motion sickness like I was really riding lol! We also caught a Dr. Seuss favorite one weekend "The Sneetches" and my daughter had a blast.

Firstly this is ONLY a theater, so it is not to be confused with a Planetarium museum kind of thing. It is in the science department at the university, and we parked about 200 yards away (just before the parking garage) on the street at no cost as it was a Saturday. Make sure when going with kids you get there around when the show starts, and bring some extras (like a beverage or snacks), and pennies. We came in from Dallas and once you get off the exit there is virtually NOTHING between there and the school. AT&T stadium might be right there but that area is definitely lacking in infrastructure. When you enter the department (the doors are to the right of the planetarium) it is just the entryway to a large building. There are bathrooms, some tables. While waiting you can drop coins into those cool things they have at malls where you drop the penny down and it goes around and around. This kept the kids very occupied and I had NO pennies (hence the need for pennies) so I lost a bunch of dimes down that thing. There is a small astronaut cutout your kid can stick their head through for pictures, and a cool scale where you can see your weight on each different planet. Otherwise, there is NOTHING to occupy you until you are allowed into the theater. There is also no changing table in either bathroom, so plan ahead. (If you neglected to bring snacks, there is a snack machine just past the entrance to the theater. (It is hidden a bit in a little grotto). The stuff averages about $1.15 and it takes $1 & $5 bills. I had a $1 bill and $0.20 so I was able to grab a very welcome bag of pretzels which is just enough to keep a 17 month old occupied and quiet. Once you are allowed in, you show your tickets just at the door (I had a Groupon), you go in and the theater is pretty awesome. Dark, and they say no food or drink in the theater but I cannot say that was strictly enforced as people were walking in with all sorts of stuff. We went to the 1:00pm showing on Sunday (One World, One Sky), so everyone was there with children. I don't know if they have a microphone but I had wished the girl had used it. It was hard to hear her over several fussy children (I was there with kids too, so I'm not at all complaining). It started off with a roller coaster which was AMAZING. Then they showed you the planets and the stars in perspective which was outstanding. I'd never seen anything like it. Then it's Big Bird and Elmo talking to the kids featuring a trip to the moon. My 4 year old LOVED it. We paid $12 for a Groupon family of 4. Overall, a wonderful time to spend an hour on a hot day. But come prepared. If you intend to grab a bite to eat on the way, well, you'll end up eating afterwards.

This place is great! Fun shows in a nice theater. The Spacepark 360 is fun - ride roller coasters on each planet. Can't wait to try the rest. And i will since it's so affordable - $20 for 2 kids and 2 adults.

This is one of the nicest planetariums we've ever been to with an amazing picture, comfy seats, and great air conditioning (which is important in Texas). My kids love star gazing and finding the constellations. Great summer entertainment.

We took our teens to the Spacepark 360 show yesterday as our son LOVES astronomy and just got his first "real" telescope. The first half of the show was very informative as the narrator pointed out where the planets and stars can be found in our (local) night sky. The second half was the Spacepark 360 show which takes the audience on virtual rides through the planets in our solar system. Warning for those who get motion sickness - we all felt sick after the show. It was very realistic and we "felt" it! I will say the music was good. It just wasn't what we expected. I think we were expecting a more informative session and not a virtual ride. At least it wasn't that expensive as we used a Groupon.

Took the whole family and we loved it. We've gone back several times for the different shows. My kids loved it!!!

The narrator of the shows is very knowledgeable in regards to space. If you love astronomy you will learn facts and see things in the night sky you have never seen. Only $6 for adults. Entire show last about an hour. Great experience for field trips, groups, dates or families.

great place we went to never been sixflags closed this place was way cool at first I was bored but time and it got better

Wow. I am very rarely so unimpressed with a place. The program was very elementary. We were bored to tears. Go to the planetarium in Fort Worth instead. LOVE UTA just not their planetarium.

Got to watch a traditional planetarium and stayed to watch a movie as well. I will be going back with my small cousins.

We went wishing to see stars and planets. We saw a long not special movie on the Mayan prophecy and an annoying noisy movie with special effects.

If you are looking for interesting things to do in Arlington and have run out of stadium tours try something a little different. The planetarium is run by the college and not only does shows but an instructor speaks to the audience and gives you a little learning along with the show. There is also a roller coaster simulation they do that is way cool. Great for kids.

The planetarium is a very worthwhile and enjoyable excursion. It is well organized and easily understandable. You are provided with a wealth of information, but in an easily digestible manner. The light show is worth seeing.

If you are planning to go to the Planetarium @ UTA, make other plans. The seats are very uncomfortable and I hurt for a couple of days after going. You have to twist and turn all around to see what is being presented. The speaker does not repeat audience questions asked so you have no clue what he is answering.The film we saw was highly disappointing as it was more of a drawing rather than real photography. In today's age of technology, that is indeed sad. The parking is expenses and I, for one, will not be returning.