School and Group Reservations
Prepare for Launch
The Cernan Earth and Space Center on the Triton College campus in River Grove offers engaging and educational programs in a wide variety of subjects and provides experiences to inspire further discovery. Astronomy and space exploration are our most popular topics, but programs can also focus on many other subjects, including biodiversity, geology, meteorology, history, paleontology, culture and much more.
This diverse range of experiences is available to schools, scouts, senior groups, camps, churches, business groups and other audiences of all ages. Group leaders should plan to spend a full hour in the Planetarium to allow plenty of time for questions, discussion and spontaneous exploration.
- All programs include a live tour of the current night sky, Q&A and other exciting cosmic experiences.
- Some programs are available in Spanish, Polish and Ukrainian. Note: Our staff is not bilingual at this time.
- Many programs are well suited and enjoyable for middle and high school groups, adults and audiences of mixed ages.
Choose A Program
Visit the Show Catalog for a complete list of available programs, see trailers and download educator support materials, including curriculum standards, pre- and post-visit activities and more.
Show CatalogMake Your Reservation
1. Choose a Program – Visit the Show Catalog for a complete list of available programs, to see trailers for each program and download educator support materials, including curriculum standards, pre- and post-visit activities and more.
2. Choose a Date – Tuesday through Friday. Groups can also make reservations to attend a regularly scheduled public program or book a private program outside of normal hours.
3. Choose a Time Slot – 9:45, 10:45 or 11:45 a.m. Other times available upon request.
4. Review the minimum charge and program cancellation information below.
5. Call the Cernan Center reservationist – Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372. After setting the date, time and program, let us know if your group wants to eat in the Cernan Center, shop in the Star Store or order prepackaged souvenir bags.
NOTE: As of March 2026, campus tours are only available for high schools within the Triton College district.
6. Don’t have time to shop or you want to make the shopping experience easy for everyone? Order prepackaged souvenir bags for your group by calling (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372.
7. Check your confirmation for accuracy when you receive it by email.
Make The Most Of Your Visit
Download and print an Exhibit Hunt to complete while your group explores our exhibits. Printed copies and pencils are also available on site.
Exhibit Hunt - Basic Exhibit Hunt - Basic- Answer Key
Exhibit - Hunt - Advanced Exhibit Hunt - Advanced - Answer Key
Book two shows for the same day and get a discount. Reserve two shows on the same weekday for the same group of people and receive a $1 per person discount for the second show on the same day.
Plan to shop in the Star Store or order prepackaged souvenir bags. For details and pricing visit the Star Store.
Visit the Cernan Center in Advance for Free
Teachers are welcome and encouraged to visit the planetarium and ask questions before booking a reservation. Show your current teacher ID to get free admission to any regularly scheduled public program.
Group Program Pricing
School Program Admission |
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Price |
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In District Schools |
$4.00 |
|
|
Out of District Schools |
$4.50 |
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One supervisory adult admitted free for every ten students. Additional adults are admitted at the student rate. |
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Minimum Charge for Group Reservations
The minimum fee to schedule a weekday program is a $50. Small groups do not need to pay the minimum fee if they see a show with another group.
Program Cancellation Policy
If you must cancel your visit, please notify the Cernan Center as soon as possible. Email cernan@triton.edu or call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372.
Groups that fail to arrive for their scheduled program without 24 hours notice of cancellation will be required to pre-pay in full for any future visits.
What to Do on the Day of Your Visit
- Bring your confirmation with you.
- Have an accurate count of students and adults in your group.
- Groups should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled program time.
- Buses should drop off passengers in front of the Cernan Center.
- Buses and cars park in the lot north of the Cernan Center. Refer to the campus map here.
- Making Payment: The Cernan Center accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and checks made payable to Triton College. Payment is due when a group checks in, unless arrangements have been made in advance.
For the Latest Public Program and Schedule Information
- Visit our website at triton.edu/Cernan.
- Call our program information line at (708) 583-3100.
- Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/cernancenter.
Birthday Parties
Celebrate with the Stars!
Details
- Choose any Feature or Cosmic Light Show from our show catalog.
- Planetarium time will also include a brief tour of the current night sky and other cosmic surprises.
- The time the party room is reserved for your group includes the one-hour program in the planetarium plus your set-up and clean-up time.
- The recommended maximum number of people in the party room is 30.
- All party goods are clients’ responsibility. Use of tablecloths is required. Please be courteous and do not leave a mess. Alcohol is not permitted under any circumstances.
What is Included?
- An hour-long planetarium program. One of our knowledgeable educators will work with you in advance to put together a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for all ages.
- Use of a classroom as party room for a total of two and a half hours.
What is the Cost?
- The base price is $300 for up to 25 guests. Add $10 for each additional guest.
- Available hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 2:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Schedule Your Event Now!
- Call (708) 456-0300, Ext 3372, Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Consider purchasing souvenir gift bags for your guests.
- Shop the Star Store to choose from our unique selection of Earth and space-themed merchandise.
- Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience.
Chart Correlating Program Options with Grade Levels
Grade Chart Planetarium Programs and Educational Standards Chart