U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium

Absolutely loved this Planetarium located on the campus of the United States Air Force Academy. Best of all...it's FREE to the public! It's a terrific way to escape reality for a few hours, especially with there being so many outdoor activities around the Colorado Springs area. I'm still amazed that shows were FREE to everyone. You'd think the Planetarium would be a perk only associated with being a prestigious cadet here within the heart of the Air Force Academy, yet it's like...they encourage outside visitors to explore the grounds of the Air Force, which is also an active military base. So cool and generous of them! Thank you :)The Planetarium is located right near the famous Cadet Chapel. Parking is free and there's plenty of it. For me visiting at the end of June, it was quiet on campus and for the presentations I came to see on a Saturday, the Planetarium was half empty.All shows run 45 - 50 minutes each, and start on the hour consecutively. So...it gives folks about 10 minutes to exit the theater and decide if they'd like to reenter to watch another show or go about their day, or maybe just use the restrooms.Plus, if it's busy, it gives an opportunity for other theater goers to get a chance at a seat to enjoy the Planetarium as well.Seating is first come, first served. I took a spot in the last row as I thought it'd assist in looking up at the sky surroundings. Chairs recline pretty well and were comfortable.Unfortunately they don't have a concessionaire stand. That's the one thing missing about this place. I'm a huge popcorn fanatic and it would have paired perfectly, like being at the actual movies.They don't allow food or drinks either as I guess they don't want to be cleaning people's messes up afterwards and I respect that.Shows last just under 1 hour long so you can survive without eating, lol.Details about the Planetarium and all scheduled showings can be found online at usafa.edu. That's the Air Force Academy's website. Shows are not presented every day. I noticed viewings were offered almost every other day, or every 2 - 3 days. So, I'd suggest checking usafa.edu ahead of time before showing up on campus.Here's an example of the Planetarium's schedule when I visited...Saturday June 22, 2024...- 11am - Dream Big- 12pm - From Earth to the Universe & Live Night Sky Tour- 1pm - D-Day: Normandy 1944- 2pm - Fighter PilotThis is a typical schedule. Showings begin around 11am or 12pm and they offer 4 - 5 films per day, ending between 3pm and 4pm.But after Saturday June 22, the next set of presentations weren't until Tuesday, June 25. So, there were two days off inbetween playings.Btw, when entering on the grounds of USAFA, you must display a valid ID at a security checkpoint. They may ask where you are headed on campus and if you are carrying weapons or drugs which is just procedural, but it can be intimidating, lol.Lastly, the visual effects were futuristic. I had so much fun enjoying all 4 presentations I stuck around for. Not only did I learn about engineering marvels and solar systems, but I got a chance to hear stories about unheralded heros trying to make a positive impact on the world. It was all inspiring, informative, entertaining and a truly rewarding experience.Finally, if you are visiting Colorado Springs, not only should you explore the grounds of the Air Force Academy, but also make time to check out this Planetarium. It's the perfect way to briefly pause from outdoor activities and relax in a reclining chair while feeling transported away to alternative universes. Thank you for having me USAFA!

Wonderful drop-in Volcanoes experience. Free, clean, chill, and gorgeous views outside and in. Polite and funny emcee, restrooms on site, would definitely attend again!

We came a few hours early and we were let in on a private viewing that was prior to public viewing times. We saw the constellation walk through and then the short film called Astronauts. We headed down for lunch then decided to come back for the 1:30 Humpback wales showing. The kids loved it and our narrator was fantastic! Very clean facility and friendly staff. Stopped at the visitors center and purchased some official AFA gear too!

I saw the Humpback Whales show and it was awesome! They have a number of shows I want to see so I will definitely be back. The chairs are comfortable and very clean. The shows are free so that's a plus. I will make sure to bring my friends when they are in town.

Absolutely amazing the guy beforehand was abs hilarious, and told us if the review was 4 star or lower to leave it at the nature and science museum so here I am, in total the show was really interesting and was very immersive with the large screen I do recommend sitting near the back though for a better experience

Great free show. Weird hours but it's free. Rotating shows, we saw fighter pilot which was decent. Seats recline but kids don't weigh enough to hold them down. Time a trip to the USAFA Chapel, visitors center or hike with one of these shows. Definitely worth the trip.

Just the visit to USAFA is impressive enough, the campus is amazing from seeing the chapel to going to the visitors center, however the planetarium is a little treasure that just reopened in March. We watched the volcano show and the bear forest. Both were great but the bears won out for me! The shows are only M-F 12:30 & 1:30. If you're lucky you can just sit and enjoy both in their very comfy reclining seats. The sweet lady who came out to welcome us before the show was knowledgeable and very friendly even letting the kids put their feet on the chairs(as long as shoes were off!) and relax. This is something for all ages. By the way... It's free!!!

Amazing and FREE!! 30 minute presentation on auroras in comfy reclined seats. Would highly recommend!

What a nice gem to find on the Air Force Academy grounds. Enjoyed the Planetarium shows (we stayed and watched 2). Comfortable chairs and welcoming atmosphere. It's 5 'Stars'!!!