North Museum of Nature and Science
Lancaster, PA · 46 minutes from Reading · Under $20 a person
Plan the day
The North Museum of Nature and Science is a natural history and science museum in Lancaster, PA, with a planetarium, rotating exhibits and a live animal room.
The SciDome Theater is South Central Pennsylvania's largest planetarium by the museum's own description, with shows of 30 to 40 minutes on top of the exhibits. Hands-on areas suit younger children, the collections hold older visitors, and the museum suggests at least two hours. October weekends bring Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival at 11 AM and Phantom of the Universe at 2 PM in the dome.
Before you go
Parking is around the museum or a short walk away; watch for permit-only signs. The main floor and lower level are wheelchair accessible, and the planetarium has removable seats so families sit together. No food is sold inside; the front desk suggests places nearby.
Coming up
October planetarium shows: Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival Saturdays and Sundays at 11 AM, Phantom of the Universe Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM, the live Night Sky Tour on October 11 and 17 at 1 and 3 PM, and Big Bird's One World, One Sky on October 28 and 31 at 11 AM and 4 PM.
Checked October 8, 2026 on the official site. Hours, prices and seasons change, so confirm there before a long drive.
