Clark Planetarium Logo

Field Trips

Field trips to the Clark Planetarium are free for most schools thanks to funding from the State of Utah and Utah State Board of Education!​

​A typical field trip lasts 2-3 hours and offers students a variety of engaging experiences. Groups may explore hands-on exhibits, enjoy a 45-minute immersive presentation in the Hansen Dome Theatre, and watch a stunning large-format film in the Northrop Grumman IMAX© Theatre. Field Trips may also request a live, guided Science on a Sphere presentation that brings Earth and space science to life, and/or time to shop for souvenirs in the Planet Fun store.​
​
PLEASE NOTE: Reservations can be made for groups of 20 or more (some exceptions apply) and must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and requests are not guaranteed until you have received a final confirmation number.​
​
Request Your Field Trip

​We understand that many schools may not be able to visit Clark Planetarium. If you are unable to travel to Clark Planetarium, you may request access to our Virtual Fieldtrips library. These interactive, 360° videos allow for your students to look around, similar to how they would in person. To request access to the Virtual Field Trip shows, please fill out the request form.

​Have questions? Contact Reservations or call 385-468-1227 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Education Programs
A person speaking to a group of people in a room with a large globe.
Garden..

Chaperone Guidelines

Student Safety: To ensure the safety of students visiting the planetarium, chaperones should stay with their students and know their names. Please keep your group of students together at all times.​


Student Behavior: Students are expected to be respectful of planetarium staff and other visitors. Students should leave each area in the same condition that they found it. Please ensure students do not run, climb, or otherwise act recklessly.​


Student learning: Chaperones are encouraged to ask teachers about their learning goals for students, and any activities or exhibits they would like emphasized. Chaperones are invited to explore with students and encourage their learning.​

Gabriella Vidus et al. sitting at a table with a can of soda.

Before your trip

Bus Information​
Our designated curb-side loading and unloading zones are located on 100 south or 400 west. If loading or unloading on 100 south, please allow adequate space between the bus and any parked vehicles. If loading or unloading on 400 west, please avoid parking on the crosswalk at the intersection of 100 south and 400 west. Instead, please pull further south on 400 west to the side of the main planetarium building. We do not have a designated bus parking area. We recommend driving down 100 south and parking between 600 and 700 west. If no parking is available, we recommend West High School as an alternative option. For additional parking recommendations, please contact Salt Lake City Parking Compliance: Phone: 801-535-6628, Email: slcparking@slcgov.com, Website: https://www.slc.gov/mystreet/parking/​

Scavenger Hunts​
Prepare your class for a field trip with an exploration guide and scavenger hunts for our exhibits. Each guide is targeted towards particular grade levels or a general audience.​
​
4th-grade Exploration Guide and Scavenger Hunt 4th grade.pdf, Key Scavenger Hunt 4th grade KEY.pdf
6th-grade Exploration Guide and Scavenger Hunt 6th Grade.pdf, Key Scavenger Hunt 6th Grade Key 2018.pdf
Scavenger Hunt General Public.pdf
Scavenger Hunt Young Children.pdf

Field Trip FAQ

A typical field trip lasts two to three hours, and it can include the following: Time to see exhibits (i.e., 20 to 30 minutes between shows, or longer if wanted); a Hansen Dome Theatre presentation (about 45 minutes, depending on the presentation); a Northrop Grumman IMAX(R) Theatre film (about 45 minutes, depending on the film); a live, guided presentation called Science on a Sphere (about 20 minutes); an engaging program in our learning space (about 45 minutes); shopping time in the Planet Fun store; and/or concessions time for groups under 100. For groups over 100 they can order our premade popcorn and drink combos.​

Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. What is the minimum size for a group? Reservations can only be made for groups of 20 or more people (some exceptions apply). Public school groups are allowed one adult or chaperone free for every eight students.​
​
All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations can only be made for groups of 20 or more people (some exceptions apply). Public school groups are allowed one adult or chaperone free for every eight students. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Reservation requests are not guaranteed until you receive a final confirmation sheet and confirmation number.​