A field trip to the Delta College Planetarium is an interactive learning adventure for groups of all ages. The shows at Delta's Planetarium bring science to life and encourage an excitement for learning.
Group Categories
The Delta College Planetarium hosts a variety of programs appropriate for many different groups. Select your group category from the ones listed below to see program details tailored for your group. If your group’s needs differ significantly from all the categories listed, please reach out to the Planetarium for further information.
Exploring the universe at the Delta College Planetarium will leave a lasting impact on your students. We offer a huge library of full dome movies covering a wide array of scientific topics, from astronomy to zoology. Each field trip is approximately one hour in length and features a full dome movie and a live discussion by a show presenter. The discussion portion is highly customizable and can be a recap or further exploration of the topics in your movie, a discussion of current events in astronomy and science related to your show, a tour of the constellations and planets, or an open questions-and-answer session. Contact the planetarium before your trip if there are specific topics you would like your presenter to talk about. Each show usually concludes with a virtual rollercoaster ride.
Field trip admission
School groups can pick from any of the full dome movies in our Show Library. If you’re not sure which show to choose, we can assist in making an informed decision.
Ticket prices are $3 per student. All regular classroom staff are free. All additional adults are $3 per person.
One adult chaperon per ten students is included at no cost. All additional adults are $3 per person.
Payment is due prior to the start of your scheduled program. Make checks payable to Delta College. Checks from schools written in advance for reserved headcounts will be deposited for that amount. Change will not be tendered. Cash, Discover, MasterCard and VISA are also accepted.
Our theater seats 140 plus we have an additional 4 handicap accessible spots. Due to fire codes, standing is prohibited.
Please Note: We do not have rooms available for dining.
Field trip availability
September - May
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30am and 12:30pm
June - August
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, time arranged with group leader.
Big Universe Scholarship Fund
Do you need help with transportation costs to the Planetarium?
The Delta College Planetarium may be able to help your school pay for transportation
costs through the Big Universe Scholarship. If your school trip involves more than 10 students, requires the use of a bus or
similar transportation, and more than 40% of your school's student body qualifies
for free or reduced lunch OR your class is special needs or ESL/ELL, you may be eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to $100 per bus ($300 max per
academic year per school) to go toward your transportation costs. Please contact us for scholarship details
or inquire during your reservation process for more information. The Big Universe
Scholarship is funded by the Delta College Foundation, the Bay City Noon Optimist
Club, and by the kind donations of planetarium patrons.
Whether summer camp, afterschool club, or senior group, the Delta College Planetarium has programs available for all audiences to explore the universe. Our large library of shows covers scientific topics of all interests and appropriate for all ages. Group shows at the planetarium are about one hour in length, feature a full dome movie and a live portion performed by a show presenter. The live portion can feature further exploration of some of the topics presented in the movie, an update about recent events in astronomy and space exploration, a tour of the constellations and planets, or an open questions-and-answers session. Please contact us before your visit if there are specific topics you would like your presenter to discuss. Each show usually ends with a virtual rollercoaster ride.
Private group admission
Private groups can pick from any of the full dome movies in our show library. We can assist in selecting a show, if desired.
Ticket prices are $5 per person, regardless of age.
There is a $100 minimum charge per show for all private groups with numbers of 20 or less.
Payment is due prior to the start of your scheduled program. Please make checks payable to Delta College. Cash, Discover, MasterCard and VISA are also accepted.
Our theater seats 140 plus we have an additional 4 handicap accessible spots. Due to fire codes, standing is prohibited.
Private group availability
September – May
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10:30am and 12:30pm
June - August
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, time arranged with group leader.
Delta College Planetarium's Scout program features an hour long live, interactive planetarium show led by one of our show presenters, focusing on age-appropriate astronomy and space science for your Scouts. Any of our programs can be adapted to include content geared towards a particular merit badge or award, or any other content relevant to your Scout group.
Scouts in grade 1 - 2
This program will help the youngest scouts to identify different kinds of objects in the night sky, such as stars, planets, constellations, and the Moon. It will also go into some brief detail about scientists and explorers that helped further our understanding of outer space. This program can be modified to meet the requirements for a merit badge or award as needed.
Scouts in grade 3 - 6
Designed for younger scouts, this program focuses on identifying objects in the sky, such as stars, constellations and planets, and the scientific explanations of their behavior as observed in the night sky. A discussion of the different methods humans use to explore the universe will culminate in a journey to three planets in our solar system to compare and contrast their properties. This program can be modified to meet the requirements for a merit badge or award as needed.
Scouts in grade 7 and up
This program for older scouts will focus on the scientific explanations for phenomenon observed from Earth (e.g. the motions of Sun and Moon, the seasons, phases of the Moon, planetary motion, etc.). The program will spend time identifying constellations and planets in the night sky and pointing out some of their properties. We will also examine the surfaces of Moon and Sun, as well as explore the nature of the Sun and how it relates to the stars. This program can be modified to meet the requirements for a merit badge or award as needed.
Scouts admission
Ticket prices are $5 per person.
The group leader will be responsible for collecting ticket fees for individual scouts, so that there is only one payment made from the scout group to the planetarium.
Payment is due prior to the start of your scheduled program. Make checks payable to Delta College. Checks from scout leaders written in advance for reserved headcounts will be deposited for that amount. Change will not be tendered. Cash, Discover, MasterCard and VISA are also accepted.
Our theater seats 140 plus we have an additional 4 handicap accessible spots. Due to fire codes, standing is prohibited.
Scouts availability
Mondays, 5 – 6pm
While there is no substitute for the on-site planetarium theater experience, our presenters can offer live and interactive virtual programs to schools and groups who cannot attend the planetarium in person. There is currently no charge, but availability is limited.
What we can offer
- Star talks about what's up in the night sky, personalized to your group.
- Tours of the universe, focusing on one of the following astronomy concepts:
- Exploring Outer Space (Earth as a planet, seasons, changing shapes of the Moon, Sun is a star, planets orbit the Sun, stars are faraway Suns.) Ideal for grades K-2.
- Changes in the Sky (movements of the Sun-Moon-stars, lunar phases, surface features of the Moon.) Ideal for grades K-3.
- Tour of the Solar System (what makes up the solar system, planetary movement, close-up views, comparisons.) Ideal for grades 3-5.
- Stars (life cycle, sizes, colors, distances, supernovae, black holes, galaxies.) Ideal for grades 4-8.
- Activities for the participants to do during the presentation.
- Q & A
Groups we can address
- K-12 public schools
- Private schools
- Homeschool pods
- Scouts
- Clubs
- Seniors
Group Size
One class (up to 30 participants) per presentation, maximum 45 minutes.
Cost
Free.
Reservation information
- Choose the program you want:
- Exploring Outer Space
- Changes in the Sky
- Tour of the Solar System
- Stars - Please contact us for further information.
- Star Talk: The Current Night Sky - Please contact us for further information.
- Email planetarium@delta.edu to request the virtual field trip (please provide at least two weeks notice). Furnish
the following:
- Age level.
- Number in group.
- Number of devices connecting simultaneously.
- Name of person in charge of group.
- Organization name, address, email and phone number.
- Preferred online platform. (Zoom, Google Meet, Teams, etc.)
- Preferred dates and times with first and second choices.
- If you have a group with individuals requesting accessibility accommodation, please inform us when making your reservation so we may plan with you to meet their special needs.
- Program you would like to see.
- Your confirmation email will include "Ready-to-Learn" and "Post-Trip" resources.
Make Your Reservation
All groups from schools or other organizations must have reservations. Please contact us at least two weeks in advance of when you would like to come.
Before you call
- Check our Group Show Availability at the bottom of the section relevant to your group category.
- Check your transportation availability.
- Have a first and second choice of possible dates and times.
- Schools and private groups can choose any title from our Show Library.
Please note: A minimum of one week's notice is required for any cancellations. Failure to cancel in advance will result in being charged a $75 fee, except for weather issues or other verifiable reasons acceptable to Delta College.
Reservation information
- Age level.
- Number of children, adults, seniors in your group.
- Name of person in charge of group.
- Organization name, address and phone number.
- Preferred dates and times with first and second choices.
- If you have a group with disabled individuals, please inform us when you make reservations so we may plan with you to try to meet their special needs.
- Show you would like to see. Visit our Show Library for a complete list of shows we offer.
Before you come
- If you are bringing children or students, please arrange for 1 adult chaperone for every 10 children. Chaperons are required to supervise groups at all times.
- Review expected behavior with your group.
- Collect admission fees prior to your arrival.
When you arrive
- Allow at least 15 minutes before the scheduled program start time.
- The Group Leader must check in at the gift shop to verify numbers and pay fees.
- Enter the building at the Water Street main entrance (across from Wenonah Park) if you are arriving by bus. Buses may drop groups off at this door and park there during your visit. Water Street in Bay City is a two-way street and signs indicate the best location for bus loading and unloading. Cars should park in the Planetarium parking lot off Sixth Street.
- Attend to personal needs prior to being seated in the theater.
- Food and drinks are not permitted in the theater.
- Before and after the show, you are welcome to take pictures in the theater. Once the show starts, however, please refrain from taking pictures or using your cell phone.
- Due to dark conditions during the program, anyone who leaves the theater will not be readmitted. Chaperons must supervise children using restrooms.