Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium

My four-year-old grandson is fascinated with planets, solar systems, and galaxies. Because of his love of anything space-related, we decided to take him on a field trip to the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium. My husband and Callister share this love of space, and I just tagged along on the field trip. It was a wonderful learning experience for me and a fun, interesting excursion for all of us.

The Air and Space Museum and the Planetarium are in buildings next door to one another. I bought my tickets online, but there was no line to buy tickets both times we’ve been. There is the option to buy tickets for each place separately. We bought tickets for the museum and planetarium, and we were glad we did.

The Air and Space Museum

The Air and Space Museum has many interesting things to look at, from planes and parachutes to the history of airplanes and airports in Tulsa. We also were able to take a tour of an American Airlines MD-80 plane and a helicopter that was shot down during the Vietnam war. We also looked inside a plane from the WW2 era. Callister tried out a flight simulator and a hot air balloon simulator.

There were several hands-on experiences my grandson loved, such as the experiment with balls and air pressure to explain how lift works for an airplane. His favorite was the computerized airplane design where he had the opportunity to decide on the fuselage, engine power, and wing and tail design. The designed plane flew if it was successful and crashed if the design was not a good one.

The Planetarium

Then it was time for the planetarium. The planetarium has four different shows each day, so make sure you check the schedule to be there for the show that interests you. (Please note that the planetarium requires all guests to wear a mask.) If your child is afraid of the dark or gets motion sickness easily, this may not be the experience for you.

We’ve now seen two shows and the one called “Earth, Moon, and Sun” is probably the most interesting for younger kids. It has an animated character of a wolf as the narrator and a little bit of humor injected throughout. However, today we saw “Black Holes,” narrated by Liam Neeson, and my grandson loved it.

The planetarium lobby has interesting displays to keep you busy while you wait for your show to start. There are pictures of famous astronauts, an astronaut suit, and a display of telescopes.

Ongoing Conversations

Callister was so interested in black holes that we stopped by Schusterman Benson on our way home so he could check out books about black holes and galaxies. He was able to tell his favorite librarian, Miss Joy, how black holes are formed, so it was obvious he did pay attention during the planetarium show. I admit I dozed just a little when the lights went out, so I needed him to explain it to me also!

Later in the evening I heard Callister and my husband discussing black holes, novas, and galaxies. I know my husband is thrilled he finally has another family member who shares his fascination with space. Judging by their conversation, I think we might be looking into a TASM membership!

White River Fish Market

We love the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium, but it is a long way from our south Tulsa home. However, one of the things that motivates me to make that drive is the opportunity to eat at White River Fish Market along the way. Callister and I love seafood, and White River Fish Market is the best! Today, he got his first taste of lobster and loved it! Tuesdays and Wednesdays are lobster days, so plan accordingly! If you’re energetic and want to squeeze a lot into a day, the Tulsa Zoo is right across the street from TASM!

Tulsa Public Schools was out of school this week, so it was a perfect opportunity to have a bonus day with my grandson. White River Fish Market, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and Planetarium, the library, and my favorite four-year-old. I can’t imagine a more perfect day! Well, unless you flew me to the beach. Let’s be real.

Information about Tulsa Space and Air Museum and Planetarium

TASM Schedule: Open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Admission prices:

MUSEUM ADMISSION

Interested in just the exhibit hall? This ticket includes access to all exhibits in the W.H. Helmerich hangar and a tour of the MD-80!

• Adult: $8
• Senior: $7
• Military/Veteran (w/ID): $7
• Youth/Student: $5
• Child (4 and under): FREE

PLANETARIUM ADMISSION

Interested in just the planetarium? This ticket includes one show to our Bertelsmeyer Planetarium, a 50-ft dome theater!

• Planetarium Show: $7

MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM SHOW ADMISSION

Experience all that TASM has to offer! This ticket includes access to the W.H. Helmerich hangar and one planetarium show in the Bertelsmeyer Planetarium.

• Adult: $15
• Senior: $12
• Active Military/Veteran: $12
• Youth/Student: $10
• Child (4 and under): FREE