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Stargazing for Preschoolers and a Visit to the Griffith Observatory

by Susan Choi

July 20, 2009

My family traveled to Disneyworld in April and decided to keep our kids on Pacific Standard Time for their schedule. The kids woke up around 9 am but we didn't go to bed until 11 pm. At home, especially in the summer time, the kids are asleep before the sun even sets. So my kids were mesmerized by the night sky. With my extremely limited knowledge of constellations, I tried to point out the few that I could figure out. It was probably in part to being delirious with exhaustion but my kids found it all so fascinating! I decided to get a few stargazing books for children and my kids love them. After we go through the books and become more acquainted with the stars, we will celebrate with a trip to Griffith Observatory. Your kids may also love these books so I thought I would share them with you.

Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit--A beautifully illustrated and written book about the constellations that are named for animals. This is a great book that children can grow into as they get older. My daughters love the pictures and listening to the stories about each constellation. The night sky comes alive with this gorgeous book.

Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit--Another beautifully illustrated and written book by the same pair of author and illustrator. It is similar to Zoo in the Sky but this one focuses on the constellations with Greek myth origins. There is another book written and illustrated by this pair on the planets that is equally wonderful.

The Kids Book of the Night Sky by Ann Love, Jane Drake and Heather Collins--This book may be a little too old for preschoolers but again, it is a book that your kids can enjoy for years. The activities in the book definitely require adult assistance but they are fun even for little kids. Great for these long summer days when the kids are home and you are pulling your hair out, trying to figure out something to do with them!

I haven't yet taken my kids to the Griffith Observatory as it is our prize for becoming more familiar with the stars. However, here are some tips for visiting with your preschooler.

Public Star Parties--no, this is not referring to celebrities but the actual stars. These free parties are held monthly from 2:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Free-standing telescopes are set up around the observatory for the public to take a peek. The next party is on July 25th.

Planetarium show--Children under five are only allowed in the first showing at 12:45 pm on weekdays and 10:45 am on weekends. As fascinating as this show can be, it can also be frightening for young children. So if you have a child who is sensitive to loud noises and bright lights, skip the show or be prepared to leave quickly.

Let's Make a Comet--From now until labor day, make a point to catch a presentation of the popular Let's Make a Comet demonstration program in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon. The presenter makes a comet from household ingredients and talks about why water is so important to life on Earth. Show times are 1 pm and 3 pm on the weekends, and 2 pm and 4 pm Tuesday through Friday.








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5 Seriously Cool Extra-curricular Preschool Classes

by Nina Moon

June 17, 2008

Gymboree, My Gym, Music Together they're all great, right? But haven't we all been there, done that, so to speak? Instead why not try out one of these five absolutely fabulous, off-the-beaten-track classes this summer? Do you wonder if maybe you're raising a future circus act? Well, maybe you are! For those of us whose little ones are literally jumping off the walls, Kinetic Theory Circus Arts  Read more...

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Elise Crane Derby, Susan Choi, Nina Moon

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