A 360-degree dome where films play on the ceiling, and shows that can be bright and loud. On Sensory-Friendly Sunday the theater is not as dark and the music is not as loud. Here is the quiet way in, in the planetarium's own words.
Fiske Planetarium
2414 Regent Drive, Boulder 80309 · No general opening hours. Public evening shows Friday and Saturday; matinees Saturday and Sunday afternoons; talks Thursday evenings in fall and spring semesters. The Box Office opens 30 minutes before each show. Closed during CU football home games, Folsom Field concerts and some CU basketball home games.
“Our shows may incorporate one or several of the following features: bright lights, flashing visuals, loud sounds, or intense motion effects.”
Sensory-Friendly Sunday is for families who “may benefit from an environment where our theater is not quite so dark, the music is not quite so loud.”
Our note The planetarium doesn't say when regular shows are quieter. Sensory-Friendly Sunday is free, and free events are usually the busiest. When we checked on Oct 20 the registration form still showed its not-open-yet message; if it won't take your answers, email fiske@colorado.edu.
Our note No December or January Sensory-Friendly Sunday is posted. The page lists Aug 23, Sep 20, Oct 18 and Nov 15 only, so we won't promise another.
Our note Fiske closes for CU home football games. The athletics site (not Fiske's) lists Sat Oct 31, Fri Nov 13 and Sat Nov 28; Nov 15 is not a game day.
At Sensory-Friendly Sunday, free to borrow: noise-canceling headphones, weighted stuffed animals, fidget toys and more. Where to pick them up: not stated.
Every show page warns of bright lights, flashing visuals, loud sounds or intense motion effects.
Regular shows: adult $12, youth 4 to 17 $8, 3 and under free, plus $1.50 per ticket. Museums for All: $1 with an EBT, Medicaid or SNAP card.
More: the Nov 15 schedule, parking, seats, bags
Named by the planetarium; it publishes no noise scale
Louder or brighter, in the planetarium's words
Shows in the dome theater (“bright lights, flashing visuals, loud sounds, or intense motion effects”)not stated
Quieter
Quiet roomnot stated
Nov 15: 10:00 welcome; 10:15 film 5000 Eyes (venue says best for 12+); 10:45 activity and astronomer Q&A; 11:15 film Max Goes to the Moon (best for 4 to 12). Dress theme: alien.
Parking is paid at all times: $2 an hour 7 am to 7 pm, $1 an hour 7 pm to 7 am, at the machine at the lot exit (card or coins, no change) or with ParkMobile. Lot 306 (west) is closest; Lot 404 (south) is nearby. Both have accessible parking.
No stairs in the lobby or planetarium. The dome seats 200, all general admission. ADA and companion seats: call 303.492.5002 at least 24 hours ahead.
Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to park, get tickets and find a seat. Accommodation requests are best made about a week ahead.
No backpacks or large purses in the theater; bags may be searched.
FM systems and assisted listening devices are available.
Tickets online at fiske.vantixticketing.com or at the Box Office. Exchanges by phone up to 24 hours before, except concerts and special events.
Show times after Nov 8 were not posted when we checked. Late Friday and Saturday shows this season are laser and music shows.
What the planetarium doesn't say
not stated a quiet room
not stated where to pick up loaner headphones, or if ID or a deposit is needed
not stated headphones or fidgets on regular show days
not stated a re-entry rule
not stated first aid, stroller or food and drink rules
Tickets at the Box Office or online, then one big dome theater with 200 seats, all general admission. The room gets dim and the film plays on the ceiling. The planetarium warns that shows may have bright lights, flashing visuals, loud sounds or intense motion. At Sensory-Friendly Sunday the theater is less dark, the music is quieter, and headphones, weighted stuffed animals and fidgets are there to borrow. Change anything.
One tip from a dad who's been there
Register for Sensory-Friendly Sunday before Nov 12, and check the form again if it is not open yet. Park in Lot 306 and arrive 15 to 20 minutes early so finding a seat is not a rush. Leaving early still counts as a planetarium day.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
