Fees & Lodging at Rainwater

Fee Schedule and Lodging at Rainwater Observatory & Planetarium

Rainwater Observatory and Planetarium exists to share the wonders of the heavens with children and adults. It is our desire to be of service to everyone possible by providing high quality, astronomy and space science related programming. Observatory operational costs and developing our programs requires support. This fee schedule is for groups visiting here and programs we provide “away” from the observatory based on time, number of participants, travel distance and type of programming.

For groups visiting Rainwater Observatory we have a $125 minimum fee for groups under 20 in number or $6 per person for larger groups 20 or more for our standard programming. This includes an indoor presentation related to astronomy and outdoor telescope observing for night programs, weather permitting. We have an indoor planetarium used for daytime programming and for inclement weather. We also have a powerful solar telescope used to observe the Sun as well as outdoor exhibits for our daytime groups, weather permitting.

For overnight groups the fee is $8 per person per night with a $150 minimum. We have tent camping facilities with a campfire area, pavilion and picnic tables that are an additional $10 per tent per night and a 14 bed air conditioned bunk house that is $15 per person per night. All these are located on Rainwater property and both have access to showers and bathrooms but you will need to bring your own bedding materials. Additional lodging can be found within a mile of the observatory at FCA Campus Lodging.

Please note: Additional fees for programs may apply for larger groups of 50 or more to provide for additional programming, time or staff.

“Away” Programs by Rainwater Observatory

Standard presentation fees for local groups or organizations with a travel distance less than 50 miles, $200 plus travel expenses

Programming for regional groups or organizations with a travel distance greater than 50 miles, $300 plus travel expenses

Daytime and evening presentations followed by observing with telescopes $400 plus travel expenses

Programming that requires day long travel and or overnight stays $500 plus travel expenses

Please note: Additional fees for "away" programs may apply for very large groups or extended travel distance.