School and Group Reservations

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Prepare for Launch

The Cernan Earth and Space Center on the Triton College campus in River Grove offers engaging and educational programs in a wide variety of subjects and provides experiences to inspire further discovery. Astronomy and space exploration are our most popular topics, but programs can also focus on many other subjects including biodiversity, geology, meteorology, history, paleontology, culture, and much more.

This diverse range of experiences is available to schools, scouts, senior groups, camps, churches, business groups, and other audiences of all ages. Group leaders should plan to spend a full hour in the planetarium to allow for plenty of time for questions, discussion, and spontaneous exploration.

Chart Correlating Program Options with Grade Levels

Grade Chart

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How to Make the Most of Your Visit

Download and print an Exhibit Hunt to complete while your group explores our exhibits. Printed copies and pencils are also available on site.

Exhibit Hunt - Basic

Exhibit Hunt - Basic- Answer Key

Exhibit - Hunt - Advanced

Exhibit Hunt - Advanced - Answer Key

Book your visit during the off-season and get a discount. Weekday visits booked for September, October, January or February receive $0.50 off the regular admission price.

Book two shows for the same day and get a discount. Reserve two shows on the same weekday for the same group of people and receive a $1 per person discount for the second show on the same day.

Plan to shop in the Star Store or order prepackaged souvenir bags.

Visit the Space Center in advance for free
Teachers are welcome and encouraged to visit the planetarium and ask questions before booking a reservation. Show your current teacher ID to get free admission to any regularly scheduled public program.

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Group Program Pricing

School Program Admission	Sep, Oct, Jan & Feb	Other Months
In District Schools	$3.50	$4.00
Out of District Schools	$4.00	$4.50
One supervisory adult admitted free for every ten students.
Additional adults are admitted at the student rate.

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Make Your Reservation

1. Choose a program
Visit our site for a complete list of available programs, to see trailers for each program and download educator support materials including curriculum standards, pre- and post-visit activities and more.

2. Choose a date
Tuesday through Friday. Groups can also make reservations to attend a regularly scheduled public program or book a private program outside of normal hours.

3. Choose a time slot
9:45, 10:45 or 11:45 a.m. Other times available upon request.

4. Review the minimum charge and program cancellation information on the website.

5. Call the Cernan Center reservationist
Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372. After setting the date, time and program, let us know if your group wants to eat in the Cernan Center, take a campus tour, shop in the Star Store or order prepackaged souvenir bags.

6. Don’t have time to shop or want to make the shopping experience easy for everyone?
Order prepackaged souvenir bags for your group by calling (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372.

Souvenir Bag Flyer

7. Check your confirmation for accuracy when you receive it by email.

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Minimum Charge for Group Reservations

The minimum fee to schedule a weekday program is a $50. Small groups do not need to pay the minimum fee if they see a show with another group.

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Program Cancellation Fees

If you must cancel your visit, please notify the Cernan Center as soon as possible. Email cernan@518331.com or call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372.

Groups that fail to arrive for their scheduled program or group leaders who fail to cancel their group reservation two weeks prior to their scheduled visit are responsible for the following cancellation fees:

1 to 29 attendees: $20 per canceled time slot.
30 or more attendees:$0.75 per reserved seat per canceled time slot.

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What to Do on the Day of Your Visit

Bring your confirmation with you.
Have an accurate count of students and adults in your group.
Groups should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled program time.
Buses should drop off passengers in front of the Cernan Center.
Buses and cars park in the lot north of the Cernan Center. Refer to the campus map here.
Making Payment: The Cernan Center accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and checks made payable to Triton College. Payment is due when a group checks in, unless arrangements have been made in advance.
Complete a program evaluation to tell us how we can improve our programs and services.

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