Conference Spouse-Family Activities

Posted on: Monday, June 9th, 2008

Spouse and Family tour/day-trip/evening-trip options

An interesting, educational, not-to-miss day trip for spouses and families is a visit to Kitt Peak National Observatory, just outside Tucson. Transportation to Kitt Peak can be arranged by calling Adobe Transportation at 520-609-0593.

Daytime:

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9am until 3:45pm.
Guided Tours begin at 10am, 11:30am, and 1:30pm. No reservation is needed for a daytime tour.
Admission to the Visitor Center is FREE.

Rates for Guided Tours:

Adults $4.00 per person, $7.00 for an All Day Tour Pass
Children (Ages 6-12) $2.50 per person, $4.50 for an All Day Tour Pass
Children under 6 FREE
Tohono O’Odham Members FREE
Kitt Peak Members FREE

Guided Tours last approximately 1 hour and are led by trained docents who know the history and interesting facts regarding each telescope. Normally, the tours go to the following telescopes; 10am the world’s largest solar telescope, 11:30 the 2.1 meter telescope and 1:30 the 4-meter Mayall Telescope (tour last 1.5 hours). Tour locations are subject to change due to maintenance and safety issues. Unfortunately, most telescopes are inaccessible to wheelchairs.

There are also nighttime observation programs available where one actually looks through one of the three telescopes. Reservations and deposit are required for the nighttime observation program. There is a higher charge or this tour.

Nighttime Observation Program Rates:

$39 adult
$34 students (college students included) and seniors (over 62)

Deposit:

A deposit of $15 per person is required to hold your reservation. If you do not show for the program you will be charged $10 per person to cover the cost of the meal. A 48 hour minimum cancellation notice is required by calling 520-318-8726. If the program is canceled for any reason you will not be charged.