About
Astronomy Programs at Observatory Park at Turner Farm include Dark Sky education and celebration events, an Introduction to Astronomy, Night Sky Tours, an Astronomy Festival, a general introduction to some astronomy fundamentals, and opportunities for exploring the stars. All events are held outdoors and involve observing and learning about the night sky.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the observatory zone is open only during scheduled astronomy programs and events; all events require advance registration.
• Price: Applicable fees are listed under each registration link.
All events require advance registration, and there are no walk-in hours at the observatory. Participants are notified by email if a program or event is canceled, including cancellations due to weather. Restrooms are available for registered participants when the observatory is open at night, and families are advised to dress for the weather because events are held outdoors regardless of temperature.
Nicole Mitchell, MPA, serves as the Waterfront Sites and Nature Centers Branch Manager and is listed as part of the leadership for these programs. Community involvement includes a playground sponsored by the Great Falls Lions Club through a donation, and a “Support the Stars – Sponsor a Viewing!” option for community members, organizations, and businesses to sponsor a viewing and help expand access to free astronomy programs at Turner Farm. Pets are not allowed inside the Roll-Top building but may be on park grounds in the observatory zone, and all Fairfax County leash laws apply. Participants are informed that the observatory and park are open only during scheduled astronomy programs, the gates close at dusk at other times, the park grounds are open dawn to dusk, the playground and picnic area are open daily from sunrise to sunset, pavilion rentals are available for daytime use only, and the park is closed to all activities after dark. Planned community facilities connected to the park include jogging and walking trails, a bird habitat, and observation areas.
Last updated January 19, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the observatory zone is open only during scheduled astronomy programs and events; all events require advance registration.
• Price: Applicable fees are listed under each registration link.
All events require advance registration, and there are no walk-in hours at the observatory. Participants are notified by email if a program or event is canceled, including cancellations due to weather. Restrooms are available for registered participants when the observatory is open at night, and families are advised to dress for the weather because events are held outdoors regardless of temperature.
Nicole Mitchell, MPA, serves as the Waterfront Sites and Nature Centers Branch Manager and is listed as part of the leadership for these programs. Community involvement includes a playground sponsored by the Great Falls Lions Club through a donation, and a “Support the Stars – Sponsor a Viewing!” option for community members, organizations, and businesses to sponsor a viewing and help expand access to free astronomy programs at Turner Farm. Pets are not allowed inside the Roll-Top building but may be on park grounds in the observatory zone, and all Fairfax County leash laws apply. Participants are informed that the observatory and park are open only during scheduled astronomy programs, the gates close at dusk at other times, the park grounds are open dawn to dusk, the playground and picnic area are open daily from sunrise to sunset, pavilion rentals are available for daytime use only, and the park is closed to all activities after dark. Planned community facilities connected to the park include jogging and walking trails, a bird habitat, and observation areas.
Last updated January 19, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.