And Accessible Cherry Springs State Park
“It feels like a Marvel movie that you can never get enough of.” That was my seven year old’s response to seeing the night sky at a dark sky park. #worthit. That being said, there can be a lot that goes into star gazing with kids. Here are some tips and locations for the best possible family star gazing experience! As always, all suggestions are both family friendly and wheelchair accessible.
1. Prep the kids ahead of time
Seeing the night sky in its full glory is incredible – no matter how you look at it. That being said, it’s a lot more fun for kids if they know what they’re looking at.
Before you go, read a kids book on the science of a star, learn about constellations and how to identify them, and check out some of the legends of the constellations – or stories of the stars.
2. Bring a sky-map
You can print one in advance, but it’ll be hard to see in the dark! I suggest you download an app like SkySafari or Star Rover to help you identify what you’re seeing in real time. Just make sure you download it in advance, since you’re not likely to have service in a dark sky location!
3. Bring binoculars
Not only can you get a closer look, but it’s just more fun for the kids. Actually, whether it’s a fancy telescope or pretend binoculars made from empty toilet paper rolls, it makes the experience seem more official, and keeps kids engaged for a much longer period of time.
4. Arrive late
The stars aren’t at their peak until way past bedtime for most young kids – especially in mid-summer! This is dependent on your kids and their personalities, but it seems to work out best for us if we let them get some sleep (sometimes in the car on the way) and wake them for the show. Yes, their groggy and crabby at first, but overall the crankiness seems to be shorter lived than if they’re just up late. Because goodness know nobody ever sleeps in the next morning…
5. Make it an experience
It’s great if you can make it to a dark sky park, but you can make your backyard star gazing experience just as memorable. Set a blanket out, hang outside in your PJ’s, make some cocoa, read a story by flashlight, compete to find the most constellations, create your own constellations: make it an experience.
6. Check the weather
The entire experience may actually hinge upon this one. We didn’t check the weather, because it was the only night we were camping in that area, anyway. We got lucky. We had some pretty serious cloud coverage for the first hour, but the break in clouds was so worth waiting for!
7. Find a dark location
Obviously, dark sky parks like the Grand Canyon and Cherry Springs are the best places for star gazing. That being said, anywhere that you can get away from significant light pollution offers good opportunity. You can check out this map to find the darkest areas near you. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect. The less light pollution, the better, but you can still have a blast in your backyard, even if you live in town.
Cherry Springs State Park
This is the best place for star gazing on the east coast, and arguably one of the best in the nation overall. Think Northern Lights… in Pennsylvania. Phenomenal. There are options to stay overnight and star gaze, to camp overnight, or to just gaze and go. Any option is fine, just go. Here are some useful tips for your trip.
Plan ahead
Camping is the thing to do in 2020. Everyone is seeking seclusion in the woods. If you plan on staying the night – camper, tent, cabin, whatever – book in advance. We didn’t even realize the park was open for camping yet, but it was booked full! You can book here.
Getting around
There’s not a whole lot of signage once you get there. Check out this map for details on parking, bathrooms, and viewing locations. If you’re coming up from the south, the first sign you’ll see is for the overnight viewing area. Just past that, on the right, you can pull in to park. Remember to park facing away from the viewing area so you don’t feel like a dufus when you start up your car to pull out in the middle of the night.
Accessibility
I was pretty pleased with how easy it was to get around. I mean, we were in the middle of nowhere, after all. The lot is gravel, and there’s a pretty smooth gravel path out to the viewing area. Depending on your wheels, you could move right into the grass, or just pull up to the amphitheater. They also have spacious accessible bathrooms.
Accommodations
If camping isn’t your thing, don’t let that keep you from checking this off of your bucket list. You can exit at any point during the night and stay in a lodge, bed and breakfast, or hotel near by.
PA Wilds
Yes, you’re journeying to the middle of nowhere for a fantastic light show. No, it’s not the only thing to see. Check out my post on the PA Wilds for itinerary options with great views, charming towns, and family friendly hikes and activities!