The William M. Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College is available for rental (on a limited basis) for children's birthday parties. The Staerkel Planetarium is the second largest planetarium in the state, featuring the first-of-its-kind Carl Zeiss M1015 star projector. It's the next best thing to the real night sky!

Birthday party packages are available during two time slots on Saturday afternoons, either from 2:15-3:45pm (actual party runs from 2:30 to 3:30pm) or 4:15-5:45pm (actual party runs from 4:30 to 5:30pm). In this time slot we include:

• 15 minutes of set-up time. The planetarium can provide the appropriate tables and chairs. You must provide any food, drink, table service and/or decorations.
• 30 minutes in the planetarium lobby for cake and/or birthday presents.
• 20-30 minute program in the dome featuring a live sky talk under the stars, plus a five-minute musical finale that can feature your child's photo on the dome.
• 15 minutes clean-up time. Clean-up will be performed by the renters. Trash cans will be provided.
• No food or drink is allowed in the planetarium dome.

Cost for one of our time slots is a flat $120. We can accommodate up to 30 people, including parent chaperones. Please call to book your birthday party at least one month in advance. All dates are subject to the availability of a planetarium staff member. If you'd like your child's photo on the dome with a birthday message, please provide a digital photo and the child's age on their birthday at least one week before the event. Email the JPEG photo to dleake@parkland.edu

Call Dave Leake or Carolyn Martin at 217/351-2568 if you have questions or to reserve your time slot!