Calling all little astronauts and curious minds! Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark in Mae Rim is one of Chiang Mai’s most exciting destinations for families who love science, space and discovery.
Home to a spectacular digital planetarium, interactive astronomy exhibitions, hands-on science zones and a public observatory, the AstroPark turns big questions about our universe into experiences kids can see, touch and explore.
Whether your child is fascinated by planets, dreams of travelling through space or simply loves discovering how things work, there is plenty here to keep the whole family curious.
Journey Through the Universe at the Planetarium
The planetarium is definitely one of the highlights of a visit. Step inside the impressive 17-metre dome and settle in for an immersive journey across the night sky.
The digital FullDome system can display images at resolutions of up to 8K, transforming the ceiling into a huge window to space. Each approximately 60-minute programme combines a live introduction to the night sky with a full-dome astronomy film.
Kids can discover constellations currently visible above Thailand, explore the Moon and planets, and travel far beyond our solar system to star clusters, nebulae and galaxies.
The films rotate throughout the year and cover everything from child-friendly astronomy and space exploration to the latest astronomical technology.
Basic Astronomy – Start Your Space Adventure Here
This is a brilliant place for younger explorers to begin.
The Basic Astronomy exhibition introduces some of the biggest ideas in space science through interactive displays that make them much easier for kids to understand.
Families can explore the solar system, discover how astronomers study light and the spectrum, learn about cosmic rays and meteorites, and find out how storms form on giant gas planets.
Kids can also investigate how our eyes react to different levels of light and learn to recognise constellations in the night sky.
One particularly fascinating feature is the Foucault Pendulum, which demonstrates something that sounds almost impossible to see – the rotation of the Earth beneath our feet!
Astronomy Insight – Dig a Little Deeper
Ready to take your space knowledge to the next level?
Astronomy Insight explores some of the more mysterious questions about our universe and is particularly fun for older children who are always asking “why?” and “how?”
Discover why the sky appears blue, experiment with ideas involving sound and infrared radiation, learn how a pinhole camera works and see how mirrors for astronomical telescopes are created.
Then things get even bigger – think black holes, major astronomical phenomena and even the boundaries of the universe.
It is a great reminder that astronomy isn’t simply about looking at stars; it brings together physics, engineering, light, technology and some seriously big questions.
Get Hands-On at NSM Science Square Chiang Mai
Space isn’t the only science adventure waiting here.
NSM Science Square Chiang Mai covers more than 1,300 square metres and is designed especially to encourage children and young people to discover science, technology and innovation through hands-on learning.
Instead of simply looking at displays, kids are encouraged to interact, experiment and discover concepts for themselves.
The exhibits and activities have been created to make science approachable and fun while also introducing children to how science and technology connect to real-world careers.
For kids who learn best by touching, trying and experimenting, make sure you leave plenty of time for this part!
See the Real Night Sky at the Public Observatory
Want to take the experience beyond exhibitions and see the real thing?
Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark is also home to a public observatory, complete with a 0.7-metre reflecting telescope and several smaller and medium-sized telescopes for public viewing.
During NARIT Public Night, families can observe real celestial objects and learn basic stargazing techniques with astronomy experts on hand to guide the experience.
Public Night normally takes place every Saturday from 6pm–10pm between November and May and is free to attend.
If you’ve got a budding astronomer in the family, seeing the Moon, planets or other objects through a real telescope can easily become the highlight of the entire visit.
Take the Space Adventure Outdoors
The discoveries don’t stop when you leave the exhibition building.
Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark has walking and cycling paths around its spacious grounds, along with outdoor astronomical learning features including solar system models.
There is also a multipurpose activity plaza used for astronomy events, sky observations and other outdoor activities.
It’s a nice opportunity to give little legs a break from the indoor exhibits while keeping the space theme going – and makes the AstroPark feel much more like a full family day out than a traditional museum.
Why Kids Will Love It
Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark does a fantastic job of taking subjects that can feel enormous – planets, galaxies, black holes and the universe itself – and turning them into experiences kids can actually engage with.
Younger children can enjoy the immersive planetarium and interactive exhibits, while older kids can dive deeper into astronomy, physics and technology.
Best of all, much of the experience encourages children to ask questions, experiment and discover answers for themselves.
For curious kids in Chiang Mai, this is definitely one science adventure worth adding to the family list.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 260 Moo 4, Don Kaew Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai 50180
Planetarium & Exhibition Opening Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9am–4pm
Saturday–Sunday & Public Holidays: 10am–5pm
Closed Mondays
Planetarium Shows:
Tuesday–Friday: 11am & 2pm
Saturday: 11am, 2pm & 5pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: 11am & 2pm
English Programme: Friday at 11am
Planetarium Admission:
General Public: THB 50
Students: THB 30
Astronomy Exhibitions: FREE admission
NARIT Public Night:
Saturday, 6pm–10pm
November–May
FREE admission
Contact: 084-088-2261 / 053-121-2689
LINE: @narit.astropark
Website : https://www.narit.or.th/en
