Matinees
Out of this World Fun
Beat the heat this summer and step into a world beyond the ordinary! Our planetarium offers a cool escape where science, storytelling, and stunning visuals come together for an unforgettable experience. From soaring through the cosmos and exploring distant galaxies to diving beneath alien skies and uncovering the mysteries of our own night sky, every show is designed to spark curiosity and ignite imagination in guests of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, an inspiring educational adventure, or simply a place to relax and be amazed, our immersive programming has something for everyone. Sit back, look up, and let the universe unfold above you—no sunscreen required.
Matinees
Make your summer afternoons unforgettable with our special Wednesday matinees! During June and July, we're have even more opportunities to explore the universe with additional shows at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.—the perfect way to turn a hot day into a cool cosmic adventure. These relaxed, family-friendly matinees are designed to be easy and spontaneous—no reservations needed! Simply stop by, grab your tickets at the door, and get ready to journey through space, time, and imagination. Our ticket office opens 30 minutes before the first show, giving you plenty of time to arrive, get settled, and start the excitement.
| June | 1:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival | Astronaut |
| 11th | Secret of the Cardboard Rocket | Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef |
| 18th | Perfect Little Planet | The Stellars: Mission Green |
| 24th | Magic Globe: A Story of the Seasons | Hazelnuts: In Search of the Perfect Planet |
| July | 1:00 p.m. | 2:00 p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | The Zula Patrol: Under the Weather | Secrets of Gravity |
| 8th | Little Major Tom: Into the Unknown | Life of Trees |
| 15th | Dark Star Adventure | Beyond the Sun |
| 22nd | The Accidental Astronauts | Exoplanets: Worlds of Wonder |
| 29th | Cell! Cell! Cell! | Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity |
ADMISSION PRICES
Payment can be made with cash, check, or Visa/MasterCard only.
The Planetarium does not accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or any other form of tap payment applications.
General Admission
| Adults | $5.00 |
| Senior citizens over 55 and East Texas A&M faculty and staff with ID | $5.00 |
| Children under 18 and university students with ID | $5.00 |
Privately scheduled groups, school groups, or special programs
| Per person rate for one show selection for groups larger than 15 | $5.00 |
| Per person rate for two shows presented back-to-back | $10.00 |
| Minimum fee for groups with less than 15 in attendance for one show | $75.00 |
Directions and PArking
Getting Here
Physical address: 2201 W. Neal St, Commerce, TX 75428
The planetarium is located in the McFarland Science Building of the East Texas A&M campus, located approximately 65 miles northeast of the Dallas metroplex.
From Dallas, take Interstate 30 east. Exit to Highway 50/24 (exit 101) and proceed approximately 10 miles north to Commerce. The first intersection/stoplight is Culver and Hwy 50/24, turn right toward the east and prepare to take the first turn left turn on Neal Street. Continue straight on Neal Street which will end at the McFarland Science Building. Signs have been posted for directions beginning at the intersection of Culver and Hwy 50/24.
Parking
Parking for the planetarium is in lot 19 only for all visits other than Friday night public shows. Parking outside of lot 19 can result in vehicles receiving a parking ticket. This includes buses, and we request that buses pull through the bus drop-off zone to offload passengers, then relocate to Lot 19. Please find Planetarium parking on the campus map. Parking in Lot 35 is still allowed for Friday night shows only.
Please allow extra time for parking and to purchase tickets. For the comfort and safety of all our visitors, once the planetarium doors are closed, late admission is not permitted.
Contact Us
- Planetarium and Observatory
- 903.468.8650
- [email protected]
- P.O. Box 3011
- Commerce, TX 75429-3011
For a recorded message providing show information and times, call 903.468.8652.