Build Your World [Off-site]

Understanding Weather [Off-site]

Custom Group Program

Storytime Tuesdays

Community Engagement Event

Turtle Travels [Off-site]

Worcester Railers Explorer Express Train Rides

Astronomy Live!

 

Please confirm the date and time of your show before checkout.

Select "Other dates" and "Other times" for other available showtimes. If you are unable to select a specific date and time, that show is sold out.

Once a show has started, there will be no late seating. Please arrive before the show begins.

EcoTarium Members: You must login to an account associated with your membership in order for your discount to apply. If you are logged into an account attached to an active membership, your discount will automatically apply at checkout.

 

General EcoTarium admission tickets are required to enter the Alden Planetarium.

If you have not already purchased admission tickets, you can purchase them online or upon arrival at our gatehouse entrance.

 

Planetarium Tickets

Astrophysical Speaker Series

Discover what’s new in the universe from the people making it happen!

Join a local astronomy expert in the Alden Planetarium and dive into the latest discoveries in the grandest science of all. Every month, a researcher from the Worcester area will come to the EcoTarium to discuss their work—everything from Martian water to astrophotography and from community science to space telescopes. Come back each month to learn more about our cosmic hometown!

Tickets & Important Information

Time: Second Saturday of every month, 5:00 pm

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Cost: $6 for members, $7 for non-members (per person). General museum admission will not be charged for members or guests arriving after 4:30 pm on Speaker Series days

Location: Alden Planetarium

Age Range: Guests of all ages and backgrounds are welcome!

Cancellation Policy: Tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the EcoTarium.

COVID-19 Policy: Masks are recommended for all guests within the Alden Planetarium. Masks will be provided to guests who do not have their own.

To select a date, click "other dates" at the top of the page

If you are an EcoTarium member, please be sure to sign-in/register (upper right corner) to receive the member rate. The cost will update at check-out. 

Please email info@ecotarium.org or call 508.929.2700 for any questions.

Mission: Earth and Space [Off-site]

Making Waves: Sound and Light [Off-site]

Tots' Exploration Station

Otter Encounters

 

Enjoy this opportunity to get up close to our charismatic otters and feed them their favorite food! EcoTarium Animal Keepers will provide an overview of the natural history of North American River Otters, the conservation challenges all thirteen species of otters face, and the specific care that P.J. and Daisy receive here at the EcoTarium! 

Tickets & Important Information

Time: 12:00 PM on Tuesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays
Duration: 30 minutes
Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members (per person)
Location: Ticket & Information Desk (upper level)
Age Range: Must be at least 6 years of age to participate

Age Specifications:
Guests between the ages of 6 and 13 must be joined by an adult in the feeding area. Adult must have a ticket.

General Guidelines:
Please note that in the event that the otters are not on exhibit for the day, the otter feeding will be canceled.

Otter Feeding FAQS:

Where can I purchase a ticket for this experience?
Otter feeding tickets can be purchased in advance online or the day of at the front desk if there are tickets available. Tickets must be purchased at least 1 hour prior.

How much does it cost to feed the otters?
The opportunity to feed the otters costs $25 for members and $35 for non-members. One feeding includes two pieces of fish and an opportunity to view and learn about our otters!

What will I be feeding the otters?
You will be feeding the otters fish, a regular part of their diet. We will supply non-latex nitrile gloves during the feeding and hand sanitizer afterward.

Can I bring my own food from home to feed the otters?
For the safety of the animals, you are only permitted to feed the food that is provided by the museum. The otters are on a diet that is carefully monitored and approved by the EcoTarium’s veterinarians.

Can my children participate?
Children over the age of 6 can participate. Individuals between the ages of 6 and 13 are required to be accompanied by an adult. Adults must have a ticket.

What if the otters won’t come over to eat?
Otter feeding is voluntary for the animals, and they always have the option to not participate. The program fee includes the opportunity to learn more about the care of the EcoTarium’s otters and the conservation of their wild counterparts.

Is the feeding area wheelchair-accessible?
At this time, the otter feeding area is not wheelchair-accessible.

Do you offer group rates for otter encounters?
We can accommodate otter encounters for groups of up to 8 guests. Scheduling is based on availability. Pricing is a flat rate for all group encounters: $200 for members and $280 for non-members. To make a reservation, please call us at 508-929-2703 or email reservations@ecotarium.org.

Tickets
General Admission must be purchased separately in addition to Otter Encounter Tickets.  EcoTarium Members do not need to pre-register for museum admission. For non-members, General Admission tickets can be purchase by clicking here.

To select a date, click "other dates" at the top of the page

If you are an EcoTarium member, please be sure to sign-in/register (upper right corner) to receive the member rate. The cost will zero out at check-out. 

Please email info@ecotarium.org or call 508.929.2700 for any questions.

 

Night Journey Deposit - Private

Thank you for your interest in a private Night Journey adventure! We look forward to hosting you.

This payment is a deposit of $1,200 to hold your reservation. Please input a quantity of ONE (1) for your deposit, and your estimated child and adult attendance for each item. You may bring up to 80 individuals to your private Night Journey. You will be prompted for updated numbers when you make your final payment, which is due no later than 5 weeks prior to the date of your Night Journey program.

All payments, including deposits and final payments, are non-refundable and due 5 weeks prior to your event. Once a deposit is placed, you will receive an email with a separate link for final payment.

Night Journey Deposit

Thank you for your interest in a Night Journey adventure! We look forward to hosting you.

This payment is a 50% deposit to hold your reservation. The total cost to attend is $65 per person. Spots are not held in the program until your deposit has been processed. The remaining balance is due 5 weeks before the date of your Night Journey.

All payments made are non-refundable. You will be notified at least 1 month in advance of the program if there is insufficient enrollment. If this is the case, we will work with you to reschedule or issue a full refund (including deposit).

All payments, including deposits and final payments, are due 5 weeks prior to your event. Once a deposit is placed, you will receive an email with a separate link for final payment.

Night Journey Final Payment

This payment page is to collect the remaining balance after a deposit has been made. If you have not yet paid the initial 50% deposit for your registration, please contact reservations@ecotarium.org for assistance before proceeding.

Thank you for registering for a Night Journey adventure! We look forward to hosting you.

This final 50% payment is due 5 weeks prior to your program date.

All payments made are non-refundable. You will be notified at least 1 month in advance of the program if there is insufficient enrollment. If this is the case, we will work with you to reschedule or issue a full refund (including deposit).

Night Journey Final Payment - Private

This payment page is to collect the remaining balance after a deposit has been made. If you have not yet paid the initial $1,200 for your private program reservation, please contact reservations@ecotarium.org for assistance before proceeding.

Thank you for registering for a private Night Journey adventure! We look forward to hosting you.

This final $3,600 payment is due 5 weeks prior to your program date. Please input a quantity of ONE (1) for your final payment, and your final child and adult attendance for each item. You may bring up to 80 individuals to your private Night Journey. If you must make any adjustments to your attendance within 5 weeks of your program, please contact reservations@ecotarium.org.

All payments, including deposits and final payments, are non-refundable and due 5 weeks prior to your event.

Breakfast with the Otters

You're invited to a breakfast with Worcester's favorite river otters, Daisy and PJ!

Tickets cost $60 each. Package includes:

  • hot continental breakfast for each ticketholder
  • zookeeper chat
  • live, up close otter feeding
  • admission to the museum for the entire day

Buy 7 tickets, get the 8th free!

To take advantage of this deal, add at least 8 tickets to your cart and type the code "B7G8" in the discount code bar. You will be charged for one less ticket than the total number in your order.

Keeper Chat: Snake Feeding

Passport to the Universe

 

Please confirm the date and time of your show before checkout.

Select "Other dates" and "Other times" for other available showtimes. If you are unable to select a specific date and time, that show is sold out.

Once a show has started, there will be no late seating. Please arrive before the show begins.

EcoTarium Members: You must login to an account associated with your membership in order for your discount to apply. If you are logged into an account attached to an active membership, your discount will automatically apply at checkout.

 

General EcoTarium admission tickets are required to enter the Alden Planetarium.

If you have not already purchased admission tickets, you can purchase them online or upon arrival at our gatehouse entrance.

 

Planetarium Tickets

One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure

 

Please confirm the date and time of your show before checkout.

Select "Other dates" and "Other times" for other available showtimes. If you are unable to select a specific date and time, that show is sold out.

Once a show has started, there will be no late seating. Please arrive before the show begins.

EcoTarium Members: You must login to an account associated with your membership in order for your discount to apply. If you are logged into an account attached to an active membership, your discount will automatically apply at checkout.

 

General EcoTarium admission tickets are required to enter the Alden Planetarium.

If you have not already purchased admission tickets, you can purchase them online or upon arrival at our gatehouse entrance.

 

Planetarium Tickets

Wild Earth Cinema Series

 

Join us for the Wild Earth Cinema Series, a special Earth Month film program in the planetarium.  Each Thursday we’ll feature science-inspired movies that celebrate our planet and the incredible life that calls it home. These films explore nature, wildlife, and the environment  from powerful documentaries and fascinating educational films to inspiring stories about the natural world.

This series is designed for a wide audience, offering both family-friendly favorites and engaging films for adults. Whether you're discovering wildlife up close, traveling back to the Ice Age, or exploring the wonders of Earth’s ecosystems, each film invites curious minds of all ages to see our planet from a new perspective.

Doors open at 5:30 PM. Films begin promptly at 5:45 PM.

Price: $8 members, $10 nonmembers

Seating is limited, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Guests are welcome to bring snacks and drinks into the planetarium; beverages must be in containers with lids.

 

April 2: In the Footsteps of Elephant 85 min,  Rated: G (General Audiences)

Follow the remarkable journey of Africa’s elephants as researchers and conservationists track their movements across vast landscapes. This film reveals the intelligence, social bonds, and challenges these giants face in a rapidly changing world.

April 9: Disney Nature Earth (2007) 90 min, Rated: G (General Audiences)

Travel across the globe in this breathtaking nature film that follows the seasonal journeys of polar bears, elephants, and humpback whales. Stunning cinematography captures the beauty and fragility of life on our planet.

April 16: Lost Beasts of the Ice Age 45 min, Rated: G (General Audiences)

Step back in time to the Ice Age and discover the giant animals that once roamed Earth. Through fossils and scientific discoveries, this film explores mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and other prehistoric creatures – and what led to their disappearance.

April 23: Born to be Wild 3D movie 40 min,  Rated: G (General Audiences)

Experience the inspiring true story of orphaned orangutans and elephants being rescued and raised by dedicated conservationists. Filmed in stunning 3D, this heartwarming film highlights the deep connections between humans and wildlife.

April 30: Disney Nature Elephant 86 min Rated: G (General Audiences)

Follow an African elephant family as they embark on a long and challenging journey across the Kalahari Desert in search of water. This touching story celebrates the strength, intelligence, and family bonds of one of Earth’s most beloved animals. 

 

Unseen Universe

 

Please confirm the date and time of your show before checkout.

Select "Other dates" and "Other times" for other available showtimes. If you are unable to select a specific date and time, that show is sold out.

Once a show has started, there will be no late seating. Please arrive before the show begins.

EcoTarium Members: You must login to an account associated with your membership in order for your discount to apply. If you are logged into an account attached to an active membership, your discount will automatically apply at checkout.

 

General EcoTarium admission tickets are required to enter the Alden Planetarium.

If you have not already purchased admission tickets, you can purchase them online or upon arrival at our gatehouse entrance.

 

Planetarium Tickets

Encounters in the Milky Way

 

Please confirm the date and time of your show before checkout.

Select "Other dates" and "Other times" for other available showtimes. If you are unable to select a specific date and time, that show is sold out.

Once a show has started, there will be no late seating. Please arrive before the show begins.

EcoTarium Members: You must login to an account associated with your membership in order for your discount to apply. If you are logged into an account attached to an active membership, your discount will automatically apply at checkout.

 

General EcoTarium admission tickets are required to enter the Alden Planetarium.

If you have not already purchased admission tickets, you can purchase them online or upon arrival at our gatehouse entrance.

 

Planetarium Tickets

Encounters in the Milky Way [Groups]

Corporator Event

Science is Everywhere

The Secret World of Elephants

 
 
Select your desired date and time for your timed tickets to "The Secret World of Elephants" exhibition.
 
On Tuesdays through Fridays, entry to the Elephants exhibition is included with admission. On Saturdays and Sundays, admission to the Elephants exhibition will be $7 per person. 
 
EcoTarium Members: You will always receive free admission to this exhibition, in addition to free general admission. You must be logged into an active EcoTarium membership account in order to receive your member benefit.
 
Non-Members: Be sure to purchase your general admission tickets to the EcoTarium in addition to your tickets to the Elephants exhibition!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Enter “The Secret World of Elephants” to discover the remarkable science behind nature’s most lovable giants. Offered in English and Spanish. "The Secret World of Elephants" is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).

 

General Admission

 

 

Please select your visit date above. To select a different date, click "Other dates." You will be able to enter the museum any time after 10:00 AM and remain until closing. The EcoTarium is typically open from 10:00AM-5:00PM, Tuesday-Sunday. View this page for special holiday hours.

If you are an EcoTarium memberplease sign in or register at the upper right of this screen before selecting your member tickets. The balance will discount to zero prior to checkout. If you proceed to check out and your balance does not show as $0, please contact membership@ecotarium.org.


Discounts

All discounted and reciprocal membership tickets must be purchased in-person upon arrival. Please see our list of discounts here.

 

Additional Experiences

Enhance your visit by reserving tickets to our full-dome planetarium theater or visit a world-class traveling exhibit in our Stoddard Exhibition Hall!

 

  • Otter Encounters: Click here to purchase tickets to our Otter Encounter feeding program. Tickets cost $25 per EcoTarium member and $35 per non-member.
  •  
  • Planetarium: Click here to view our planetarium shows and purchase tickets. Tickets cost $6 per EcoTarium member and $7 per non-member.
  •  
  • Stoddard Exhibition Hall: Click here to reserve tickets to exhibitions in our world-class traveling exhibit gallery. Tickets are included with general admission every Tuesday-Friday and cost $7 on weekends. EcoTarium members are always free.
    • 3/7/26-9/7/26: "The Secret World of Elephants" exhibition. Enter “The Secret World of Elephants” to discover the remarkable science behind nature’s most lovable giants. Offered in English and Spanish. "The Secret World of Elephants" is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org).

 

Legends of the Northern Sky [Groups]

Afternoon Astronomy

Facility Rental