I love parks. I really do. Big parks with sprawling green manicured lawns are my jam. When they are filled with museums, science centers, hiking trails, playgrounds and observatories I mean I might as well MARRY them. Griffith Park is one of those amazing places that encompasses all of those things.
After days of exploring the grounds of the park, we headed over to the observatory. We happened to be in LA during the Griffith Observatory public star party. It is basically a free night where the public can come take a look at the starry sky by way of a ton of amazing telescopes on lend by astronomers from all over. It was packed, but it was so worth it! It was our entire family's first time seeing the night's sky through a telescope. We got to see the craters on the moon in detail and even Venus!
Inside the Griffith Observatory there was so much to see. I would suggest going for the public star party and then going back (when it's not so overcrowded and late) during the day to enjoy all the exhibits.
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| The Hollywood sign from the Observatory! |
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| The view from the Observatory looking into the city! So cool at night! |
All of the astronomers that allowed us to use their telescopes were incredibly gracious and knowledgeable. They showed the kids how to properly look into the telescope (Cayenne wanted to use both eyes), and described in detail what they were looking at, why you could see only that and more. They were truly there because of their interest in astronomy and their desire to share their passion with others and it made for an incredible time for all.
I love this so much. I think this experience has awakened a new interest for Niko, based on what he wrote in his year-end essay! Next time you're here, let's take the kids to the Planetarium. It's not as real as an observatory, but I think they'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteALL EXPERIENCES GAINED BY THESE EXPLOITS ARE BLESSINGS TO BENEFIT ALL. EVEN CREATES PONDERING WHAT I COULD BE WHEN I GROW UP ? ENJOY & GOD BLESS.
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