Plan your family trip so you can be in the 2024 solar eclipse path

Experiencing a total solar eclipse is a rare event for many people. Even though this phenomenon occurs about twice a year worldwide, they are less frequent in the United States. Before the 2017 eclipse that U.S. residents viewed, it had been 38 years since a total solar eclipse was visible in the contiguous United States. Residents are lucky to have another total solar eclipse happening through parts of the south, midwest, and northeast on April 8, 2024. This one will be a definite not-to-be-missed experience since this is the last one in the continental U.S. until 2044.

Observing a total solar eclipse is an experience that is unique and also a great learning experience for children. So here are some locations within the path of totality (where you can see the sun totally covered by the moon) where families can witness the 2024 Great North American Eclipse.

Image of full total solar eclipse from movie at planetarium at Cleveland Museum of History
photo by Marcea Cazel

Carbondale, Illinois

Home to Southern Illinois University, Carbondale is 105 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and 200 miles northwest of Nashville, Tennessee. With a four-day festival planned at the university, which is also home to a planetarium, families will have plenty to experience and learn about.

One unique event is the Crossroads Astronomy, Science and Technology Expo (CASTE). Taking place at the university’s arena, vendors specializing in science and astronomy will showcase their products to visitors. There will also be an Eclipse/Comic Con, a music event, and on the day of the eclipse, the opportunity to view the over four minutes of totality in Saluki Stadium with thousands of others.

Rochester/Finger Lakes, New York

Upstate western New York will have plenty of activities the weekend of the solar eclipse to keep families busy. In Rochester, the Rochester Museum & Science Center is hosting a 4-day festival that includes activities, music, and speakers. Also in Rochester, the Strong National Museum of Play will host a three-day event centered around light and showcase a display of space-themed games and toys.

The city of Brockport is at the center of the path of totality, and visitors attending the Total Eclipse of the Port event at SUNY Brockport will experience an extra five seconds of totality over other towns in the area.

In Mumford, the Genesee Country Village & Museum, a three-day festival, will look at how those in the 19th Century observed eclipses, showcase celestial photography, and discuss women in science in the 1800s. The museum also has an expansive green area, where the viewing party on the day of the eclipse will be held.

Perryville, Missouri

Located 85 miles south of St. Louis, Perryville was in the line of totality for the eclipse in 2017. For the 2024 event, the city is hosting three days of events for everyone in the family. From a hot air balloon festival to special museum exhibits to a special winery release in honor of the eclipse, the weekend has plenty of activities to keep families occupied. On the eclipse day, the area will have five viewing areas for families to enjoy the event.

Cleveland, Ohio

Home to the second largest number of astronauts, including John Glenn, Ohio has a long history and association with astronomy and space. Cleveland is hosting plenty of events throughout the weekend leading up to the three minutes and fifty seconds of totality to showcase that connection.

At the Great Lakes Science Center’s NASA Glenn Visitor Center, families can view the actual module from the Skylab 3 mission, along with artifacts from Glenn’s Friendship 7 mission. The weekend leading up to the eclipse, the center will host science activities, provide free viewing glasses, and host the Cleveland Orchestra for a free community concert. The Science Center is also one of the three locations in the line of totality in the U.S. where NASA will broadcast the eclipse live.

Skylab module on display in Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland, OH
photo by Marcea Cazel

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is home to the Shafran Planetarium, where the films Eclipse Fever and the Sesame Street show One World, One Sky are showing. As it gets closer to the eclipse, another eclipse show, Meeting Totality, will be introduced to help build suspense. The weekend before the eclipse, the museum will host Eclipse Family Fun Days, and the day of, there will be a viewing party in Wade Oval, a green space across the street.

Cleveland is also home to the International Women’s Air & Space Museum. Located downtown at Burke Lakefront Airport, it’s the only museum of its kind in the world. It houses artifacts from Amelia Earhart’s Lockheed Electra, World War II test pilots, and information on the first females accepted in NASA’s astronaut program. The museum is also planning on hosting events for the eclipse.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Experiencing the almost three-and-a-half minutes of totality in Indianapolis allows families to view the eclipse in various ways. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of three locations in the United States that NASA will be broadcasting from, and NASA experts will be there to talk to on-site visitors. There will also be multiple viewing parties across the city, including at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Zoo, White River State Park, Indiana State Museum, and Conner Prairie, an outdoor museum 20 minutes north in Fishers, Indiana.

Aroostook County, Maine

This total eclipse will hit rural parts of Maine, including Aroostook County. About 125 miles north of Bangor, the county will experience three and a half minutes of totality during the eclipse. Several towns will have events scheduled, although Littleton is the city located in the line of totality. The area is also home to the world’s second-largest 3D solar system model, which allows visitors to take a 100-mile road trip to view each model and learn about astronomy.

Dallas, Texas

Visitors to Dallas will not only get to experience three minutes and 51 seconds of totality, but they’ll also be able to enjoy various activities throughout the city. Home to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Frontiers of Flight Museum, the city has ties to many milestones of NASA and offers opportunities for families to view exhibits and shows on space. On eclipse day, visitors can enjoy viewing events at several locations, including the science museum, flight museum, and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.

Tips for Safely Viewing the 2024 Total Eclipse

While you might think it’s okay to look into the sun while it is partially blocked during an eclipse, the only truly safe time, according to NASA, is when the moon’s surface completely covers the sun. This includes looking through a telescope, camera, or other device before the eclipse is in totality. Many locations in the line of totality, especially planetariums and science museums, will have solar viewing glasses for sale or as part of the price of a ticket for events. Homemade pinhole projectors are also an acceptable way to see an eclipse and a fun project for children.

Finding a Place to Stay During the Total Eclipse

As time gets closer to the date of the eclipse, hotels in many of the larger cities are filling up. Families can also stay farther out and drive into a metropolitan area to view the eclipse. Another option is to visit a smaller town in the line of totality and find lodgings through Airbnb or Vrbo there. Those visiting Indianapolis also have the unique opportunity of camping at the Motor Speedway.

View looking into Grand River KOA campgrounds, Thompson, OH
photo courtesy of KOA

And speaking of camping, there’s also the option to stay at a KOA campsite. Their campgrounds offer RV and tent sites and, depending on the location, private cabins with bathrooms. KOA sites are located near many major cities and also have locations a little farther out that are still in the line of totality. So families can enjoy spending time outdoors together, without having to sacrifice seeing the full eclipse.

Weather During the Eclipse

Once totality begins, the temperature can drop up to ten degrees, and the wind can pick up due to the air getting more dense as it gets cooler. Also, since the 2024 eclipse is taking place during the spring, some locations, including those farther north, may experience cloudy or rainy weather. While this would impact the viewing of the eclipse, there is no guarantee what the weather will be like that far in advance, so plan on bringing a poncho and umbrella and a positive attitude.

If you’ve ever spent any time with a toddler, you know how much wear and tear they put on their clothes. Between the sticky spills, muddy falls and enthusiastic way they often mistake their t-shirts for paper (thank the Lord for washable markers!), it’s amazing they ever get more than one wear out of anything they own.

So when you find toddler clothes that not only look great but last, too, it’s something to get excited about. And when they’re made by moms, you just have to share. Here are some of our favorite mom-made clothing brands that we think you (and your kiddos) will love.

Beet World

For parents who love timeless clothes that still feel fresh and modern (think Laura Ingalls Wilder meets the 21st century), there's Beet World. Each piece starts with nature-inspired prints, colors and patterns on soft, natural fabrics. The final product is playful tops, bottoms and rompers that are just as comfortable on the playground as they are for a special occasion. For fans of giving back, it’s great to know that Beet World contributes to charities that empower women and kids, and works to take care of our planet.

It’s hard to go wrong with the Molly dress when the weather’s warm, and the playful Summer Bloom tiered skirt is always a twirly hit with kids.

Online: beet-world.com

Mochi Kids

If graphic tees with kawaii-cute neutral designs are what you’re after, you can find them at Mochi Kids, a rad company started by a mom of three. Each hand-screen printed design features playful characters that are just as charming to kids as they are to parents. Sushi, donuts and a sweet worm with a big personality will surely win over their hearts—and yours.

The Kawaii Donut Baseball tee captures the spirit of kiddom, while the Number tees are great for birthdays or family photo ops.

Online: mochikids.com

Posh Peanut

With unique patterns that capture your tot’s personality and soft fabrics that remind you of those snuggly, bygone baby days, Posh Peanut is the place to find silky bamboo fabric rompers, dresses and pajamas. Started by mom-to-two Fiona Sahakian, the brand combines practicality with stylish designs so your little one can be as fashion-forward as you are.

Soft, breathable pajamas will keep your kids sleeping through the night. We’re fans of the Fiona and Flint patterns.

Online: poshpeanut.com

Miles and Milan

It turns out toddler fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. Miles and Milan prove it with their simple black, white and grey-colored tees and pants that blend simple design elements with comfort so your toddler can run, skip and jump through the day in comfort. These extra-soft pieces were made for play; test-run them at your local playground (we swear they’ll hold up). However you mix and match these monochromatic-minded pieces, they always look good together.

The signature Happy Tee will make every kid smile, especially when paired with the Quin jogger.

Online: milesandmilan.com

 

Little Lark

At the intersection of nature and science, you'll find cute kid tees from Little Lark. Each one brings a playful and inspired angle to the natural elements featured on the shirts—whether it's a solar eclipse, an elusive fox or an erupting volcano. The patterns are printed on organic cotton shirts that are easy to mix and match with pants you already have. The fact that some are glittery metallics? That's just a toddler bonus.

We’re crushing on the not-so-matchy-matchy Mommy and Me Hemlock Tree tees.

Online: etsy.com/shop/alittlelark

Bash + Sass

Because kids love characters and parents love raising great kids, there’s Bash + Sass, a kids clothing brand focused on minimalist design and promoting important social values. While we love the thoughtful design of each piece—parents will find some truly intriguing cuts and gorgeous gender-neutral naturals here—we might love the monster characters a bit more. Each collection features a different cute companion who embodies a particular social value (think: spontaneity, confidence or optimism) and peeks out from pockets on pants and shirts. A sweet reminder to the next generation, for sure!

The Tank romper is the perfect play wear, and the Denim Pullover hoodie keeps kids just right in the changing temps of spring.

Online: bashandsass.com

Minibrook

Made locally in the L.A. area, this clothing brand is all about the ABCs. The whole collection is focused on the basics, giving parents plenty of mix-and-match options that will look (and feel) great, no matter what your toddler pulls out of the drawer that morning. Add in toxic-free, low-impact dyes and certified organic cotton, and you can truly feel good about the clothes your kiddo is sporting.

Mild weather calls for the tie-dye Funnel jacket with an eye-catching asymmetric zip.

Online: minibrook.co

Saint Haven

If you’ve got a sensory-sensitive kid, you know how hard finding clothes can be. Whether it’s tags that itch or fabrics that feel off, some kids need shirts, pants and dresses without distractions to get through the day. Enter Saint Haven with its special fabric softening non-toxic enzyme dip that makes clothes feel just right. The fact that each piece is also designed without tags, buttons or stealthy itchy seams is another thoughtful touch.

Check out the All Day shirt dress for something different or the All Day joggers that pair with pretty much everything.

Online: sainthaven.com

Primary Clothing

An oldie but a goodie, Primary Clothing was created by two moms in search of alternatives to the slogan-heavy, often sequined, clothing available when they were raising their kids. Now Primary Clothing is known for its bright colors, bold designs and pieces that hold up over the years. It’s where to find basic pieces in every color of the rainbow (and then some), plus jammies, swimsuits, socks and jackets.

The Graphic Tee with Rainbow Stripe is a great staple for every little one's wardrobe.

Online: primary.com

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2017 is a big year for those looking skyward, with a total solar eclipse scheduled to cross the U.S. on August 21st. Gear up for that big day by getting the kids interested in all things beyond our atmosphere. From museums to planetariums to gatherings of astronomy buffs, there are tons of opportunities to encourage your kids’ cosmic curiosity. Read on to see what’s available near you!

Photo: Chabot Space and Science Center

East Bay

Chabot Space and Science Center
The Chabot boasts three powerful telescopes allowing 180 degree access to the sky above. Two planetarium shows are included with each general admission to the center. Daytime viewing on the observatory deck happens on Saturdays and Sundays with volunteers available to point out the sun, moon or Venus. On Friday and Saturday evenings after the sky goes dark, visitors have complimentary admission to the observatory deck to access the telescopes.

10000 Skyline Boulevard
Oakland, Ca
Online: chabotspace.org

Lawrence Hall of Science Planetarium
A visit to the Lawrence Hall of Science is incomplete without a stop at the planetarium. Offering six interactive shows from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., kids can learn how NASA’s Kepler space telescope discovered thousands of planets orbiting other stars or how astronomers measure stars and galaxies without ever going out into space. Planetarium tickets are $4 in addition to the admission price.

One Centennial Drive
Berkeley, Ca
Online: lawrencehallofscience.org

Photo: Hiller Aviation Museum

Peninsula

Starlab Planetarium at the Hiller Aviation Museum
Crawl through a short tunnel to enter the Starlab Planetarium and you will be rewarded with glittering stars projected overhead. Learn about the constellations, planets and more in this one-of-a-kind show. Ideal for kids 5 and up, tickets for the shows can be purchased at the museum gift shop on the day of the show. Check the online calendar for showtimes.

Hiller Aviation Museum
601 Skyway Road
San Carlos, Ca
Online: hiller.org/event/starlab

Photo: Chabot Space and Science Center

South Bay

Montalvo Arts Center
Once per summer, Montalvo welcomes astronomers of all ages to join them for their Starry, Starry Night program. Stargaze through telescopes set up on the Great Lawn, engage in cosmic art-making activities and be transported by star-inspired stories and poetry. After enjoying the evening’s festivities, you are welcome to roll out your sleeping bags and sleep under the stars. The event concludes the next day with a pancake breakfast.

Date: June 22-23
Price: $50/adult, $25/child
15400 Montalvo Road
Saratoga, Ca
Online: montalvoarts.org

DeAnza College Fujistu Plantetarium
Head to DeAnza College for some out of this world fun! In September through March they offer afternoon programs on Saturdays and Sundays for families. Programs like “The Magic Tree House” teach kids about the night sky with presenters available to answer questions. Special for 2017, learn about the eclipse this summer by attending one of their showing of “Totality” – an examination of how and why eclipses occur. (Showing on June 24, July 15, July 29, August 5 and August 12.)

21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard
Cupertino, Ca
Online: planetarium.deanza.edu

San Jose Astronomical Association
Join the San Jose Astronomical Association as members set up telescopes and share their knowledge with the public at their free In-Town Star Parties and special events like the Mercury Transit. All ages welcome. If you have your own telescope, arrive early to set it up. An hour before the star party, there is an astronomy talk which is also open to the public.

Various locations in and near San Jose
Online: sjaa.net

Halley Hill Observatory
The Halls Valley Astronomical Group hosts monthly star parties at Joseph D. Grant County Park in the hills east of San Jose. Telescope docents are present to point out stars, planets and more to kids and parents alike. Book a nearby campsite for the weekend to get the full experience and avoid having to drive down the windy road at night. Looking for more nearby stargazing adventures? Check out the Lick Observatory on top of Mt. Hamilton for their stargazing events.

Joseph D. Grant Park
18405 Mt. Hamilton Road
San Jose, Ca
Online: hallsvalley.org/starparties

Photo: John Belew via San Francisco Amateur Astronomers

Marin

Astronomy Nights on Mt. Tamalpais
Mt. Tam is the site of a gathering of the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers group where the public can hear a lecture on topics like how black holes can blow bubbles or how astronomers measure distances to far-away galaxies. Lectures are followed by public viewing through the telescopes. The group meets monthly from April through October.

Mt. Tamalpais
3801 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley, Ca
Online: sfaa-astronomy.org

Photo: SFSU Observatory

San Francisco

City Star Party and Telescope Night
Join the San Francisco Amateur Astronomers group and other star-lovers at this monthly gathering in San Francisco. Monthly location varies so check the schedule for this month’s spot. New members who bring their telescopes will have access to the collective wisdom of more-experienced members to answer scope questions. Or wait in line to see if you can see the rings of Saturn in one of the group’s telescopes that are set up for public viewing.

Online: sfaa-astronomy.org

San Francisco State University Observatory
During the fall and spring semesters, the public is invited to join students and professors for viewings on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the SFSU Observatory. The observatory houses four telescopes and knowledgeable folks are always present to answer questions.

1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, Ca
Online: physics.sfsu.edu

Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences
The 75-foot dome at the Morrison Planetarium provides a virtual view of the cosmos that precisely mirrors its real-world counterpart. See traditional star programs, special films and even live broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field. Tickets to the planetarium are included with admission.

California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA
Online: calacademy.org

Photo: Kate Loweth

Worth the Drive

Fremont Peak Observatory
Looking for a stargazing road trip? Head down to San Juan Bautista and then drive up to the Fremont Peak Observatory. Every Saturday from April through October when there is not a full moon, the observatory is open to the public with a discussion followed by viewing through the 30-inch diameter “Challenger” Newtonian telescope. Daytime solar programs are held on certain days from 2-5 p.m. where special filters are used to see details on the surface of the sun. Make a night of it with camping at Fremont Peak State Park and walk over to the observatory for the show.

San Juan Bautista, Ca
Online: fpoa.net

Where do you take your stargazers for some telescope time? Let us know below!

-Kate Loweth