Entry No. 81 — the Colorado Springs file — filed under: after-dark

U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium

The Academy's planetarium runs full-dome shows under 8K projection with surround sound, including live night-sky tours, immersive space films, and the occasional themed feature. It's a genuinely unusual outing: you recline under an artificial cosmos on an active military installation, and admission is free. Getting in is part of the adventure: adults without a DoD ID must request a visitor pass in advance, and shows are first-come, first-seated across its 110 reclining seats. Note that public shows run daytime only (roughly late morning to mid-afternoon weekdays, a bit later on weekends), so plan a matinee rather than a night out.

The move: Reserve seats for an evening full-dome show, lean back together as the entire ceiling fills with stars, and let a live presenter walk you across the night sky.

📍 Before you go Adults without DoD ID must request a base visitor pass in advance (up to 72 hours processing). Check the show schedule; programming varies and evening slots are limited.

• 📍 Colorado Springs (Air Force Academy)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO 80840 (off Cadet Drive)

Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-23