Clark Planetarium is one of the top attractions in Salt Lake City, especially anyone interested in the cosmos or who is traveling with children. Opened in 2003, this excellent planetarium features a dome theater for shows of various kinds. It is also known for having the only 3-D IMAX theater in Utah. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to everything that the Clark Planetarium has to offer, however, and even if you aren't coming to see a show or a movie, you should plan on spending at least a couple of hours there. The list of possible things to do at Clark Planetarium is a long one, and a visit can prove rewarding regardless of the makeup of your group.

For anyone looking for Clark Planetarium discounts, the center's museum exhibits are free of charge! These free exhibits are spread out over 15,000 square feet and include a special computer animation globe, a Foucault pendulum that is used to prove that the earth rotates, a model of the International Space Station, and an exhibit that delves into the history and science of rocketry. Learning how telescopes work, taking a peak at the landscape of Mars, and checking out heavy meteorites are some of the other options for things to do at Clark Planetarium, and you can always stick around and catch a show before you leave.

Between the Hansen Dome Theater and the 3-D IMAX theater, it's not hard to see why so many Clark Planetarium visitors choose to add a show to the itinerary. The Hansen Dome Theater can seat up to 205 people, and its 55-foot dome serves as a fantastic movie screen. As you might imagine, the bulk of the planetarium productions that are held in the Hansen Dome Theater offer insight into the realms and science of space. There are also light shows that focus on the cosmos and popular music.

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The majority of the Clark Planetarium shows cater to all ages and are offered at various times of the day or week. Show tickets are reasonably priced, but for those who have Clark Planetarium discounts in mind, the ticket prices are cheaper for any and all shows that start before 5 p.m. Should you choose to see a show that starts before 5 p.m., you can easily pair your Planetarium visit with a meal at one of the many restaurants in Downtown Salt Lake City or some shopping at the Gateway Center. When you consider the list of things to do at Clark Planetarium and the list of things to do in the general area, staying busy during a visit to this part of town won't be hard.

The Clark Planetarium can be found in Downtown Salt Lake City's Gateway Mall area. This district is one of the hottest districts in the Utah capital and is part of a larger urban redevelopment project. In addition to the shopping haven that is the Gateway Center Mall and the excellent Clark Planetarium, the area is also home to numerous restaurants, a cinema, a children's museum, and the EnergySolutions Arena. You can also find the historic Union Pacific Depot nearby.

Save for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, the Clark Planetarium opens daily at 10:30 a.m. Closing time varies depending on the day. On Fridays and Saturdays, the planetarium stays open until 11 p.m., while Sunday has a closing time of 6 p.m. Closing time Monday through Wednesday is at 8 p.m., Thursdays at 9 p.m. Clark Planetarium discounts are often available for the various shows regardless of the day, and if you can't manage to show up before 5 p.m. to save a few dollars, you might try to secure a coupon. Coupons for the shows can often be found in local entertainment and tourist guides, and it's also possible to find them online.