Most families — 80 percent of the world’s population, according to a 2016 study — live under night skies obscured by light pollution. They have to leave the city to see the Milky Way or hunt for constellations.
Luckily, several national parks, especially in the less populated areas of the Southwest, are designated International Dark Sky Parks, which not only have dark skies but also astronomy programs designed to introduce urban dwellers to celestial wonders.
One of the seven natural wonders of the world, Grand Canyon National Park doesn’t lose any of its grandeur when the sun goes down. At night, visitors can see countless stars in the Arizona sky with their naked eye as well as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies and planets with a telescope.
Don’t have a telescope? Visit June 13–20, for the annual Grand Canyon Star Party. Evening programming includes telescope viewing, ranger-led constellation tours, slideshows and night sky photography workshops. Admission to star party is free with park admission.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park
Man has been watching the sky in Chaco Culture National Historical Park (as it’s known today) for thousands of years. Experience what the ancestral Puebloans did when the ruins of their buildings align with the sunrise during the solstices and equinoxes, or come after dark to see New Mexico’s celestial wonders.
Nighttime observations take place every clear Friday and Saturday, April–October, at the Chaco Observatory. In September, the park hosts its annual Astronomy Festival, where families can hear guest speakers, attend programs at several of the ruins and view the sun through solar telescopes in addition to the regular astronomy program activities.

Bryce Canyon National Park. Photo: Yggdrasill33 | Dreamstime.com
In Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park sets up telescopes at the Visitor Center at 10 p.m. every night, Thursday–Saturday, Memorial Day–Labor Day, and on some Saturday nights the rest of the year.
The real draw for astronomy lovers, though, is the annual Bryce Canyon Astronomy Festival. Scheduled June 17–20, the festival includes model rocket building and launching, junior ranger astronomy programs, solar scope viewings and star gazing. There are also several talks, including one with a NASA astrophysicist.
Boasting the darkest sky of any national park in the lower 48 states, Big Bend National Park in western Texas holds organized stargazing programs throughout the year. Activities include night hikes, sky talks and telescope viewing. When nothing is scheduled, you can see more than 2,500 stars with your naked eye and even more with your own telescope or binoculars.
For a complete list of dark sky parks, reserves and sanctuaries, visit the International Dark Sky Association’s website.
Read This Next
SeaWorld Attractions Coming in 2025
Destinations / North America
Feb 14, 2025#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Feb 12, 2025Bring the Family to The Crane Resort Barbados
The Crane Resort Barbados offers endless fun for family travelers.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Dining/Entertainment
Feb 12, 2025Planet Hollywood Returns to New York City
Planet Hollywood New York officially opened its doors Feb. 3, allowing family travelers in New York City the chance to enjoy an evening in this beloved restaurant and entertainment venue. Redefining Hollywood glamor beneath a 360-degree canopy of state-of-the-art, high-definition screens, Planet Hollywood New York boasts more than 692 video tiles for an immersive dining experience.
Hotels
Feb 11, 2025Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Debuts Winter Getaway Experience
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, a stunning waterfront resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced a winter getaway experience for family travelers planning some last-minute fun in the cold. With this new promotion, guests can participate in the resort’s top winter experiences.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Hotels
Feb 10, 2025Villatel Orlando Resort Will Open Next to Universal Orlando Resort
More offerings come to Orlando, Florida, for family travelers! Villatel Orlando Resort announced its grand opening will take place March 3, offering 270 villas with immersive themed rooms, 256 apartments, a water park and other resort experiences. The resort is positioned on International Drive, within easy access to Universal Orlando Resort, Orange County Convention Center, Dezerland Park Orlando and more.
ShareThis